If you’re visiting Palm Springs for an event at the Palm Springs Convention Center, don’t stop at the ballroom doors — there’s a whole city waiting for you. From iconic landmarks and outdoor adventures to local dining, museums, spas, and nightlife, Palm Springs has something for every kind of visitor.
Here are some top things to do while you’re in town, organized by interest — all easy to enjoy before or after your event sessions.
Explore Downtown Palm Springs
The Convention Center is just steps from the heart of Downtown Palm Springs, a walkable district filled with shops, restaurants, public art, and desert charm.
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Try your luck at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, offering slots, table games, high-limit rooms, and a stylish lounge with live entertainment.
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Stroll Palm Canyon Drive for vintage shops, galleries, and boutiques
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Snap a selfie with the 26-foot-tall Forever Marilyn sculpture, a beloved pop-culture icon just off Museum Way.
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Grab a bite at restaurants near the Convention Center, including farm-to-table cuisine, taco joints, steakhouses, and more.
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Discover an Oasis in the Heart of Palm Springs: The Downtown Park
Hit the Trails & Take in the Views
Looking for a dose of desert beauty? These scenic spots are perfect for a morning hike or afternoon escape.
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Hike through the Indian Canyons — enjoy palm-lined trails, natural streams, and fascinating history. The Andreas and Palm Canyon hikes are especially popular.
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Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to 8,500 feet and explore cool alpine forest at Mount San Jacinto. Enjoy forest hikes, scenic overlooks, and even snow in winter.
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Visit Tahquitz Canyon and see the seasonal 60-foot waterfall.
Take a Tour
Want to learn more about the desert? Let a local expert guide the way.
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Red Jeep Tours – Off-road into the canyons with expert guides
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Palm Springs Windmill Tours – Self-driving or step-on tours through the iconic wind farm
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Desert Tasty Tours – offers a delicious downtown walking tour that stops at six to seven eateries, combining food, history, and culture in every bite.
Dive Into Art, Culture & History
Palm Springs has a creative soul and fascinating history — and much of it is walkable from the Convention Center.
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The Palm Springs Art Museum features modern and contemporary art, Native American works, and rotating exhibitions. Don’t miss the Annenberg Theater or the nearby Architecture and Design Center.
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Explore aviation history at the Palm Springs Air Museum, which displays one of the largest collections of flyable WWII aircraft in the world and offers immersive exhibits and flight simulations.
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Discover Native culture at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, which includes a state-of-the-art museum and spa, celebrating the history and traditions of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
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Check out the Palm Springs Art Walking Tour of museums, galleries, and public art downtown.
Relax & Recharge
Need a little downtime after a busy event?
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Treat yourself to a treatment at the Agua Caliente Spa at Séc-he.
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Lounge poolside at your hotel or resort
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Browse the city’s unique shops and boutiques
Play a Round of Golf
Palm Springs is a golfer’s paradise. Within a few miles of the Convention Center, you’ll find:
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Indian Canyons Golf Resort offers two historic 18-hole courses with stunning mountain backdrops.
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Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort features two public courses known for lush fairways and excellent value.
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Escena Golf Club combines mid-century modern design with dramatic desert views.
Make It a Mini Vacation
You came for the event — but Palm Springs makes it easy to stay and play.
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Extend your stay at a resort or boutique hotel and enjoy pool time, spa days, and mountain views.
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Check the Palm Springs event calendar for concerts, festivals, and special events happening during your visit.
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Discover Instagram-worthy spots all around town.