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Palm Springs · California

11 Fun Things to Do in Palm Springs, California

Mix classic Palm Springs sights with desert scenery, museums, shopping and a few easy day trips around the Coachella Valley.

Jing Yang · Updated March 12, 2026

Attraction hours, trail access and seasonal conditions can change. Check the official site before a long drive, hike or timed visit.

Visit the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Ride up Mount San Jacinto for sweeping views over Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley.

1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Official website →

Explore Joshua Tree National Park

A classic Southern California day trip for desert scenery, hiking, climbing, stargazing and unusual rock formations. For maps and ranger information, a practical first stop is the Joshua Tree Visitor Center.

Joshua Tree Visitor Center · 6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252

Official website →

Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum

A downtown museum with modern and contemporary art, architecture, design and rotating exhibitions.

101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Official website →

Shop at Desert Hills Premium Outlets

For outlet shopping, head west of Palm Springs to Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Cabazon for fashion, sportswear and designer brands.

48400 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230

Official website →

Hike in the Coachella Valley Preserve

Explore desert trails, palm oases and wide-open scenery at the Coachella Valley Preserve.

29200 Thousand Palms Canyon Rd, Thousand Palms, CA 92276

Official website →

Play a Round of Golf

Palm Springs and the surrounding desert cities have many public and resort golf courses for a relaxed outdoor day.

Palm Springs / Palm Desert area

Official website →

Spend Time at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens

A family-friendly zoo and botanical garden focused on desert wildlife and habitats.

47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Official website →

Go Horseback Riding Through the Desert

See the desert from a different perspective on a guided ride through the Indian Canyons with Smoke Tree Stables in Palm Springs.

2500 S Toledo Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92264

Official website →

See a Show at the McCallum Theatre

Check the current calendar for concerts, theatre, comedy and other live performances.

73000 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Official website →

See Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms

Twin Palms is one of Palm Springs’ best-known midcentury celebrity homes. It is a private historic estate used for stays and events, so casual visitors should view it as part of an architecture or self-guided stars’ homes tour and respect the property’s privacy.

1145 E Vía Colusa, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Official website →

Go Shopping at El Paseo

Stroll the palm-lined El Paseo shopping district for boutiques, galleries, restaurants and luxury brands.

73472 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Official website →

Things to Pack for Palm Springs

For pool time, desert day trips and long drives, backup phone power and compact travel organizers can be useful. The universal adapter below is only relevant if you are arriving with non-U.S. plugs.