40 Things to Do in Palm Springs That You're Sure to Love
40 Things to Do in Palm Springs That You're Sure to Love
Picture this: endless blue skies, dramatic mountain vistas, swaying palm trees, and that magical desert sunshine warming your soul. Welcome to Palm Springs, California, where mid-century modern glamour meets natural desert beauty in the most spectacular way. While you're enjoying the scenery, you'll also want to know about the best Palm Springs restaurants to complete your perfect getaway. Whether you're making The Oasis Resort at Palm Springs your home base or exploring every corner of the Coachella Valley, this iconic destination promises adventures you'll be talking about for years. Ready to discover paradise? Here are 40 incredible experiences waiting for you in Palm Springs.
Top Things to Do in Palm Springs for Everyone
1 | Make The Oasis Resort at Palm Springs Your Home Base | Your Palm Springs story begins the moment you step into The Oasis Resort, where luxury meets that laid-back desert vibe you've been craving. Nestled in the heart of this iconic destination, the resort wraps you in comfort with accommodations that perfectly blend modern elegance and classic desert charm. Picture yourself lounging by one of their eight sparkling pools and hut tubs surrounded by swaying palms, just minutes from downtown's best attractions. After days spent exploring, you'll love returning to this tranquil sanctuary where you can truly unwind and recharge in style, or continue the fun on the tennis court. Location matters, and this is exactly where you want to be.
WHERE: 4190 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264 | WHO: +18557769891
2 | Get Lost in Downtown Palm Springs | Downtown Palm Springs is calling your name! This isn't just any downtown; it’s where perfectly preserved 1950s architecture creates an Instagram-worthy backdrop for your desert adventures. Spend your morning hunting for treasures in boutique shops brimming with vintage finds, retro home décor, and locally designed jewelry that screams Palm Springs cool. Grab an artisan coffee in a charming mid-century café, flip through books in independent shops with personality, and stumble upon hidden courtyards where fountains splash and public art surprises you around every corner. As evening approaches, watch the downtown transform into a buzzing social scene with patios filling up and that special Palm Springs magic taking over.
WHERE: Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: N/A
3 | Ride the waves at Palm Springs Surf Club | When the desert heat is on, here's your answer: 21 acres of pure aquatic joy at the Palm Springs Surf Club, featuring both a sprawling water park and world-class surf sessions. Here, you can book a surf session to catch perfect, consistent waves in the heart of the desert, no matter your skill level. Feel your adrenaline surge as you plummet down the six-story Tidal Wave Tower, float without a care along the lazy river winding through lush tropical landscaping, and catch perfect, ocean-like waves in the state-of-the-art wave pool. While kids go absolutely wild in the interactive play areas, you might find yourself racing down water slides like you're twelve again. Rent a private cabana for your crew, kick back in the shade between adventures, and make this your go-to escape when temperatures soar. Warning: you're going to want to stay all day!
WHERE: 1500 S Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92264 | WHO: +17602053634
YOU MAY LIKE:
Las Vegas Itinerary: 2, 4, 5 and 7-Day Itineraries to Help You Vacation Like a Pro
Natural Wonders That Will Take Your Breath Away
4 | Soar Above It All on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway | Hold onto your hat for this one! Climb aboard the world's largest rotating tramcar and prepare for the ride of your life as you ascend nearly 6,000 vertical feet up Chino Canyon's dramatic cliffs. As your car gently spins, you'll gasp at 360-degree views revealing the entire Coachella Valley spreading out like a magnificent patchwork quilt below. In just 10 breathtaking minutes, you'll travel from the desert floor to alpine wonderland at 8,516 feet, where temperatures drop 30 to 40 degrees and suddenly you're in a completely different world. Explore hiking trails through pine forests, check out the natural history museum, grab a bite with the most incredible mountain views, and pinch yourself because yes, this is really happening!
