Palm Springs Travel Guide: Things to Do in Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs Travel Guide: Things to Do in Palm Springs, CA
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This desert city in Southern California was Hollywood's favorite getaway in the 1940s, '50s, and '60s, when stars like Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Marilyn Monroe came to relax by the pool.
Today, it's famous for mid-century modern homes, mountain views, and sunny days almost all year. Add the Aerial Tramway, palm-filled canyons, and a lively downtown, and Palm Springs is an easy and stylish escape about two hours from Los Angeles.
Top Things to Do
1. Take Palm Springs' Golden Age Driving Tour—A self-guided audio drive past celebrity homes and mid-century landmarks to the Aerial Tramway.
2. Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway—Climb to 8,516 feet in a rotating tramcar for cool mountain air and huge views.
3. Hike the Indian Canyons—Walk among palm oases and streams on the ancestral land of the Agua Caliente people.
4. Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum—See modern art, Native American art, and mid-century design.
5. Explore the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum—Learn the story of the people whose hot springs gave the city its name.
6. Stroll Palm Canyon Drive—Shop, eat, and people-watch in downtown Palm Springs.
7. Go to VillageFest—Browse a Thursday night street fair with local food and crafts.
8. Day trip to Joshua Tree National Park—See strange trees and giant boulders, about an hour away.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
Palm Springs' Golden Age Driving Tour is a GPS-triggered audio tour that starts behind the Palm Springs Historical Society and ends at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Along the way, it passes Frank Sinatra's Twin Palms, the Movie Colony, Elvis Presley's Honeymoon Hideaway, the Kaufmann House, and the Palm Springs Visitor Center. The drive takes about 45 minutes without stopping. The homes are private, so you'll view them from the street.
Free Things to Do
1. Celebrity home drive—See famous homes from the street.
2. Palm Canyon Drive—Walk downtown's shops and restaurants.
3. VillageFest—Thursday night street fair downtown.
4. Palm Springs Art Museum on Thursday nights—Free from 5 to 8 p.m.
5. Robolights—A wild display of robots and lights, best during the holidays.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway—Ride to Mount San Jacinto (~37adult,plus~15 parking).
2. Palm Springs Art Museum—Modern art and design ($25 adult).
3. Indian Canyons—Palm oasis hiking ($12 adult).
4. Joshua Tree National Park—Desert landscapes ($35 per vehicle for 7 days).
Food!
Sherman's Deli & Bakery
A Palm Springs classic since 1963, known for huge sandwiches and even bigger cakes.
Melvyn's Restaurant
An old-school supper club at the Ingleside Inn, once a favorite of Frank Sinatra.
Cheeky's
A popular breakfast and lunch spot known for creative brunch dishes and bacon flights.
Where to Stay
Luxury
The Parker Palm Springs—a colorful, playful resort with gardens, pools, and a famous croquet lawn. Roughly 400-800/night.
Moderate
Ace Hotel & Swim Club—a laid-back, retro hotel with a lively pool scene. Roughly 200-350/night.
Budget
Mid-century motels and inns—small, stylish stays around town. