Top Palm Springs Attractions
Your Guide to the City's Must-See Experiences
Palm Springs may be famous for sunshine, palm trees, and midcentury modern architecture, but there's much more to discover beyond the postcard views. Ride the world's largest rotating tramcar into the alpine wilderness, explore ancient palm oases, tour iconic modernist neighborhoods, browse locally owned boutiques, or spend an afternoon at world-class museums and galleries.
Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway or planning a longer escape, these attractions showcase what makes Palm Springs one of California's most distinctive destinations. Start with the classics or venture beyond the familiar—every experience offers another reason visitors return year after year.
Iconic Palm Springs Attractions
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Ride nearly 6,000 feet from the desert floor into the cool alpine forests of Mt. San Jacinto State Park aboard the world's largest rotating tramcar. At the Mountain Station, enjoy spectacular views, hiking trails, restaurants, a natural history museum, and temperatures often 30 degrees cooler than downtown.
👉 The Ultimate Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Guide
Best For: First-time visitors, families, photographers, summer escapes
Indian Canyons
Home to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Indian Canyons offers one of the largest California fan palm oases in the world. Explore scenic hiking trails, flowing streams, dramatic rock formations, and thousands of native palm trees while learning about the area's rich Indigenous heritage.
Best For: Nature lovers, hiking, photography, history
Tahquitz Canyon
Just minutes from downtown, Tahquitz Canyon rewards visitors with a scenic trail leading to a seasonal 60-foot waterfall, ancient rock art, native plants, and cultural exhibits that share the legends and traditions of the Agua Caliente people. It's one of the easiest ways to experience the natural beauty of the desert.
Best For: Easy hiking • Families • Photography • Indigenous culture
Moorten Botanical Garden
This family-owned botanical garden has been showcasing desert plants since 1938. Wander through thousands of species of cacti and succulents from around the world, then explore the unique Cactarium, one of the world's first greenhouses dedicated entirely to cacti.
Best For: Garden lovers • Photography • Families • Desert plants
Culture & History
Palm Springs Art Museum
Discover one of Southern California's premier art museums featuring contemporary art, Native American collections, sculpture gardens, architecture exhibitions, and rotating special exhibits. Thursday evening admission is free, making it one of the city's favorite cultural experiences.
Best For: Art lovers, indoor activities, architecture enthusiasts
Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza
Discover the living history of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians at one of Palm Springs' newest cultural attractions. The campus includes the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, The Spa at Séc-he, the Oasis Trail, and gathering spaces that celebrate thousands of years of Indigenous history, culture, art, and stewardship of the desert.
Best For: Culture • History • Wellness • Families
Palm Springs Air Museum
Step inside one of the world's largest collections of flying World War II aircraft. Many exhibits allow visitors to climb aboard historic planes, experience flight simulators, and even book flights aboard select vintage aircraft.
Best For: Aviation enthusiasts, families, history buffs
👉 Palm Springs Air Museum: The World’s Largest Collection of Flyable WWII Aircraft
Relax & Play
Palm Springs Surf Club
One of Palm Springs' newest attractions combines surfing, water slides, a lazy river, restaurants, and resort-style relaxation into one unforgettable destination. Whether you're catching waves or simply cooling off poolside, it's a favorite for families and groups.
👉 Palm Springs Surf Club: Surfing, Pools & Dining in the Desert
Best For: Families, summer, adventure
Downtown Experiences
VillageFest
Every Thursday evening, downtown Palm Springs transforms into one of California's best weekly street fairs. Palm Canyon Drive closes to traffic as artists, makers, musicians, entertainers, food vendors, and local businesses create a lively celebration of community under the desert sky.
Best For: Local culture • Shopping • Food • Live entertainment
Explore Palm Springs by Interest
Outdoor Adventures
Discover hiking trails, desert landscapes, scenic canyons, golf courses, and outdoor recreation.
Explore Outdoor Recreation → Best Outdoor Activities in Palm Springs
Arts & Culture
Explore galleries, museums, architecture, public art, and performing arts venues.
Explore Arts & Culture → Arts & Culture in Palm Springs
Shopping
Browse vintage boutiques, locally owned gift shops, home décor stores, fashion boutiques, and the Uptown Design District.
Explore Shopping → Palm Springs Shopping Guide
Food & Drink
Experience chef-driven restaurants, rooftop dining, patios, craft cocktails, bakeries, brunch, and local favorites.
Explore Food & Drink → Palm Springs Dining Guide
Wellness
Relax at luxury spas, wellness retreats, yoga studios, and serene boutique resorts.
Explore Wellness → Palm Springs Wellness Guide
Romantic Experiences
Plan a memorable couples getaway with luxury hotels, intimate restaurants, scenic views, and unforgettable experiences.
Explore Romantic Palm Springs → Romantic Getaway in Palm Springs: A Couples Travel Guide
Seasonal Attractions
Summer - Palm Springs Surf Club, Palm Springs Art Museum, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Fall - Architecture season returns, outdoor dining expands, hiking conditions improve, and festivals begin.
👉 Guide to Visiting Palm Springs in the Fall.
Winter - Peak season brings ideal weather for golf, hiking, shopping, outdoor patios, and special events.
👉 Palm Springs Winter Travel Guide
Spring - Wildflowers bloom, patios buzz with activity, and Palm Springs comes alive with signature festivals.
👉 Spring in Palm Springs Getaway Guide
First-Time Visitor Favorites
If it's your first trip, don't miss:
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
- Indian Canyons
- Palm Springs Art Museum
- Downtown Palm Springs
- Midcentury Modern Architecture
- VillageFest (Thursday)
- Palm Springs Air Museum
👉 Guide to Palm Springs for First-Timers
Sample One-Day Itinerary
Morning - Explore Indian Canyons or ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
Lunch - Enjoy lunch downtown at one of Palm Springs' locally-owned restaurants.
Afternoon - Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum, browse local boutiques, or relax by the pool.
Evening - Sip cocktails on a rooftop, enjoy dinner outdoors, and catch a live performance or stroll through VillageFest on Thursday evenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one attraction in Palm Springs?
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the city's most iconic attraction, offering spectacular views and access to Mt. San Jacinto State Park.
What attractions are free in Palm Springs?
Free attractions include downtown Palm Springs, public art, the Uptown Design District, VillageFest (Thursdays), and many hiking viewpoints. The Palm Springs Art Museum also offers free admission on Thursday evenings.
How many days should I spend in Palm Springs?
Two to three days allows enough time to experience the city's top attractions, restaurants, shopping, outdoor recreation, and nearby natural wonders.
Is Palm Springs good for families?
Yes. Families enjoy the Palm Springs Surf Club, Palm Springs Air Museum, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, hiking in Indian Canyons, and family-friendly resorts.
What's unique about Palm Springs?
Palm Springs combines world-famous midcentury modern architecture, stunning desert scenery, Indigenous history, luxury resorts, vibrant arts and culture, and outdoor adventure in one compact, walkable destination.