WHERE: 1 Tramway Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: +18885158726
5 | Discover the Magic of Indian Canyons | Get ready to witness some of Mother Nature's finest work! These sacred canyons on ancestral Agua Caliente land will absolutely blow your mind with their towering California fan palms creating lush oases in the heart of the desert. Andreas, Murray, and Palm Canyons each offer their own brand of magic, from easy strolls perfect for soaking in the scenery to more challenging treks for adventure seekers. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep scaling rocky cliffs, listen for hundreds of bird species, discover ancient irrigation systems that still amaze engineers today, and feel the cool mist from hidden waterfalls. This is the desert at its most enchanting, and you're about to fall head over heels.
WHERE: 38520 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264 | WHO: +17603236018
6 | Step Into Another World at Joshua Tree National Park | Just 40 minutes from Palm Springs, prepare to feel like you've landed on another planet! Where the Mojave and Colorado deserts collide, Joshua trees stand like alien sentinels guarding massive boulder formations that beg to be explored and photographed. Hike through Hidden Valley where Old West cattle rustlers once hid their herds, scramble around Skull Rock's weathered features, discover abandoned mines whispering tales of gold rush dreams, and watch the sunset paint those boulder piles in colors you didn't know existed. Stay after dark if you dare; the star show is absolutely mind-blowing and worth every second.
WHERE: 74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 | WHO: +17603675500
7 | Chase Waterfalls at Tahquitz Canyon | Yes, there really is a 60-foot waterfall in the desert, and you're going to see it! This 2-mile loop trail is pure magic from start to finish, winding through a canyon that holds deep spiritual significance for the Agua Caliente people. Your journey takes you past ancient rock art, along a flowing stream (in the desert!), through fascinating desert vegetation, and finally to that spectacular cascade tumbling into a crystal-clear pool. The ranger-led tours at the visitor center bring the canyon's legends to life in ways that'll give you goosebumps. Moderate hiking meets incredible payoff; this is the kind of experience that turns into your favorite vacation story.
WHERE: 500 W Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92264 | WHO: +17604167044
8 | Wander Through the Coachella Valley Preserve | Imagine strolling along elevated boardwalks that wind through the most lush palm oasis you've ever seen, where natural springs create an emerald paradise right in the middle of the desert. This 20,000-acre preserve is like nature's own secret garden, protecting the adorable (and endangered) Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard along with countless other species. You'll walk directly over the San Andreas Fault (yes, that San Andreas Fault) while surrounded by towering palms providing blessed shade. Bird watchers, bring your binoculars because this place is a feathered paradise! The easy trails mean everyone can enjoy this stunning contrast between oasis and desert.
WHERE: 29200 Thousand Palms Canyon Rd, Thousand Palms, CA 92276 | WHO: +17603431234
9 | Fall in Love with the Night Sky | You haven't truly seen the stars until you've seen them from the desert! The crystal-clear air and minimal light pollution create stargazing conditions that'll make you wonder why you ever lived in the city. Join a professional astronomy guide for the national parks, like Stargazing Joshua Tree, who'll set up powerful telescopes and help you spot distant galaxies, colorful nebulae, and planets in stunning detail while sharing fascinating cosmic facts. Or keep it simple, spread a blanket under the stars, let your eyes adjust to the darkness, and watch the Milky Way stretch across the heavens like a celestial river. The desert sky at night is pure poetry, and you get front-row seats.
WHERE: 4949 Desert Knoll Ave, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 | WHO: +19095569024
10 | Meet Amazing Wildlife at The Living Desert | This isn't your ordinary zoo; it's a 1,800-acre adventure where deserts from around the world come together in one incredible place! Watch African lions lounging in the shade, marvel at giraffes gracefully moving across their habitat, learn about Mexican wolves' conservation success stories, and meet the rare Arabian oryx. Wander through gorgeous themed gardens showcasing desert plants from three continents, catch fascinating wildlife shows and feeding times, let the kids ride the endangered species carousel, and discover why desert ecosystems are so crucial to our planet. Educational, inspiring, and absolutely unforgettable!
