Nestled between three striking mountain ranges, this sunny Southern California oasis has lured travelers in search of inspiration and relaxation for more than a century. The valley’s 9 resort cities – known as Greater Palm Springs – provide an incomparable blend of cultural experiences for every type of visitor. Plan an incredible time in the desert with some of these favorite activities.
1. Visit a Museum
Palm Springs Art Museum
Spend an hour immersed in this treasure trove of innovative and forward-thinking art with an outdoor sculpture garden, lecture hall, theater, store and new bistro. The new David Hockney exhibit sheds light on perspective while other progressive thinking gallery spaces push the limits of creativity. Near the museum, don’t miss the surrounding area’s whimsical outdoor art like the Marilyn Monroe statue and reassembled Aluminaire House, a Desert Modernist architectural style of Albert Frey and Lawrence Kocher. Also, explore the museum’s Architecture and Design Center down the road. Learn more at psmuseum.org
Pro Tip: Visit Thursday for free from 5 – 8 PM.
Palm Springs Air Museum
In an airconditioned hangar, get up close to 72 vintage World War II and Korean and Vietnam War-era aircraft. Speak with docents who have experience flying the planes or purchase tickets to soar over the desert in one of five warbirds. Kids 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. Check palmspringsairmuseum.org for annual traditions and upcoming events.
2. Stroll Through a Garden
Sunnylands
Presidents, heads of state, and royalty have been welcomed to this sprawling estate in Rancho Mirage since the 1960’s thanks to billionaire publisher Walter Annenberg, who created TV Guide, Seventeen Magazine, and one of the first TV stations out of Philadelphia. Today, savor the peaceful setting with a wildflower, succulent, and cacti walk and imagine a time when this former meeting place was used to discuss and exchange international relations over golf or dinner. Admire more than 70 species of arid adapted desert plants amongst twin reflecting pools, wind through a labyrinth, or contemplate life on the Obama bench. Don’t miss the introductory 35-minute film showcasing the numerous presidents and celebs who brought the estate to life. Admission is free.
Pro Tip: Visit sunnylands.org to participate in free yoga, bird walks, and paid private tours of the home.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Unlike most zoos, this impressive thousand-acre landscape in Palm Desert affords animals wide open spaces and specializes in deserts of the world with a mission of desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation. Recently certified as an Autism Center (CAC), the desert botanical garden with over 500 animals showcases bighorn sheep, African wild dogs, black rhinos, and other fascinating species. In the open Australian habitat area, wallabies bounce alongside you and visitors can feed giraffes too. Special event Glow in the Park 2023 arrives this spring and every year during the holidays, WildLights transforms the setting into a winter wonderland. See what’s new at livingdesert.org
Pro Tip: Arrive early in the day mid-week when it’s cooler and there are less crowds.
Moorten Botanical Garden
The world’s first “cactarium” is still thriving thanks to Mr. Moorten who still oversees this intimate desert garden scape created by his parents in 1940. Wander the trail to admire funky odd-looking cacti from all over the world, categorized by geography. Be on the lookout for Moorten’s home dubbed the Cactus Castle, gold mining relics, an adobe wall, gigantic crystals, fossils, and desert tortoises amongst the flora. Take home a plant from the nursery. Get a preview at moortenbotanicalgarden.com
3. Enjoy the View
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Zoom 2.5 miles straight up along the cliffs of Chino Canyon to 8,516 feet in the world’s largest rotating aerial tramway. Up to 30 guests at a time are transported to the pristine wilderness forest of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. From the desert to the mountain, children bring sleds in winter months as snow often greets visitors. Admire the sweeping views of Greater Palm Springs from the observation decks, grab a bite at one of the restaurants, or immerse yourself in nature with over 50 miles of hiking trails.
Pro Tip: Buy tickets in advance at pstramway.com and visit on a weekday for fewer crowds
Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory
Experience the universe up close with free public exploration nights – where star clusters, planets, and nebulae are amplified 100-350 x through a PlaneWave CDK700 telescope. Ask questions and learn fun facts from astronomers and volunteer docents. Drop in from 6:30 – 8 PM weather permitting as no registration is needed. Other monthly events include film screenings, lectures, and photography exhibits.
