Things to do in Palm Springs

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A road lined with palm trees and flowers, leading towards a mountain range.
A desert landscape with tall palm trees and large rocks.
A waterfront with a dock, a large house with a balcony, and a forested hillside in the background.
A kayaker on a calm lake surrounded by large boulders and tall pine trees.
A modern art museum with glass railings, wooden floors, and a central sculpture.

Things to do

Aerial tram traveling high above the cliffs of Chino Canyon in California

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

￥5,085
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs Windmill Tours

Palm Springs Windmill Tours

￥9,749
per traveler
100% of travellers recommend
Palm Springs Windmill Tours
© Flytographer

Palm Springs - Private Photoshoot with a Top Local Photographer

￥51,873
per traveler
100% of travellers recommend
Palm Springs - Private Photoshoot with a Top Local Photographer
Vampire's Lair

Vampire's Lair Escape Room Game for Private Group

￥6,704
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Vampire's Lair Escape Room Game for Private Group
Bank Heist Escape Room Game for Private Group

Bank Heist Escape Room Game for Private Group

￥6,704
per adult
Bank Heist Escape Room Game for Private Group
Palm Springs: Guided Golf Cart Windmill Tour

Palm Springs: Guided Golf Cart Windmill Tour

￥8,938
per adult
Palm Springs: Guided Golf Cart Windmill Tour
Jack the Ripper Escape Room Game for Private Group

Jack the Ripper Escape Room Game for Private Group

￥6,704
per adult
Jack the Ripper Escape Room Game for Private Group
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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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A cable car system in a mountainous canyon with rocky terrain and a distant view of a valley.

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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A rocky desert landscape with sparse vegetation, palm trees, and mountains in the background.

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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A modern indoor space with multiple levels, glass railings, and contemporary art installations.

4. 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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A vintage military aircraft with a star insignia and the text "Harvets Chariot" on its side.

5. 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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What to do in Palm Springs

Stay near popular Palm Springs attractions

A cable car system in a mountainous canyon with rocky terrain and a distant view of a valley.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

9.0/10 (3,337 reviews)
Ride the world's largest rotating aerial tramway from desert floor to alpine wilderness in just 10 minutes. At the summit, enjoy panoramic views across five distinct ecological zones while dining at 8,500 feet.
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Where to stay in Palm Springs

Find the best Palm Springs areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Palm Springs
Learn more about Palm Springs
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Photo by My Walkabout
Open Photo by My Walkabout

Downtown Palm Springs

A noteworthy feature of Downtown Palm Springs is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Agua Caliente Cultural Museum and Agua Caliente Casino.

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Uptown Design District

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 San Jacinto Mountains or Desert Art Center.

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Warm Sands

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

A street sign with 'Movie Colony' and 'Arquilla Rd' labels.

The Movie Colony

While The Movie Colony isn't home to many top sights, Palm Springs Convention Center and Agua Caliente Casino are some notable places to visit nearby.

A mountainous landscape with a cable car system, rocky terrain, and sparse vegetation.

Tahquitz River Estates

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

Popular day trips from Palm Springs

A geothermal area with steam vents and a lake surrounded by mountains.

Desert Hot Springs

A mountainous landscape with a sunset sky.

Cathedral City

An outdoor patio with string lights, tables, chairs, a fireplace, and palm trees.

Rancho Mirage

A mountain with a prominent peak, dense forest, and a partly cloudy sky.

Idyllwild

A large dinosaur statue with a clear blue sky in the background.

Cabazon

A lake surrounded by dense forests and mountains during sunset.

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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