The Best Things To Do In Palm Springs, CA

things to do in palm springs CA

Palm Springs grew in popularity as a resort destination in the early twentieth century,  with Hollywood flocking here for a favorite getaway from Los Angeles. It has always enticed visitors with its desert

scenery, golf courses, attractive mid-century vacation homes, and fantastic restaurant scenes.

While many people will spend their weekends lazing at hotel pools, Palm Springs offers various additional activities. During Coachella, it transforms into the epicenter of extraordinary things, with events like the design-focused Modernism Week and the bizarre Christmas light exhibition Robolights. Let us know more about things to do in palm springs CA

Palm Springs is a popular tourist destination all year, especially between December and April when the infamous dry heat isn’t oppressive. Regardless, bring lots of water and sunscreen with you on your trip, and choose hotels with a pool. To escape the midday heat, schedule most of your activities for the morning or after dusk. Along the drive to and from the desert, you should stop in Cabazon (see the dinosaur museum and outlet mall) and Joshua Tree (visit the Joshua Tree National Park) (for hiking and stargazing).

What Is the Best Time to Visit Palm Springs?

things to do in palm springs CA

Looking forward to things to do in palm springs, CA let us first know the best time to visit the place:

Winter in the desert is peak tourism season: the weather is ideal for all of Palm Springs’ favorite pleasures, including spa pampering, pool relaxing, and hiking. January’s average highs vary from the mid-40s to the high 60s. Lows in the upper 50s and highs in the mid-80s are expected in April. However, keep in mind that things to do in palm springs with kids may be crowded, and accommodation costs will increase during certain months. 

Summer season: In Palm Springs, summer is a long and scorching season. Even though the city is almost devoid of tourists, you will have to battle with typical daily temperatures that routinely exceed 100 degrees. Even if you’re lazing poolside, the heat can make it difficult to enjoy the city.

However, the heat does cool down significantly in the evenings, so if you’re a night owl who prefers mild weather after dark, summer in Palm Springs might be ideal for you. This is the best time to visit thindless things to do in palm springs with kids.

The Best Things to Do in Palm Springs

things to do in palm springs CA

Let us have a look at the things to do in palm springs, CA where you can enjoy the most of the Palm Springs trip

Aerial Tramway

things to do in palm springs CA: Aerial Tramway
things to do in palm springs CA: Aerial Tramway

Are you in the mood to enjoy some adventurous things to do in Palm Springs, CA? As you drive into Palm Springs, take Tramway Road for a few minutes to find this famous canyon-hugging gondola ride. After 10 minutes and a double-digit temperature drop, board a revolving vehicle within an angular 1963 station, and you’ll be facing the entire Coachella Valley below. Hike further into the San Jacinto Mountains or spend a good time at a summit restaurant, café, or lounge.

Living Desert Zoo

things to do in palm springs CA: Living Desert Zoo
things to do in palm springs CA: Living Desert Zoo

This zoo appears just like a living chunk of the Sonoran Desert, as its name suggests, and is the major palm springs attraction. The primarily outdoor location, located a few miles outside of Palm Springs, is divided into North American and African habitats. There are a variety of wild cats and hoofed creatures on the grounds, as well as giraffe feedings ($8).

Art Museum in the Palm Springs

things to do in palm springs CA: Art Museum
things to do in palm springs CA

Among the most loved things to do in Palm Springs with kids during your weekend, visiting the art museum in Palm Springs is the best one. This midsize museum feature works by Henry Moore, Robert Motherwell, Helen Frankenthaler, Sam Francis, Mark di Suvero, Edward Ruscha, and West Coast artists like Sam Francis, Mark di Suvero and Edward Ruscha. 

In addition, desert cultures and topics, such as modernism, Native Americans, and the American West, are frequently featured in exhibitions. The museum also has an accessible satellite facility in Palm Desert and a downtown Palm Springs architecture and design center. Read more about things to do in Palm Springs, CA.

Visitors Centre

things to do in palm springs CA: Visitors Centre
things to do in palm springs CA: Visitors Centre

Even if you don’t require any information from the official Palm Springs welcome center, it’s worth a visit to see the architecture for looking for palm springs attractions. The Space Age construction first opened as a gas station in 1965. When the retro design of Albert Frey and Robson Chambers was set for demolition in the 1990s, it was rescued and converted into a visitors’ center. If you need some help, you can schedule a Palm Springs tour right here.

