Okay, let's talk Palm Springs. You're probably picturing desert sun, mid-century vibes, and maybe Frank Sinatra crooning by a pool. Good start. But finding the truly best things to do in Palm Springs? That's where most guides miss the mark. They list the obvious stuff without telling you how to avoid the crowds, where the locals actually hang out, or what's honestly overrated. I've spent years bouncing between LA and the desert, and honestly? Some spots live up to the hype, others... not so much. Let's cut through the noise and get real about what makes Palm Springs magic.
Forget generic lists. We're diving into specifics – exact trailheads, the coffee shop with the secret garden patio, which rooftop bar has sunset views worth the pricey cocktails. I'll even tell you which "must-see" attraction I think you can skip if you're short on time. Because your vacation shouldn't feel like checking boxes.
Must-Experience Palm Springs Icons
These are the landmarks that scream Palm Springs. You can't miss them, but you *can* experience them smarter.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Okay, this one deserves the hype. You hop on this rotating tram car in the desert heat (maybe 100°F/38°C) and 10 minutes later? You're stepping out at Mountain Station (8,516 ft/2,596 m) where it might be 30-40 degrees cooler with actual pine trees and snow in winter. It's wild.
- Address: 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
- Hours: First tram up 10:00 AM, last tram down varies seasonally (usually 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM). Check the website!
- Tickets: Adults $30.95, Kids (3-10) $21.95. Parking $10. Book online ahead, especially weekends.
The views? Stunning. The mountain-top restaurant? Pricey, but the views make up for it. Pro tip: Go for the last ride up to catch sunset over the Coachella Valley – bring a jacket!
| Activity at Top | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking Trails | Miles of trails (easy to strenuous). Desert View Trail (easy, 1.5 miles round trip) gives killer panorama. | Free with tram ticket |
| Peaks Restaurant | Fine dining with rotating floor. Reserve far in advance for dinner. | $$$ (Mains $35-$55) |
| Pines Cafe | Casual cafeteria-style. Best for quick bites & coffee. | $ (Sandwiches ~$12) |
Last time I went, we got stuck behind a huge tour group. Lesson learned: Weekdays after 2 PM are golden. Also, that altitude hits faster than you think. Go slow if you're hiking.
Mid-Century Modern Architecture Tour
Palm Springs is a living museum of 1950s-60s design. You don't need to be an architecture nerd to appreciate the clean lines, colorful doors, and epic pools. Here's how to see the best:
- DIY Driving Tour: Grab a map from the Visitor Center (2901 N Palm Canyon Dr) or use an app like Modernism Week's. Hit the Alexander Tract (Near Sunny Dunes/Racquet Club Rd) for iconic butterfly roofs.
- Guided Tours: Worth it if you love stories. Palm Springs Mod Squad does great 2.5-hour van tours ($85/person). They know which houses Sinatra partied at.
- Must-See Spot: Kaufmann Desert House (470 W Vista Chino) – you can't go in, but the view from the street is pure desert modernism porn.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Not your average zoo. Think African savanna meets Sonoran Desert. Focused on conservation and desert habitats.
- Address: 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert (about 20 min drive from downtown PS)
- Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily (closes earlier in summer)
- Tickets: Adults $29.95, Kids (3-12) $19.95. Online saves a few bucks.
Feed giraffes ($8), ride a camel ($9), wander amazing desert gardens. Go early – animals are most active before 11 AM, and it gets HOT. Hydrate!
Real talk: Some folks find the admission steep. If you're not big on zoos or have limited time, maybe skip. But for families or nature lovers, the immersion in the desert ecosystem is top-notch and truly one of the best things to do in Palm Springs for a unique experience.
Unwind Like a Desert Local (Pools, Spas & Hikes)
Relaxation is a Palm Springs art form. Here’s how to master it.
Pool Culture is Everything
Your hotel pool is your oasis. But if you're not staying somewhere iconic (like the Parker or Ace), day passes are your friend:
| Hotel | Day Pass Cost (Weekday/Weekend) | Vibe | Food/Drink Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saguaro Palm Springs | $25 / $40 | Colorful, energetic, great for groups & music | Solid poolside tacos & margs |
| ARRIVE Palm Springs | $30 / $50 (often includes $20 F&B credit) | Chill, modern, slightly more upscale | Excellent craft cocktails at Reservoir |
| Colony Palms Hotel | $75 / $100 (Premium price, serene vibes) | Quiet, luxurious, adult-oriented | Purple Palm restaurant is fantastic |
Call ahead! Prices and availability change, especially in peak season (Oct-May).
