Few places blend desert calm, Hollywood history, and architectural cool quite like Palm Springs California. Nestled in the Coachella Valley and blessed with over 300 days of sunshine a year, this mid-century oasis is a magnet for design lovers, outdoor adventurers, and sun seekers.
If you’re wondering what to do in Palm Springs, searching for cool things to do in Palm Springs CA, or simply planning a day trip to Palm Springs, this guide has you covered — from the best attractions and outdoor adventures to where to stay and the must-see local tours that make the trip effortless.
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Why Visit Palm Springs?
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Palm Springs is the epitome of California cool — retro hotels, mountain views, palm-lined streets, and a creative vibe that’s equal parts vintage and modern. Whether you’re planning a Palm Springs weekend getaway or three days in Palm Springs, there’s always something to explore.
Palm Springs is in Riverside County, and it’s surrounded by some of Southern California’s best landscapes: Joshua Tree National Park, Indian Canyons, and the Santa Rosa Mountains. It’s also surprisingly easy to reach — about two hours from Los Angeles and Orange County, and roughly two and a half from San Diego.
Best Time to Visit Palm Springs
The best time to visit Palm Springs is from October through April, when the weather is pleasantly warm and perfect for hiking or lounging by the pool. The summer months (May–September) can be scorching, but you’ll find great hotel deals and fewer crowds. Winter brings crisp evenings, ideal for cozy dinners under the stars.
I have visited Palm Springs in January and in March and it’s chilly and night but warm during the day. If you plan on visiting in the summer, like I did, be prepared as it is HOT!
Getting to Palm Springs
Palm Springs is an easy getaway from anywhere in Southern California. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Los Angeles and 2.5 hours from San Diego, making it a popular weekend trip. You can also fly directly into Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), which offers nonstop flights from major U.S. cities like New York, Chicago, and Dallas. The airport is just minutes from downtown — one of the most convenient in the country.
Where to Stay in Palm Springs (Top Hotels on Booking)
Choosing the right stay can make your trip. Palm Springs is packed with boutique hideaways and resort classics that reflect the city’s personality. Here are some highly rated favorites on Booking.com:
1. Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel ★★★★★
A modern luxury stay right in downtown Palm Springs with a rooftop pool and panoramic desert views. Perfect if you want to walk to restaurants and bars without ever calling an Uber. Check dates here.
2. La Serena Villas ★★★★★
Adults-only boutique with private firepits, clawfoot tubs, and an unbeatable spa. One of the best places to stay in Palm Springs for couples. Check for the best rates.
3. Saguaro Palm Springs ★★★★
Famous for its rainbow-colored façade and pool parties, The Saguaro defines fun things to do in Palm Springs on a budget-friendly note. Check rates.
4. Parker Palm Springs ★★★★★
Quirky, luxurious, and lush — Jonathan Adler’s design dream filled with gardens, hammocks, and hidden cocktail lounges. Check availability.
5. Les Cactus ★★★★
Bright, chill, and stylish — a hip adults-only stay with a boho-retro touch. Check rates here.
No matter your budget, you’ll find options from retro motels to high-end resorts. Stay in Downtown Palm Springs if you want the most walkable things to do in downtown Palm Springs.
Top 10 Things to Do in Palm Springs California
1. Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Why go: It’s the most iconic attraction in town. Take a 10-minute ride from the desert floor to 8,500 feet above, landing in a pine forest with panoramic views.
📍 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs
🎟️ Book Skip-the-Line Tram Tickets here
At the top, explore hiking trails, grab lunch at Peaks Restaurant, and take in one of the most breathtaking views in California. This is easily one of the best things to do in Palm Springs California.
2. Explore Downtown Palm Springs & Palm Canyon Drive
Why go: This is where the city comes alive — art galleries, boutiques, vintage shops, and cozy restaurants all line Palm Canyon Drive.
📍 Downtown Palm Springs
Don’t miss:
- Palm Springs Art Museum for architecture and desert-inspired art
- VillageFest (Thursday nights) — a lively street market with food, crafts, and music
- Walk of the Stars, Palm Springs’ version of Hollywood’s star walk
Downtown is the perfect place to base yourself if you only have one day in Palm Springs or are looking for things to do in Palm Springs today.
3. Visit the Moorten Botanical Garden
A charming, family-run desert garden established in the 1930s featuring over 3,000 species of cacti and succulents. It’s small but packed with character — one of the coolest things to do in Palm Springs for plant lovers.
📍 1701 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs
4. Discover Mid-Century Modern Architecture
Palm Springs is an open-air museum of mid-century modern design. Drive or bike through neighborhoods like Twin Palms and Vista Las Palmas for iconic homes that once belonged to stars like Frank Sinatra.
