31 Fun Things to Do in Palm Springs, CA This Summer

What’s up folks! It’s Adam.

Are you one of those people who met their significant others while traveling? Or do you know someone who met their soulmate during travel? I’d love to ask them one question; How did it happen?

In all the years I’ve traveled, I’ve never made such a connection. And it’s not like I haven’t met some amazing people. I have. Just that our relationships did not go in that direction. 

I’m sure you’re wondering; why is Adam talking about love? Shouldn’t he be talking about food? Well, I’m in Palm Springs for a friend’s wedding. He is a traveler like me and he met his soon-to-be wife during his travels. They met about a year ago and are now getting married. Crazy.

He makes it sound like it was such a simple encounter. That’s why I want to hear from others.

Anyway, as I wait for the day, I’ll just stick to what I do best; exploring and eating. Here are some fun things I’ve done in Palm Springs so far.

Palm Springs is a city in California, this desert city is located in the Sonoran Desert.

• Enjoy our list of low-budget, best and luxury Palm Springs Resorts.

It is renowned as the Golf Capital of the World, but what really makes the city a famous tourist destination is its picturesque mountainous landscape and desert climate.

Over one million tourists visit the city each year to explore its beautiful attractions and enjoy its great weather, characteristic of sunshine all year round.

People who enjoy being outdoors will indeed enjoy vacationing in Palm Springs because, as you will see, the city is packed with amazing outdoor attractions.

Notably, visitors will learn more about the Native American tribes that inhabited the Sonoran Desert.

Apart from its landscape and great weather, Palm Springs is renowned for the high number of Hollywood celebrities and notable figures that live and have lived here over the years.

In fact, it is because of the high number of Hollywood stars that flocked the city in the early 1920s that the city became a point of touristic interest for many people.

Below is a list of 31 things to do in Palm Springs that will make your visit a memorable encounter.

Many wanted to know why celebrities loved the area, eventually turning it into one of the best tourist destinations in the country.

So, what is there to see?

Things to do in Palm Springs:

1. Palm Canyon Drive

Rating: 4.5★ 

Entry tickets: Free

Address: S Palm Canyon Dr, California 92262

• It is home to multiple attractions
• It is the best way to explore Palm Springs

Why you should go: When most people think of Palm Canyon Drive, they think of a place to take a road drive.

However, it is more than just a place to take a nice ride.

It is home to many of the most popular attractions in the city, like art galleries, museums, restaurants, shops, and historical buildings.

You can call it the heart of downtown Palm Springs dotted with palm trees lined up on either side of the streets, tall mountains, lovely buildings, and amazing vibes.

Things to do: Some of the attractions you will explore here include Palm Canyon Theater, Ruddy’s General Store, Palm Springs Art Museum, and the Welwood Murray Memorial Library.

Furthermore, you don’t have to visit Palm Canyon Drive to explore its attractions.

You can just take a quiet drive or walk to enjoy the ambiance of the beautiful landscape that it offers.

• It is 9 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

2. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Rating: 4.8★

Entry tickets: Adults: $28.95, Children (3-10): $16.95, Seniors (65+): $26.95, Children 2 and below: Free

Address: 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262

• It was opened in 1963
• It takes approximately 20 minutes to complete the ride both ways

Why you should go: One of the most notable characteristics of the landscape in Palm Springs is the rugged mountains.

Imagine yourself looking down at these mountains and going over them, eventually making your way to the highest peak, San Jacinto Peak.

This is exactly what a ride in the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will offer you!

The ride might be short, but it will be one of your most memorable places to visit in Palm Springs.

Things to do: Be sure to enjoy every second of the 10-minute ride up the mountains.

The view entails a scenic landscape comprising mountain peaks, the breathtaking views of Southern California, and the valley below.

Once at the top, you will find a mountain deck where you can check out the scenery around you.

Additionally, there is a restaurant where you can enjoy a dining-with-a-view experience.

Other activities to enjoy here are hiking and camping.

Remember, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the largest rotating tramcar worldwide.

Therefore, you don’t want to miss it!

