What to do in Palm Springs, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

A road lined with palm trees and flowers, leading towards a mountain range.
A desert landscape with tall palm trees and large rocks.
A waterfront with a dock, a large house with a balcony, and a forested hillside in the background.
A kayaker on a calm lake surrounded by large boulders and tall pine trees.
A modern art museum with glass railings, wooden floors, and a central sculpture.

Places to Visit in Palm Springs

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Palm Springs, California while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Palm Springs attractions from NZ$27, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Palm Springs tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 35 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Palm Springs. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

Aerial tram traveling high above the cliffs of Chino Canyon in California

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

NZ$56
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Highlights of Palm Springs Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Highlights of Palm Springs Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

NZ$30
per traveller
90% of travellers recommend
Highlights of Palm Springs Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
© Flytographer

Palm Springs - Private Photoshoot with a Top Local Photographer

NZ$573
per traveller
100% of travellers recommend
Palm Springs - Private Photoshoot with a Top Local Photographer
Palm Springs Windmill Tours

Palm Springs Windmill Tours

NZ$106
per traveller
100% of travellers recommend
Palm Springs Windmill Tours
Bank Heist Escape Room Game for Private Group

Bank Heist Escape Room Game for Private Group

NZ$74
per adult
Bank Heist Escape Room Game for Private Group
Joshua Tree Open Air Hummer Adventure

Joshua Tree Open Air Hummer Adventure

NZ$315
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Joshua Tree Open Air Hummer Adventure
Jack the Ripper Escape Room Game for Private Group

Jack the Ripper Escape Room Game for Private Group

NZ$74
per adult
Jack the Ripper Escape Room Game for Private Group
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Top places to visit

1. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

As long as you have a head for heights, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is likely to be a highlight of your trip. Since 1963 the attraction has been lifting passengers from the floor of the Coachella Valley, way up towards to the peak of the San Jacinto Mountains. Around 12 million have travelled on the tramway to date.
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A cable car system in a mountainous canyon with rocky terrain and a distant view of a valley.

2. Indian Canyon

Indian Canyons boasts some of Palm Springs' best hikes. For anyone who wants to get out in nature, soak up the sun and witness wildlife, this area is a must. Once almost solely inhabited by Native Americans, today the area is open for all to embrace. It's right on Palm Springs' doorstep too.
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A rocky desert landscape with sparse vegetation, palm trees, and mountains in the background.

3. Palm Springs Art Museum

The Palm Springs Art Museum started out life in 1938 as the Palm Springs Desert Museum. Back then, it was a small room focused on a few niche subjects. Today, its permanent collection amasses over 24,000 objects alone. Put aside a good few hours to appreciate the museum's engrossing exhibits and varied events programme.
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A modern indoor space with multiple levels, glass railings, and contemporary art installations.

4. Palm Springs Air Museum

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.
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A vintage military aircraft with a star insignia and the text "Harvets Chariot" on its side.

5. Mount San Jacinto State Park

At San Jacinto State Park and Peak, 86 kilometres of breath-taking trails and scenery await you. The naturalist John Muir once described this area as the most sublime spectacle on earth. When you come here yourself, you'll soon see what the fuss is about, with exquisite views and scenery that is just begging to be explored.
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A pine tree on rocky terrain with clear blue sky.

What to do in Palm Springs

Stay near popular Palm Springs attractions

A cable car system in a mountainous canyon with rocky terrain and a distant view of a valley.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

9.0/10 (3,337 reviews)
Ride the world's largest rotating aerial tramway from desert floor to alpine wilderness in just 10 minutes. At the summit, enjoy panoramic views across five distinct ecological zones while dining at 8,500 feet.
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Our guide on where to stay in Palm Springs

Find the best Palm Springs areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Palm Springs
Learn more about Palm Springs
A rocky landscape with palm trees and a clear sky.
Photo by My Walkabout
Open Photo by My Walkabout

Downtown Palm Springs

Downtown Palm Springs is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Agua Caliente Cultural Museum and Agua Caliente Casino, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Palm Springs.

A sign reading "PALM SPRINGS" with a mountainous landscape in the background.

Uptown Design District

Uptown Design District is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by San Jacinto Mountains and Desert Art Center while in the area.

A desert landscape with Joshua trees and a mountain range.

Warm Sands

When in Warm Sands, you can plan a visit to Palm Springs Convention Center and Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A street sign with 'Movie Colony' and 'Arquilla Rd' labels.

The Movie Colony

While The Movie Colony may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Palm Springs Convention Center and Agua Caliente Casino.

A mountainous landscape with a cable car system, rocky terrain, and sparse vegetation.

Tahquitz River Estates

Though Tahquitz River Estates may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Tahquitz Canyon and Moorten Botanical Garden.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Palm Springs

A geothermal area with steam vents and a lake surrounded by mountains.

Desert Hot Springs

A mountainous landscape with a sunset sky.

Cathedral City

An outdoor patio with string lights, tables, chairs, a fireplace, and palm trees.

Rancho Mirage

A mountain with a prominent peak, dense forest, and a partly cloudy sky.

Idyllwild

A large dinosaur statue with a clear blue sky in the background.

Cabazon

A solitary tree in a foggy landscape.

Mountain Center

Frequently asked questions

Is Palm Springs worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor pursuits and history, there are plenty of great things to do in Palm Springs. Remember to discover the area's mix of awesome sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Palm Springs?
After you've visited top attractions like Palm Springs Air Museum and Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, spend some time discovering Palm Springs's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Palm Springs?
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is one of the top tourist attractions in Palm Springs and deserves a place on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Palm Springs?
Three days will be enough time to check out many city highlights, like Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Palm Springs Air Museum and Palm Springs Art Museum. The average stay in Palm Springs is two days. If you have the time to extend your getaway, Palm Desert isn't far away.
Is Palm Springs a walkable city?
Some top sights in Palm Springs, such as Palm Springs Air Museum and Palm Springs Art Museum, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.16 kilometres from the city centre of Palm Springs is Downtown Palm Springs and Midtown is 0.97 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Palm Springs with kids?
If you're searching for sights and activities for all ages, check out these terrific ideas for what to do in Palm Springs with kids.

What to do in Palm Springs for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Palm Springs, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway or Desert Memorial Park.
Are there free things to do in Palm Springs?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Palm Springs is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. Tahquitz Canyon is one place that doesn't have an admission fee.

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