Location: Palm Springs
Top Things to do in Palm Springs
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10 Things to do in Palm Springs That You Shouldn't Miss
Looking to relax in the sun? Palm Springs, with 354 days of sunshine per year, might be the place for you. Relax poolside or visit one of the many area spas… or tour some fantastic examples of mid-century modern architecture.
Restaurants in Palm Springs
1. San Jacinto Mountain
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 928 reviews
Reviewed By 811raulg - Doral, United States
Returning to Palm Springs, after more than 20 years, was a unforgettable and splendid experience! The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tram car, travels over two-and-one-half miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon. It is a ten-minute journey, tram cars rotate slowly, allowing spectacular vistas of the valley below. At the Mountain Station, you will find two very good restaurants, observation decks, natural history museum, gift shop and awesome trails! (over 50 miles of them!) .
2. Palm Springs Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,691 reviews
Located in downtown Palm Springs (with a branch location in Palm Desert, CA), the Palm Springs Art Museum offers compelling art exhibitions from national and international artists. The museum's extensive permanent collection includes significant works by modern and contemporary artists, western, contemporary and glass artists, and features several temporary exhibitions throughout the year. The museum is open free every Thursday night and the second Sunday of every month. It also offers a range of theatrical and musical performances in its Annenberg Theater. Throughout all these programs, the museum is dedicated to creating memorable and inspiring interactions through educational and cultural opportunities.
Reviewed By PSforever - Palm Springs, United States
Right in the middle of downtown Palm Springs..this little museum packs a big punch..An eclectic collection of art, a beautiful sculpture garden with a lovely cafe..It also contains the Annenberg Theater which is a beautiful venue for music. Don't miss it!
3. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,203 reviews
World's largest rotating Tram car. Opened in 1963, the Tram's 80-passenger cars travel along the beautiful cliffs of Chino Canyon from the Valley Station (elevation 2,643 ft.) to the Mountain Station (elevation 8,516 ft.) in approximately 10 minutes. At the top enjoy breathtaking views, Peaks Restaurant, Pines Cafe, a gift shop, nature exhibits, educational documentary theaters, and over 50 miles of hiking trails in the Mt. San Jacinto State Park Wilderness.
Reviewed By robinb42018 - Seattle, United States
No surprise...Palm Springs is hot, hot, hot in August! The bummer is that many things are closed except on the weekends, but The Aerial Tramway and national park is not. It was an amazing experience and one I would highly recommend. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes (uh--not flip flops), and bring water. Even though the temp is up to 30 degrees cooler than down below, it is still plenty hot and dry. The ride up is a bit of a thrill, and if you are afraid of heights, I recommend sitting in the center section. At a minimum, take the Nature or Desert Trail hike at the top. It is only 1.5-2 miles and so beautiful. There are many viewpoints along the way. Tram starts at 10 a.m. and departs about every 10 minutes until 8:30 p.m. It is not cheap, but well worth it. Food, gift shop, and awesome viewpoints at the top!
4. Palm Springs Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,004 reviews
Rated by CNN as one of the top 14 Air Museums in the World. This facility Gives visitors an up-close look at the legendary fighters and bombers of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.
Reviewed By geoffreyh551 - Phoenix, United States
Everywhere we went in Palm Springs people told us to go here. You need to go here as soon as it opens ( open 7 days a week 10 Am until 5 PM). The Air Museum is very well set up . Airplanes are located in two hangars to the left as you enter and two hangars to the right. There are 9 people fully employed and 400 volunteers ( docents). All of the docents are veterans and have extensive information that they are ready to personally share with you. Plenty of on site parking. Admission is either $18 or $16 Senior/Military persons. You need to plan on spending many hours going from hangar to hanger-exhibitions of World War 2 and Vietnam. Many hands on exhibits that detail what specifics of the war was happening. Docents all over the area to assist and explain details as to what you are looking at. Don't forget to save time to go upstairs to the very extensive library. We looked up in the large collection of Life Magazines specific issues in our life time that were of interest to us. There is also a docent who will personally assist you on a Flight Simulator ' actually help you simulate a flight. Last visit an actual plane B-17 before you exit ( donation $5.00), but you can board it and walk through the entire plane. Highly recommend We spent 3 hours there .
