Palm Springs

Palm Springs

Things to Do in Palm Springs

50 curated spots from Palm Springs itineraries

Activities & Attractions (30)

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Domorning

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Ride 8,500ft up for views and cool temps (15-min drive).

3h
$30
Indian Canyons
Domorning

Indian Canyons

Hike palm-lined trails, see ancient trading trails and waterfalls.

2h 30m
$12-20
Palm Springs Art Museum
Domorning

Palm Springs Art Museum

Contemporary art, architecture exhibits, and sculpture garden.

1h 30m
$12-18
Palm Springs Walk of Stars
Doafternoon

Palm Springs Walk of Stars

Stroll Palm Canyon Drive to see over 400 stars honoring celebrities.

1h
Free
Ace Hotel Pool & Lounge
Doevening

Ace Hotel Pool & Lounge

Swim and sunset drinks (walkable from dinner).

2h
$20
Bear Creek Trail Biking - La Quinta Area
Doafternoon

Bear Creek Trail Biking - La Quinta Area

Scenic biking trail in the Coachella Valley near La Quinta; family-friendly route with beautiful desert and mountain views.

2h
$20-50 per bike rental
Bootlegger Tiki Lounge
Doevening

Bootlegger Tiki Lounge

Live music and tropical cocktails.

2h
$20
Cabazon Dinosaurs & Outlets
Domorning

Cabazon Dinosaurs & Outlets

Quirky photo op and last shopping (30-min drive).

2h
$15
Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert
Doafternoon

Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert

Interactive museum in Rancho Mirage designed for hands-on learning through play; features exhibits for multiple age groups.

2h
$12-18 per child
Desert Hills Premium Outlets
Doafternoon

Desert Hills Premium Outlets

Designer shopping (30-min drive); focus on deals.

3h
Varies
El Paseo Shopping District
Doevening

El Paseo Shopping District

Stroll upscale shops under palms in Palm Desert's 'Rodeo Drive of the Desert'.

2h
Free
El Paseo Shopping District - Palm Desert
Domorning

El Paseo Shopping District - Palm Desert

Upscale shopping village featuring designer boutiques, art galleries, and outdoor spaces; explore quaint shops and browse fine art.

2h 30m
Variable
Free Explore Uptown Design District
Doafternoon

Free Explore Uptown Design District

Browse boutiques and galleries at leisure.

3h
Free
Golf Course Recreation - Desert Springs Resort
Doafternoon

Golf Course Recreation - Desert Springs Resort

Scenic golf courses overlooking villas with beautiful grounds, or simply enjoy the golf course views from your accommodation

2h
$0-120 per person (depending on activity)
Joshua Tree National Park
Doafternoon

Joshua Tree National Park

Drive an hour for hikes amid Joshua trees, boulders, and panoramic views.

5h
$30/vehicle
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa - Grounds and Lakes
Domorning

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa - Grounds and Lakes

Explore the mesmerizing lobby, lush green lawns, water bodies, lakes with ducks, and mountain views throughout the expansive grounds

1h 30m
Free with resort visit
Moorten Botanical Garden
Doafternoon

Moorten Botanical Garden

Cacti and succulents in a family-owned desert garden.

1h
$5-8
Palm Canyon Drive Stroll
Domorning

Palm Canyon Drive Stroll

Walk the iconic strip with stars, statues, galleries, and shops.

1h 30m
Free
Palm Springs Air Museum
Domorning

Palm Springs Air Museum

Tour historic aircraft hangars (10-min drive).

2h
$25
Palm Springs Architecture Tours
Doafternoon

Palm Springs Architecture Tours

Self-guided or walking tour of mid-century modern homes and Rat Pack sites.

2h
$20-40
Palm Springs Art Museum and Architecture & Design Center
Doafternoon

Palm Springs Art Museum and Architecture & Design Center

World-class art museum featuring contemporary and classical works; explore the Architecture & Design Center showcasing modernist design.

2h
$15-20 per person
Palm Springs Mod Squad Neighborhood Tour
Doafternoon

Palm Springs Mod Squad Neighborhood Tour

Self-guided or guided tour of mid-century modern homes like the House of Tomorrow.

