Best Things To Do in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a city in California, United States, where nature has made room for urban development without losing any of its grandeur. That's why during your visit to this small city you can enjoy a variety of adventures on rocky terrain, canyons, mountains, natural parks, desert areas and much more.

Among the many things to see and do in Palm Springs, you could start by venturing into Joshua Tree National Park in an off-road vehicle, or take a stroll through the imposing San Andreas Fault and its geological wonders. You can also admire contemporary art at the Palm Springs Art Museum, ride the world's largest cable car, meditate in the desert, and much more. Below, I will tell you all about it in detail.

To begin your adventure during your stay in Palm Springs, I suggest you venture into Joshua Tree National Park. Due to its proximity to the desert, the city is an ideal starting point for exploring this important natural area, located approximately an hour's drive from the city centre. In this park, you can admire desert landscapes and unique trees, which you will explore in a different way if you decide to book an off-road tour of Joshua Tree in Palm Springs.

During this experience, you will travel along dirt roads that cross the vast desert, observing the iconic Joshua trees up close. Also, take note of the rock formations along the trails and, if you are fortunate, you will probably see examples of the local fauna, such as snakes or golden eagles.

You can also stop at viewpoints to take photos of the wide valleys and canyons. All this in the company of an expert local guide, who will share details about the history and geology of the park, as well as the species that inhabit it, to give you a better idea of this natural sanctuary.

Useful information

• Price: around €224 per person.
• Duration: The guided experience lasts about 5 hours.
• Advantage: you will have access to the most remote corners of the park and a privileged view of the California desert.

Thanks to its geographical location, Palm Springs offers easy access to the famous San Andreas Fault. This is one of the most important geological formations in the world, stretching over 1,200 km, which you can visit during your stay in the city.

If you decide to join a jeep tour of the San Andreas Fault in Palm Springs, you will venture into this imposing natural formation in the company of a guide and your travel group. You will pass through rugged canyons and arid valleys, while learning about the impact the fault has had on the region.

The expert guide will also provide information about the tectonic movements that have shaped the terrain, and you will visit some key points to observe the fractures in the earth up close. You will also learn about the Cahuilla Native American tribe, which has a close relationship with this desert area and used desert plants for food, medicine, and shelter.

Useful information

• Price: around £140 per person.
• Duration: approximately 3 hours.
• Advantage: you will enjoy a unique experience in one of the most famous geological areas in the world.

If you believe in UFOs and other forms of life beyond our planet, an unmissable activity when visiting Palm Springs is to join a stargazing and UFO tour in Palm Springs. At the end of the day, you will venture along the trails of Joshua Tree for an incredible night-time sighting experience.

To carry out the stargazing and UFO watching, you will be accompanied by an expert guide, who will narrate the activity and provide you with information about astronomy and the elements you see. The organisers will provide you with some equipment for the experience, such as night vision binoculars and laser pointers, which will allow you to see the clear sky with total clarity.

This will allow your eyes to capture some of the planets, stars, and other elements present in the cosmos that will leave you amazed. According to some accounts, you will be able to see the sky almost as it looked about 1,000 years ago, making you feel as if you are travelling through time and space.

Useful information

• Admission: approximately €175 per person.
• Duration: around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Advantage: you will enjoy a magical night under the clear skies of this desert area.

One of the most classic ways to get to know Palm Springs is to explore its hidden corners and discover its charm while cycling. It's a quick and eco-friendly way to explore the city. You can rent a bike on your own or join a bike tour of Palm Springs.

During an average of three hours, you'll ride through the city's main streets to see its sights. You will see iconic residences and buildings, whose architecture blends retro and modernist styles. You will also visit some of the most important neighbourhoods in the region, such as:

• Twin Palms, characterised by the two palm trees that often adorn the entrances of the houses and buildings inside.
• Indian Canyons, with several luxury homes dating back to the 1960s and the famous golf course.
• Deepwell Estates, with mansions dating back to Hollywood's golden age, characterised by lush gardens and exquisite architecture.

These areas also offer breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty, such as the San Jacinto Mountains and desert areas, which you can capture in photographs.

Useful information

• Price: approximately £85 per person.
• Duration: an average of 3 hours.
• Advantage: you will explore the most iconic architecture of Palm Springs and enjoy views of the surrounding area on a pleasant bike ride.

The imposing nature that occupies the Palm Springs area is worthy of admiration and, at the same time, makes the city a place for special activities such as a meditation session in the middle of the desert. Therefore, I suggest you take a tour of the desert nature and meditation in Palm Springs to enjoy a unique experience of contemplation.

In this activity, you will enter Joshua Tree National Park, specifically the area considered sacred by Native American tribes. You will begin a walk around the area while admiring the surrounding desert nature.

