What to do in Palm Springs, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Palm Springs
Palm Springs showing landscape views and a park
Palm Springs which includes a house, landscape views and fishing
Palm Springs showing landscape views, a lake or waterhole and mountains
Palm Springs
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Top places to visit

1. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Francis Crocker’s vision for the Aerial Tramway first came about in the mid-1930s, although construction didn’t commence until 1960. Helicopters undertook more than 20,000 missions to deposit materials and workers on the mountain during the 26 months of construction. Since then, this engineering wonder has carried over 12 million visitors to the lofty heights of San Jacinto Mountain.
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Glide over cliffs, wildlife and several vegetation zones as this glass-enclosed ride carries you up dramatic mountainsides.

2. Indian Canyon

First settled by Native Americans centuries ago, Indian Canyons was transformed into a natural recreation park in the late 19th century. Its beauty and historic sites have been lovingly preserved and it’s now a popular hiking network.
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Indian Canyon featuring landscape views and a gorge or canyon

3. Palm Springs Art Museum

Established in 1938 in a small room, the Palm Springs Art Museum has since evolved far beyond what its founders likely imagined. The permanent collection alone now numbers over 20,000 pieces. The building’s modern architecture perfectly complements the surrounding sparse, desert landscape.
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Palm Springs Art Museum which includes interior views

4. Mount San Jacinto State Park

Mount San Jacinto State Park and Peak offers 54 miles (86 kilometers) of hiking trails and awe-inspiring scenery, accessible from the Palm Spring Aerial Tramway’s Mountain Station. From the moment you step off the tramway, there are incredible views across the San Gorgonio Pass and Coachella Valley — and this is just the beginning.
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Take the ride to Southern California’s rooftop to hike through forests of pine and white fir, and experience views that will stay with you forever.

5. Palm Springs Air Museum

The Palms Springs Air Museum is one of the world’s most extensive collections of World War II aircraft and memorabilia. Perched on the edge of Palm Springs International Airport, you’ll find a celebration of classic combat aircrafts, and a memorial to the men and women who kept them flying.
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Palm Springs Air Museum showing aircraft

6. Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

There’s no better place in Palm Springs to learn about its Native American past and present than at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. Since 1991, it’s been a center of learning and culture, sharing its extensive collections and educational programs with both locals and visitors from all over the globe.
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Agua Caliente Cultural Museum featuring interior views as well as an individual male

What to do in Palm Springs

Popular places to visit

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

5/5(25 reviews)

Glide over cliffs, wildlife and several vegetation zones as this glass-enclosed ride carries you up dramatic mountainsides.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs Convention Center

Palm Springs Convention Center

4/5(2 reviews)

Learn about the events happening in Palm Springs Convention Center during your trip to Palm Springs. Discover the area's spas or seek out its golf courses.

Palm Springs Convention Center
Palm Canyon

Palm Canyon

4.5/5(12 reviews)

Palm Canyon is just one of the places to see in Palm Springs, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the lively festivals in this relaxing area or seek out the hiking trails.

Palm Canyon
Indian Canyon featuring landscape views and a gorge or canyon

Indian Canyon

5/5(7 reviews)

Hike in the footsteps of the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians on ancient walking trails through cool, palm-dotted canyons and timeless rock formations.

Indian Canyon
Palm Springs Art Museum which includes interior views

Palm Springs Art Museum

4.5/5(3 reviews)

The story of the West and famous faces from the past all come alive at this Palm Springs institution.

Palm Springs Art Museum
Mount San Jacinto State Park

Mount San Jacinto State Park

4.5/5(9 reviews)

Take the ride to Southern California’s rooftop to hike through forests of pine and white fir, and experience views that will stay with you forever.

Mount San Jacinto State Park
Palm Springs Air Museum showing aircraft

Palm Springs Air Museum

4/5(1 review)

Imagine taking to the skies at one of the largest collections of World War II aircraft in the world.

Palm Springs Air Museum
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum featuring interior views as well as an individual male

Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

This community-spirited museum preserves the history of Palm Springs’ native people, the Cahuilla, while celebrating their contemporary arts and society.

Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium featuring a garden

Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Learn how one family’s love of desert plants became a Palm Springs horticultural institution.

Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium

Explore areas of Palm Springs

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Downtown Palm Springs

4.5/5(38 area reviews)

Join the many Angelenos that flock to Downtown Palm Springs to quench their vacation thirst in the Sonoran Desert.

Downtown Palm Springs
Palm Springs featuring wild flowers

Baristo

3/5(1 area review)

While visiting Baristo, you might make a stop by sights like Plaza Theatre and Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center.

Baristo
Palm Springs featuring wild flowers

Midtown

If you're spending some time in Midtown, Agua Caliente Casino and The Spa at Se-che are top sights worth seeing.

Midtown
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Tahquitz River Estates

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Though Tahquitz River Estates may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium and Tahquitz Canyon.

Tahquitz River Estates
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Uptown Design District

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

Uptown Design District is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Las Palmas and San Jacinto Mountains while in the area.

Uptown Design District
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Sonora Sunrise

4/5(1 area review)

Sonora Sunrise might not have many top sights, but Palm Springs Mall Shopping Center and Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Sonora Sunrise

Day trip destinations from Palm Springs

Desert Hot Springs

Desert Hot Springs

Rancho Mirage

Rancho Mirage

Photo by Jeannie Ace

Cabazon

Photo by Lone Coyote Studio

Mountain Center

Frequently asked questions

Is Palm Springs worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor pursuits and history, there are plenty of great things to do in Palm Springs. Remember to discover the area's mix of awesome sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Palm Springs?
After you've visited top attractions like Palm Springs Air Museum and Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, spend some time discovering Palm Springs's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Palm Springs?
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is one of the top tourist attractions in Palm Springs and deserves a place on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Palm Springs?
Three days will be enough time to check out many city highlights, like Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Palm Springs Air Museum and Palm Springs Art Museum. The average stay in Palm Springs is two days. If you have the time to extend your getaway, Palm Desert isn't far away.
Is Palm Springs a walkable city?
Some top sights in Palm Springs, such as Palm Springs Air Museum and Palm Springs Art Museum, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.16 kilometers from the city centre of Palm Springs is Downtown Palm Springs and Midtown is 0.97 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Palm Springs with kids?
If you're searching for sights and activities for all ages, check out these terrific ideas for what to do in Palm Springs with kids.

What to do in Palm Springs for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Palm Springs, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway or Desert Memorial Park.
Are there free things to do in Palm Springs?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Palm Springs is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. Tahquitz Canyon is one place that doesn't have an admission fee.