A few weeks ago, I went with my mom to Palm Springs to celebrate her birthday. This was the first time either of us had visited the Coachella Valley. We were excited to experience all the sights and activities this longtime haven for Hollywood stars has to offer. We weren’t disappointed. Between beautiful hikes in the southern California desert, exploring museums, and visiting kitschy shops and restaurants, we were never at a loss for things to do in this desert oasis.
With so many things to see and do in Palm Springs, trying to decide what is worth a visit during your limited time can be overwhelming. That is why I have created a list of some of the highlights to help you plan your trip. I have included my favorite places in Palm Springs as well as some personal recommendations to maximize your time and money while you are there.
Joshua Tree National Park
A trip to Palm Springs isn’t complete without a visit to Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States with good reason. The park houses two distinct desert ecosystems: the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert. The Colorado Desert, which is located in the eastern part of the park, is known for its shrubbery and cholla cacti. In contrast, the Mojave Desert contains an array of boulders and is known for its collection of Joshua trees. Due to its size, visitors should expect to spend the better part of a day here. You may want to extend your visit to more than one day, if you are planning on doing a lot of hiking or bouldering.
Be sure to arrive at Joshua Tree National Park early. The mornings are typically cooler and less crowded than the afternoons. I also suggest avoiding weekends or holidays because the park can become congested with the increased number of visitors. The park currently has an entrance fee of $30 per vehicle. If you are planning on visiting multiple National Parks or landmarks during your stay, then I highly recommend purchasing the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass. This year-long pass costs $80 and allows you to visit over 2000 federal recreation sites in the United States and its territories. The America the Beautiful pass can be a big money saver as entrance fees to federally administered lands tend to range between $10-35 and can add up quickly if you make multiple visits. You can purchase this pass either online or in person at one of the federal recreation sites. I recommend buying this in advance, as not every recreation site has these passes available and it speeds up the entrance process. Regardless of which option you choose, be sure to either stop at the visitor center or pick up a map on your way in. The map lists popular viewpoints, hiking trails, picnic spots and campsites, which can be extremely helpful for making the most out of your time at Joshua Tree National Park. Take your time and be prepared to make multiple stops while exploring this majestic park.
Cabazon Dinosaurs
If you are driving in from neighboring Los Angeles, be sure to stop at the Cabazon Dinosaurs. This roadside attraction is located off of the I-10, about 30 minutes outside of Palm Springs. The family friendly park was made famous by the 1985 movie “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure.” It is a fun place to rest, take some photos and get something to eat. Outside the park there are two large dinosaurs, Dinny a brontosaurus which holds the park’s gift shop and Mr. Rex, a tyrannosaurus that visitors can climb into. Dinny and Mr. Rex are free to visit, but if you would like to see more of the park’s dinosaurs you will have to enter the museum. The museum is open from 9:00am – 6:00pm Monday to Thursday and 9:00am – 8:00pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets cost $13 for adults and $11 for children. Unless you are traveling with young children, I recommend skipping the museum. The price is high for what it is included and the activities are geared towards kids. Instead, save your money and get a dinosaur themed treat at the Wafflesaurus food truck outside or, better yet, head to the nearby Cabazon Outlets for some shopping.
Palm Canyon Drive
At some point during your stay, you will probably find yourself on Palm Canyon Drive. This infamous street is in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. Palm Canyon Drive is lined with dozens of shops, restaurants, art galleries, and museums. Take a leisurely stroll along the Walk of Stars and keep your eyes open for the Sonny Bono statue. If it is your first time in Palm Springs, I suggest staying in close proximity to this street as it will give you easy access to many of the city’s top tourist attractions as well as a plethora of shopping and dining options. Staying within walking distance can also be a time and money saver, since you won’t have to deal with parking or cab fare fees to and from this location. If you are looking for good dining options around Palm Canyon Drive, I recommend Pinocchio in the Desert for good breakfast options, Las Casuelas Original for authentic Mexican food and Rooster and the Pig for excellent Vietnamese cuisine.
Moorten Botanical Garden
About a mile from downtown Palm Springs, you can find Moorten Botanical Garden. This arboretum specializes in desert plants and contains over 3000 species of cacti, shrubs and trees. Moorten Botanical Garden is open Monday – Sunday from 10:00am- 4:00pm and is closed on Wednesdays. Due to the heat, the summer has reduced hours. From the end of June until the end of September, the garden is only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am – 1:00pm. Entrance is $5 for adults and $2 for children under the age of 15. While Moorten Botanical Garden is relatively small, it is a worthwhile stop. Take an hour or two out of your day to explore the graden’s different desert biomes and cactarium. Be sure to check out the nursery on your way out. Here you can find a variety of succulents available for purchase.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
It’s easy to see why Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is one of the top rated attractions in Palm Springs. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway opened in 1963 and is the longest rotating tramway in the world. This tramway transports passengers the 2.5 miles from Valley Station at the base of San Jacinto Mountain to Mountain Station near the mountain’s summit. Tickets cost $26.95 for adults, $24.95 for seniors, and $16.95 for children under 10. Parking at the destination is $10. The first tramcar departs at 8:00am and the last car returns at 6:00pm with cars departing every 30 minutes. While the ride on the tramway is enjoyable, what really makes Palm Springs Aerial Tramway such an excellent experience are the breathtaking views and nature trails at the top. I recommend dedicating several hours of your day here. Once you have taken the 10 minute ride up to Mountain Station, stop by the observation deck for beautiful views of Palm Springs. Mountain Station has two restaurants and a small museum. Unless you are planning on spending all day here, I would suggest skipping the restaurants as there are much better options elsewhere. However, don’t miss out on many hiking trails. There are a series of hiking trails with varying difficulty that even novice hikers can enjoy. Bring a sweater or a jacket. Mountain Station is located at 8,516 feet elevation. Due to the high elevation, the temperature is typically cooler at the top and it’s not unusual to find snow.
