What to do in Palm Springs, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

A road lined with palm trees and flowers, leading towards a mountain range.
A desert landscape with tall palm trees and large rocks.
A waterfront with a dock, a large house with a balcony, and a forested hillside in the background.
A kayaker on a calm lake surrounded by large boulders and tall pine trees.
A modern art museum with glass railings, wooden floors, and a central sculpture.

Things to do

Aerial tram traveling high above the cliffs of Chino Canyon in California

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Rp569.051
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Drag Brunch at the Hyatt Palm Springs

Drag Brunch at the Hyatt Palm Springs

Rp875.189
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Drag Brunch at the Hyatt Palm Springs
Palm Springs Windmill Tours

Palm Springs Windmill Tours

Rp1.083.719
per traveller
100% of travellers recommend
Palm Springs Windmill Tours
© Flytographer

Palm Springs - Private Photoshoot with a Top Local Photographer

Rp7.590.925
per traveller
100% of travellers recommend
Palm Springs - Private Photoshoot with a Top Local Photographer
Restore yourself with the healing sounds and vibrations of crystal bowls with a professional sound therapist.

Restorative Soundbath in Palm Springs

Rp1.174.225
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Restorative Soundbath in Palm Springs
Bank Heist Escape Room Game for Private Group

Bank Heist Escape Room Game for Private Group

Rp750.162
per adult
Bank Heist Escape Room Game for Private Group
Vampire's Lair

Vampire's Lair Escape Room Game for Private Group

Rp750.162
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Vampire's Lair Escape Room Game for Private Group
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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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A cable car system in a mountainous canyon with rocky terrain and a distant view of a valley.

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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A rocky desert landscape with sparse vegetation, palm trees, and mountains in the background.

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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A modern indoor space with multiple levels, glass railings, and contemporary art installations.

4. 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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A vintage military aircraft with a star insignia and the text "Harvets Chariot" on its side.

5. 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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A pine tree on rocky terrain with clear blue sky.

What to do in Palm Springs

Stay near popular Palm Springs attractions

A cable car system in a mountainous canyon with rocky terrain and a distant view of a valley.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

9.0/10 (3,337 reviews)
Ride the world's largest rotating aerial tramway from desert floor to alpine wilderness in just 10 minutes. At the summit, enjoy panoramic views across five distinct ecological zones while dining at 8,500 feet.
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Where to stay in Palm Springs

Find the best Palm Springs areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Palm Springs
Learn more about Palm Springs
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Photo by My Walkabout
Open Photo by My Walkabout

Downtown Palm Springs

Downtown Palm Springs is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Agua Caliente Cultural Museum and Agua Caliente Casino, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Palm Springs.

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Uptown Design District

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

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Warm Sands

When in Warm Sands, you can plan a visit to Palm Springs Convention Center and Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A street sign with 'Movie Colony' and 'Arquilla Rd' labels.

The Movie Colony

While The Movie Colony may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Palm Springs Convention Center and Agua Caliente Casino.

A mountainous landscape with a cable car system, rocky terrain, and sparse vegetation.

Tahquitz River Estates

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

Day trip destinations from Palm Springs

A geothermal area with steam vents and a lake surrounded by mountains.

Desert Hot Springs

An outdoor patio with string lights, tables, chairs, a fireplace, and palm trees.

Rancho Mirage

A large dinosaur statue with a clear blue sky in the background.

Cabazon

A solitary tree in a foggy landscape.

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.