25 of the Best Things To Do in Palm Springs

The rumors are true—a Palm Springs getaway is the best fun you’ll have in Southern California. The city’s desert landscape, magnificent history, and amazing hospitality make it the perfect weekend getaway. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or your BFFs, the best things to do in Palm Springs will keep you entertained throughout your stay. 

This is the Ultimate Palm Springs Visitor Guide

1. Enjoy the Unspoiled Nature of Indian Canyons 

Not only is Indian Canyons one of the best places to visit in Palm Springs, but it’s also the ideal destination for sightseeing, hiking, horseback riding, and picnicking. 

2. Check out The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Stop by at one of the best zoos in Southern California to discover exotic flora and fauna—the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a must-visit.

3. Go on the Palm Springs Windmill Tour

Are you

curious about how windmill farms function? Taking the Palm Springs Windmill Tour will teach you about renewable energy—you may not expect it, but it’s one of the top things to do in Palm Springs.

4. Hike the Victor Loop

Exploring the desert on foot is one of the best activities to do in Palm Springs, and hiking the Victor Loop clockwise will lead you to the Palm Canyon, where the California desert park will leave a lasting impression on you.

5. Travel Back in Time at the Palm Springs Air Museum

Hearing all about jets that fought in World War II is one thing, but witnessing them firsthand is another. At the Palm Springs Air Museum, you’ll feel like a pilot once you climb into the cockpits of the aircraft.

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6.  Ride a Horse at the Coachella Valley Preserve

Whatever you’ve read about the Coachella Valley in SoCal sightseeing guides is pretty solid. Explore the natural beauty on horseback and search for the Thousand Palm Oasis for even better views.

7. Tour the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway 

The Alexander Estate, aka the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway, is where the King of Rock and Roll and his wife Priscilla spent their honeymoon. The architectural masterpiece is a Palm Springs must-see.

8. Dine at the Purple Room Supper Club

Legends like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley have dined and entertained at The Purple Room Supper Club. The club hasn’t lost its touch during the years, so you’ll appreciate a  fun dining experience here.

9. See Palm Springs From Above

Viewing the vast desert from the sky is the coolest thing to do in Palm Springs with your boo—opt for Palm Springs Biplanes for the tour of a lifetime.

10. Spend a Night at Sparrows Lodge

Plan a digital detox with your beaux at Sparrows Lodge. This amazing hotel is completely technology-free—you’ll learn how to appreciate each other's company better. 

The Coolest Things To Do In Palm Springs With Your Family

11. Climb up Cabazon Dinosaurs 

Take your kids to one of the quirkiest roadside attractions in California, Cabazon Dinosaurs. Climb into the bellies of the 65-foot-high Mr. Rex and 150-foot-long Dinny the Dinosaur, and later on, check out the exhibits and gift shops to take home souvenirs.

12. Slide into the pool at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center

With three pools, plenty of slides, and diving boards, the Palm Desert Aquatic Center is an eight-acre facility perfect for a fun family outing. You can even host parties at the waterpark that’ll make your kids' birthdays extra special.

13. View The City from Above On the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Coachella Valley as you ride the world’s largest rotating tramway, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Taking the 10-minute trip at an elevation of 8,500 feet is one of the top things to do in Palm Springs.

14. Camp at the Palm Springs Oasis RV Resort

Family getaways in Palm Springs call for camping in the California desert. And what better place to do exactly that than at the Palm Springs Oasis RV Resort?

15. Pay A visit to the International Banana Museum

Over 25,000 banana-shaped items, shakes, and sodas offer a unique experience at the International Banana Museum. Drive a little south of Palm Springs to arrive at this strange museum in California. 

The Best Activities in Palm Springs Your Friends Will Love

16. Snap a Pic with Sonny Bono’s Statue

You might know him from the duo Sonny and Cher, or as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, or even as the Mayor of Palm Springs. No matter how you remember Sonny Bono, taking a photo with his statue is an absolute must. 

17. Search for the Seven Sisters Falls

Every Palm Springs visitor guide includes a trip to the marvelous Seven Sisters Falls. Hike the 3.7-mile Murray Canyon Trail for rewarding views of the waterfall. 

18. Take the Celebrity Home Bus Tour

Gather your friends and follow in the footsteps of every celebrity that has lived in the area with the Palm Springs Celebrity Tour. This is one of the most unique things to do in Palm Springs.

19. Join the Weekly Palm Springs VillageFest

Every Thursday night, Palm Springs hosts the weekly VillageFest, where you’ll be surrounded with lots of food, crafts, and music—bring your friends and have the time of your life!

20. Check Out the Baby Sculptures

Baby sculptures with barcodes for faces—creepy much? Maybe, but there’s no way you’re visiting Palm Springs and checking out the creative artwork by David Cerny. 

The Top Things To Do In Palm Springs Solo

21. Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum

Featuring 19th, 20th, and 21st-century art, the Palm Springs Art Museum is one of the best in the state. The museum also hosts classical, jazz, and opera performances, so keep up to see what’s happening.

22. Cruise Down Palm Canyon Drive

Take your car out for a spin on Palm Canyon Drive and let the museums and theaters lining the street inspire you. You don’t even have to visit the attractions one by one—the drive itself is one of the coolest free things to do in Palm Springs.

23. See If you Know All the Celebs on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars

Hollywood doesn’t have the only Walk of Fame; Palm Springs does too. Elvis Presley and Elizabeth Taylor are just two of the names you’ll see strolling down the Palm Springs Walk of Stars—it’s one of the most unique things to do in Palm Springs. 

24. Go on an Architectural Tour

The Hope Residence and the Kaufmann Desert House are just two architectural masterpieces in Palm Spring. There’s even more to uncover, so make sure to go on an architectural tour in the city—any Palm Springs visitor guide would advise you to do so. 

25. Tour the Moorten Botanical Garden

Every nature lover must drop by the Moorten Botanical Garden—the beautiful garden in California might be the push you needed to become a plant mom.