🎟️ Book a Small-Group Architecture Tour
📸 Don’t miss the famous “That Pink Door” house — one of the most Instagrammable spots in town.
5. Hike Indian Canyons or Tahquitz Canyon
Get your nature fix within minutes of downtown. Towering palms, hidden waterfalls, and ancient rock art make these trails unforgettable.
🎟️ Book a Guided Indian Canyons Hiking Tour
Local tip: Go early in the morning for cooler weather and fewer crowds.
6. Take a Day Trip to Joshua Tree National Park
Just a 45-minute drive away, Joshua Tree is the ultimate palm springs day trip — alien landscapes, climbing rocks, and sunsets you’ll never forget.
🎟️ Book a Joshua Tree Day Tour from Palm Springs
If you have two days in Palm Springs or more, make sure to add this to your itinerary.
7. Lounge Poolside at a Desert Resort
Sometimes, the best palm spring activities involve doing nothing. Order a cold drink, stretch out by the pool, and let the desert sun work its magic. Most boutique hotels sell day passes if you’re not staying overnight.
8. Visit the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway (House of Tomorrow)
No trip to Palm Springs is complete without visiting the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway, also known as the House of Tomorrow.
This futuristic mid-century gem is where Elvis and Priscilla Presley spent their honeymoon in 1967. The home’s circular architecture, sunken living room, and vintage décor perfectly capture the glamour of the era.
I was lucky enough to visit when someone was there and kindly invited me inside — an unforgettable experience that felt like stepping straight into the King’s world. Even if you can’t go inside, the exterior alone is worth seeing for any music or design lover.
Tours are usually offered seasonally during Modernism Week and by private appointment.
📍 1350 Ladera Circle, Palm Springs
🎟️ Check Celebrity Houses Tour Availability Here
9. Visit Desert Hot Springs Spas
A short drive north lies Desert Hot Springs, famous for natural mineral springs and relaxing spa resorts. Perfect for couples or solo travelers looking for fun in Palm Springs that involves deep relaxation.
10. Capture Sunset at the Palm Springs Windmills
Those futuristic turbines are more than just scenery — they’re a symbol of renewable energy and a cool photo backdrop.
🎟️ Book the Palm Springs Windmill Self-Driving Tour
3 Perfect Days in Palm Springs California
This plan hits the best things to do in Palm Springs, mixes “do a lot” with “do nothing” (pool!), and bakes in downtime so it actually feels like vacation. Swap morning/afternoon if you’re visiting in peak heat.
Day 1 — Downtown icons + design hits
Morning
- Check in or drop bags, then coffee along Palm Canyon Drive.
- Palm Springs Art Museum (cool, compact, and central). If it’s Thursday night in season, circle back later for VillageFest vibes.
Lunch - Patio spot downtown—fuel up for a design wander.
Afternoon - Mid-century architecture tour (guided or golf-cart): Twin Palms, Old Las Palmas, and famous facades. Book ahead here.
- Boutique browsing in the Uptown Design District.
Evening - Golden-hour photo walk (mountain silhouettes!).
- Dinner + classic cocktail lounge.
Night option - If you want quirky: do the Windmill Self-Driving Tour just before sunset (epic photos). Book ahead.
Day 2 — Mountains + pool time (classic “Palm Springs to do”)
Early Morning
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to Mount San Jacinto. Cooler temps, big views, easy trails up top. (Check hours before you go.) Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Tickets
Late Morning / Lunch - Back in town for brunch (or a spa appointment).
Afternoon - Pool + nap window (non-negotiable).
- Optional: Moorten Botanical Garden or more boutiques if you’re restless.
Evening - Dinner downtown, then a mellow bar or live-music set.
- If it’s the season, keep an eye out for special nights like Walk of the Inns in December for a festive wander.
Day 3 — Desert day trip (Joshua Tree), back by dinner
Morning (go early)
- Guided Joshua Tree tour (no logistics stress, storytelling included) or self-guided audio drive if you love to roam. Hit Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, and the Cholla Cactus Garden. Check tickets here.
Afternoon - Late lunch on the way back; pool cooldown.
Evening - Last-night dinner + stargazing stroll.
- Architecture fan? If access aligns, snag a House of Tomorrow tour slot during Modernism Week dates; otherwise, a respectful drive-by caps the story nicely.
Quick planning notes (save these)
For the most walkable stay that maximizes things to do in Palm Springs California without driving, pick a Downtown Palm Springs hotel. Booking.com
- Book tours early (architecture, celebrity homes, Joshua Tree) for weekends and festival months.
- Check the Tramway hours (first/last car) if you’re chasing sunset.
