Palm Springs has a reputation as a desert paradise in southern California. This city boasts a mild climate for most months of the year, but being in the desert, the summertime can be very hot. With that, the number of pools and spas that you will find in the area more than offset the heat. If you like golfing, it’s hard to beat the choices you will find in Palm Springs. From simpler municipal courses up to professional-level choices, Palm Springs has a golf course for everyone.
Beyond some great outdoor activities that you will find in the area, Palm Springs is also known for world-class resorts that offer great dining and entertainment options. It’s also a great place to go shopping. There is not much in the way of public transportation in the area so having a rental car is a must. SUVs are perfect for larger groups and premium sedans make touring this area in style a great choice.
- 1. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
- 2. The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
- 3. Moorten Botanical Garden
- 4. Cabazon Dinosaurs
- 5. Palm Springs Air Museum
- 6. Indian Canyons
- 7. Tahquitz Canyon
- 8. Robolights
- 9. Ruddy’s General Store Museum
- 10. Civic Center Park
- Best Places to Eat & Drink in Palm Springs
Must-see attractions in Palm Springs
1. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
This has the distinction of being the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world. Since 1963 this tram has been offering a way to get from the floor of the Coachella Valley to the top of San Jacinto Peak. Once at the top of the peak you will see stunning views of both the mountains and the valley floor below.
Address: 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 1 to 2 hours
2. The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
This combination of a zoo and a botanical garden can be found in the Palm Desert. It is just a short drive in your rental car to the southeast of Palm Springs. One of the most popular things for visitors to do here is to feed the giraffes, or enjoy the outdoor model train set exhibit.
Address: 47900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert, CA 92260
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 2 hours
3. Moorten Botanical Garden
This may be one of the most unique botanical gardens you will ever visit. It specializes in plant life native to this desert area. Throughout the grounds, you will find several desert plants including a wide variety of succulents and cacti.
Address: 1701 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92264
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 1 hour
4. Cabazon Dinosaurs
If you are looking for a unique destination to visit with your rental car, this is just for you. The location offers two giant steel and concrete dinosaurs named Mr. Rex and Dinny the Dinosaur. You can find them just to the west of Palm Springs in the Banning Pass. You will probably never take a better photograph than standing in front of one of the dinosaurs!
Address: 50770 Seminole Dr., Cabazon, CA 92230
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 1 hour
5. Palm Springs Air Museum
For aviation buffs, there may be no better destination than this museum. The mission of the museum is to highlight and exhibit combat aircraft from World War II. There are also plenty of exhibits and information about the many Americans that both built and maintained these aircraft during the war. Quite a few of the aircraft here have appeared on television and movies. Many of the aircraft had southern California companies construct them.
Address: 745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 1 hour
6. Indian Canyons
If you are like to get out into the natural surroundings of the area, Indian Canyons is a great spot. These canyons sit in the mountains just to the south of Palm Springs and make for a pleasant drive. Once you are there, this is a fantastic place to go for a hike or a horseback ride. The palm oasis found in the center of the canyons is a must-see for visitors to this area.
Address: 38520 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92264
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 2 hours
7. Tahquitz Canyon
Close to Indian Canyons, you will find this canyon as well. What is striking about this area are all the natural rock formations and the waterfalls created from water flowing over these rocks. There is also quite a bit of artwork carved into the rock formations. This makes for a cool place to go for a walk or a hike on a warm summer day.
Address: 500 W. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 2 hours
8. Robolights
The Robolights exhibit features a collection of sculptures that are both whimsical and colorful. The sculptures have an arrangement in a garden setting that is easy to tour. It’s also a great place to visit during the early evening hours when the lights come on and illuminate the sculptures.
Address: 1077 E. Granvia Valmonte, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 1 hour
9. Ruddy’s General Store Museum
It’s natural for people that visit the Palm Springs area to imagine the Old West of days gone by. When you visit this museum, you will see a general store from the turn of the 20th century that has been painstakingly re-created. Not only that, but there are also plenty of gifts, arts and crafts and souvenirs that you can purchase when you are here.
Address: 221 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262
Entry fees: $1
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 1 hour
10. Civic Center Park
If you are looking for a place where the entire family can enjoy the outdoors while visiting Palm Springs, this is the place. The park is just a short drive to the southeast of Palm Springs. The park has playgrounds, lakes, tennis courts, basketball courts, skate parks and dog parks. With all these choices, this is an ideal place for practically any visitor to Palm Springs to relax or enjoy an activity they like.
Address: 43900 San Pablo Ave., Palm Desert, CA 92260
Entry fees: Free
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 2 hours
Best Places to Eat & Drink in Palm Springs
With great weather almost year-round, the number of choices for dining in Palm Springs are virtually endless. And that great weather means that outdoor dining is often a centerpiece of your experience.
Boozehouds Palm Springs: Because this restaurant has a giant outdoor patio, you are welcome to bring your dog on a leash. Some of the touches that you will find here include velvet banquettes, lots of greenery, neon signs, and an entire wall dedicated to the owner’s dogs. The menu has an Asian influence that includes plenty of seafood options.
1501 Uptown: If you are looking for something a little bit trendy and chic this is going to be right up your alley. The restaurant features roll-up glass doors and plenty of patio space, giving it an open and airy feel. The menu features upscale bar menu choices such as chicken wings, burgers, onion rings and salads. On top of that, there are quite a few great gin cocktails and local craft beers.
Workshop Kitchen + Bar: If you are on the lookout for something a little more modern and cutting edge this is your place. They offer a menu that comes straight out of a typical farmers’ market with items such as apple and yam soup and shrimp and grits.