Desert Hiking Without the Suffering
Hiking is essential, but choose wisely unless you enjoy feeling like a baked potato.
| Trail Name | Location (Nearest Address) | Length/Difficulty | Best Time | Why It's Great |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahquitz Canyon | 500 Mesquite Ave, PS (Visitor Center) | 2 miles / Moderate (rocky) | Oct-Apr: Sunrise or late afternoon | 60ft waterfall (flows best late winter/spring), Native American cultural site. |
| Indian Canyons (Andreas or Palm Canyon) | 38520 S Palm Canyon Dr, PS | Varies (1-6+ miles) / Easy-Moderate | Oct-Apr: Early AM ONLY (Gates open 8AM-5PM) | Massive fan palm oases, feels prehistoric. Admission: $12 Adults, $6 Kids. |
| Ladder Canyon Trail | Painted Canyon Rd, Mecca (45 min drive) | 4.5 miles / Moderate (Requires scrambling ladders!) | Nov-Mar: Any daylight | Slot canyons, ladders, incredible geology adventure. Free. |
I learned the hard way: Hiking after 9 AM in summer is borderline stupid. Carry WAY more water than you think you need. Seriously, double it. And rattlesnakes? They're more scared of you. Just watch where you step and don't poke around rocks.
Spa Time: Desert Wellness
Palm Springs spas are legendary. From mineral springs to sound baths:
- The Well Spa at Miramonte (45000 Indian Wells Ln, Indian Wells): Luxurious, amazing gardens. Signature Desert Stone Massage ($185-220). Worth the splurge.
- Two Bunch Palms (67425 Two Bunch Palms Trail, Desert Hot Springs): Historic mineral springs resort. Day passes ($50-$100) include mineral pools. Rustic-chic, clothing-optional areas. Natural lithium in the water is super relaxing.
Eat, Drink, Shop Like You Belong
Beyond the tourist traps lies amazing food and unique finds.
Coffee & Breakfast: Fueling Desert Adventures
- Koffi (Multiple locations, 515 N Palm Canyon is busiest): The local coffee chain. Consistent, good brew. Try the iced vanilla latte. Gets packed.
- Farm (6 La Plaza, Palm Springs): Adorable French-inspired spot in a courtyard. Famous lavender lemonade & duck hash. Expect a wait, no reservations for brunch. Worth it? Yes.
Lunch & Casual Bites
- El Jefe (Saguaro Hotel, 1800 E Palm Canyon Dr): Fantastic Mexican, huge patio. Happy hour deals (3-6 PM) are great. Fish tacos and smoky margaritas are winners.
- Tyler's Burgers (149 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs): No-frills, cash-only burger joint. Classic, messy, delicious. Closes at 3 PM! Get there early.
Dinner with Ambiance
| Restaurant | Cuisine/Vibe | Price Range (Main) | Must-Try Dish | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop Kitchen + Bar | Modern American / Industrial Chic (Award-winning design) | $$$ ($32-$48) | Brussels Sprouts, Short Rib | Sit at the communal table. Reserve weeks ahead. |
| Birba | Wood-fired Pizza / Casual Chic Courtyard | $$ ($18-$24 pizzas) | Salsiccia Pizza, Negroni | No reservations. Put name in, grab a drink next door at Bar Cecil. |
| Copley's on Palm Canyon | American/Fine Dining / Cary Grant's old estate! | $$$ ($36-$52) | Macadamia Nut Crusted Halibut | Request patio seating. Romantic but pricey. |
Shop Beyond the T-Shirts
Skip the generic souvenir shops on Palm Canyon Dr (mostly). Hunt for treasures:
- Trina Turk (891 N Palm Canyon Dr): Iconic PS designer – bright resort wear. Expensive, but great for a splurge or just browsing the vibe.
- Just Fabulous (515 N Palm Canyon Dr): Eclectic gifts, cards, home goods. Always find something unique.
- The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five (1345 N Palm Canyon Dr): Collection of high-end vintage furniture and decor stores. Mid-century heaven (price tags to match).
Beyond Palm Springs: Essential Day Trips
The desert has more magic within an hour's drive.
Joshua Tree National Park
Distance: About 45-60 mins from downtown PS.
Park Fee: $30 per vehicle (valid 7 days).
Must-Sees: Hidden Valley (easy loop hike), Keys View (panoramic vista), Cholla Cactus Garden (go at sunrise/sunset).
