9 Things to Do in Palm Springs

You’ll discover Palm Springs offers incredible desert adventures without breaking the bank. Ride the rotating aerial tramway up 6,000 feet, hike to Tahquitz Canyon’s stunning waterfall, or explore Joshua Tree’s otherworldly landscapes on a day trip. Stroll Palm Canyon Drive for Thursday’s free VillageFest, hunt for iconic mid-century architecture, and tour the massive wind farms. Don’t miss the Indian Canyons’ palm oases and world-class museums. These experiences reveal why this desert destination captivates visitors year-round.

Ride the Rotating Tramway to Mt. San Jacinto

When you’re looking for an unforgettable Palm Springs experience that won’t break the bank, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway delivers spectacular bang for your buck. This engineering marvel takes you on a 10-minute journey from desert floor to alpine wilderness, climbing nearly 6,000 feet while rotating cars provide 360-degree views.

You’ll experience a dramatic 30-40°F temperature drop as you travel 2.5 miles through Chino Canyon’s cliffs.

At the top, explore 50+ miles of hiking trails, enjoy restaurants with panoramic views, or simply relax on observation decks overlooking the Coachella Valley. Since opening in 1963, over 20 million people have experienced this iconic attraction.

Winter brings snow activities like cross-country skiing, while year-round you’ll find museums, theaters, and access to Mt. San Jacinto State Park‘s pristine wilderness areas.

Explore Joshua Tree National Park on a Day Trip

Just an hour’s drive from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park offers one of Southern California’s most accessible desert wilderness experiences without requiring an overnight stay. You’ll want to leave early (6–7 a.m.) to beat the heat and crowds while maximizing your 8–10 hour adventure.

Enter through one gate and exit another to avoid backtracking along the 50-mile park road system. Morning’s perfect for short hikes like Hidden Valley’s 1-mile boulder loop or the Cholla Cactus Garden boardwalk.

During midday heat, stick to scenic drives and quick photo stops at Skull Rock. Pack plenty of water and sun protection since the park has no cell coverage and limited services.

Don’t miss Keys View for sunset panoramas over Coachella Valley. If you’d rather skip the driving, guided van tours run 4.5–5 hours from Palm Springs, covering major highlights with minimal planning required.

Hike to Tahquitz Canyon’s 60-Foot Waterfall

While most Palm Springs hikes lead you into barren desert landscapes, Tahquitz Canyon delivers something completely different—a 60-foot waterfall cascading into a swimming hole just 20 minutes from downtown. This 1.7-mile loop trail on the Agua Caliente reservation offers surprisingly lush scenery along Tahquitz Creek, plus ancient Cahuilla rock art and irrigation systems.

You’ll pay $12.50-$15 admission at the visitor center, which opens at 7:30 a.m. (last entry 3:30 p.m.). The moderate hike gains 300 feet through sandy washes and rocky steps. Bring at least 32 ounces of water—rangers enforce this during hot weather.

Visit during cooler months for the invigorating waterfall flow, as it can run dry in summer. The deep pool at the base makes for revitalizing swimming after your desert trek. The waterfall’s granite slab creates a dramatic platform where water flows before plunging into the pool below.

Discover Indian Canyons’ Palm Oases

Beyond Tahquitz Canyon’s single waterfall, the Indian Canyons reveal an entire network of desert oases where thousands of native California fan palms create some of the most stunning natural refuges in North America. You’ll find three main canyons across 31,500 acres of protected Agua Caliente tribal land, connected by over 60 miles of hiking trails.

Start with Palm Canyon, home to the world’s largest undisturbed California fan palm oasis featuring 2,500 adult palms. The main trail follows Palm Canyon Creek through 15 miles of desert wilderness.

Andreas Canyon offers a scenic one-mile loop through the second-largest palm oasis, while Murray Canyon leads to the seasonal Seven Sisters waterfall. The canyons showcase over 150 plant species creating diverse ecosystems within the desert environment. Access costs around $9 for adults via South Palm Canyon Drive.

Stroll Palm Canyon Drive and Catch Thursday’s VillageFest

Every Thursday evening, Palm Canyon Drive transforms into one of Southern California’s most vibrant street fairs when VillageFest takes over three blocks of downtown Palm Springs. You’ll find 180-200 vendors selling handmade jewelry, pottery, paintings, and crafts—with 80% being the actual artists behind their work.

