Palm Springs is a desert resort city in California, known for its warm climate, hot springs, and vibrant outdoor scene. Here we have shared the list of the best things to do in Palm Springs.
Palm Springs is a dynamic city with a rich history and a diverse range of attractions and activities, making it a popular destination for tourists from around the world.
About Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a city located in the Sonoran Desert of Southern California, in the United States. It is approximately 110 miles (177 km) east of Los Angeles and 140 miles (225 km) northeast of San Diego. The city covers an area of 94.1 square miles (243.6 km²) and has an estimated population of over 48,000 people as of 2021.
The city is known for its hot and dry climate, with average temperatures ranging from 65°F (18°C) in the winter to 105°F (41°C) in the summer. This makes it a popular destination for tourists looking to escape colder weather and enjoy the outdoors.
- Palm Springs has a rich history, dating back to the 1850s when it was a popular stop for stagecoaches traveling between Los Angeles and Arizona.
- In the 1920s, it became a popular destination for Hollywood celebrities, who built homes and frequented the area’s hot springs and spas.
- This led to the development of many luxury hotels and resorts, which continue to attract visitors to the city.
Today, Palm Springs is known for its vibrant cultural scene, which includes art galleries, museums, and music festivals. It is also a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, golfing, and rock climbing, and has numerous parks and nature reserves.
Additionally, Palm Spring is recognized for its unique mid-century modern architecture, with many buildings and homes designed by famous architects such as Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, and William Krisel.
Things To Do in Palm Springs
Here are some best things to do in Palm Springs:
- Hike the Indian Canyons
- Visit Joshua Tree National Park
- Relax at a Spa
- Shop and dine in downtown Palm Spring
- Explore the mid-century modern architecture
- Take the Palm Spring Aerial Tramway
- Play Golf
- Visit the Palm Spring Art Museum
- Attend a festival or event
- Soak in the hot springs
- Visit the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
- Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride:
- Explore the Salton Sea
- Go on a Jeep Tour
- Attend a Pool Party
- Visit the Palm Spring Air Museum
- Take a Yoga Class
- Go on a Bike Ride
- Visit the Cabazon Dinosaurs
- Experience the Nightlife
1. Hike the Indian Canyons
The Indian Canyons offer a variety of hiking trails through stunning desert landscapes, including palm tree groves, rocky canyons, and refreshing streams.
You can explore on your own or take a guided tour to learn about the history and culture of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, who have lived in the area for thousands of years.
2. Visit Joshua Tree National Park
Just a short drive from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is a unique desert wonderland featuring fascinating rock formations, towering Joshua trees, and stunning vistas.
You can hike, rock climb, stargaze, or simply take in the breathtaking scenery.
3. Relax at a Spa
Palm Springs is renowned for its luxurious spas, offering a variety of treatments and services, from massages to facials to hydrotherapy.
Some popular options include the Spa at Two Bunch Palms, the Ritz-Carlton Spa, and the Spa at Agua Caliente.
4. Shopping and Dine
The downtown area of Palm Spring is a bustling hub of shops, restaurants, and galleries, featuring everything from local boutiques to high-end fashion brands.
You can also enjoy a variety of cuisines, from classic American diner fare to international specialties.
5. Mid-century Modern Architecture
Palm Springs is famous for its mid-century modern architecture, featuring sleek lines, geometric shapes, and bold colors.
You can take a self-guided tour or join a guided tour to learn more about the iconic buildings and their designers, including Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, and William Krisel.
6. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tramcar, taking visitors from the desert floor up to the alpine wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.
You can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape as you ascend 8,516 feet in just 10 minutes.
7. Play Golf
Palm Springs is a golfer’s paradise, offering dozens of courses with stunning desert vistas and challenging layouts. Some popular options include the PGA West Golf Course, the Indian Wells Golf Resort, and the Desert Willow Golf Resort.
8. Palm Springs Art Museum
The Palm Springs Art Museum features a diverse collection of art and artifacts, including contemporary art, Native American art, and photography. You can also enjoy special exhibitions, educational programs, and events throughout the year.
9. Festival or event
Palm Spring hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, from the Palm Springs International Film Festival to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival to the Modernism Week celebration of mid-century modern design.
Check the events calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.
10. Hot springs
Palm Springs is home to a number of natural hot springs, where you can relax and unwind in the healing waters. Some popular options include the Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel, Miracle Springs Resort and Spa, Aqua Soleil Hotel, and Mineral Water Spa.
11. Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
This unique attraction features over 450 animals and plants from deserts around the world, including giraffes, cheetahs, and meerkats. You can take a guided tour, attend an animal feeding, or even feed a giraffe yourself.
12. Hot Air Balloon Ride
Get a bird’s-eye view of the Coachella Valley with a hot air balloon ride. Companies such as Fantasy Balloon Flights and Magical Adventure Balloon Rides offer morning and sunset tours, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and desert landscape.