• It is 18 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

3. Palm Springs VillageFest

Rating: 4.4★

Entry tickets: Free

Address: 401 S Pavilion Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262

• It takes place in downtown Palm Springs
• It is a weekly street fair

Why you should go: If you consider yourself a social butterfly, there is no need to put this trait on hold just because you are on vacation.

Allow yourself the pleasure of interacting with like-minded people and getting a taste of the local culture at the Palm Springs VillageFest.

It is one of the biggest street fairs in the city and takes place every Thursday on Palm Canyon Drive.

The local culture is brought to life through shopping, food, fashion, art, and music.

Vendors and entertainers come together to create one of the best affairs designed to be experienced by locals and visitors.

Things to do: The Palm Springs VillageFest is the ideal place for you to mingle and interact with locals and other visitors.

You will dance, shop, eat, drink, be entertained, meet new people, and enjoy the cool air of the night.

You should come hungry and ready to have fun!

• It is 4 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

4. Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway

Rating: 4.3★

Entry tickets: Adults: $30, Children: $15

Address: 1350 Ladera Cir, Palm Springs, CA 92262

• It was built in 1960
• It was made famous by Elvis Presley

Why you should go: Elvis Presley was an American singer known as the “King of Rock and Roll” during his time.

He passed away in 1977.

When he was 31 years old, he leased the home, known as the Alexander Estate then, for a year and planned to have his wedding to Priscilla here.

However, he changed his plans to wed here when the media got wind of it and started invading his privacy.

He returned to spend his honeymoon at the mansion, today known as the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway.

Things to do: The beautiful home is located in the Little Tuscany neighborhood.

It is surrounded by big rocky mountains and looks like it’s sprouting from rocks.

It is designed in a style that blends it with the surrounding natural scenery.

Even if you are not a fan of Elvis Presley, the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway is one of Palm Spring’s most unique mansions worth checking out.

• It is 10 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

5. Sparrows Lodge

Rating: 4.6★

Address: 1330 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264

• It is located in South Palm Springs
• It is a desert hideaway

Why you should go: If you are looking for a place to stay in Palm Springs, then Sparrows Lodge should be your first option.

The beautiful lodge is located on a hilltop overlooking East Palm Canyon Drive and the beautiful surrounding rugged mountainous landscape.

Its popularity comes from the high number of Hollywood stars who frequent it.

The hideaway is highly praised for its unique design and attentive staff always present to assist you and understand when to give you privacy.

It is one of the best places to stay while exploring Palm Springs.

Things to do: Sparrows Lodge wants its visitors to forget about the outside world and focus on treating themselves to a relaxing vacation.

This is why it has a no phones and no television sets policy.

Without the two, you will be able to soak up its rustic charm and the beauty of the landscape around you.

For couples seeking an intimate and romantic getaway in Palm Springs, this is the ideal attraction for you.

• It is 5 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

6. Palm Springs Art Museum

Rating: 4.6★

Entry tickets: Adults: $14, Seniors (62+): $11, Students/Teachers: $6, Children (18 and below): Free

Address: 101 N Museum Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

• It was founded in 1938
• Its current building was built in 1958

Why you should go: With over 24,000 pieces under its roof, the Palm Springs Art Museum is one of the best art spaces to visit in this city.

Moreover, the museum is home to artwork by some of America’s renowned artists of the early 20th century, like Diane Arbus, known for imagery, and Andy Warhol, known for pop art.

It also showcases artwork by modern artists.

Things to do: Explore the museum to find pieces by artists like Gerald Clarke and Jim Isermann.

The artwork includes contemporary art, natural science collections, sculptures, photography, and glass art.

Besides, you will visit the Annenberg Theater, which hosts live performances like dance, music, and theater shows.

To end your visit to the Palm Springs Art Museum on a high note, you can watch a show at the theater.

• It is 8 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

7. Palm Springs Walk of Stars

Rating: 4.4★

Address: 10 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

• It is on Palm Canyon Drive
• It was established in 1992

Why you should go: Among the most interesting streets to walk in Palm Springs city, this is one of them.