Pro Tip: Check out a telescope at this library just like a book, and even obtain a temporary visitor library card. Find out more at ranchomiragelibrary.org
4. Take an Unforgettable Hike
Tahquitz Canyon Loop Trail
This 1.7-mile trailon the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation in Palm Springs will have you scrambling around smooth boulders, ancient irrigation systems and native plants while towering rock faces hug the trail and the valley floor sprawls in the distance. The desert terrain is otherworldly. Come at the right time of year and find yourself staring at a surreal 60-foot waterfall.
Indian Canyons
This nature preserve offers numerous trails for hiking and horseback riding for any level, once you enter this sacred land. Andreas Canyon’s 1-mile loop on a fairly flat trail follows a stream by groves of California fan palms and feels more “jungle” than desert. A small waterfall toward the end of the loop is a welcome cool-off respite during warmer months. The 3-mile Victor Trail scales up and around varying terrain, first by an awe-inspiring grove of stately skirted palms hugging a creek, then by red barrel cacti and through over 150 species of plants.
Both of these trails are Home to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians who thrived here before any settlers and are still the area’s largest land owner. An admission fee is charged to enter – $15 for adults and discounted prices for seniors, children, students and military – which helps to maintain the visitor centers and keep the trails accessible for all. Many other free hiking trails are available in the area, with varying degrees of difficulty, but none with visitor services or accessibility accommodations. Visit indian-canyons.com for details.
Pro Tip: Bring sun protection and plenty of water.
5. Stay at a Boutique Hotel
Palm Springs is the capital of desert cool filled with hip boutique midcentury modern hotels. Choose sexy poolside hideaways that feel like your own villa. Soak in the Palm Springs atmosphere by booking at 38-room Azure Sky with private patios, grand kitchenettes and an impressive poolscape, stylish 66-room Royal Sun with a calming chic color palette inspired by the desert hues, Moroccon Mediterranean-style Korakia, or the ultraluxe Hermann Bungalows within L’Horizon Resort and Spa.
The Colony Palms with its green and white accents and palm tree flanked pool is where you’ll also want to drop in for candlelit cocktails or dinner. Fall in love with Villa Royale’s glamorous redesign sprawling over 3 pools while other places you’ll want to lay your head include La Serena Villas, Talavera, Limon, Sparrows Lodge, Ingleside Inn, Monkey Tree, Sands Hotel and Spa, Holiday House, and vintage retro Mojave Resort, newly opened in Palm Desert. Also, the Thompson Palm Springs is another newcomer to open in the heart of the Uptown Design District with up close mountain views.
6. Hit the Links in Golf Capital, USA.
Greater Palm Springs is a golfer’s dream destination, with over 130 courses of varying levels of ability, access, and cost to choose from. Among the best in the desert is La Quinta Resort and PGA West, home to nine highly acclaimed golf courses (five public and four private), each designed by some of the greatest golf architects, including Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Arnold Palmer, and Tom Weiskopf. The recently restored golf courses will challenge any golfer. Bridging the gap is the historic Desert Island Country Club – newly reimagined and opened to the public; and the Indian Wells Golf Resort, a 36-hole pedigreed course with a spectacular veranda to relax on after your round.
Pro Tip: Many courses offer short-term seasonal membership programs with preferential access and discounted tee times. Deals can often be found with a bit of research and flexibility.
7. Join a Modernism Tour
At the entrance to Palm Springs stands the City’s welcome sign and iconic angled-roof Visitor’s Center (once a gas station). Start there for a deeper appreciation of the modernist architecture and design of the desert (and learn why celebrities flocked here).
