In addition to its natural beauty, Palm Springs is full of stylish and quirky things to do. From the world’s first rotating tram car to drag queen brunches and outstanding street art there are so many great things to do in Palm Springs California that I think you’ll love.
I will start this slideshow with what I consider to be the five best things I did whilst in Palm Springs. I’ll then take you through some of the other options available to help you plan the best possible Palm Springs vacation.
1. Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
First opened in September 1963, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tram car. This means visitors receive 360 degree views over the Coachella Valley and Palm Springs.
The tram travels over two and half miles along the cliffs of the Chino Canyon and lands at Mt San Jacinto State Park at an elevation of over 8,500 feet. This means it is generally between 30 and 40 degrees cooler at the top than on the desert floor.
2. Relax at The Spa at Sec-he
Sec-he is located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. It is an ancient hot mineral spring that emerged from the ground over 12,000 years ago. This is how Palm Springs came to be known as Palm Springs. The spring is cared for and protected by the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians.
A major renovation of the structures around the spring was completed in 2023 and the site is now known as the Spa at Sec-he. I have visited many spas in my time and this is one of the best. There is 73,000 square feet of space, all dedicated to relaxation and rejuvenation. Not only does the Spa at Sec-he feature the opportunity to take the ancient springs, but it also has some of the most cutting-edge spa equipment I have seen.
3. Visit Indian Canyons
The Indian Canyons comprise Andreas Canyon, Murray Canyon and Palm Canyon. They sit at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains and cover around 60 miles of hiking trails. Despite Palm Springs desert climate, the canyons contain streams and lush palms. And all of this just a few miles from downtown Palm Springs.
4. Visit Palm Springs Art Museum
Founded in 1938, this museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Palm Springs. The Palm Springs Art Museum’s main location is in the heart of downtown Palm Springs near the Marilyn Monroe statue. It houses a mix of permanent and temporary exhibitions and of course the building itself is a stunning example of mid-century architecture.
5. See the Catci at Moorten Botanical Gardens
You really don’t want to leave the desert without experiencing at least one cactus garden. Moorten Botanical Garden is a private arboretum in South Palm Springs. It was established in 1938 and contains a huge variety of desert plants from all over the world.
6. Enjoy the Street Art
Art is everywhere in Palm Springs. Palm Canyon Drive contains loads of concrete benches that have been painted in various styles. Utility boxes have been converted into works of art.
7. Visit the Palm Springs Visitor’s Centre
This iconic building by Albert Frey is instantly recognizable due to its distinct soaring roof. The Palm Springs Visitor’s Center contains everything you would expect a visitor’s center to contain. The architectural significance of the building is the key point of difference for this visitor’s center. And some public art around the center makes for nice photo backdrops.
8. Get Your Photo Taken at the Marilyn Monroe Statue
Forever Marilyn is a 26 feet tall statue of Marilyn Monroe designed by Seward Johnson. Marilyn is rendered in the classic post from The Seven Year Itch movie, where a gust of air blows up her white dress. This stainless steel and aluminum is now probably Palm Springs’ most iconic landmark. No trip to Palm Springs is complete without a picture under or next to Forever Marilyn.
9. Walk the Palm Springs Hollywood Fame
As you explore the heart of Palm Springs, make sure to take a walking tour along the Palm Springs Walk of Stars along Palm Canyon Drive. This celebrated sidewalk honors not only Hollywood’s finest but also notable local leaders, humanitarians, and civic icons who have made significant contributions to the growth and reputation of Palm Springs. Celebrities with stars include Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Elvis Presley.
10. Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center
The Palm Springs Art Museum I mentioned earlier in this article has several locations, once of which is the Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion. The center resides in a restored mid-century modern building. It runs various educational and community programs and rotating exhibitions highlighting design elements from the 20th century to the present.
11. Go to a Drag Brunch
If you’re looking for something different to do in Palm Springs, why not head to a Drag Brunch? Apparently, Drag Brunches are now quite popular but I went to my first one in Palm Springs at The Saguaro Hotel.
12. Enjoy an excellent Mexican Meal at El Mirasol
My best meal in Palm Springs was at the fantastic Mexican restaurant El Miarsol. This family owned business opened its first branch in Palm Springs in 1985. I ate at its second branch, which is inside its boutique hotel, Los Arboles. This is classic Mexican made with the freshest ingredients and was fantastic.
13. Grab a Pink Coffee at Cafe La Jeta
The Flannery Exchange is a cute mixed-use workspace on Palm Canyon Drive that is home to the super cute Cafe La Jeta and its gorgeous pink coffee cups. Their gorgeous outdoor patio is a popular spot for locals and the good coffee and breakfast offerings keep them regulars.
Read More – 17 Best Boutique Hotels in Palm Springs
Palm Springs has some of the most fabulous boutique hotels I have ever seen. Read my article on the 17 best boutique hotels in Palm Springs to find the perfect one fo you.
17 Best Boutique Hotels in Palm Springs
14 Things to do in Calistoga California
| Things to do in Calistoga California: 14 for adults from Calistoga wineries to coffee to a petrified forest and 11 more in this lovely Napa Valley town! |
14 Things to do in Calistoga California
29 Weekend Trips from San Francisco
In addition to being an amazing city, San Francisco is perfectally located for trips away. Here are 29 fantastic weekend trips from San Francisco you’ll love
29 Weekend Trips from San Francisco
Where to Stop on a Road Trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco
Planning a road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco? Here are the 17 Most Popular Stops Not to Miss on the way
Where to Stop on a Road Trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco
32 Best Places to Visit in the Bay Area
Reaching across America’s West Coast, San Francisco’s Bay Area provides stunning views and top-tier cuisine from various vibrant cultures to tantalise your tastebuds. Here are 32 of the Best Places to Visit in Bay Area
32 Best Places to Visit in the Bay Area
Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.