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 adultC$208
Bus Toursfromper adultC$175
Food & Drinkfromper adultC$119
Likely To Sell Outfromper adultC$194
Historical Toursfromper adultC$138
Fun & Gamesfromper adultC$55
Photo Shootsfromper adultC$123
Historical Toursfromper group (up to 2)C$84
Painting Classesfromper adultC$558
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, Canada67 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, Canada67 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.
- PhotoDudeIIIToronto, Canada67 contributionsIt gets a little confusing with all the canyons in the Palm Springs area, but the Andreas Canyon is part of a group of canyons known collectively as the Indian Canyons. The Andreas Canyon Trail is the easiest and shortest of the trails. And the first half is in a lot of shade. The Andreas Canyon trail follows a creek that has allowed a lot of large palm trees to grow, hence the shade. And while the trail is “easy”, it is not recommended at all for those with mobility issues - this isn’t a paved walkway!
Go in the morning as Palm Springs gets hot hot hot! And bring water.Written May 1, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Grover RPensacola, FL18,131 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. - Codiak!Abbotsford, Canada10,890 contributionsIf you are an art lover and are in Palm Springs you must visit this museum. It is not a huge museum yet it offers a diverse selection of interesting pieces, some of which are by very famous artists.Written April 19, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Fappug55Yaphank, NY161 contributionsFantastic hike. Fantastic views throughout. Hummingbirds were an added bonus. The falls were great. Bring a towel and a change of socks.Written April 25, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- d22randyAnchorage, AK283 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, CA53 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, FL18,131 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, FL18,131 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. - Hedthree GPomona, CA81 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.
- elizabethlascheidLos Angeles, CA4,899 contributionsWhat a beautiful trail. It is marked as "easy", but it is not. I would call it moderate. Depending on the time of year, it can be wet and it always is a tad rocky. In the summer do not try this trail in the heat of the day. It gets so very hot. If you insist travel with water and don't go to far in.
We came here around 8:30 am on a weekday and got right in paying $12 per person to enter.
Park near the "Trading Post". They have some information there.
We did a good portion of the Palm Canyon trail. It is stunning with a collection of tall palm trees and a creek flowing through the oasis that is there. This area had nice shade. The wildlife is not easy to find but now and again we saw rabbits and some lizards. Do not touch them. There are beautiful rocks and grassy type areas. It is just so pretty.
I wish they had bathrooms, there are some porta pottys which are gross. Make sure to bring some wet wipes or something or you will be sorry you didn't.
Overall, it is beautiful. It is not at all disabled friendly. A wheel chair would be close to impossible to get over all the little rocks and bumps. You don't have to be in great shape, but you will be walking.
Have a safe time. Remove nothing from the area.Written April 1, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Palm Springs
- The top attractions to visit in Palm Springs are:
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
- Indian Canyons
- Palm Springs Air Museum
- San Jacinto Mountain
- Coachella Valley Preserve
- The best outdoor activities in Palm Springs according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- San Jacinto Mountain
- Indian Canyons
- Indian Canyons Hiking Trails
- Agua Caliente Indian Canyons
- Painted Canyon
- The best day trips from Palm Springs according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour
- Joshua Tree Open Air Hummer Adventure
- Joshua Tree Half Day Private Sunrise Hike
- Palm Springs and Joshua Tree Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle
- Private Shopping Tour from Palm Springs to Desert Hills Outlets
- The most popular things to do in Palm Springs with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- San Jacinto Mountain
- Palm Springs Windmill Tours
- Indian Canyons
- Palm Springs Air Museum
- Indian Canyons Hiking Trails