The street closes from 6-10 p.m., creating a pedestrian paradise filled with live musicians, food booths serving tamales and tri-tip sandwiches, and plenty of browsing opportunities. This weekly tradition has been drawing visitors to downtown Palm Springs since 1991. Plan 1-2 hours for your visit, and don’t miss the Thursday night specials at nearby restaurants and bars displaying “BOLT” signs.

Best of all, admission’s completely free. You can even bring your dog and combine your stroll with the Palm Springs Art Museum’s free Thursday evening admission.

Visit World-Class Museums From Art to Aviation

After exploring downtown’s lively street scene, you’ll discover that Palm Springs houses an impressive collection of world-class museums that rival those found in major metropolitan areas. The Palm Springs Art Museum anchors the cultural scene with over 12,000 objects spanning contemporary art, photography, and Native American works, plus rotating exhibitions that keep repeat visits fresh.

Aviation enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Palm Springs Air Museum, featuring one of the world’s largest collections of flyable WWII aircraft. You can get remarkably close to cockpits and engines in air-conditioned hangars, often hearing firsthand accounts from veteran docents.

For architecture lovers, the dedicated Architecture & Design Center showcases midcentury modernism in a restored 1961 building, perfectly complementing Palm Springs’ Desert Modern heritage. Don’t overlook the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, which offers a unique perspective on the indigenous history of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians through captivating exhibits and educational programs.

Experience Desert Wildlife at The Living Desert Zoo

When you’re ready to connect with desert wildlife beyond the museum halls, The Living Desert Zoo offers an extraordinary encounter with over 450 animals representing 150+ species from the world’s arid regions.

You’ll explore carefully recreated habitats featuring endangered Mexican wolves, jaguars, and mountain lions alongside the impressive 4-acre Rhino Savanna with 11 African species.

This AZA-accredited zoo spans 1,200+ protected acres, combining animal exhibits with extensive botanical gardens showcasing desert-adapted plants. As a non-profit organization, The Living Desert operates without ongoing tax support and has generated over $534M in economic impact since 2018.

You can enjoy miles of hiking trails into the Santa Rosa Mountains while learning about conservation efforts across three continents.

Visit during cooler months (8:00 am–5:00 pm) or summer’s early hours (7:00 am–1:30 pm) to maximize your experience at this top-ranked desert conservation destination.

Hunt for Mid-Century Modern Architecture

Palm Springs showcases one of America’s largest concentrations of mid-century modern architecture, where you can spend days hunting down iconic landmarks that define the Desert Modernism movement. Start at the futuristic Palm Springs Visitors Center with its space-age hyperbolic roof, then explore City Hall’s signature circular portico. Don’t miss the Wexler Steel Houses – seven prefabricated gems that’re now historic landmarks.

For residential gems, cruise through Twin Palms Estates to see William Krisel’s affordable vacation homes, each featuring two palm trees. The Royal Hawaiian Estates blend Modernist lines with tiki motifs beautifully. Albert Frey’s hillside house integrates boulders into the living space. Architecture enthusiasts can time their visit for the annual Modernism Week in February, featuring over 350 events celebrating the city’s design heritage. Many sites offer free exterior viewing, making this an budget-friendly architectural treasure hunt through design history.

Tour the Coachella Valley Wind Farms

While most visitors admire Palm Springs’ architectural gems, you can witness an equally impressive feat of engineering at the Coachella Valley Wind Farms – one of America’s largest renewable energy installations.

Over 2,700 towering turbines stretch across San Gorgonio Pass, generating enough electricity to power the entire valley.

You’ll get spectacular views driving along I-10 or Highway 111, but for an up-close experience, book Palm Springs Windmill Tours – the only operator offering private wind farm access.

Choose between guided golf cart tours or self-guided driving experiences through 100 acres of working turbines. Self-drive tours cost approximately $49 for two adults, with educational audio narration accessed through their mobile app.

These 300-foot giants create dramatic photo opportunities against desert backdrops. Visit during golden hour for the best lighting, then stop at nearby Windmill Market for their famous date shake.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Palm Springs offers incredible diversity without breaking the bank. Mix free activities like architecture hunting and VillageFest with budget-friendly hikes in Indian Canyons. The tramway’s pricey, but Joshua Tree’s entrance fee covers your entire group. Pack snacks and water for desert adventures, and you’ll stretch your dollars further. Whether you’re into nature, culture, or just soaking up that desert vibe, Palm Springs delivers unforgettable experiences at every budget level.