Looking to hit all the local hot spots during your trip? Check out these top attractions in Palm Springs:
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Nothing says Palm Springs quite like the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. As the largest rotating tram car in the world, this high-flying adventure offers an unforgettable journey from the sun-drenched desert floor to the cool alpine forest - all in under 10 minutes. It is among the top things to do in Palm Springs!
Your adventure begins at the Valley Station and offers bird’s-eye views of Chino Canyon. As the tram gently rotates during the ascent, you'll be treated to 360-degree panoramic views of the rugged canyon below and the Coachella Valley stretching into the distance. Hop off at the Mountain Station, part of the Mount San Jacinto State Park, landing at an elevation of 8,516 feet and a temperature ~30 degrees cooler than the desert below.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore more than 50 miles of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry routes.
History lovers can wander through the natural history museum, which showcases the area's unique geology, wildlife, and Indigenous heritage.
Hungry after your hike? Gram a meal or a drink with a view at Peaks Restaurant, known for its fine dining and floor-to-ceiling windows, or enjoy a casual bite at Pines Café.
See Iconic Midcentury Modern Architecture
Palm Springs has long been known as a living museum for midcentury modern architecture, where sun-bleached streets are lined with sleek, stylish homes and buildings that seem to have been plucked straight from the pages of a 1950s design magazine. With its distinctive aesthetic and commitment to elegant simplicity, this city has become an international mecca for design lovers, historians, and curious travelers alike.
The midcentury movement in Palm Springs was shaped by visionary architects like Charles Du Bois, Howard Lapham, and Hugh Kaptur, among others. These pioneering designers transformed the desert landscape into a canvas for bold experimentation, bringing to life homes that blend effortlessly with their surroundings while still making a statement. Their work helped define Palm Springs’ unique architectural identity, turning it into a destination for modernist enthusiasts from around the globe.
If you're a fan of clean lines, flat planes, split-level living, and an effortless blend of glass, steel, stone, and natural wood, you’ll find no shortage of jaw-dropping buildings to admire. From butterfly roofs to breeze blocks and clerestory windows, the hallmarks of midcentury modernism are everywhere you look—especially in neighborhoods like Twin Palms, Vista Las Palma, and Racquet Club Estates.
Take a deeper dive? You've got options:
Book an official architecture tour offered by local experts. The Mod Squad tours are very popular.
Or be your own guide on your own time with a self-guided tour, letting you move at your own pace and stop for photos whenever inspiration strikes.
🎨Palm Springs Art Museum
Attention, art lovers! From fine art photographs to ancient artifacts, the Palm Springs Art Museum showcases exhibitions that blend visual art with local culture.
Take your time observing the thoughtfully curated collections across 28 galleries showcasing an eclectic mix of treasures.
Fine art photography from groundbreaking artists who redefine the lens.
Native American art that reflects centuries of tradition, symbolism, and storytelling.
Ancient textiles and ceremonial pieces from cultures around the world.
A permanent collection featuring more than 3,000 sculptures, paintings, and prints, including works by notable names such as Andy Warhol, Helen Frankenthaler, and Henry Moore.
The museum's contemporary design and open, airy layout create an ideal space for reflection and discovery, inviting you to slow down, look closer, and connect with the stories behind the art.
In addition, this impressive museum hosts guest speakers, live performances, educational workshops, and family events throughout the year. Be sure to check their calendar in advance.
Indian Canyons
Just minutes from downtown Palm Springs lies one of the region's most breathtaking and culturally significant natural escapes, the Indian Canyons. Comprising Palm, Andreas, and Murray, this trio of scenic canyons within the reservation lands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is serene and majestic. As you explore the trails, you're not just walking through nature; you're walking through history. Ancient rock art, remnants of early irrigation systems, and native plant species provide a powerful glimpse into the sustainable lifestyle and spiritual traditions of the Cahuilla people.
Each canyon has its distinct charm:
Palm Canyon is home to one of the largest natural palm oases in North America. Towering California fan palms line the canyon floor, creating a cool, shaded pathway that winds alongside a seasonal stream. It’s an ideal spot for hikers, photographers, and those simply seeking a peaceful moment beneath the palms.
Andreas Canyon offers a shorter, more intimate hike, but don’t let the length fool you—this lush, narrow canyon is packed with over 150 species of plants, dramatic rock formations, and the soothing sound of water trickling along the trail. It’s also one of the best spots to witness the stark contrast between the dry desert and the canyon’s lush microclimate.
