Things to do in Palm Springs
THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Palm Springs
Things to Do in Palm Springs
Explore popular experiences
See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Palm Springs.
Food & Drinkfromper adultC$42
Adventure Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)C$208
Food & Drinkfromper adultC$119
Bus Toursfromper adultC$175
Likely To Sell Outfromper adultC$194
Fun & Gamesfromper adultC$54
Historical Toursfromper adultC$138
Historical Toursfromper group (up to 2)C$84
Photo Shootsfromper adultC$123
4WD Toursfromper group (up to 4)C$24
Other Top Attractions around Palm Springs
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- PhotoDudeIIIToronto, Canada106 contributionsOne of the most popular attractions in Palm Springs, and easy to see why. Situated 8100 feet above sea level, you get a pretty good view of the area. The tram that takes you to the top rotates, so that you get a 360 degree view as you journey up to the top. So don’t worry about where you are in the tram when you get in. You’ll rotate around.
Once you go up the tramway to the top, there are various viewpoints and trails. People who are afraid of heights did not enjoy this, based on what I saw in the time I was there. A definite “must do” if you are in Palm Springs.
Go early in the morning, as it gets busy quickly. The temperature is 10-20 degrees F cooler up there, so be warned you might want to bring along a jacket.Written April 28, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - PhotoDudeIIIToronto, Canada106 contributionsQuite the museum of older aircraft. If you are a history or military buff, you must check this museum out if you are in the Palm Springs area. Good detail in the various exhibits, and friendly staff. You can whip through it pretty quickly (about an hour) if you don’t read a lot, or if you read all the various exhibits, you could be there all day.Written May 1, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Roxanne B21 contributionsGreat place. Beautiful & scenic. Trails maintained well. Very clean. Saw bighorn sheep. Weather was great. Palm trees provide shaded areas & many places to picnic. Plan on going back to hike other trails and the up to the waterfall. Restrooms available. 3 canyons total. Andreas, Murray & Palm. We hiked palm canyon. Plenty of parking. Trading post with native American items & nice little snack stand that sells cold drinks, and treats, etc. We did run into one rattlesnake on the trail, so just be aware. Highly recommend! Great place! Absolutely gorgeous & unique!Written May 19, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Grover RPensacola, FL21,755 contributionsSan Jacinto Mountain looms over Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. One of the Southern California Saints along with San Antonio in the San Gabriels and San Gorgonio in the San Bernadinos, the mountain reaches 10,800 feet which is not that high even for the state of California; however, its prominences, which measures how high the mountain feels, is one of the top 30 most prominent mountains in North American. This is why the Coachella Valley feels so impressive snugged under the snow-capped mountain. Between the Mojave Desert of Joshua Tree NP and the Colorado Desert of the Coachella Valley, you simply dont expect to see snowed capped mountains, especially in late March but San Jacinto is one.
We had the chance to see if from Joshua Tree National Park and from the Indian Canyons of Palm Springs as well as simply driving in the Coachella Valley and it is impressive from anywhere you see. You can take the tram to about 8,500 feet and hike the remainer to the top. However, in March when we visited to as late as May, that hike will be in snow. The mountain is an impressive attraction to any Palm Springs visit.Written April 10, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Stephen F9 contributionsThis museum is a treasure. It is ideally located two blocks from the Main Street of Palm Canyon. Try to take a Docent tour. They last 30-45 minutes, are free, and ALWAYS enhance the experience of the permanent collection as well as the Special exhibits. Today’s tour with Maureen of the Norman Zammitt exhibition was no exception. And don’t miss the well curated Gift Store!Written May 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Guide138162219573 contributionsBeautiful waterfall worth hiking into. They require 32 oz of water to buy tickets. They won’t let you in without it. Other trails require more. There’s a lot of steps up and down. It’s not really a flat trail. But it was amazing.Written May 15, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- d22randyAnchorage, AK271 contributionsGreat thing to do on a Thursday night! Lots of fun food, crafts, vendors, people watching and dog strolling! There are a lot of different types of vendors...from books to candles to all things date, bakery items, ponchos and the list goes on!Written February 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ashley WPalm Springs, CA33 contributionsVisited Coachella Valley - desert paradise! Gorgeous landscapes and endless adventures. Loved every moment! There was so much to exploreWritten April 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Grover RPensacola, FL21,755 contributionsWhile it may not be my favorite thing, the ladies on our trip were glad to have a free day where they could shop and the place to go is Palm Canyon Drive. We met them here for lunch at El Patron on Palm Canyon as well. It is the main street for Downtown Palm Springs both retail and hospitality. For those in your group that may not want to do outdoor activities all day, this is a welcomed diversion.Written April 10, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Grover RPensacola, FL21,755 contributionsIn the mountains around Palm Springs and Joshua Tree NP, there are a number of oasis canyons with large palms. The most impressive in terms of size and number of trees is Palm Canyon. It is amazing how many, how big and how thick the palms are in this canyon. The day before in Joshua Tree NP we hiked to 49 Palms which is really cool. However, the first glance you get of Palm Canyon from the Visitor Center parking lot will provide 4-5 times as many palms as you will see in the national park. Then you descend into the canyon and more impressive than the canyon is the size of the palms you are walking under.
Also, here you will actually find water running the canyon from snow melt high above. You will get to cross it on rocks in the stream which are great places for pictures. While there are signs warning of snakes, we did not see any real wildlife other than birds and lizards.
What is interesting is the palms. Some are clothed by the dying frowns of seasons past, some are just the naked trunk, and some have evidence of fire damage. With that said, these palms are beautiful and provide great shade that makes it comfortable to hike despite being in the desert. Nowhere is that more noticeable than when you leave the canyon and you find yourself in the scorching sun. Within steps of the canyon path, you go from under the trees to great views above but no shade.
There is a charge to visit Palm Canyon. However, for our group, the value of what you will see here far exceeds that charge. It is a truly magical place within the desert.Written April 13, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - 50JoanneVancouver, Canada4 contributionsMay 14, 2024 only ran into one group of people. We went the opposite direction (not knowing) and took us 4 hours total however using maps.me and Alltrails we found it challenging to find the right path! Came out the ladder way and that was no problem whatsoever, really enjoyed that part after we got on the right path (could someone just take a can of paint with an arrow!). The 3 of us are 68 and average to good fitness however it was 38 degrees (we started at 9 am), didn’t bother me but my friend really feels the heat so a challenge for her - obviously take plenty of water and always wear a hat.Written May 14, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Hedthree GPomona, CA76 contributionsPalm Springs is short on things to do. This is a SMALL garden with wonderful specimens. It's a nice place. Plan on no more than 20 minutes.Written April 23, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
