Things to Do in Palm Springs
DESTINATION GUIDE

Things to Do in Palm Springs

50 curated spots from Palm Springs itineraries

Activities & Attractions

30 curated experiences

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Do
morning

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

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

3h · $30
Indian Canyons
Do
morning

Indian Canyons

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

2h 30m · $12-20
Palm Springs Art Museum
Do
morning

Palm Springs Art Museum

Contemporary art, architecture exhibits, and sculpture garden.

1h 30m · $12-18
Palm Springs Walk of Stars
Do
afternoon

Palm Springs Walk of Stars

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

1h · Free
Ace Hotel Pool & Lounge
Do
evening

Ace Hotel Pool & Lounge

Swim and sunset drinks (walkable from dinner).

2h · $20
Bear Creek Trail Biking - La Quinta Area
Do
afternoon

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
Do
evening

Bootlegger Tiki Lounge

Live music and tropical cocktails.

2h · $20
Cabazon Dinosaurs & Outlets
Do
morning

Cabazon Dinosaurs & Outlets

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

2h · $15
Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert
Do
afternoon

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
Do
afternoon

Desert Hills Premium Outlets

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

3h · Varies
El Paseo Shopping District
Do
evening

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
Do
morning

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
Do
afternoon

Free Explore Uptown Design District

Browse boutiques and galleries at leisure.

3h · Free
Golf Course Recreation - Desert Springs Resort
Do
afternoon

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
Do
afternoon

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
Do
morning

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
Do
afternoon

Moorten Botanical Garden

Cacti and succulents in a family-owned desert garden.

1h · $5-8
Palm Canyon Drive Stroll
Do
morning

Palm Canyon Drive Stroll

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

1h 30m · Free
Palm Springs Air Museum
Do
morning

Palm Springs Air Museum

Tour historic aircraft hangars (10-min drive).

2h · $25
Palm Springs Architecture Tours
Do
afternoon

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
Do
afternoon

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
Do
afternoon

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
Do
morning

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
Do
morning

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
Do
afternoon

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
Do
afternoon

Shopping on Palm Canyon Drive

Vintage stores like Iconic Atomic for mid-century finds.

2h · Varies
Tahquitz Canyon
Do
evening

Tahquitz Canyon

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

2h · $15
Tahquitz Canyon Hike
Do
morning

Tahquitz Canyon Hike

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

2h · $15
The Living Desert Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Do
morning

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
Do
morning

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

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

3h · $30

Restaurants & Food

20 local favorites

Farm
Eat
morning

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
Eat
morning

Afuri Ramen

Light ramen bowls; yuzu shio ramen.

1h · $20-30 per person
Birba
Eat
evening

Birba

Pizza and small plates; margherita pie.

1h 30m · $25-45 per person
Brandini Toffee
Eat
morning

Brandini Toffee

Local toffee treats and coffee.

45m · $10-20 per person
Copleys On Palm Canyon
Eat
afternoon

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
Eat
evening

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
Eat
afternoon

EIGHT4NINE Restaurant & Lounge

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

1h 15m · $30-50 per person
Elmer's Restaurant
Eat
afternoon

Elmer's Restaurant

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

1h 15m · $15-30 per person
Ernie's Bar & Grill
Eat
morning

Ernie's Bar & Grill

Steakhouse breakfast; eggs benedict.

1h · $20-35 per person
Escena Grill
Eat
afternoon

Escena Grill

Golf club views; try grilled fish tacos.

1h · $25-45 per person
Great Shakes
Eat
morning

Great Shakes

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

45m · $10-20 per person
Jolly Rogers
Eat
afternoon

Jolly Rogers

Lake-view seafood; fish & chips.

1h · $25-45 per person
King's Highway at Ace Hotel
Eat
evening

King's Highway at Ace Hotel

Desert chic; roasted chicken.

1h 30m · $30-50 per person
Koffi
Eat
morning

Koffi

Cozy coffeehouse; order date shake and avocado toast.

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

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
Eat
evening

Le Vallauris

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

2h · $90-140 per person
Miro's Restaurant
Eat
evening

Miro's Restaurant

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

2h · $80-120 per person
Mojave Flea Trading Post Cafe
Eat
afternoon

Mojave Flea Trading Post Cafe

Artisan sandwiches amid local goods.

1h · $15-30 per person
Nine Sushi
Eat
morning

Nine Sushi

Sushi rolls for brunch twist.

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

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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