Things to do in Palm Springs

Activities, attractions and tours

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


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Top places to visit

1. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

To gain a bird's-eye perspective over some amazing scenery, take the 14-minute ascent on the Palm Springs Ariel Tramway, where passengers start in the desert and end up in an alpine forest. Electrical engineer Francis Crocker first proposed the Aerial Tramway in the mid-1930s, although work on actually building it didn't start until 1960. The only way up was via helicopter, and these undertook more than 20,000 missions to take materials and workers up the mountain during construction.
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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 in by ancestors of the Agua Caliente Cahuilla Native Americans hundreds of years ago, who transformed the canyons into communities where they could thrive, Indian Canyons is now a recreational park. Made up of three distinct canyons, the park's popularity is down to its extensive hiking network and well-preserved historical sights.
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A rocky desert landscape with sparse vegetation, palm trees, and mountains in the background.

3. Palm Springs Art Museum

Few visitors to this resort city would imagine that there was such a high-calibre art museum within the city limits, but don't overlook this well curated collection, located in a stunning building. Established in 1938, the Palm Springs Art Museum has grown immensely from a single room to a permanent collection of over 20,000 different works of art. Now in its third location, the museum has three main components: contemporary art, natural science and the performing arts.
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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 has a vast and varied collection of World War II aircraft and memorabilia. This highly interactive, non-profit museum can be found next to Palm Springs International Airport, and even non-aviation buffs will enjoy the huge variety of classic aircraft. The museum's volunteers are eager and willing to share with you the history of the planes, and through them, remember the men and women who kept them in the skies. There are group tours available, although you need a minimum of 15 people for them to go ahead.
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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

San Jacinto State Park and Peak offers 86 kilometres of hiking trails, and the sheer variety of the scenery on offer lures back hikers year after year. Few places can offer the contrasts seen at this range, from desert to alpine scenery. Easily accessible via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, there are unbelievable views across the San Gorgonio Pass and Coachella Valley from here, but head further into the wilderness and the views get even better.
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A pine tree on rocky terrain with clear blue sky.

What to do in Palm Springs


Stay near popular Palm Springs attractions

Where to stay in Palm Springs

Find the best Palm Springs areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Palm Springs
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Downtown Palm Springs

Downtown Palm Springs is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Agua Caliente Cultural Museum and Plaza Theatre, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Palm Springs.

Uptown Design District

Uptown Design District is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by San Jacinto Mountains and Desert Art Center while in the area.

Warm Sands

When in Warm Sands, you can plan a visit to Plaza Theatre and Palm Springs Convention Center, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

The Movie Colony

While The Movie Colony may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Palm Springs Convention Center and Agua Caliente Casino.

Tahquitz River Estates

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

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 neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.16 kilometres from the city centre of Palm Springs is Downtown Palm Springs and Midtown is 0.97 kilometres 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 neighbourhoods, 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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