Salvation Mountain
While Salvation Mountain is not located in Palm Springs, it is worth making a trip to see. This landmark is located just outside of the small town of Niland, California, about an hour and a half drive from downtown Palm Springs. The man-made mountain was created by Leonard Knight and is composed of numerous murals and art pieces.
Knight began the construction of Salvation Mountain in 1984, however, it collapsed just five years later due to its weak construction. Undeterred, Knight rebuilt the mountain using more stable materials. Knight was non-denominational and believed that Christianity should be simple. This is reflected in the art work with messages such as, “god is love,” painted on the structures. The art installation was inspired by the Sinner’s Prayer and has themes of repentance and hope. Regardless of your religious background, Salvation Mountain is a beautiful example of modern American folk art. Salvation Mountain is open daily and free to visit. I suggest arriving earlier in the day and avoiding weekends as it can become quite busy.
Palm Springs Art Museum
Just off of Palm Canyon Drive, you will find Palm Springs’ premier art museum. Situated in downtown Palm Springs, Palm Springs Art Museum was founded in 1938 and houses a collection of over 12,000 pieces of contemporary art and historical artifacts. The museum is also home to the Annenberg theater, which regularly hosts performing arts events. Palm Springs Art Museum is open Friday to Tuesday from 10:00am – 5:00pm. The museum is closed Wednesdays and Thursdays the museum is open from 12:00 – 8:00pm, with free admission during the final four hours. Admission is $14 for adults. Seniors, students and teachers are eligible for discounted tickets with proper ID. Children under the age of 18 and active duty military can visit the museum for free. A visit to Palm Springs Art Museum is an excellent way to break up your day or simply escape the desert heat. I recommend dedicating a few hours to exploring this multilevel museum. Be sure to check out the museum’s calendar for special events and workshops. You won’t be disappointed.
Indian Canyons
If you are looking for great hikes and beautiful scenery, be sure to make a visit to Indian Canyons. Indian Canyons is the ancestral land of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and considered a sacred place to the tribe. Indian Canyons is part of the Agua Caliente Indian reservation and serves as a nature preserve. The land features numerous hiking trails and horseback riding. This desert oasis is known for its canyons, waterfalls, ruins, rock formations, plants, and wildlife. Indian Canyons is open to visitors daily from 8:00am – 5:00pm, however, during the summer months, the nature preserve is only open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Entrance to the park is $9 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Seniors and students with ID pay $7. If you plan to visit Indian Canyons, be sure to get an early start. The park fills up quickly and has limited parking. If you arrive during a busy time, you may experience long wait times to enter. I recommend leaving large vehicles such as trailers and RVs at home as the roads in Indian Canyon are extremely narrow and many are unpaved. Remember to bring plenty of water and comfortable hiking shoes. Palm Springs can get quite hot during the day, even during the winter months, and many of the trails have steep inclines and rocky footing.
Palm Springs Air Museum
If you’re looking for a change of pace from Palm Springs’ art galleries, mid-century modern design and desert landscapes, then be sure to check out Palm Springs Air Museum. This museum is located next to Palm Springs airport and is dedicated to World War II, Korean, and Vietnam War era aircraft. The museum is comprised of four hangers each holding planes and artifacts with a different theme. Palm Springs Air Museum boasts over 50 flyable and static planes and is considered one of the top 20 aviation museums in the world. The aeronautical museum is open daily from 10:00am – 5:00pm. Admission is $18 for adults and $16.50 for seniors, retired military and children. Active military personnel and children under five are eligible for free admission. Palm Springs Air Museum is an excellent way to spend an afternoon. Expect to spend a few hours wandering through this large collection of war relics. Keep your eyes peeled for vintage planes taking flight or make a reservation at the gift shop or online for the unique experience of riding on one of these planes.
Windmills
Driving into Palm Springs, you will see thousands of windmills lining the sides of the I-10. Windmills have been strategically placed here to take advantage of the strong winds that blow between the San Gorgonio and San Jacinto mountains. The San Gorgonio Pass as it is commonly referred to, makes up one of the largest windmill farms in California. As a result, windmills have become an iconic symbol and synonymous with Palm Springs. While you are in Palm Springs, be sure to take the time to check out these engineering marvels. Either stop by the side of the road and take some photos or, if you are interested in learning more about the windmills, take a tour. Palm Springs Windmill Tours offers self-driving tours of a windmill farm with ten educational stops along the way. The tour costs $50 per vehicle and takes approximately one hour. Palm Springs Windmill Tours takes you up close to the farm’s many windmills which gives you a better impression of how massive and impressive these wind turbines are.
As you can see, there isn’t a shortage of things to do and see in Palm Springs. It doesn’t matter if you’re a nature lover, art aficionado, or history buff there is something for everyone. Spend a few days taking in the sights and enjoying your time in Palm Springs.
