Things to do in Palm Springs

Activities, attractions and tours
Palm Springs

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.


Top places to visit

1. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Francis Crocker’s vision for the Aerial Tramway first came about in the mid-1930s, although construction didn’t commence until 1960. Helicopters undertook more than 20,000 missions to deposit materials and workers on the mountain during the 26 months of construction. Since then, this engineering wonder has carried over 12 million visitors to the lofty heights of San Jacinto Mountain.
Learn more
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway showing views and landscape views as well as a small group of people

2. Indian Canyon

First settled by Native Americans centuries ago, Indian Canyons was transformed into a natural recreation park in the late 19th century. Its beauty and historic sites have been lovingly preserved and it’s now a popular hiking network.
Learn more
Indian Canyon showing landscape views and a gorge or canyon

3. Palm Springs Art Museum

Established in 1938 in a small room, the Palm Springs Art Museum has since evolved far beyond what its founders likely imagined. The permanent collection alone now numbers over 20,000 pieces. The building’s modern architecture perfectly complements the surrounding sparse, desert landscape.
Learn more
Palm Springs Art Museum which includes interior views

4. Palm Springs Air Museum

The Palms Springs Air Museum is one of the world’s most extensive collections of World War II aircraft and memorabilia. Perched on the edge of Palm Springs International Airport, you’ll find a celebration of classic combat aircrafts, and a memorial to the men and women who kept them flying.
Learn more
Palm Springs Air Museum showing aircraft

5. Mount San Jacinto State Park

Mount San Jacinto State Park and Peak offers 54 miles (86 kilometers) of hiking trails and awe-inspiring scenery, accessible from the Palm Spring Aerial Tramway’s Mountain Station. From the moment you step off the tramway, there are incredible views across the San Gorgonio Pass and Coachella Valley — and this is just the beginning.
Learn more
Take the ride to Southern California’s rooftop to hike through forests of pine and white fir, and experience views that will stay with you forever.

6. Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

There’s no better place in Palm Springs to learn about its Native American past and present than at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. Since 1991, it’s been a center of learning and culture, sharing its extensive collections and educational programs with both locals and visitors from all over the globe.
Learn more
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum which includes interior views as well as an individual male

Popular places to visit

Areas of Palm Springs

Default Image

Downtown Palm Springs

4.5/5(38 area reviews)

Downtown Palm Springs is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Agua Caliente Cultural Museum and Palm Springs Art Museum, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Palm Springs.

Downtown Palm Springs
Default Image

Sunrise Park

If you're spending some time in Sunrise Park, Palm Springs Mall Shopping Center and Heritage Palms Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

Sunrise Park
Default Image

Uptown Design District

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

Uptown Design District is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Las Palmas and San Jacinto Mountains while in the area.

Uptown Design District
Default Image

Baristo

3/5(1 area review)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Baristo and surrounding area, you can visit Agua Caliente Cultural Museum and Palm Springs Art Museum.

Baristo
Default Image

Tahquitz River Estates

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Though Tahquitz River Estates may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium and Agua Caliente Cultural Museum.

Tahquitz River Estates
Default Image

Sonora Sunrise

4/5(1 area review)

Sonora Sunrise might not have many top sights, but Palm Springs Swim Center and Palm Springs Mall Shopping Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Sonora Sunrise