The Palm Springs Walk of Stars is a walk of fame that honors and recognizes famous people who have lived in the city and contributed to its growth in one way or another.

Things to do: If you are interested in knowing some of the greatest and most popular people who have lived here, this should be one of your stops.

There are over 400 honorees who include presidents, musicians, humanitarians, literary personalities like playwrights, screenwriters and authors, civic leaders, and more.

Notably, some of the names you might recognize are Elvis Presley, President Ronald Reagan, President Dwight Eisenhower, Frank Sinatra, and Barbara Sinatra.

At first, this might not look like a big thing, but once here, you will learn so much about Palm Springs’ history and the people who have helped shape it.

• It is 7 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

8. Coachella Valley Preserve

Rating: 4.5★

Entry tickets: Free

Address: Thousand Palms, CA 92276

• It was established in 1985
• It is located near Palm Desert

Why you should go: It is always good to step outside the city and see what lies beyond, and one of the attractions you will find is Coachella Valley Preserve.

Renowned for its distinct biodiversity comprising palm woodlands, a desert wetland, and unique animals, the preserve is one of the best things to do near Palm Springs for travelers who find pleasure in being outdoors.

Things to do: Besides soaking up its beautiful rugged landscape, you will enjoy other activities such as hiking and horseback riding.

The Coachella Valley Preserve is a protected area – hence some of its sections are not open to the public.

This is done to protect Coachella Valley Fringe-toed Lizards, which are found here.

Visitors are advised to only use the designated trails during their time here.

You can pass by the Visitors’ Center to pick a map to guide your movements.

• It is 23 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

9. Sonny Bono Statue

Rating: 4.5★

Entry tickets: Free

Address: 155 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

• It was completed in 2001

Why you should go: Salvatore Phillip “Sonny” Bono was a politician who served as the mayor of Palm Springs between 1988 and 1992 and later in 1994 as a congressman for the 44th district of California.

He is best remembered for his fight for the Copyright Term Extension Act and for establishing the Palm Springs International Film Festival, celebrated each year in his honor.

He was also a musician and the first husband of American singer Cher, known as the “Goddess of Pop”.

Together they formed the singing duo; Sonny & Cher.

He served as a congressman from 1995 to 1998, when he passed away in a tragic skiing accident.

Things to do: The Sonny Bono Statue was established in his honor to celebrate his life and contributions to Palm Springs.

It’s a beautiful sculpture by Emmanuil Snitkovsky that shows him smiling as he sits by the fountain of the Plaza Mercado.

If you knew him or just love history, this is one of the free things to do in Palm Springs.

• It is 7 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

10. The Černý “Babies”, Palm Springs Exhibit

Rating: 3.3★

Entry tickets: Free

Address: Palm Springs, CA 92262

• They were created by David Cerný
• They are also known as the Baby Sculptures

Why you should go: Palm Springs has some of the most interesting and unique attractions, one of them being the Černý “Babies”, Palm Springs Exhibit located behind the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs.

It is a collection of 10 fiberglass babies crawling on a sandpit.

The babies have no faces.

Instead, they have vertical barcodes where the faces are supposed to be.

The exhibit might come as a shock to many, especially once they see the babies have no faces, but when you understand the idea behind the art, you will get more comfortable and recognize the exhibit as an important work of art.

Things to do: Created by David Cerný, the idea behind the faceless baby sculptures is to address the issue of dehumanization.

We live in a world where people are given identification numbers that, in the end, become more important than the person.

David used babies since they are supposed to represent the most innocent form of humans and gave them barcodes for their faces to drive his point home.

If you love thought-provoking art, this is an exhibit worth checking out.

• It is 7 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

11. Chef Tanya’s Kitchen

Rating: 4.9★

Address: 706 S Eugene Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92264

• It offers an all-vegetarian menu
• It was established in 2017

Why you should go: When you visit a new place, it’s always hard to find the best eatery that serves delicious and overall good food.

The search is difficult, especially when it comes to vegetarian food.

In Palm Springs, you don’t need to have a hard time looking for the best places to eat; Chef Tanya’s Kitchen is one of the best, loved by both locals and visitors.

