Things to do in Palm Springs

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Palm Springs
Palm Springs showing landscape views and a park
Palm Springs showing a house, landscape views and fishing
Palm Springs which includes mountains, landscape views and a lake or waterhole
Palm Springs Art Museum featuring interior views
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Palm Springs must see attractions

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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Palm Springs Aerial Tramway featuring landscape views, mountains and a sunset

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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Indian Canyon showing landscape views, tranquil scenes and desert views

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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Palm Springs Art Museum which includes interior views

4. 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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Mount San Jacinto State Park which includes mountains and tranquil scenes

5. 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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Palm Springs Air Museum showing aircraft

6. Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

There’s no better place in Palm Springs to learn about its Native American past and present than at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. Since 1991, it’s been a center of learning and culture, sharing its extensive collections and educational programs with both locals and visitors from all over the globe.
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Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

What to do in Palm Springs

Discover the most popular places to visit in Palm Springs

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway showing tranquil scenes, views and landscape views

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Glide over cliffs, wildlife and several vegetation zones as this glass-enclosed ride carries you up dramatic mountainsides.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The photo was shot at the Palm Springs convention center at dusk. The mountain cat which appears so real was the silhouette of a bronze sculpture. The beautiful backdrop made for a surreal image.

Palm Springs Convention Center

Learn about the events happening at Palm Springs Convention Center during your trip to Palm Springs. Discover the area's spas, or seek out its golf courses.

Palm Springs Convention Center
Palm Canyon

Palm Canyon

Palm Canyon is just one of the places to see in Palm Springs, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the lively festivals in this family-friendly area, or seek out the hiking trails.

Palm Canyon
Indian Canyon featuring a gorge or canyon and landscape views

Indian Canyon

Hike in the footsteps of the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians on ancient walking trails through cool, palm-dotted canyons and timeless rock formations.

Indian Canyon
Palm Springs Art Museum which includes interior views

Palm Springs Art Museum

The story of the West and famous faces from the past all come alive at this Palm Springs institution.

Palm Springs Art Museum
Mount San Jacinto State Park showing forests and hiking or walking as well as a couple

Mount San Jacinto State Park

Take the ride to Southern California’s rooftop to hike through forests of pine and white fir, and experience views that will stay with you forever.

Mount San Jacinto State Park
Palm Springs Air Museum showing aircraft

Palm Springs Air Museum

Imagine taking to the skies at one of the largest collections of World War II aircraft in the world.

Palm Springs Air Museum
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum which includes interior views as well as an individual male

Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

This community-spirited museum preserves the history of Palm Springs’ native people, the Cahuilla, while celebrating their contemporary arts and society.

Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium which includes a garden

Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium

Learn how one family’s love of desert plants became a Palm Springs horticultural institution.

Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Palm Springs

Palm Springs Art Museum which includes interior views and art

Downtown Palm Springs

4.5/5(1,565 area reviews)

Join the many Angelenos that flock to Downtown Palm Springs to quench their vacation thirst in the Sonoran Desert.

Downtown Palm Springs
Palm Springs which includes wildflowers

Baristo

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

While visiting Baristo, you might make a stop by sights like Plaza Theatre and Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center.

Baristo
Palm Springs which includes wildflowers

Midtown

If you're spending some time in Midtown, Agua Caliente Casino and The Spa at Se-che are top sights worth seeing.

Midtown
Look up #villaroyale #palmsprings #lifeatexpedia

Tahquitz River Estates

4/5(183 area reviews)

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

Tahquitz River Estates
You know you want this #marshmallowlatte #ernestcoffee #lifeatexpediagroup

Uptown Design District

4.5/5(421 area reviews)

Uptown Design District is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Las Palmas or San Jacinto Mountains.

Uptown Design District
Light and shadows on the east face of Mt San Jacinto. I love the mountain as the sun touches it differently throughout the day. Dancing in and out of the crevices and shadows. Never grows old. #culture. #weekend getaways

Warm Sands

4/5(109 area reviews)

Warm Sands might not have many top sights, but Agua Caliente Cultural Museum and Plaza Theatre are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Warm Sands

Popular day trips from Palm Springs

Desert Hot Springs

Desert Hot Springs

Cathedral City

Cathedral City

Sunnylands Center and Gardens which includes golf and landscape views as well as a small group of people

Rancho Mirage

Idyllwild

Idyllwild

Photo by Jeannie Ace

Cabazon

Photo by Nunes_world

Pine Cove

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 neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.16 kilometers from the city center 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 neighborhoods, 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.

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