Palm Springs: 11 Things You Must Do When You Visit

If you’re looking for a sunny escape in the United States, I highly recommend Palm Springs. This beautiful oasis is in the Sonoran Desert of Southern California, surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and natural hot springs. It’s a little over 100 miles east of Los Angeles, making it an easy getaway for Californians or visitors to the state. Palm Springs is home to some of the world’s most luxurious resorts, spas, and golf courses, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing and indulgent vacation. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or simply some time to unwind, the area has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and prepare to experience the best things in Palm Springs.

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Must Do Things in Palm Springs

I have been to Palm Springs several times and am always planning my next trip there. It is one of my favorite places for a quick weekend getaway in California.

A Little Palm Springs History 

Palm Springs’s rich history has contributed to its reputation as one of the most incredible destinations in the United States. The city has been a popular vacation spot since the 1920s when Hollywood’s elite began to visit the area for its hot springs and luxurious resorts. Today, the city is known for its mid-century modern architecture, thriving arts scene, and stunning desert landscapes.

The Best Time of Year To Visit Palm Springs 

The best time to visit is spring or fall. My most recent trip was in the middle of summer, and while the trip was still fun, it was HOT, and we spent a lot of time in the pool.

How to Get To Palm Springs

The drive into the desert is easy if you are from the Southern California area. The desert is a two to three-hour drive, depending on your location.

If you need to fly into the area, Palm Springs International Airport is the closest airport.

The Best Places to Visit in Palm Springs

There are many things to do in the city and the surrounding areas. While I have been several times, I still have a list of things I want to do.

1. Visit Moorten Botanical Garden

Moorten Botanical Garden is an absolute must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and wants to experience the beauty of the desert up close. This stunning garden is situated in the heart of the city and boasts a diverse collection of cacti and other desert plants worldwide. 

One of the highlights of Moorten Botanical Garden is the Cactarium, a greenhouse filled with rare and exotic cacti. Visitors can also explore the outdoor gardens, which feature a variety of plant species arranged in creative and artistic ways.

Moorten Botanical Garden Hours

Open 10 am – 4pm Daily
Closed on Wednesdays

Moorten Botanical Garden Admission

$5.00 — Adults and Seniors
$2.00 — Children 15 and Under
Free! — Children Under 5

Moorten Botanical Garden Address

1701 S Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264

For more information, head to Moorten Botanical Garden.

2. Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

This famous attraction takes visitors on a scenic ride up the San Jacinto Mountains, offering stunning views of the Coachella Valley. At the top of the mountain, you can explore the hiking trails, grab a bite to eat, or take in the panoramic views from the observation deck.

Pro tip: temperature up on the mountain is traditionally about 30-40 degrees cooler. 

Aerial Tramway Hours

Winter Hours (Sept. 5, 2022 – May 25, 2023)

Monday – Friday
First Tram up at 10:00 am
Last Tram up at 8:00 pm, Last Tram down at 9:30 pm

Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays
First Tram up at 8:00 am
Last Tram up at 8:00 pm, Last Tram down at 9:30 pm

For more information, head to Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

3. Relax at the Spa or Head to the Desert Hot Springs

Palm Springs is home to several world-class spas where you can unwind and pamper yourself with various treatments. Many spas also offer outdoor pools and hot tubs, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the desert scenery. 

Try these Palm Springs Spas: 

• The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
• Agua Serena Spa at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa
• The WELL Spa at Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa

But if you want a unique spa experience in a desert oasis, head to Desert Hot Springs (in the Greater Palm Springs area) and enjoy the natural hot springs and mineral spas.

Try these Desert Hot Springs spas: 

• Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis 
• Two Bunch Palms

4. Take the Palm Springs Door Tour 

You’ll want to take the Palm Springs Door Tour if you’re a mid-century modern design and architecture fan. This self-guided tour takes you on a journey through the city’s neighborhoods to explore the unique and stylish front doors of some of the most iconic homes in the area.