It is owned and run by Chef Tanya herself, an assurance that you will only be getting the best vegetarian cuisines.

Things to do: The all-vegetarian eatery will serve you foods like veggie bowls, vegan lasagna, deli sandwiches, pastramis, Cuban sandwiches, and more.

It is one of those small and low-key eateries that will not treat you like a stranger but will instead make you feel like you belong.

Chef Tanya’s Kitchen has four branches spread across the city, so if you are looking for a place to eat near Palm Springs, be on the lookout for one.

• It is 5 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

12. Indian Canyons

Rating: 4.5★

Entry tickets: Adults: $12, Seniors (62+): $7, Students: $7, Children (6-12): $6, Military (with U.S. military ID): Free, Equestrian: $11

Address: 38520 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs

• It takes about 2 hours to explore
• Pets are not allowed

Why you should go: Palm Springs was once home to Indians who lived here before the 19th century.

The Indian Canyons culturally represent the ancestral home of a tribe of the Cahuilla known as the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

They lived here for thousands of years, and signs of their existence are evident in the canyon through the rock art, reservoirs, kitchens, trails, and house pits, among other things.

Things to do: Apart from seeing the remnants of the Indians’ ancestral land, visiting the Indian Canyons is a great opportunity for you to explore the beautiful and untouched landscape.

The area is a National Historic Place and therefore protected from human activities to preserve its history.

It comprises three sections; the Palm Canyon, the Murray Canyon, and the Andreas Canyon.

They all have something different to offer but are mainly characteristic of palm trees, hiking trails, over 150 plant species, and various animal species.

Furthermore, there are picnic areas, horseback riding trails, and a gift shop.

Afterward, you can explore the neighboring Tahquitz Canyon discussed below.

• It is 13 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

13. Moorten Botanical Garden

Rating: 4.6★

Entry tickets: Adults/Seniors: $5, Children (5-15): $2, Children under 5: Free

Address: 1701 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264

• It is a family-owned botanical garden
• It was opened in 1938

Why you should go: This is not your usual botanical garden.

It is one of the most unique attractions located in Palm Springs that you will have the pleasure of exploring during your vacation.

Moorten Botanical Garden was established by a couple, Patricia and Chester “Cactus Slim” Moorten.

They loved collecting plants wherever they traveled and growing them in their little one-acre piece of land.

Things to do: You will find over 3,000 plant species spread across the garden and arranged according to the geographical location from which they were collected.

It’s a mixture of both local plants from Baja California and exotic plants from places like Mexico and Guatemala.

These plants are mainly cacti and other desert plants.

It is an amazing place to visit alone or as a group to see these plants, learn more about their habitats and how they survive in desert climatic conditions.

If you are looking for most entertaining places to visit in Palm Springs for families with kids, Moorten Botanical Garden should be it.

Arranging to explore other parts of California? Why not check out some exciting things to do in San Jose!

• It is 7 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

14. Palm Springs Air Museum

Rating: 4.8★

Entry tickets: Adults: $16.50, Seniors/Retired military: $14.50, Children (13-17): $14.50, Children (6-12): $9.50

Address: 745 N Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262

• It was established in 1994
• It was founded by Bob Pond & Pete Madison

Why you should go: The Palm Springs Air Museum was established to educate people on the role that military aircraft, pilots, and American citizens played in winning World War II.

This is taught through library sources, artifacts, flying aircraft, and artwork.

In addition, one of the most interesting things about the museum is that it has been featured in films that have themes revolving around World War II.

Motion picture companies use the museum’s aircraft for these movies.

Things to do: Come to the Palm Springs Air Museum ready to explore its collection of aircraft, which is the largest World War II combat aircraft collection.

Apart from aircraft, you will see a lot of military-related memorabilia like artifacts, aviation artwork, films, books, and other print materials.

You will also find a gift shop, a theater, a simulator, an education center, and three exhibit hangars.