WHERE: 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260 | WHO: +17603465694
READ MORE:
The 10 Best Parks in Mesa AZ You Have to Visit
Mid-Century Modern Magic
11 | Fall for Palm Springs' Iconic Architecture | Welcome to the largest concentration of preserved mid-century modern architecture in the entire United States; design lovers, this is your happy place! Cruise through neighborhoods where every turn reveals another architectural gem: clean lines, walls of glass, butterfly roofs, and that seamless indoor-outdoor flow that defines desert modernism. See masterpieces by legends like Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, and William Krisel. Take a self-guided tour at your own pace, or join organized tours that get you inside private homes while dishing all the celebrity gossip and design stories that make these buildings legendary. It's like stepping into a perfectly preserved time capsule of cool.
WHERE: 2901 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: +18003477746
12 | Get Cultured at the Palm Springs Art Museum | Prepare to spend hours getting lost in this stunning 150,000-square-foot temple to creativity right in downtown Palm Springs! The permanent collection is seriously impressive; contemporary masterpieces, jaw-dropping glass art installations by Dale Chihuly, thought-provoking photography, fascinating Native American artifacts, and Western American art that captures the spirit of the frontier. The building itself is a work of art with galleries bathed in perfect natural light and peaceful sculpture gardens. With rotating exhibitions featuring international artists and free admission on Thursdays, your only problem will be tearing yourself away.
WHERE: 101 N Museum Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: +17603224800
13 | Geek Out at the Architecture and Design Center | Housed in a gorgeously restored 1961 bank building that's a mid-century masterpiece itself, this museum is heaven for anyone who loves design. Dive deep into Palm Springs' architectural golden age through vintage furniture that makes you want to redecorate your entire home, original drawings and models from famous architects, period photographs capturing the glamour of desert living, and decorative arts that define an era. The rotating exhibitions cover everything from retro travel posters to contemporary architectural photography. You'll leave with serious design inspiration and a whole new appreciation for how Palm Springs influenced style worldwide.
WHERE: 300 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: +17604235260
14 | Experience Modernism Week Magic | If you can time your visit for February, you're in for the treat of a lifetime! Modernism Week transforms Palm Springs into an 11-day celebration that design enthusiasts travel from around the globe to experience. Score tickets to exclusive tours of stunning private homes rarely open to the public, attend lectures by renowned architects and designers, party at glamorous events in iconic venues, hunt for treasures at vintage markets filled with authentic mid-century furniture and décor, and soak up the electric atmosphere as thousands of fellow design lovers descend on the desert. It's bucket-list worthy and absolutely unforgettable!
WHERE: 2901 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: (800) 347-7746
Downtown Delights and Hidden Gems
15 | Own Palm Canyon Drive | This isn't just a street, it's the beating heart of Palm Springs, and it's absolutely irresistible! Palm-lined and perfect, this main drag delivers everything you want in a desert afternoon or evening. Pop into upscale boutiques for that perfect resort wear, discover contemporary art in sleek galleries, grab a table at sidewalk cafes where people-watching is an Olympic sport, and soak in those ever-present mountain views. The preserved mid-century storefronts are camera candy, and that laid-back-yet-sophisticated vibe is pure Palm Springs. Stroll slow, stop often, and let the desert charm work its magic on you.
WHERE: 100 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: +17603238296
16 | Join the Party at VillageFest | Thursday evenings from October through May, Palm Canyon Drive transforms into the valley's premier street party, and you're invited! Over 200 vendor booths create a treasure hunt of fresh produce from local farms, handmade crafts and jewelry perfect for gifts, vintage collectibles that whisper stories of the past, artisanal foods that'll make your taste buds dance, and unique souvenirs you won't find anywhere else. Live music fills the air, street performers entertain the crowds, and the aroma of international cuisine from food stalls will have you stopping for samples every few steps. Arrive early to snag the best stuff, stay late to enjoy the cool evening vibes, this is where locals and visitors become one happy community!