2h
$50-100
Resort Kids' Club or Family Activity - Grand Hyatt Indian Wells
Domorning

Resort Kids' Club or Family Activity - Grand Hyatt Indian Wells

Participate in organized family activities and entertainment offered by the resort throughout your stay

2h
Included or minimal fee
Resort Pool and Recreation - Grand Hyatt Indian Wells
Domorning

Resort Pool and Recreation - Grand Hyatt Indian Wells

Enjoy family-friendly recreational area with foosball, ping-pong, Jenga blocks, and beautiful poolside lounging

3h
Free with resort stay
Resort Spa and Wellness - Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Doafternoon

Resort Spa and Wellness - Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa

Full-service luxury spa offering treatments and wellness services in a tranquil desert setting

2h
$100-250 per treatment
Shopping on Palm Canyon Drive
Doafternoon

Shopping on Palm Canyon Drive

Vintage stores like Iconic Atomic for mid-century finds.

2h
Varies
Tahquitz Canyon
Doevening

Tahquitz Canyon

Strenuous hike to 60ft waterfall, picnic spots, and cultural sites.

2h
$15
Tahquitz Canyon Hike
Domorning

Tahquitz Canyon Hike

Easy 2-mile loop to a waterfall; start early with water.

2h
$15
The Living Desert Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Domorning

The Living Desert Zoo and Botanical Gardens

25-acre zoo in Palm Desert featuring African and North American wildlife; includes camel rides, eagle encounters, turtle petting, and botanical exploration.

3h
$35-45 per person
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Domorning

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Explore desert animals, gardens, and trails in this expansive zoo.

3h
$30

Restaurants & Food (20)

Farm
Eatmorning

Farm

French-influenced cafe with garden seating; order crepes with lemon and strawberries or brioche French toast.

1h 15m
$20-35 per person
Afuri Ramen
Eatmorning

Afuri Ramen

Light ramen bowls; yuzu shio ramen.

1h
$20-30 per person
Birba
Eatevening

Birba

Pizza and small plates; margherita pie.

1h 30m
$25-45 per person
Brandini Toffee
Eatmorning

Brandini Toffee

Local toffee treats and coffee.

45m
$10-20 per person
Copleys On Palm Canyon
Eatafternoon

Copleys On Palm Canyon

Contemporary American in a historic house; short ribs or salads.

1h 30m
$50-80 per person
Downtown Palm Springs Restaurant District
Eatevening

Downtown Palm Springs Restaurant District

Walkable area featuring James Beard-nominated restaurants and upscale casual dining with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and creative preparations.

2h
$65-110 per person
EIGHT4NINE Restaurant & Lounge
Eatafternoon

EIGHT4NINE Restaurant & Lounge

Modern American with patio vibes; order the ahi tuna tacos or salads.

1h 15m
$30-50 per person
Elmer's Restaurant
Eatafternoon

Elmer's Restaurant

Legendary diner since 1960; famous clam chowder and fish & chips.

1h 15m
$15-30 per person
Ernie's Bar & Grill
Eatmorning

Ernie's Bar & Grill

Steakhouse breakfast; eggs benedict.

1h
$20-35 per person
Escena Grill
Eatafternoon

Escena Grill

Golf club views; try grilled fish tacos.

1h
$25-45 per person
Great Shakes
Eatmorning

Great Shakes

Retro soda fountain with shakes and sandwiches; try the classic milkshake.

45m
$10-20 per person
Jolly Rogers
Eatafternoon

Jolly Rogers

Lake-view seafood; fish & chips.

1h
$25-45 per person
King's Highway at Ace Hotel
Eatevening

King's Highway at Ace Hotel

Desert chic; roasted chicken.

1h 30m
$30-50 per person
Koffi
Eatmorning

Koffi

Cozy coffeehouse; order date shake and avocado toast.

1h
$15-25 per person
La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection - Restaurant
Eatevening

La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection - Restaurant

Fine dining at historic luxury resort situated on massive grounds, offering seasonal menus and elegant ambiance

1h 30m
$70-140 per person
Le Vallauris
Eatevening

Le Vallauris

Classic French in a garden setting; veal or sea bass specialties.

2h
$90-140 per person
Miro's Restaurant
Eatevening

Miro's Restaurant

Mediterranean fine dining; signature sea bass or rack of lamb.

2h
$80-120 per person
Mojave Flea Trading Post Cafe
Eatafternoon

Mojave Flea Trading Post Cafe

Artisan sandwiches amid local goods.

1h
$15-30 per person
Nine Sushi
Eatmorning

Nine Sushi

Sushi rolls for brunch twist.

1h
$20-35 per person
Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa - Dining
Eatevening

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa - Dining

Luxury resort restaurant offering fine dining in a fabulous desert setting with top-notch service

1h 30m
$75-135 per person

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