Aficionados of World War II aircraft will already know about the Palms Springs Air Museum – one of the largest collections of aircraft from this period in the world. For those with a passing interest, the museum provides an incredibly personal and informative experience.
The list of vehicles on display at Palm Springs Air Museum is overwhelming. Stroll through three huge hangars and view Grummans, Douglases, a P-51 Mustang, Supermarine Spitfire, Bell P-63 Kingcobra and General Dynamics F-16 Falcon. If you're unsure what all of these are, help is at hand. The museum is run by extremely enthusiastic volunteers, able to explain the role these planes played in various combats. You'll also learn how a number of these machines featured in war movies. The museum's 'no rope' policy means you can get up close to the aircraft – don't pass up the opportunity to walk through the belly of a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress.
As well as the planes on exhibit, artefacts, artwork (notably those by Stan Stokes) and various other memorabilia are on show. Children are welcomed into the museum – take smaller kids to enjoy the miniature flight tower, and older ones to try out the flight simulators.
Palm Springs Air Museum is renowned for its Open Cockpit Saturdays. These run throughout the summer, when you can climb into the cockpit of a vintage craft and have your photo taken. Documentaries on the history of the aircraft are screened in the museum's cinema. Aircraft are occasionally flown – call ahead for details. You can also book a tour of the museum with a veteran pilot. Book ahead by at least two weeks for this.
A small gift shop sells toy planes and memorabilia – great for kids young and old.
Palm Springs Air Museum is just to the north of the International Airport on Gene Autry Trail. From downtown Palm Springs, it's about a 10-minute drive. Free parking is available on-site. The museum opens daily, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