Coachella Valley Preserve

things to do in palm springs CA: Coachella Valley Preserve
things to do in palm springs CA: Coachella Valley Preserve

The Coachella Valley Preserve may appear to be a lifeless desert, but if you look closely, you’ll notice that its 20,000-plus acres include much more than sand and scrub. The area also consists of the Thousand Palms Oasis, which has more than 25 kilometers of hiking trails. Along the paths, you’ll see unusual fauna, lush palm woodland oasis, and desert wetlands that bloom with wildflowers at different times of the year.

Previous visitors recommend stopping by this palm springs attraction housed in a log cabin at the park’s entrance to pick up a trail guide before setting out. You may also get a copy of it by clicking here.

Joshua National Park

things to do in palm springs CA: Joshua National Park
things to do in palm springs CA: Joshua National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a desert oasis in the middle of nowhere, known as the best thing to do in palm springs with kids. Joshua Tree caters to various active travelers, from Hidden Valley (which has a pleasant, straightforward climb) to the Cholla Cactus Garden (which offers many photo opportunities at dusk). Meanwhile, the Keys Perspective overlook, perched in the Little San Bernardino Mountains, is another fantastic spot for a beautiful view of the Coachella Valley.

The park rangers advised bringing plenty of water whether you’re trekking or just driving through — after all, this is the desert. Recent visitors also recommended bringing food to enjoy at one of Hidden Valley’s picnic tables.

Indian Canyon

things to do in palm springs CA: Indian Canyon
things to do in palm springs CA: Indian Canyon

These canyons, which include Palm Canyon, Murray Canyon, and Andreas Canyon, are located 6 miles south of central Palm Springs on the reservation lands of the Agua Caliente, a local Native American tribe. Hiking routes with spectacular desert landscapes are available in all three canyons, but other activities are also available.

 For example, you may go horseback riding or buy authentic Native American artwork or ceramics at Palm Canyon. Meanwhile, animal-spotting is best in the Andreas and Murray canyons; if you’re lucky, you might even observe endangered species like Peninsular desert bighorn sheep and Least Bell’s Vireo bird when exploring Murray Canyon.

Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway

things to do in palm springs CA: Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway
things to do in palm springs CA: Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway

The Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway was once the Robert and Helene Alexander mansion in Las Palmas, home to 1960s socialites Robert and Helene Alexander. It is the most visited palm springs attraction.

The Alexanders leased the house to the King and his new spouse, Priscilla, in the mid-1960s. The couple spent their honeymoon at the estate, and Lisa, their first and only child, was born nine months later. Visitors can now take a tour of the house with an Elvis or Priscilla look-alike “tribute artist” or tour guide. On-site events, such as an annual tribute concert, are also held.

Fans of Elvis Presley and architecture buffs will enjoy a tour of this historic mansion. Many previous visitors praised the informative and pleasant guides. However, some wished there was more to see.

Air Museum

things to do in palm springs CA: Air Museum
things to do in palm springs CA: Air Museum

They are looking for the best things to do in palm springs with kids? The Palm Springs Air Museum features a sizable collection of military planes, many of which are still operational. There are planes from World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars on display. It’s a fascinating location to visit because most of the docents who give tours are veterans who have first-hand knowledge of the aircraft they discuss.

The planes are on display in static displays, and some of them, like a sizeable B-17 bomber, can be toured inside. Because much of the collection is on display inside hangars, it’s a perfect spot to go if you want to get away from the city’s oppressive summer heat.

Golfing

things to do in palm springs CA: Golfing
things to do in palm springs CA: Golfing

Over 100 championship golf courses can be found in Palm Springs and adjacent communities such as La Quinta, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, and Palm Desert. Many of the city’s most outstanding courses are free and open to the public (waiting lists are long during popular periods). 

The city is a popular golf destination, especially during the winter months, when the weather is ideal for golf (an average of over 300 days of sunshine per year). You may enjoy the gorgeous environment and desert backdrops in addition to the well-kept and challenging courses.

Conclusion

This is a complete list of the best Palm Springs attractions. If you are planning a trip to this place, you must visit all these places and have a blast with your family. There are many things to do in palm springs with kids that will keep you engaged and help you make the most out of your trip.

For more updates on the tourism industry, visit Travelila.

Also read :

Amazing Things to Do in California Know All About It