Murray Canyon is a bit more rugged and adventurous, with trails that lead to seasonal waterfalls and possible sightings of local wildlife like bighorn sheep and mule deer. The Seven Sisters Waterfall, when flowing, is a rewarding destination at the end of a scenic journey.
Visitors are encouraged to learn about the cultural significance of the canyons while respecting the land as a sacred and protected space. Informational signs and guided tours help bring the history of the Cahuilla people to life, creating a deeper connection between the land and its legacy.
✈️ Palm Springs Air Museum
Located adjacent to the Palm Springs International Airport, the Palm Springs Air Museum stands as a premier destination for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Established in 1996, this nonprofit museum boasts one of the world's largest collections of flyable military aircraft spanning from World War II to the War on Terror. With over 75 aircraft and five expansive, air-conditioned hangars, the museum offers an immersive experience that brings aviation history to life.
Pacific (Navy) Hangar: Dive into the history of the Pacific Theater with exhibits featuring aircraft like the Grumman Avenger and Corsair, complemented by a Pearl Harbor diorama narrated by Tom Brokaw.
European (Army) Hangar: Discover aircraft used in the European Theater, including the B-25 Mitchell Bomber and P-51 Mustang. Highlights also include a mural honoring the Tuskegee Airmen and a display on Women in Aviation.
B-17 Hangar: Home to the B-17G "Miss Angela," this hangar offers interactive experiences like the F-16 flight simulator and the Gen. Ken Miles Aviation Science Center.
Korea & Vietnam Hangar: Explore exhibits dedicated to the Korean and Vietnam Wars, including the Korean War Remembrance Wall and the Presidential Experience Display.
F-117A Hangar: Featuring the F-117A Nighthawk "Black Devil," this hangar delves into the era of stealth aircraft and the War on Terror.
Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium
Moorten Botanical Garden is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful and inspiring escape into the world of desert plants. This charming one-acre oasis is home to over 3,000 species of desert flora sourced from arid regions around the globe, including Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East.
Established in 1938 by Patricia and Chester "Cactus Slim" Moorten, a former Hollywood stuntman turned horticulturist, the garden is as rich in character as it is in plant life. Today, it remains a family-run treasure under the care of their son, Clark Moorten, who continues the legacy of conservation, education, and storytelling that has defined the garden for generations.
Wondering through the garden's meandering paths, you'll discover:
Towering cacti and succulents in every imaginable shape and size.
Rare agaves, aloes, and yuccas that thrive in extreme climates.
A Cacarium, a unique greenhouse filled with exotic and unusual specimens from around the world.
Carefully curated landscape zones representing different desert ecosystems, from the Mojave to the Sonoran.
But Moorten Botanical Garden isn't just about plants, it's also steeped in local lore and Hollywood history. During the golden age of Palm Springs, the Moortens counted stars like Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe among their visitors, and the garden became a favorite backdrop for vintage film shoots and desert photo ops.
VillageFest on Palm Canyon Drive
Visiting on a Thursday? You're in luck! Every Thursday evening, Palm Canyon Drive transforms into VillageFest, a lively and colorful open-air street market that brings the entire community together under the desert stars. The palm-lined stretch of Palm Canyon is closed to vehicle traffic, turning it into a pedestrian paradise filled with lights, laughter, and the delicious scent of street food. The street is bathed in a warm, welcoming glow from string lights and vendor tents, giving off a festive, almost block-party vibe.
Art & Crafts: Browse one-of-a-kind, handcrafted goods made by local artists and makers—from ceramics and hand-blown glass to paintings, textiles, jewelry, and photography.
Farm-Fresh Finds: Check out the certified farmers market section for organic produce, artisan bread, locally made honey, and other seasonal goodies.
Street Food & Sweets: Sample everything from gourmet tamales and kettle corn to fresh crêpes, BBQ, and small-batch ice cream. Bring your appetite—you’ll be tempted at every turn.
Live Entertainment: Enjoy the sounds of local musicians, street performers, and entertainers, who add rhythm and energy to the night as you stroll past crowds of smiling faces.
Community Spirit: Chat with local business owners, meet nonprofit groups, or even catch a pop-up pet adoption booth. It’s a true snapshot of the Palm Springs community spirit.
October - May, 6 - 10 pm
June - Sept., 7 - 10 pm