• It is 7 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

15. Palm Springs Celebrity Tours

Rating: 4.6★

Entry tickets: Adults: $54, Seniors (62+): $49, Children (10-18): $25

Address: 4741 E Palm Canyon Dr suite b, Palm Springs, CA 92264

• It explores celebrity-owned residences
• It is also an opportunity to soak up the scenic landscape

Why you should go: When you visit the previously mentioned Palm Springs Walk of Stars, you will realize how many famed people live or have lived in Palm Springs at one point in their lives.

This is what created the need for the Palm Springs Celebrity Tours.

One of the things that made the city a famous celebrity neighborhood in the 1920s was the Hollywood Studios which created a necessity for Hollywood stars to get homes in a place that’s close to the studios.

Palm Springs’ weather and cinematic landscape made the city a great option.

Celebrities bought hideaway homes to live in during their filming period, while others frequented the city for their vacations.

Things to do: Board this luxurious celebrity tour bus to explore neighborhoods where Hollywood stars live, lived, or spend their time when vacationing in Palm Springs.

Some famous celebrities whose residences you will see are Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, George Hamilton, Elizabeth Taylor, and Albert Einstein.

Additionally, you will see holiday homes where notable figures like President Ronald Reagan and his wife spent their vacation.

• It is 7 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

16. Tahquitz Canyon

Rating: 4.5★

Entry tickets: Adults: $12.50, Children (5+): $6, Children (5 and below): Free, Military: Free

Address: 500 W Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92264

• It is located in Coachella Valley
• A common spot for hikers

Why you should go: The Tahquitz Canyon is one of the coolest things to do near Palm Springs for outdoor and history enthusiasts.

It is the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Cahuilla, a group of Native Americans.

The canyon is considered the most beautiful section of all the areas that used to be inhabited by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

It boasts a breathtaking waterfall that drops at 60 feet, native flora and fauna, rock art, and ancient irrigation systems.

You will find great hiking trails that mostly go uphill.

The hike is not for inexperienced visitors.

The landscape is very rough and rugged, so you should dress accordingly.

Things to do: To learn the history of Cahuilla Indians who lived here, make your way to the Visitors’ Center, where you will find educational exhibits, artifacts, and a theater room.

Tahquitz Canyon opens every Friday to Sunday from July to September and every day from October to June.

• It is 7 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

17. Crochet Museum

Rating: 4.7★

Entry tickets: Free

Address: 61855 CA-62, Joshua Tree, CA 92252

• It is located in Joshua Tree
• It is children-friendly

Why you should go: One of the most exciting things to do near Palm Springs is the Crochet Museum.

It is one of those little places designed to provide visitors with intimate and meaningful experiences.

The lovely museum showcases a collection of crocheted animals and other figures, all stored inside a converted drive-thru photo stand.

This museum comes highly recommended by locals and visitors.

Explore more ideas of what to do in Joshua Tree!

Things to do: You do not have to love crocheting to enjoy visiting the museum.

It is a place for everyone.

Notably, this is one of the top things to do in Palm Springs with children.

They will love seeing collections of their favorite animals or cartoon characters and learn about animals and figures they previously did not know.

The Crochet Museum is owned and run by Shari Elf, the artist behind the crochet figures.

One of the most exciting things about the museum is that after your visit, Sharif will keep you updated, through her website and social media, on how your favorite crochet figures are doing.

You will see pictures of them basking in the sun, working on computers, or having spa sessions!

• It is 47 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

18. RoboLights

Rating: 4.5★

Entry tickets: Free

Address: 1077 E Granvia Valmonte, Palm Springs, CA 92262

• They were founded by Kenny Irwin Jr.
• It is a family-friendly attraction

Why you should go: Robolights is a display of lights on robot figures in Palms springs.

It is one of the strangest and most fascinating attractions in the city.

The display consists of robot-like figures painted in bright colors and lit using thousands of Christmas lights.

Things to do: At night, when the lighting is visible, the view is fantastic, however, you can still marvel at them during the day since the giant creations are intriguing.

When they were established, it was possible to enter the compound inside which they are located to have a closer look, but since, due to complaints from the community, it is no longer possible to go inside.