13. Salton Sea
Just a short drive from Palm Springs, the Salton Sea is a unique and sometimes eerie attraction. This man-made lake was created by accident in 1905 and has since become a popular spot for birdwatching, fishing, and exploring abandoned buildings and towns.
14. Jeep Tour
See the desert landscape up close with a guided jeep tour. Companies like Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours offer off-road excursions to locations such as the San Andreas Fault, Joshua Tree National Park, and the Painted Canyon.
15. Pool Party
Palm Springs is known for its pool parties, especially during the summer months. Popular spots include the Ace Hotel & Swim Club, the Saguaro Hotel, and the Hard Rock Hotel Palm Spring.
16. Palm Spring Air Museum
This museum features a collection of vintage aircraft, including World War II planes and jets from the Korean and Vietnam Wars. You can take a guided tour, attend a special event, or even take a flight on one of the planes.
17. Yoga Class
Palm Springs is a popular destination for yoga enthusiasts, with many studios and outdoor classes available. Try a sunrise yoga class at the top of the Palm Spring Aerial Tramway, or a restorative class at a local spa.
18. Bike Ride
Palm Springs has numerous bike trails and routes, from leisurely rides through downtown to challenging mountain biking trails. Rent a bike from a local shop like Bike Palm Spring or Pedego Electric Bikes and explore the area on two wheels.
19. Cabazon Dinosaurs
These iconic roadside attractions are located just outside of Palm Springs in Cabazon. The towering T-Rex and Brontosaurus sculptures are visible from the freeway and make for great photo opportunities.
20. Nightlife
Palm Springs has a vibrant nightlife scene, with a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Check out spots like the Purple Room Supper Club, Tryst Bar & Lounge, or the Hard Rock Hotel’s Lobby Bar for a night out on the town.
Palm Spring has plenty to offer for anyone looking for an enjoyable and unique vacation. With its beautiful desert landscapes, hot springs, luxurious spas, and vibrant cultural scene, there is something for everyone in Palm Spring.
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FAQ
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Palm Spring.
Where is Palm Springs?
Palm Springs is located in Southern California, United States, in the Sonoran Desert region.
What is Palm Springs known for?
Palm Spring is known for its hot springs, golf courses, luxurious resorts, and outdoor recreational activities such as hiking and horseback riding.
What to do in Palm Springs with Kids?
Some of the things to do with kids in Palm Springs include visiting the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, taking a ride on the Aerial Tramway, exploring the Children’s Discovery Museum, enjoying the water slides at Wet ‘n’ Wild Palm Spring, and going on a family-friendly hike in one of the nearby state parks or nature preserves.
How far is Palm Springs from LA?
Palm Spring is approximately 107 miles east of Los Angeles. However, the driving distance and time can vary depending on traffic and the route taken. It generally takes around 2 hours to drive from LA to Palm Spring.
Where to stay in Palm Springs?
There are various options for places to stay in Palm Springs including luxury resorts and hotels, mid-range hotels and motels, boutique hotels and inns, and vacation rentals. It ultimately depends on personal preferences and budget.
How far is Palm Spring from San Diego?
Palm Springs is located approximately 123 miles northeast of San Diego. The driving distance and time can vary depending on traffic and the route taken. It generally takes around 2.5 to 3 hours to drive from San Diego to Palm Spring.
How far is Palm Spring from Las Vegas?
Palm Springs is located approximately 232 miles southwest of Las Vegas. The driving distance and time can vary depending on traffic and the route taken. It generally takes around 4 hours to drive from Las Vegas to Palm Spring.
How many Golf courses are in Palm Springs?
Palm Springs is known for its abundance of golf courses, with over 100 golf courses located in the surrounding Coachella Valley region. This includes public courses, private courses, and resort courses designed by world-renowned golfers and course architects.
How far is La Quinta from Palm Spring?
La Quinta is located approximately 25 miles southeast of Palm Spring in the Coachella Valley region. The driving distance and time can vary depending on traffic and the route taken, but it generally takes around 30 to 40 minutes to drive from Palm Spring to La Quinta.
How far is Joshua Tree from Palm Spring?
Joshua Tree National Park is located approximately 35 miles east of Palm Spring. The driving distance and time can vary depending on traffic and the route taken, but it generally takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour to drive from Palm Spring to the entrance of Joshua Tree National Park.
Where to eat in Palm Springs?
Palm Spring has a vibrant food scene with many great dining options. Some popular places include Workshop Kitchen + Bar, Lulu California Bistro, Cheeky’s, Tyler’s Burgers, and Trio Restaurant. There are also many restaurants serving international cuisine, including Mexican, Italian, and Japanese food.