5. Painted Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 224 reviews
A variety of colors paint the rocks here, giving this unique location its name.
Reviewed By AKKris - Juneau, United States
Long drive in to the parking area on bumpy, dirt road. Took it very slow with the car. No bathrooms available once you get to parking area (there are bathrooms on the road on the way). From parking lot, head in and keep eyes peeled for big arrow pointing to the left. Also if you see a park sign on the left with an arrow, look around on ground in area by it for the arrow made with rocks to the left. It will look like you are going to walk into a big rock wall but once you are by the rocks, you can see a path to start climbing. If you get to the wash area, you missed the arrow and should turn around and go back looking for the arrow. You need to be able to climb ladders that at times are not in the best of shape. It will take you through some beautiful slot canyons. We've done the loop where you turn towards the right once you are on top towards the tower and follow the path down. It takes you through the wash area and is not that much fun to walk through. Or you can get on top and follow the path back along the canyon and it will take you through two ropes to climb down. Our group didn't feel comfortable doing so but have talked with others who have and sounds easier than the first rope looked. We also have hiked through the ladders back to the parking lot and really enjoyed that. Really enjoy this hike.
6. Coachella Valley Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 727 reviews
Formed by a system of sand dunes, this 20,000-acre sanctuary is home to several species of rare wildlife and a number of palm oases.
Reviewed By JudyP1614
Come see how Palm Springs was named! My husband and I took an easy, leisurely walk with some friends through this preserve and were treated to sun, desert, gorgeous flowers following a recent rain, palm trees surrounding an oasis! A docent welcomed us to the trails and explained this particular area had more ecological diversity than most any other in the area! Another docent further up the trail explained the amazing array of flowers often not present. We extended our 2 mile loop an additional stretch to catch more wild flowers. It was well worth it. Although I have lived in the Inland Empire area for ten years this was my first time to savor the beauty of the springs. Wow! Nature gave us a spectacular morning! The whole experience was picturesque, pristine (not one piece of trash anywhere to be seen) with sand, water, palm trees and snow capped mountains in the distance. The beauty of this spot cannot be fully captured without feet in the sand and eyes to the sky. Thanks for an unforgettable preserve!
7. VillageFest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,781 reviews
The place to meet new friends is at this old-fashioned street fair with sidewalk performers, musicians, farmer's market, gifts and lots of food.
Reviewed By V3855POhelena - Santa Monica, United States
I happened upon this Palm Springs experience a few months ago, and have repeated it ever since. It's very pleasant walking down the main street among arts and crafts, good stands, a mini farmers market, locals walking their dogs, and a village atmosphere on a large scale. I specially like the tiles/coasters made from retro posters and have started a collection. They can be found at stelladivina.com. These and other excellent arts and crafts make it worth spending at least a couple of hours browsing, and sampling some of the street food while mingling with the locals and tourists.
8. Indian Canyons
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,567 reviews
Reviewed By X816YFchriss - Cleveland, United States
Well worth it! Great trails! The 1 mile loop San Andreas Trail was maybe the most beautiful hike of my life! The hike to the seven sisters waterfall was amazing, definitely a bit strenuous. Bring good hiking shoes!
9. Tahquitz Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 712 reviews
Reviewed By 434davidj - Finchampstead, United Kingdom
Got there in time for the 10am ranger hike which was really interesting. Good to understand about the history and the nature and done at a good pace with plenty of time to sit and admire the beautiful waterfall and other views. It’s about a 2 mile loop on well defined paths but there is a bit of climbing. If you like to hike combined with history then this is a “must do” while you’re in Palm Springs
10. Indian Canyons Hiking Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 314 reviews
Reviewed By kfromnyc - New York City, United States
Went to Indian Canyons for a day hike with friends while visiting Palm Springs ~3 hour hike via Palm Canyon trail, cut off at the Victor Beautiful scenery - palm trees, mountains, creek. Well worth the $9 adult admission fee! Highly recommend!
