What to Do in Palm Springs
When you think of Palm Springs, thoughts of poolside pleasures and peaceful getaways come to mind. Pack your bathing suit and sunscreen and get ready for a personal tour of this sunny desert retreat!
Downtown Palm Springs
Enjoy downtown Palm Springs and its many dining options and lovely boutiques.
Joshua Tree National Park
Just a short drive from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree is a world all its own — where otherworldly landscapes meet endless blue skies. Famous for its twisted, spiky trees and surreal rock formations, Joshua Tree National Park offers an unforgettable escape into nature. Whether you’re hiking among giant boulders, stargazing under some of the clearest skies in California, or simply soaking in the peaceful desert energy, a day trip (or a full adventure) to Joshua Tree adds a perfect dose of magic to any Palm Springs getaway.
Midcentury Modern Home Tour
Palm Springs is a living museum of Midcentury Modern architecture, and taking a tour is one of the best ways to experience its stylish charm. From the sleek lines of iconic homes to the glamorous hideaways once favored by Hollywood stars, including Frank Sinatra's - picture below - these guided tours offer a fascinating glimpse into a golden era of design. You'll stroll past colorful doors, soaring rooflines, and lush desert landscaping. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast or simply love beautiful spaces, a Midcentury Modern tour is a must during your Palm Springs stay.
Did you know that you can rent Frank Sinatra's home with Exotic Estates and relive the golden era of Rat Pack!
Aerial Tram
Embark on an aerial journey to get a birds-eye view of Palm Springs! Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes you to the top of Chino Canyon on a ten-minute ride that passes through several climate zones. You can enjoy lunch at the Peaks Restaurant and Pines Café as you enjoy stunning views of the gorgeous landscape all year round! You might even get to see the skiers during the winter months!
Palm Springs Art Museum
Experience modern and contemporary art of the Americas at this gorgeous world-class museum! Located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, you will find a sophisticated collection of art that has been loaned or donated by the area’s affluent residents. Enjoy works from Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Ansel Adams. With over 150,000 square feet, you will get lost in this extraordinary culture-filled museum. Take a break and dine at the café, and don’t forget to take home a souvenir from the store!
The Living Desert
The perfect outing for the kids, visit The Living Desert! Housing over 450 wild animals that are natural inhabitants to the desert, this exciting zoo and botanical gardens is a great way to spend your day. Representing animals from Africa and North America, enjoy over 1,200 acres of animals, fun shows, hiking trails, and the botanical gardens. You might catch sights of African Sea Turtles and the Amur Leopard - your kids will definitely have an unforgettable experience at The Living Desert!
Palm Springs Air Museum
Visit the home to one of the world’s largest collections of flyable World War II airplanes! Housing a plethora of historic artifacts of America, take a tour of the 27 Warbirds and test your flight skills on the flight simulator. The museum was named one of the top 14 aviation museums in the world by CNN Travel and you will learn about it from one of the docents, many of who actually flew the planes or served on the ships.