Book a private tour like Palm Springs Mod Squad with local expert Kurt Cyr. Consider taking a self-guided driving or walking tour with www.moderntourspalmsprings.com or www.pshistoricalsociety.org to learn about Modernist treasures and the Golden Era of celebrities who lived in the desert homes. Or hop on a bike in neighborhoods such as Vista Las Palmas and Indian Canyons to gawk at the colorful doors, perfectly manicured desert and rock yards, and vintage cars often parked outside. Cruise by the Kaufman Desert House, Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms Estate, and Elvis’s Honeymoon Hideaway. Don’t miss passing by Robolights and consider Palm Springs newcomer Drag and Fly Tours where guests are situated in the shuttle like theater guests to enjoy a Drag and desert sightseeing show.
8. Shop at Vintage and Unique Boutiques
Shop for vintage finds and one of a kind pieces of art, décor, jewelry, furniture, and more at the desert’s best thrift stores like Angel View, Revivals, Goodwill, and Sunny Dunes Antique Mall. Our favorite places for home décor include Re(x), Christopher Kennedy, Pink Cactus, and The Shops at 1345 in Downtown Palm Springs; while it’s easy to find special fun local gifts at Peepa’s and the Mojave Flea Trading Post.
Newcomers include the new 40,000 square foot Market Market that houses 50 vendors selling vintage; and repurposed goods and Luxuria (@luxuria_living) offering vintage LV handbags, fine jewelry, and elegant home goods. Go regularly to score preowned furniture, art, or décor at popular Misty’s Consignments in Rancho Mirage and for those looking for old school clothes, shop at The Frippery for colorful caftans and dresses or modern preloved labels at preLoved Palm Springs.
Pro Tip: Visit the open-air Palm Springs Vintage Market on the first Sunday of every month from October through May.
9. Relax in a Thermal Spa
There are many choices for daytime soaking in the desert – like Sunstone Spa at Agua Caliente Casino, Desert Springs Spa at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa, Spa La Quinta at La Quinta Resort & Club, and Spa Rosa at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa and many more that offer relaxing services often with private adults-only water therapy. Or choose a hotel poolside destination from several at resortpass.com. For full-immersion luxe leisure, adults-only Two Bunch Palms Resort in Desert Hot Springs has been luring guests to relaxing lithium waters since 1940.
The best experience to try is the hot healing mineral water that springs forth right in downtown Palm Springs at 40,000 square foot Spa at Séc-he at the new Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, a new spa destination with private minerals baths and mineral pool and space that also features a cultural museum, gardens, and gathering place.
10. Experience World Class Events
Acrisure Arena
Just off Interstate 10, a world class 11,000-seat venue has blossomed in the desert – home to the area’s first professional sports team, the Coachella Valley Firebirds (hockey). While comedy kicked off the opening with acts from Chris Rock and Dave Chapelle, large-scale concerts have rocked the stadium with Harry Styles, The Eagles, and John Mayer headlining. Upcoming acts this spring include Journey, Shania Twain, and Lizzo. Find out more at acrisurearena.com
Agua Caliente Casinos
Every week, the three area casinos feature some of the hottest music artists, comedy shows, and entertainment for a memorable night out. Discover the talent at aguacalientecasinos.com
Modernism Week
This celebration of mid-century modern architecture occurs every February (around 16–26th) – and several days as a preview in October – filled with home tours, cocktail parties, speakers, and vintage markets. But any time is a good time to explore the largest percentage of midcentury modern homes and commercial architecture in America. Visit modernismweek.com to chart a mid-mod adventure.
BNP Paribas Open
Come to Tennis Paradise for the annual tournament and celebration during the first couple weeks of March and take in the action at the spectacular Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Get tickets at bnpparibasopen.com
Desert X
Returning to the Coachella Valley from March 8– May 11, 2025 for the fifth installment, large scale international contemporary art exhibitions can be found in the most dramatic desert landscapes. Focusing on social and environmental themes, find awe and wonder and the deeper meaning of these grand scale works of art. Finding the art is part of the fun. Viewings are free and open typically from sunrise to sunset. Exact locations will be divulged on a map at desertx.org or on the Desert X 2025 app beginning March 8. Check back for our complete coverage.
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