You will also participate in a guided meditation session and a sound bath experience . To do this, you will enter a cave and connect with Mother Nature . All this will be guided by an instructor who will help you develop your concentration to achieve purification and feel calm. You will also be able to immerse yourself in a natural pool to complete your relaxation.

Useful information

• Admission: around €90 per person.
• Duration: approximately 3 hours.
• Advantage: you will relax in the middle of the desert, taking advantage of all the properties present in the surroundings.

If you are interested in learning about the history of the city, consider taking a carriage tour of Palm Springs. You will travel back in time to the era of explorers and pioneers in this urban settlement as you ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

To embark on this adventure, you will likely depart from the city centre and explore the surrounding urban, desert and mountainous landscapes. All the while, you will listen to stories about local life, Old West culture and historical figures from the region told by your guide.

You will also be able to admire the San Jacinto Mountains in the distance and examples of flora characteristic of the Californian desert, such as palm trees and cacti. Depending on the tour you choose, you will probably make stops to take photographs at some iconic locations and thus record this wonderful experience.

Useful information

• Admission: approximately €125 per person.
• Duration: an average of 3 hours.
• Advantage: you will learn about the history of the city while observing it from a different perspective.

To see the city and its natural beauty from a bird's eye view, I recommend buying tickets for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. This is the largest rotating cable car in the world. It will take you up more than 2,500 metres along the steep walls of the area to reach the top, where you will be rewarded with an exceptional view.

With its 360-degree rotation, the cabin allows you to enjoy panoramic views of Mount San Jacinto State Park and Chino Canyon. What's more, the experience is not limited to the ascent, as there is also plenty to see and do once you reach the top.

You can enjoy some snacks at the station's restaurants, hike along the various designated trails, visit the park's natural history museum, view the flora and fauna exhibits, and much more. Without a doubt, this tour will give you an idea of the uniqueness and beauty of Palm Springs.

Useful information

• Price: approximately £27 per person.
• Timetable: first ascent at 10:00, last descent at 21:30 (varies according to the season).
• Advantage: you will experience one of California's most impressive natural attractions, combined with spectacular views.

Palm Springs is a city where culture and art are also present. That's why I invite you to visit the Palm Springs Museum of Art. This is a prominent cultural destination in the region, with a wide variety of modern and contemporary art exhibits . Its collection includes various works spanning painting, sculpture, photography, and design, with a special focus on art from California and the southwestern United States.

During your visit, you can explore some of the following thematic areas:

• Contemporary art, with works by artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.
• Modern sculpture, featuring pieces by Henry Moore and Alexander Calder.
• Photography, with a remarkable collection of images from the 20th and 21st centuries.
• Indigenous art, with a section dedicated to the native cultures of the region.

The museum also has a performing arts theatre where cultural presentations and events are often held.

Useful information

• Admission: from around €42 per person.
• Opening hours: generally Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. Closed Monday to Wednesday.
• Advantage: you will discover one of the most important art collections in Southern California in an iconic building of desert architecture.

Those looking to relax, breathe fresh air and get in touch with nature can visit the Palm Springs Water Botanical Garden, a desert oasis that offers an interesting display of native flora and plants from the American Southwest. In this natural haven, you can enjoy peace and tranquillity while exploring a variety of cacti, succulents and desert plants that are adapted to the arid conditions of the region.

During your visit, you will see the extensive collection of cacti, including some exotic and local species. You will also learn about medicinal plants, which have been commonly used by native communities.

If you wish, you can walk the surrounding trails while observing some habitats and learning about how plants adapt to the arid climate typical of the area . You will also understand the importance of water conservation in this geographical area and, in general, change your view of what life in the desert is like.

Useful information

• Admission: from £5 per person.
• Opening hours: Thursday to Tuesday from 10:00 to 16:00.
• Advantage: you will enjoy a unique experience where you can get away from the hustle and bustle and connect with nature without leaving the city.

Those who prefer sporting activities should know that Palm Springs is an ideal setting for golf, as it is home to world-renowned courses that offer both beginners and experts a fun and high-level playing experience. The city has a wide selection of courses designed by legendary golfers, set amid stunning desert landscapes surrounded by mountains.

When playing on one of the courses in and around the city, you will have the opportunity to enjoy well-maintained greens and spectacular views. Some of the most popular courses include Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort and Indian Canyons Golf Resort, each with its own charm and challenges.

To enjoy this sporting experience, you can organise a game on your own or book a golf package in Palm Springs with a provider. These packages usually include access to private courses, equipment hire and sometimes even lessons with professionals who will help you improve your technique, especially if you have little experience in this discipline.

Useful information

• Price: depending on the course, between €75 and €150 per person.
• Hours: most courses are open from sunrise to sunset.
• Advantage: you will enjoy a high-level golfing experience while taking in the stunning desert views of Palm Springs.