WHERE: 266 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: (760) 320-3781
17 | Time Travel at the Palm Springs Historical Society | Step into the beautifully preserved 1893 Miss Cornelia White House and prepare for a fascinating journey through time! This compact museum packs a powerful punch with photographs, artifacts, oral histories, and rotating exhibitions that tell the incredible story of Palm Springs' transformation. Discover how the Agua Caliente people have called this valley home for thousands of years, learn which Hollywood legends helped put Palm Springs on the map, and understand the architectural revolution that made this desert town internationally famous. The layers of history here run deep, and every exhibit reveals another captivating chapter.
WHERE: 221 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: +17603238297
18 | Get Lost in the Moorten Botanical Garden | This quirky, charming botanical wonderland has been delighting visitors since 1938, and it's still family-owned and absolutely magical! Created by the legendary Patricia and Chester "Cactus Slim" Moorten, the dense one-acre garden somehow packs over 3,000 varieties of cacti and succulents from around the world into winding pathways that feel like exploring a living treasure map. Duck into the "cactarium" greenhouse, marvel at ancient barrel cacti that have weathered decades of desert life, spot rare specimens you won't see anywhere else, and chat with the knowledgeable staff who share cultivation secrets and fascinating plant lore. Pure roadside attraction gold!
WHERE: 1701 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264 | WHO: +17603276555
Adventures You'll Never Forget
19 | Go Off-Road on a Jeep Tour | Buckle up for an adrenaline-pumping adventure that takes you where ordinary vehicles fear to tread! Expert guides navigate rugged terrain like it's their backyard (because it is) taking you deep into the San Andreas Fault zone where you'll witness mind-blowing evidence of tectonic forces reshaping the earth. Bounce through remote sections of Indian Canyons, race across ancient lake beds, climb steep mountain trails revealing panoramic vistas that'll make your Instagram explode, and discover hidden palm oases that feel like your own private paradise. Choose sunrise tours for soft golden light, sunset trips for dramatic colors, or full-moon excursions for something truly otherworldly. Your guide shares desert ecology secrets, points out wildlife, and turns the desert into your personal adventure playground!
WHERE: 38635 Monroe St, Indio, CA 92203 | WHO: +17603245337
20 | Float Above the Desert at Sunrise | Few experiences match the pure magic of drifting silently above the desert floor in a hot air balloon as the sun paints the mountains pink and gold! As you gently ascend with the dawn, watch the Coachella Valley wake up beneath you while snow-capped San Jacinto and San Gorgonio peaks glow in the morning light. Your experienced pilot navigates invisible wind currents, carrying you over golf courses that look like green jewels, date palm groves in perfect rows, and pristine desert stretching to the horizon. Reaching altitudes of 2,000-3,000 feet, the peaceful silence is broken only by occasional burner blasts and your own awed whispers. The flight typically lasts about an hour and ends with a traditional champagne toast, because this once-in-a-lifetime experience deserves celebrating!
WHERE: 80223 CA-111, Indio, CA 92201 | WHO: +17603470410
21 | Discover Date Paradise at Shields Date Garden | Since 1924, this historic date farm has been cultivating the "fruit of the desert" and charming visitors with authentic agricultural heritage you won't find anywhere else. Tour the working date garden to see how these sweet treats grow, get harvested, and transform into the products you'll devour. In the gift shop, sample different date varieties, from honey-sweet Medjools to caramel-like Deglets, and prepare yourself for the legendary date crystal: a thick, creamy shake blended with dates and vanilla ice cream that has achieved absolute cult status. Don't skip the vintage educational film about date pollination (trust us, it's charmingly retro), and stock up on fresh dates to bring a taste of the desert home with you!
WHERE: 80-225 CA-111, Indio, CA 92201 | WHO: +17603470996
22 | Tour the "Camp David of the West" at Sunnylands | Prepare to be absolutely dazzled by this 200-acre historic winter estate of the late ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg, where presidents, royalty, and world leaders have gathered to shape history. The spectacular mid-century modern house designed by A. Quincy Jones showcases museum-quality art and period furnishings that'll have you swooning over every detail (home tours require advance reservations, book early!). The public gardens are freely accessible and absolutely stunning: nine acres of sustainable desert landscaping, tranquil water features that create shimmering reflections, contemporary sculptures adding artistic flair, and a striking visitor center with fascinating exhibits about international diplomacy and California history. It's elegance, power, and beauty all wrapped up in one unforgettable experience.
