Palm Springs, California

Located in the Sonoran desert of southern California, Palm Springs is a popular tourist destination known for its warm climate, luxury spas, world-class golf courses, and stunning natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to hot air balloon rides and horseback riding, or simply relax and soak up the desert sun by a pool.

10 Places to Visit

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes visitors on a breathtaking ride up the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon to Mount San Jacinto State Park. At the top, travelers can explore hiking trails, restaurants, and scenic overlooks with breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley below.

Joshua Tree National Park

Located just outside of Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is a desert oasis known for its unique Joshua trees, rugged rock formations, and stunning night skies. Visitors can go hiking, rock climbing, stargazing, or take a scenic drive through the park.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a nature preserve and zoo featuring over 1,000 acres of desert habitat, animals, and gardens. Visitors can see everything from African elephants and giraffes to coyotes and bighorn sheep.

Indian Canyons

Located on the ancestral lands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Indian Canyons is a series of three canyons with hiking trails, waterfalls, and lush palm oases. Visitors can learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the local tribes while experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the desert.

Palm Springs Art Museum

The Palm Springs Art Museum is a world-class museum featuring an extensive collection of contemporary art, modern art, photography, and Native American artifacts. Visitors can also attend lectures, screenings, and other cultural events in the museum’s Annenberg Theater.

Palm Springs International Film Festival

The Palm Springs International Film Festival is an annual event that attracts filmmakers, actors, and movie buffs from around the world. The festival showcases a wide range of films, from independent movies to international blockbusters, and features panel discussions, awards ceremonies, and other special events.

Palm Springs Walk of Stars

The Palm Springs Walk of Stars is a tribute to the celebrities who helped make Palm Springs a glamorous destination in the mid-20th century. Visitors can walk along Palm Canyon Drive and see the stars dedicated to over 400 famous actors, musicians, and other luminaries.

Coachella Valley Preserve

The Coachella Valley Preserve is a nature reserve featuring over 20,000 acres of pristine desert landscape. Visitors can hike through the palm groves, marshes, and sand dunes, and spot wildlife such as bighorn sheep, migratory birds, and desert tortoises.

The Spa at the Parker

The Spa at the Parker is a luxury spa offering a range of treatments and services, from massages and facials to yoga and meditation classes. Visitors can also enjoy the hotel’s pool, restaurant, and other amenities.

Moorten Botanical Garden

The Moorten Botanical Garden is a family-owned botanical garden featuring over 3,000 varieties of desert plants from around the world. Visitors can take guided tours, attend workshops, and learn about the ecological importance of desert environments.

5 Places to Avoid

Downtown Palm Springs on Weekends

Downtown Palm Springs can get very crowded and noisy on weekends, especially during peak tourist season. Visitors may want to consider visiting during the week or exploring other areas of the city.

The Agua Caliente Casino

While the Agua Caliente Casino offers gambling and entertainment options, some visitors may find the atmosphere to be too smoky or loud for their liking.

East Palm Canyon Drive

The section of East Palm Canyon Drive near the border between Palm Springs and Cathedral City can be dangerous due to heavy traffic and poor pedestrian infrastructure. Visitors should exercise caution when walking or biking in this area.

The Palm Springs International Airport

While the Palm Springs International Airport is convenient for travelers, some visitors may find it to be crowded, noisy, and lacking in amenities.

The Tram Car Restaurant

The Tram Car Restaurant is a rotating restaurant at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, offering stunning views of the Coachella Valley. While the views are spectacular, some visitors may find the food and service to be overpriced and underwhelming.

Overview of the City