You will love the colorful and geometric patterns that adorn many of the doors on the tour. From bright pops of turquoise to bold patterns in black and white, each door is a work of art that tells a story about the home and its owner.

Pro Tip: A tour map is available online or at the Palm Springs Visitors Center and includes information about each home and its door.

5. Hang in a Pool

The last time we went to Palm Springs, the ultimate goal was to hang out in a pool. We chose to stay at ARRIVE Hotel because their pool was simple and childfree. But if we wanted a different experience, many hotels and resorts offer day passes to use their pool amenities or attend their summer weekend pool parties. 

Palm Springs Resorts with Lazy Rivers or Water Slides 

• Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
• Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa
• Morongo Casino, Resort and Spa

Palm Springs Resorts That Offer Day Passes 

• The Saguaro Palm
• Ace Hotel & Swim Club
• Margaritaville Resort
• Check Resortpass for more Hotels with Day Passes

6. Walk around Downtown Palm Springs  

Walking downtown is a must-do activity if you’re looking for a fun and vibrant way to experience Palm Springs. I always love exploring the city’s rich downtown area, full of unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Here are some things you should see or do while walking around downtown. The downtown area is off North Palm Canyon Drive.

• Check out the street art: Wander to Museum Way to see more street art in front of the Palm Springs Art Museum. Marilyn Monroe’ll greet you.
• Shop the local boutiques. 
• Eat some great food and satisfy those taste buds – my favorite places are Birba, Tac/Quila, and Lulu’s Bistro, to name a few. 
• Look down at the sidewalk or miss the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. Look for Frank Sinatra’s star! 
• On the weekends, you can find live music in some of the restaurants/bars

7. Bike around Palm Springs 

If walking isn’t your thing, biking around the area is a great idea. Most of the hotels in the area have complimentary bikes available for you to use as their guest. Or you can rent a bike from a local rental shop. 

• Take the bikes downtown. Bring a bike lock if you want to stop to eat or shop. 
• Go on the Palm Springs Door Tour on a bike. 

Where to Rent Bikes in Palm Springs

• Bike Palm Springs
• Big Wheel Tours

8. Wander Around a Museum 

If you like museums and small art galleries, remember to visit a museum while in town. 

Here are some museums to check out:

• Palm Springs Art Museum
• The Palm Springs Air Museum 
• Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center
• Robolights 

9. Explore Indian Canyons 

Do you like taking hikes and finding famous Instagram spots? The Indian Canyons are where you want to take a few hours exploring during your trip. Tahquitz Canyon trail is one of the most popular trails. Remember to take photos of the magnificent palm trees. 

Pro tip: the Indian Canyons are on the reservation of the Agua Caliente Band Of Cahuilla Native Americans. Be sure to respect the land while you are visiting. 

10. Take a Day Trip to Joshua Tree 

A day trip to Joshua Tree National Park is a must-do activity, especially if you live out of the Southern California area. The national park is just a short drive (about 45 minute ride) from downtown and offers a unique and stunning natural landscape unlike anything else you’ll find.

Here are some day trip activities in Joshua Tree: 

• Cholla Cactus Garden (in the national park) 
• Skull Rock (in the national park) 
• Explore downtown Joshua Tree: shop the tiny shops, grab a coffee, and visit the Crochet Museum
• Noah Purifoy Museum is a free outdoor museum about 15 minutes outside Joshua Tree. 
• Pioneer Town is an old Hollywood set where they used to film westerns. Eat at Pappys & Harriet’s with a fun cocktail. 

11. Living Desert Zoo

This unique zoo is more than just a special place to see animals – it’s a conservation-focused wildlife park committed to preserving and protecting desert ecosystems worldwide. The zoo is home to over 450 species of animals, including many endangered or threatened in the wild.

Whether you’re a nature lover, an art enthusiast, a foodie, or simply looking to unwind by the pool, Palm Springs has you covered. From hiking in the nearby mountains and exploring the local museums to indulging in the city’s vibrant food scene and shopping at its chic boutiques, there’s no shortage of things to do and see in this desert paradise.

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