WHERE: 37977 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 | WHO: +17602022222
23 | Meet Dinny and Mr. Rex at Cabazon Dinosaurs | Sometimes the best roadside attractions are the goofiest ones, and these massive dinosaur sculptures absolutely deliver! Dinny the Dinosaur, a 150-foot-long Apatosaurus, and Mr. Rex, a 65-foot-tall Tyrannosaurus Rex, have been towering over Interstate 10 since the 1960s, becoming beloved pop culture icons (yes, they're in "Pee-wee's Big Adventure"!). Climb inside Dinny to explore the quirky museum gift shop, strike your best dino pose for Instagram gold, and embrace the pure joy of classic roadside Americana. It's delightfully bizarre, wonderfully nostalgic, and the perfect fun break during your desert travels. Your inner child will thank you!
WHERE: 50770 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230 | WHO: +19092728164
Get Your Game On
24 | Tee Off in Golf Paradise | With over 100 immaculately maintained courses, Palm Springs is basically golf heaven on earth! Whether you're chasing championship glory on Pete Dye or Jack Nicklaus designs or enjoying a casual round at accessible public courses, every hole delivers dramatic mountain backdrops, stunning desert landscaping with flowering cacti and swaying palms, and those dreamy blue skies that make every day feel perfect. Choose from resort courses at luxury properties such as the Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort, where service is impeccable, challenging desert layouts with strategic hazards and bunkers that test your skills, or budget-friendly municipal options that prove great golf doesn't require a trust fund. Year-round playing conditions mean you're never stuck indoors, this is what golf dreams are made of!
WHERE: 1885 Golf Club Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264 | WHO: +17603281005
25 | Saddle Up for Desert Horseback Riding | Experience the desert the way pioneers and cowboys once did, from the back of a trusty horse! Local stables, for example Smoke Tree Stables, offer rides for everyone, whether you're a first-timer who needs the gentlest horse in the stable or an experienced equestrian ready for cantering adventures. Trail rides wind through picturesque sand washes, navigate rocky terrain like something from a Western movie, pass through flowering ocotillo and cholla cacti that seem to welcome you to their desert home, while guides share fascinating knowledge about desert ecology and local history. Sunset rides are absolutely magical as golden light transforms the mountains and temperatures drop to perfection, creating memories you'll treasure long after you've dismounted.
WHERE: 2500 S Toledo Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92264 | WHO: +17603271372
26 | Conquer the Desert Cliffs | Challenge accepted! The desert rock formations around Palm Springs attract climbers from across the globe, and once you touch that grippy desert stone, you'll understand why. Beginners can book introductory lessons with certified guides, like the Mojave Guides for Joshua Tree Rock Climbing, who'll teach you proper techniques, safety protocols, and equipment use on easier routes designed to build confidence. Meanwhile, experienced climbers will find hundreds of challenging multi-pitch climbs demanding advanced skills and mental fortitude. The unique desert granite offers excellent friction, interesting crack systems requiring clever technique, stunning formations with routes ranging from fun scrambles to extreme technical nightmares, all under sunny skies and surrounded by scenery that makes every climb feel epic!
WHERE: 61470 El Cajon Dr, Joshua Tree, CA 92252 | WHO: +17608202806
27 | Shred Desert Trails on a Mountain Bike | Whether you're a casual cyclist or a hardcore shredder, the extensive trail network around Palm Springs delivers the ride you're craving! The popular The Bump And Grind offers well-maintained paths with gradual elevation gains that reward you with sweeping panoramic views; perfect for building confidence and cardio. Ready for more? Adventurous riders can explore remote desert washes and rocky technical descents that'll test your handling skills and nerve. The dry climate means year-round riding with no muddy trail closures, and cooler winter months offer ideal temperatures for all-day excursions through dramatic landscapes where you might spot wildlife, discover hidden canyons, and feel the rush of conquering challenging terrain!