- Elvis sites are mostly private homes—no official museum—so tour windows are limited and seasonal.
Unique Experiences & Hidden Gems
- Modernism Week (February): The biggest annual event for architecture fans — a must for any Palm Springs bucket list.
- Palm Springs Vintage Market: First Sunday of each month — perfect for retro décor lovers.
- Sunnylands Center & Gardens: A beautiful estate with free gardens and historic tours.
- Palm Springs Air Museum: For aviation enthusiasts, featuring WWII and Cold War aircraft.
- Coachella Valley Preserve: Free nature walk with the stunning Thousand Palms Oasis.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Best time to go to Palm Springs: October to April for comfortable weather. Summer (May–August) is hot but quieter and cheaper.
- Getting around: Rent a car or bike. Uber works within city limits but not great for exploring outside.
- Free things to do in Palm Springs: Window shopping, architecture walks, or watching sunset from the Tramway road viewpoint.
- What to wear: Light layers, hats, and sunscreen — the desert sun is real.
Day Trips from Palm Springs
- Joshua Tree National Park: Iconic desert landscapes and surreal rock formations just 45 minutes away.
- Idyllwild: A mountain retreat with pine forests, hiking trails, and cozy cabins.
- Pioneertown: A quirky Old West movie set turned local hangout — don’t miss live music at Pappy & Harriet’s.
- Salvation Mountain: A colorful desert art installation and one of California’s most unique photo spots.
- Palm Desert & El Paseo: Upscale boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants just a short drive away.
Best Events & Festivals in Palm Springs
- Modernism Week (February): Celebrates Palm Springs’ famous mid-century modern architecture.
- Palm Springs International Film Festival (January): A star-studded event kicking off awards season.
- Coachella & Stagecoach (April): Two of the world’s biggest music festivals, held nearby in Indio.
- VillageFest (Every Thursday): Downtown transforms into a lively night market filled with food, art, and entertainment.
Where to Eat in Palm Springs
Palm Springs has an incredible dining scene with everything from brunch favorites to fine dining.
- Workshop Kitchen + Bar – Trendy industrial space serving seasonal California cuisine.
- Cheeky’s – Famous for brunch and the iconic bacon flight.
- Eight4Nine – Chic decor and colorful cocktails in Uptown Design District.
- The Pink Cabana – Mediterranean-inspired dishes at the stylish Sands Hotel & Spa.
- Birba – Italian classics and wood-fired pizza in a lush garden setting.
Instagram-Worthy Photo Spots & Stuff to do in Palm Springs
- The iconic “That Pink Door” house.
- The colorful Saguaro Hotel.
- Palm Springs Windmills at sunset.
- Palm Canyon Drive neon signs.
- Indian Canyons palm oasis trails.
FAQ – Travel Tips on Things to do in Palm Springs California
Is Palm Springs worth visiting?
Absolutely! With its sunshine, design heritage, and laid-back vibe, Palm Springs is one of the most unique destinations in California.
How many days should I spend in Palm Springs?
Three days is perfect — plenty of time to explore downtown, relax poolside, and take a day trip to Joshua Tree.
What is Palm Springs known for?
Mid-century modern design, celebrity history, hot springs, and stunning desert scenery.
Is Palm Springs Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Whether you’re chasing mid-century architecture, natural beauty, or laid-back resort life, this desert gem delivers. It’s no wonder so many travelers plan a Palm Springs vacation every year — it’s stylish, accessible, and packed with character.
From Elvis history to hiking oases, from design tours to spa indulgence, Palm Springs California has something for every traveler. So grab your shades, charge your camera, and start planning your trip today.
Closing Thoughts: On the Best Things to do in Palm Springs California
Whether you’re floating in a turquoise pool beneath the mountains, touring Elvis’s honeymoon hideaway, or gazing at the surreal desert landscape of Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, California captures the very essence of California dreaming.
This desert town isn’t just a destination — it’s a mood, a throwback, and an escape rolled into one. From glamorous resorts to rugged canyon hikes, the endless list of things to do in Palm Springs CA makes it the kind of place you’ll want to revisit again and again.
So pack your sunnies, hit the open road, and let the magic of Palm Springs sweep you off your feet — sunshine guaranteed.
More California Travel Inspiration
Looking to explore more of the Golden State? Here are some other California travel guides from Diana’s Healthy Living you’ll love:
- Best Places to Visit in California – A comprehensive travel guide covering California’s must-see cities, coastal towns, and national parks.
- 1 Day in San Francisco Itinerary – Explore the City by the Bay with stops at Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, and the best local eats.
- California Bucket List Guide – Everything you need to know for your adventure among waterfalls, granite cliffs, and scenic hikes.
