Sometimes the best adventures are just down the road. Within two hours of Los Angeles, Orange County, or San Diego, Palm Springs is the ultimate road trip destination. Roll down the windows, turn up your playlist, and trade freeways and traffic for blue skies, desert sunshine, and mountain views that stretch for miles.

As you make the drive, you’ll watch the city fade into wide-open desert, where windmills spin at the gateway to the Coachella Valley. Just like that—you’ve arrived in Palm Springs, a place that feels like another world yet is surprisingly close to home.

Road Trip Stops Along the Way

The drive itself is part of the fun. Break it up with these classic roadside experiences:

  • Cabazon Dinosaurs – Snap a photo with these giant roadside dinos, a kitschy landmark since the 1960s.
  • Desert Hills Premium Outlets – Shop luxury brands at one of California’s largest outlet centers.
  • Hadley Fruit Orchards – A must-stop for their legendary date shakes and nut mixes.

First Stop: The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Upon arrival, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a wonderful way to get your bearings. Riding 2.5 miles up the mountain through five ecological zones in 10 minutes inside a rotating tram car (the world’s largest), you’ll thrill to 360-degree bird's-eye views of desert and mountains. At the top, take your time to enjoy the endless vistas. Then, enjoy a walk or longer hike through the alpine forests of Mount San Jacinto State Park & Wilderness Area. Bring a wrap. The mountain is about 30 degrees cooler than the valley floor.

Stay for a casual bite at Pines Café or elevate your evening with dinner at Peaks Restaurant.

Palm-Springs_Aerial-Tram

Hit the Trails: Desert Hiking Adventures

Activity choices for your next days are as big as all outdoors. Incredible hiking opportunities abound, from easy to experienced, with fantastic scenery. Some trailheads even begin downtown. How easy is that? 

A few highlights:

  • Palm Springs Art Museum Trail – A quick 2-mile climb right from downtown to picnic tables and sweeping views.
  • Tahquitz Canyon – Just five minutes from the main strip, this trail leads to a 40-foot waterfall.
  • Indian Canyons – Home to North America’s largest natural palm oases, with trails winding through Andreas, Murray, and Palm Canyons.

Bring water, good shoes, and your camera—the desert scenery is unforgettable.

tahquitz canyon waterfall palm springs

Roadside Fun: Bikes, Horses, and Midcentury Homes

Part of the joy of a road trip is wandering, and Palm Springs makes it easy.

Ride Horses at Smoke Tree Stables - Right in town, these guided rides take you through the Indian Canyons for a classic desert adventure.

Cycle the Streets -  With 13 miles of marked bike lanes, make Palm Springs a paradise for bicyclers. Bring your own or rent from one of several bike specialists. A free biking map is available from the City of Palm Springs. Or, enjoy a guided-themed tour with BIKE Palm Springs Rentals & Tours and Palm Springs Bike Rentals by Big Wheel Tours.

Bike Palm Springs

Take a walk! Simply strolling through Palm Springs’ peaceful, picturesque neighborhoods is a joy. Admire the landmark midcentury modern architecture and beautiful landscaping. Perhaps take a break at the Original Koffi (Palm Springs’ hometown coffee shop) in the Uptown Design District and enjoy a beverage in the adjacent park beneath Mount San Jacinto.

Detour Worth Taking: Desert Jeep Tours

Expand your horizons throughout the Coachella Valley with Palm Springs’ award-winning outdoor tour companies. Ride in the open air with Red Jeep Tours by Desert Adventure to explore and learn about nearby Joshua Tree National Park, the Painted Canyon, and the San Andreas Fault. It’s incredible – but true- you can walk on this famous fault.

red jeep tours palm springs

Shop Palm Canyon Drive

After a morning on the trails or bike paths, head to Palm Canyon Drive and the Uptown Design District, which are filled with stylish boutiques, vintage shops, and art galleries. Some must-stops include:

  • Trina Turk – A flagship boutique where Palm Springs’ bright, playful fashion comes to life.
  • Destination PSP – A local favorite for desert-themed gifts, souvenirs, and midcentury-inspired home décor.
  • Just Fabulous – A go-to shop for coffee-table books, celebrity souvenirs, and fun Palm Springs gifts.
  • Shag Store – Colorful retro art by local favorite Shag, perfect for collectors and design lovers.
  • Antique Galleries of Palm Springs – A treasure trove for vintage and midcentury modern finds.

Make it a leisurely afternoon: shop, sip a cocktail on a patio, and soak in the lively downtown energy.

Here are some other shopping guides:

Women Shopping in Palm Springs

After Dark: Nightlife and Evening Vibes

Palm Springs shines after sunset:

Bootlegger Tiki

When to Visit

  • Spring & Fall – Perfect hiking weather and outdoor exploring.
  • Summer – Poolside fun, night markets, and indoor shopping or art.
  • Winter – Snow-capped mountain peaks above warm, sunny desert days.

Quick 2-Day Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1:

  • Stop at Cabazon Dinosaurs or Hadley’s for a date shake on your way in.
  • Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
  • Explore downtown shops like Trina Turk and Shag Store.
  • Dinner on a Palm Canyon Drive patio.
  • Evening tiki cocktails or rooftop views.

Day 2:

  • Morning hike in Indian Canyons or Tahquitz Canyon.
  • Coffee at Original Koffi in Uptown.
  • Midcentury modern neighborhood stroll and photos.
  • Lunch downtown, then hit the road home with a quick outlet stop at Desert Hills.