WHERE: Painters Path, Palm Desert, CA 92260 | WHO: +17608629984
28 | Serve It Up: Tennis and Pickleball | That year-round sunshine and perfect weather aren't going to waste themselves, grab a racquet! Whether you're a tennis traditionalist or riding the pickleball wave sweeping the nation, Palm Springs delivers court options galore. Many hotels and resorts offer complimentary access to guests with equipment rentals making it super easy, with facilities like the tennis courts at The Oasis, providing a convenient and beautiful spot to play right at your accommodation. Want to up your game? Private lessons and group clinics are available for players looking to improve their serve, master that tricky backhand, or finally understand pickleball strategy. Evening play when temperatures cool creates perfect conditions for extended matches under twinkling stars!
WHERE: 4190 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264 | WHO: +18557769891
SEE MORE:
The 22 BEST Palm Springs Restaurants That Tourists Flock To
7 Affordable Restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip for a Perfect Meal on a Budget
12 Top Spots to Find Chinese Food Mesa AZ Locals Can't Get Enough Of/a>
Savor Every Delicious Bite
29 | Feast Farm-to-Table Style | Get ready to taste the best of the Coachella Valley in Palm Springs, where an impressive farm-to-table scene celebrates Southern California's rich agricultural bounty. Talented chefs craft seasonal menus around locally sourced dates, citrus, and vegetables, often grown on organic farms just miles away. At restaurants like the aptly named Farm, these culinary artists emphasize sustainability while delivering bold, creative flavors that blend desert-inspired cuisine with international influences. This experience is about more than just the food; it's about dining on gorgeous outdoor patios under swaying palms as epic mountain sunsets paint the sky. Every bite connects you to the land, allowing you to taste the difference that fresh ingredients make and appreciate the passionate farmers and artisans behind this extraordinary food scene.
WHERE: 6 La Plaza, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: +17603222724
30 | Sip Creative Craft Cocktails at Bootlegger Tiki | Dive into the heart of Palm Springs' impressive cocktail scene at Bootlegger Tiki. Housed in the very same space as the legendary Don the Beachcomber restaurant from the 1950s, this intimate spot carries on a historic legacy of tropical escapism. Talented mixologists craft an array of classic and innovative tiki drinks, celebrating both tradition and desert flair with an impressive collection of rare rums. Sip creative concoctions infused with house-made falernum, exotic juices, fresh-squeezed local citrus, and artisanal spirits. The setting is pure tiki perfection, with a dimly lit bar, flaming torches, and rattan decor creating the perfect vibe for escaping into a tropical fantasy on a balmy desert evening!
WHERE: 1101 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: +17603184154
31 | Brunch Like a Local at 4 Saints | If you’re not experiencing the high-altitude brunch at 4 Saints in Palm Springs, you’re truly missing the city’s most sophisticated side! Perched on the seventh floor of The Rowan Palm Springs, this experience transforms late mornings into a glamorous, leisurely social event. The setting is unrivaled: a chic al fresco dining terrace where the breathtaking views of the San Jacinto Mountains and the entire Coachella Valley stretch out beneath you, perfectly paired with bottomless bubbles. The menu moves beyond the standard fare, focusing on elevated, refined cuisine that might include wagyu steak and eggs or innovative dishes crafted with a sharp, contemporary California edge. This combination of stunning panoramic views, refined dishes, and an undeniably airy, glamorous atmosphere is the definition of the laid-back Palm Springs luxury you came here to enjoy.
WHERE: 100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: +17603922020
32 | Cheers at Local Craft Breweries | Desert heat calls for cold beer, and Palm Springs' craft brewery scene delivers refreshingly creative brews perfectly suited to the climate! La Quinta Brewing Co., Desert Beer Company, and other local breweries offer welcoming tasting rooms where you can sample flights showcasing different styles, crisp lagers that go down dangerously easy, hoppy IPAs bursting with flavor, experimental sours that challenge your palate, and seasonal specialties reflecting the brewer's creativity. Chat with passionate brewers about their craft, catch food trucks parked outside serving the perfect beer-pairing eats, and enjoy outdoor seating areas with games, live music, and community events. Grab crowlers to take back to your resort for sunset sipping by the pool!