Nevertheless, visitors can still see the Robolights from the street during the day.

• It is 6 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

19. The Purple Room Supper Club

Rating: 4.6★

Address: 1900 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264

• It is located at Club Trinidad Hotel
• It was established in 1960

Why you should go: You will definitely need a place to experience the entertainment culture in Palm Springs.

One of the most recommended places is the Purple Room Supper Club, located inside Club Trinidad Hotel.

As the name suggests, it serves excellent food and great entertainment.

It was established by Michael Holmes and has hosted a series of notable performers like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley over the years.

Things to do: Apart from the delicious food, another factor that has made the Purple Room Supper Club a favorite for many is the fact that you get both food and entertainment at the price of food.

Entertainment is complimentary; you get to watch and listen to some of the best performers from the region and other parts of the country.

And in case you are wondering, yes, the ambiance is purple.

• It is 5 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

20. Palm Springs Windmill Tours

Rating: 4.5★

Entry tickets: $49 per two adults, $10 for every extra adult, Free for children under 12

Address: 62950 20th Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92262

• It is a family-friendly attraction
• It is located on 20th avenue

Why you should go: Windmills are fascinating to watch.

Palm Springs Windmill Tours offers visitors an opportunity to explore windmill farms where they see over 4,000 windmills.

Notably, the city welcomed its first windmill in 1982, and since then, Palm Springs and Coachella Valley have been using wind energy as the main source of energy.

Things to do: You can visit the 70 square miles farm with your children for a fascinating and educative experience.

There are very experienced guides who give visitors educative tours around the farms explaining the history of windmills and wind energy, how windmills function, and the benefits of using wind as a source of energy.

Tours around the farm are conducted using a tour bus, but you will step out every now and then to closely look at some of the machinery.

The tour, which lasts for about two hours, makes for one of the most amazing spots to visit in Palm Springs.

• It is 15 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

21. Volkswagen Spider Sculpture

Rating: 5.0★ 

Entry tickets: Free

Address: 6545 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA

• It is located at the Hole in the Wall
• Both adults and children will find it fascinating

Why you should go: Palm Springs is not short of unusual but intriguing attractions.

The Volkswagen Spider Sculpture is basically a Beetle car elevated using giant spider legs.

It looks like a giant metal spider with a Volkswagen beetle as its body.

It stands in a private compound of what was once an auto repair shop known as Hole in the Wall Welding Shop.

The sculpture was built by Robert Miner, who also ran and owned the welding shop between 1970 and 1990.

Things to do: Even though the welding business closed down, the spider sculpture still stands high and can be seen from the road.

The Volkswagen Spider Sculpture is one of the most bizarre attractions in Palm Springs that’s worth checking out.

• It is 12 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

22. Lucille Ball Statue

Rating: 3.9★

Entry tickets: Free

Address: 100 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

• It is located across from the Palm Springs Art Museum
• It was designed in 1995

Why you should go: Lucille Désirée Ball was an award-winning American Actress and producer.

She is one of the many Hollywood celebrities who owned homes in Palm Springs and lived here from time to time with her first husband, Desi Arnaz.

The famous actress is remembered for having starred, alongside Desi Arnaz, in the sitcom, “I Love Lucy”, which ran for six seasons.

Lucille received many awards and recognition while alive and after her death, including two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a posthumous award.

In 1995, Emmanuil and Janet Snitkovsky designed the Lucille Ball Statue that depicts Lucy sitting on a bench.

Things to do: If you are a fan of her work and her story, you can make your way to downtown Palm Springs to pose with her statue.

Since she is seated on a bench, you can sit next to her and take photos.

The statue often receives criticism that it doesn’t look like Lucy at all.

Visit the attraction and be the judge of that.

• It is 7 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

23. El Jefe

Rating: 4.2★

Address: 1800 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264

• It is located in Saguaro Hotel
• It serves Mexican food

Why you should go: There are so many things to do in Palm Spring’s downtown, and as you do so, you will most definitely get hungry.

One of the eateries you should check out is El Jefe which serves Mexican cuisine.

