Outdoor enthusiasts love Palm Springs, and it’s easy to see why. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors like a Palm Springs local.
Enjoy Hiking and Nature Trails
Discover Indian Canyons, where more than 60 miles of trails await. The area is rich in natural beauty, cultural significance, and diverse wildlife. Indian Canyons comprises several distinct canyons with unique landscapes and hiking opportunities. These include the Palm Canyon, Andreas Canyon, and Murray Canyon. It is the reservation of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The canyons offer many unique hiking trails, some of which include beautiful water streams.
Tahquitz Canyon is a stunning natural area with a perfect blend of outdoor beauty, cultural history, and an easy-to-moderate hiking experience. It's a must-visit for anyone exploring the region, as it provides a unique look into both the natural wonders and the heritage of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
Bonus: Many of the canyons feature cascading waterfalls. The best time to see them on your hike is in March and April, when they have the heaviest streams.
Soar to the Sky on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is one of the most iconic and exciting attractions in Palm Springs. It has the largest rotating tramcar in the world and offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience a stunning aerial journey. Ascend 2.5 miles from the desert floor to the cooler, pine-filled San Jacinto Mountains at 8,500 feet in elevation. It’s an adventure that provides scenic beauty and a chance to experience diverse ecosystems in just a 10-minute ride.
Bonus: With over 52 miles of hiking trails, there's plenty to see and do outdoors.
Bike Through Palm Springs
Many resorts and hotels offer complimentary bikes. It is a fantastic way to experience the area's scenic beauty, enjoy the outdoors, and explore its iconic landmarks at your own pace. You can also rent them at Bike Palm Springs. To get you started, go on one of our self-guided bike tours.
The urban Big City Loop bike tour explores the broader landscape and outlying neighborhoods and is excellent for getting a good feel for the overall city. It starts at the beautiful Ruth Hardy Park.
The Deepwell Ranch Estate Bike Tour explores a historic neighborhood with great midcentury modern homes and estates. This will give you a more intimate view and has been home to many Hollywood stars, including Jerry Lewis, Carmen Miranda, Loretta Young, and William Holden.
Ride the Waves at the Palm Springs Surf Club
The Palm Springs Surf Club offers a state-of-the-art wave pool for surfers of all skill levels. Beyond surfing, it features resort-style amenities, including a restaurant, event venues, and waterpark attractions. Surfers can choose from different wave profiles, such as A-Frames, rights, lefts, Clean Easy Tube, and The Slab, each offering unique challenges and experiences. The outdoor waterpark includes fun water slides and a lazy river.
Take an Outdoor Tour
Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours offers a unique and thrilling way to explore the desert landscape with guided tours that provide adventure and stunning views in an open-air jeep. Tours include Indian Canyons, the San Andreas Fault, and Joshua Tree National Park. These make for a great family outdoor adventure.
The Palm Springs Historical Society offers several outdoor walking tours for those who enjoy exploring on foot. The tours highlight Palm Springs' stunning midcentury modern architecture, its ties to Hollywood celebrities, and its rich Native American and desert history. For those who like to bike, they also offer a couple of biking tours. Note that the tours do not operate in the summer due to the heat.
Stroll the Downtown Park
A must-visit stop is the Palm Springs Downtown Park, a lush and beautifully landscaped space offering a peaceful retreat amidst the desert surroundings. The park is perfect for strolls, with its vibrant green lawns, walking paths, and shaded seating areas ideal for relaxing or people-watching. The park’s design is reminiscent of Indian Canyons, with a water feature similar to the Tahquitz Canyon waterfall. Here is a list of all the parks.
Nearby, the iconic Forever Marilyn statue, a tribute to the legendary actress, stands tall in all her glamorous glory. The larger-than-life sculpture, designed by artist Seward Johnson, captures Marilyn’s famous pose from The Seven Year Itch and has become a beloved city symbol where she was discovered.
Bonus: It’s an excellent spot for photos and videos for social media.
Outdoor Sports
With warm weather all year long and stunning desert scenery, golfing is as much an outdoor attraction as the others. For those who have caught the Pickleball craze, you’re in luck. Palm Springs has several Pickleball courts as well as tennis and basketball courts.
Looking for more things to do in Palm Springs? Check out the events calendar for the latest buzz around town and discover upcoming outdoor adventures, shows, signature events, and local happenings. There’s always something new to experience in Palm Springs.