WHERE: 301 N Palm Canyon Dr #100, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: +17603202597
33 | Taste Your Way Through Town on a Food Tour | Let local experts such as Desert Tasty Tours show you the culinary treasures you'd never find on your own! These carefully curated walking tours typically visit 5-7 handpicked restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and specialty food shops, offering generous tastings that add up to a satisfying meal while you explore different neighborhoods on foot. It’s a great entry for your learning insider information about where locals really eat, discovering hidden gems tucked down side streets, hearing fascinating stories about celebrity chefs and passionate restaurant owners, and gaining real appreciation for how the food scene reflects Palm Springs' multicultural influences and unique desert location. It's food, history, architecture, and culture all wrapped into one delicious adventure!
WHERE: Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: (760) 565-2262
Culture and Entertainment
34 | Catch a Show at the Historic Plaza Theatre | Step into this gorgeously restored 1936 Spanish Colonial Revival treasure and prepare to be transported! Designed by renowned theater architect Harry Williams, the venue dazzles with ornate details, atmospheric lighting, hand-painted ceiling beams, and wrought ironwork that create an intimate yet grand setting for unforgettable performances. The comfortable plush seats and excellent acoustics mean every show feels like a special occasion, whether you're catching Broadway touring productions, laughing at comedy shows, grooving to concerts spanning every genre, watching classic film screenings, or attending special events. The theater itself is worth the ticket price, the performances are just a spectacular bonus!
WHERE: 128 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: +17605935818
35 | See the Stars at the Film Festival | If you can visit in January, prepare for your most glamorous Palm Springs experience! The prestigious Palm Springs International Film Festival attracts A-list celebrities, acclaimed directors, and passionate film enthusiasts from around the world for a star-studded celebration of cinema. The festival screens over 180 films from 70+ countries across multiple venues, premieres that'll have you saying "I saw it first," powerful documentaries, foreign language films expanding your worldview, and innovative shorts showcasing emerging talent. Beyond screenings, attend panel discussions with filmmakers sharing their creative process, celebrity Q&As where you can ask burning questions, industry parties where networking meets glamour, and special tribute events honoring outstanding achievements at the Palm Springs Convention Center. It's awards season excitement meets desert sophistication!
WHERE: 277 N Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: +17603256611
36 | Honor Native Heritage at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum | Deepen your understanding and respect for the original inhabitants of this beautiful valley at this thoughtfully curated museum showcasing the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians' 3,000-year history in the Coachella Valley. Through stunning artifacts, historic photographs, powerful oral histories, and contemporary Native art, you'll explore traditional basketry techniques that required incredible skill, understand the life-sustaining significance of palm oases and thermal waters, learn about the tribe's resilience through colonization and decades of land struggles, and celebrate ongoing cultural practices and artistic traditions thriving today. This museum provides essential context that enriches your entire Palm Springs experience by honoring the people whose ancestral homeland you're visiting.
WHERE: 140 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: +17607781079
37 | Rock Out Under Desert Stars | Get ready for world-class music experiences that combine legendary artists with stunning natural settings! Throughout the year, various festivals and concerts attract internationally renowned performers and thousands of enthusiastic fans to venues across the Coachella Valley. From the legendary Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival featuring cutting-edge contemporary acts that define music trends to Stagecoach celebrating country music with boots, hats, and twang for days, the area's exceptional weather and dramatic natural amphitheaters create concert experiences you'll never forget. Outdoor shows under starry skies with mountain silhouettes as backdrops? That's the kind of magic that turns casual fans into lifelong music memory collectors!