Real Talk: It gets insanely crowded. Enter early (before 8 AM) via the West Entrance (Park Blvd, Joshua Tree). Pack ALL your water and food – services inside are minimal. Don't underestimate the desert – people get lost.
Salton Sea & Salvation Mountain
Distance: About 60 mins south.
Vibe: Post-apocalyptic, weird, artsy.
Salvation Mountain: Folk art monument covered in paint and scripture. Free (donations appreciated). Respectful visits only.
Salton Sea: A shrinking, saline lake with abandoned towns and a strong smell near shorelines. Fascinating for photographers/urban explorers, depressing for others. Skip if you're short on time or sensitive to decay smells.
Bombay Beach: Eccentric artist community on the shore. Grab a beer at the Ski Inn.
Okay, full disclosure: The Salton Sea smell? It can be brutal on a hot day. And Salvation Mountain is cool, but it's in the middle of nowhere with zero shade. Go if you love outsider art and weird history, but manage expectations. Bring tons of water and sunscreen.
Navigating Palm Springs Like a Pro (When to Go, Getting Around)
- Best Time to Visit: October-May. Perfection. June-September is HOT (think 100-115°F/38-46°C daily). July/August see major discounts but are truly scorching – pool access is mandatory.
- Worst Time: Coachella & Stagecoach festival weekends (usually April). Prices triple, traffic is insane, restaurants booked solid. Avoid unless you're going to the fest.
- Getting Around: You need a car. Rideshares (Uber/Lyft) work downtown but getting to hikes, Joshua Tree, or even some resorts can be pricey/wait times long. Downtown Palm Springs itself is walkable.
- Parking: Downtown has free parking structures (like behind the Art Museum). Street parking can be tight. Most resorts/hotels have free parking.
Your Palm Springs Questions Answered (FAQs)
What are the absolute best things to do in Palm Springs for first-timers?
Do the Aerial Tramway (book ahead!), spend an afternoon by a great pool, stroll downtown Palm Canyon Drive for shops and people-watching, and take a self-guided drive through the Alexander Tract to spot mid-century homes. If time allows, a short hike in Indian Canyons or Tahquitz is essential for the desert experience.
Is Palm Springs worth visiting in the summer?
Only if you're a heat seeker or get a killer deal. It's brutally hot (110°F/43°C+ common). Your entire day revolves around the pool before 10 AM and after 6 PM. Many locals escape then! If you go summer, confirm your hotel AC is strong, and hydrate obsessively. Rates are lowest, crowds are thin, but activities are limited by the heat.
What are some free best things to do in Palm Springs?
Hiking (outside parks with fees like Indian Canyons/JTree). Good options: The CV Link paved trail (rent bikes or walk), exploring downtown architecture (pick up a free map), visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum's free Thursday nights (4-8 PM), or simply relaxing at a public park like Ruth Hardy Park (great mountain views). Window shopping on El Paseo in Palm Desert (the "Rodeo Drive of the Desert") is also free!
How many days do I need for the best Palm Springs experience?
Three full days is the sweet spot. Day 1: Pool time & downtown exploration. Day 2: Big activity (Tramway OR major hike OR Living Desert) + nice dinner. Day 3: Mid-century tour OR art museum + shopping OR a day trip (Joshua Tree OR Salton Sea/Salvation Mountain). Add more days for pure relaxation or extra exploration.
Where can I find the best views in Palm Springs?
Top of the Aerial Tramway is unbeatable. Rooftop bars like Azúcar at the La Serena Villas (late afternoon/sunset) or Four Saints at The Rowan offer great downtown/mountain views (pricey drinks are the admission). Drive up South Palm Canyon Drive towards the Indian Canyons for pullouts with panoramic valley views.
What's overrated? What should I skip?
Personal opinion time: The "Celebrity Walk of Stars" downtown is just sidewalk plaques – easy to miss and not thrilling. The huge "Palm Springs" sign? It's far from downtown (on Museum Way near the airport) and not that exciting unless you need the perfect Instagram shot. Some find the San Andreas Fault bus tours underwhelming – research carefully. Skip chain restaurants you have back home!
Finding the best things to do in Palm Springs isn't about ticking off every guidebook item. It's about soaking in that desert light, feeling the contrast of hot sun and cool pool water, marveling at mountains meeting palm trees, and finding those perfect moments of mid-century bliss or unexpected natural wonder. Sometimes the best thing is just sitting still with a cold drink, listening to the palm fronds rustle. Go find your version of perfect out there.
Comment