It is rated the best Mexican restaurant in Palm Springs, and it is easy to understand why once you taste its wide range of foods and drinks.

Things to do: Whether you are a fan of Mexican food or have never tasted Mexican dishes in your life, the restaurant is worth checking out.

Chef Jose Garcia prepares delicious flavors.

He also recommends to new visitors what they should eat from the menu.

Some of the foods and drinks you will enjoy in this rustic and cozy eatery include tacos, shrimp ceviche tostada, chorizo sausages, margaritas, quesadillas, and cervezas.

This is a lovely restaurant to hang out at any time of day.

• It is 5 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

24. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Rating: 4.7★

Entry tickets: Adults: $20, Children (3-12): $10

Address: 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260

• It was formerly called the Living Desert Museum
• It is located in Palm Desert

Why you should go: For places to explore with children, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens comes very highly recommended.

It is a zoo and botanic garden that’s home to over 150 animal and plant species spread across 1,200 acres of land.

However, only 80 acres of the total land is dedicated to the zoo and gardens.

Things to do: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is dedicated to desert conservation, where visitors are educated about the animals and plants of the desert, how to preserve them, and how to appreciate them.

Some of the animals you will find at the zoo include cheetahs, Grevy’s zebra, jaguar, Mexican wolf, and ostriches.

Additionally, the park is home to giraffes, which you can feed with your little ones for a fun and memorable experience.

• It is 24 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

25. Palm Springs Visitors Center

Rating: 4.5★

Entry tickets: Adults: $20, Children (3-12): $10

Address: 2901 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

• It was opened in 2003
• It is an architectural beauty

Why you should go: What makes exploring Palm Springs easy and convenient is partly because of the Palm Springs Visitors Center.

It provides travelers with all the information they need about the desert city.

The building that hosts the Visitors’ Center was built in 1965 as a ‘gas-‘n’-go’ gas station.

It was set for demolition in the 1990s.

However, owing to its magnificent architectural design was turned into a Visitors’ Center.

Things to do: Make the Palm Springs Visitors’ Center your first stop when you arrive in the city to find out as much as you can about all the things it has to offer.

Here you will also learn about the city’s history, including significant events and notable figures from the area.

The center’s architectural design is also enough reason for you to visit it.

It looks glorious with its kite-shaped roof and giant rugged mountains as its backdrop.

Do not forget to pick a free map of Palm Springs before leaving the center.

• It is 10 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

26. Sunnylands Center & Gardens

Rating: 4.7★

Entry tickets: Free

Address: 37977 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

• It is a 200-acre estate
• It has a no-pets policy

Why you should go: This is one of the most beautiful attractions you will visit near Palm Springs.

The Sunnylands Center & Gardens has been welcoming visitors since 2012 to enjoy tranquility and hospitality at the breathtaking residence and garden.

It is an irrigated desert with public gardens, a nine-hole golf course, and a visitors’ center with rotating exhibits.

Things to do: In the exhibits, you will find art collections by the Annenberg family that owns the summit space.

Furthermore, Sunnylands Center & Gardens was established by Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg to host national and international leaders to discuss matters that promote world peace.

This location is one of the coolest things to do in Palm Springs.

The gardens offer a serene atmosphere, while the visitors’ center teaches you a lot about the Annenberg family’s efforts in promoting world peace.

• It is 16 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

27. Cabazon Dinosaurs

Rating: 4.5★

Entry tickets: Adults: $13, Children: $11, Military/Seniors: $10, Children under 3: Free

Address: 50770 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230

• It was formerly called Claude Bell’s Dinosaurs
• They were created between 1964 and 1986

Why you should go: One of the top things to do near Palm Springs is the Cabazon Dinosaurs.

These are two giant dinosaurs made of concrete and steel located by the roadside west of Palm Springs.

The two dinosaurs are named Dinny, the oldest, and Mr. Rex, the youngest.

They are both 46 meters long and 20 meters tall and can be seen as you walk along the road.

Claude K. Bell, after whom the dinosaurs had originally been named, is the artist who created them.