WHERE: 81-800 51st Ave, Indio, CA 92201 | WHO: N/A
Unforgettable Day Trips
38 | Shop 'Til You Drop on El Paseo | Treat yourself to a luxurious day in neighboring Palm Desert, where El Paseo Shopping District lives up to its nickname as the "Rodeo Drive of the Desert!" This beautifully landscaped mile-long boulevard showcases high-end retailers like Gucci and Louis Vuitton alongside unique local boutiques you won't find anywhere else. Browse contemporary art galleries representing both established masters and emerging artists creating the next big thing, discover elegant jewelry stores with pieces that'll take your breath away, and explore sophisticated home décor shops perfect for bringing desert style home. The area transforms during winter with the weekly El Paseo Art Walk featuring gallery openings with free wine, live music creating festive vibes, and crowds strolling beneath twinkling lights and swaying palms, it's shopping elevated to an experience!
WHERE: Palm Desert, CA 92260 | WHO: +18777357273
39 | Witness the Wonder of Salvation Mountain | Buckle up for an adventurous 90-minute drive to one of the most unique folk art installations you'll ever encounter! Near the Salton Sea, the late Leonard Knight spent nearly 30 years creating this vibrant tribute to love and God from adobe clay, hay bales, and over 100,000 gallons of donated paint. The result? A colorful man-made mountain rising 50 feet high and spanning 150 feet wide, covered in biblical verses, flowers, trees, waterfalls, and rainbows in brilliant primary colors that seem to glow against the stark desert landscape. Walk through painted rooms and caves, wind along colorful pathways, photograph this truly one-of-a-kind artistic vision, and feel the power of one person's unwavering dedication to their creative dream!
WHERE: Beal Rd, Niland, CA 92257 | WHO: +17606248754
40 | Escape to Mountain Magic in Idyllwild | Need a complete change of scenery? Drive just one hour up Highway 243 into the San Jacinto Mountains and suddenly you're in Idyllwild, a charming alpine village at 5,400 feet where everything is different! Tall pines replace desert palms, temperatures drop 20-30 degrees to blissfully cool levels, and the relaxed mountain town atmosphere invites you to slow down and breathe deeply. Explore quirky shops filled with local art and mountain crafts, browse galleries showcasing talented regional artists, sip coffee at cozy cafes with wood-burning fireplaces, hike forested trails leading to granite peaks and hidden waterfalls, catch live music at rustic venues, and just breathe in that crisp mountain air. When you descend back to the desert, you'll feel completely refreshed and ready for more Palm Springs adventures!
WHERE: 54265 Village Center Dr, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549 | WHO: N/A
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
The 10 Best Restaurants With Mexican Food Mesa AZ Locals Love
Top 5 Golf Courses in Mesa, Arizona
Top 10 Trails To Go Hiking Near Las Vegas With Breathtaking Views
Looking for a Place to Stay?
Palm Springs offers an incredible variety of experiences that'll have you planning your return visit before you've even left! From relaxing resort days at The Oasis Resort at Palm Springs where you can truly unwind to adventurous desert excursions that get your heart pumping, from cultural immersion that enriches your mind to culinary experiences that delight your taste buds, from outdoor activities that connect you with stunning natural beauty to simply soaking up that healing desert sun, this destination has something magical for absolutely everyone who visits.
Ready for Your Adventure?
Start planning your Palm Springs getaway today and discover why this desert oasis has captivated everyone from Hollywood's golden age stars to today's design enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone seeking that perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. From the moment you arrive at The Oasis Resort at Palm Springs and feel that warm desert sun on your skin, breathe in that clean desert air, and see those majestic mountains rising all around you, you'll understand the unique magic that makes this place so incredibly special.
The desert is calling your name. Paradise is waiting. Your perfect Palm Springs story is about to begin,will you answer?
For more travel tips and guides to exploring Palm Springs and other destinations across the U.S., visit the Westgate Resorts Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.
RELATED ARTICLE: The 22 BEST Palm Springs Restaurants That Tourists Flock To
At Westgate Resorts, when you Check-In, there’s a LOT to Check-Out! Your vacation awaits! Start planning your next vacation today or talk with a vacation planner at 888-852-2959 or 407-355-2690.
* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
When You Check-in, There's a Lot to Check Out
Sign up for our newsletter and check-in to great offers, secret stuff, and special events.