Things to do: Today, visitors can take photos with the dinosaurs, buy souvenirs from the on-site gift shop, and explore the creationist museum.

Notably, the Cabazon Dinosaurs have been featured in several films and music videos like the 1985 film, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.

• It is 24 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

28. Joshua Tree National Park

Rating: 4.8★

Entry tickets: Vehicles: $30, Motorcycle: $25, Annual Pass: $55

Address: 74485 National Park Drive, 29 Palms, CA 92277

• It was established in 1994
• It is named after the Joshua trees found in the area

Why you should go: If you enjoy camping, you should definitely check out Joshua Tree National Park in Riverside County.

Apart from being a popular camping spot, the park is a historical site once the home of the Pinto Culture people, the Cahuilla, the Serrano, and the Chemehuevi.

They lived here thousands of years ago.

Some parts of the park have remnants of their lives here.

Things to do: Both experienced and inexperienced hikers will enjoy hiking the trails.

To explore the park in its entirety, you should consider overnight camping.

Notably, Joshua tree National Park has two entrances, the south entrance for anyone coming from the direction of the Coachella Valley and the northwest entrance for visitors coming from Palm Springs.

The northwest entrance is the most popular since it leads visitors to the main attractions in the park.

• It is 51 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

29. Civic Center Park

Rating: 4.7★

Entry tickets: Annual fee: $5

Address: 43900 San Pablo Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260

• It is 70 acres big
• It is the biggest park in Palm Desert

Why you should go: The Civic Center Park is a family-friendly attraction in Palm Springs that offers recreational activities and amenities like a basketball court, a baseball court, a tennis court, picnic areas, an amphitheater, and public art.

Furthermore, the park offers some of the most beautiful views of the mountainous landscape of the area.

Things to do: It has beautiful sports gardens that your children will enjoy playing at and having fun with other kids.

There are also sculptures distributed around the park that both adults and children will find fascinating.

You can walk around the park as you soak up its beauty.

The park is characteristic of water ponds, water fountains, palm trees, lush green gardens, bright flowers, and more.

Civic Center is home to some lovely ducks that you can feed during your visit.

This is one of the most beautiful places to enjoy a picnic or an evening walk in Palm Springs.

If you have a dog, tag it along and let it play at the dog field.

• It is 20 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

30. Cabot’s Pueblo Museum

Rating: 4.5★

Entry tickets: General Admission: $5, Children under 5: Free

Address: 67616 Desert View Ave, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240

• It was opened in 1945
• It is located in Desert Hot Springs

Why you should go: Built in a Pueblo Revival style of architecture, the Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is a history museum that showcases the early desert life of Alaskan Natives and American Indians who lived in the Sonoran desert region.

The museum was built by Cabot Yerxa, an adventurer who was one of the first settlers in the Colorado Desert.

Things to do: Visitors will explore the museum’s exhibits that showcase the tribes’ cultures through artifacts, artwork, a sculpture, documents, and photographs.

One of the museum’s most notable things is a sculpture known as Wakioye, which is part of 74 giant sculptures that form the Trail of the Whispering Giants collection.

Wakioye is the only sculpture from this collection that remains in California.

In addition, you will learn all about the history of Cabot Yerxa, who used the museum as his home before it was transformed into a museum.

• It is 19 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

31. Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument

Rating: 4.7★

Entry tickets: Free

Address: CA-74, Palm Desert, CA 92260

• It was established in 2000
• It is located in Palm Desert

Why you should go: Covering an area of 280,071 acres, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument was established to preserve endangered flora and fauna and the Cahuilla peoples who own a large portion of land within the area.

The monument is famous for both its beauty as well as its historical significance.

It is characterized by a breathtaking backdrop, diverse vegetation, palm oases, scenic trails, and snow-capped mountains.

Things to do: Some of the endangered animals found here include the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard and the bighorn sheep.

Notably, some of the most common activities you will enjoy here include hiking, camping, horseback riding, and mountain climbing.

With its picturesque backdrop and wide range of activities, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting free things to do in Palm Springs.

• It is 23 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport

So, did you meet your partner while traveling? Talk to me below.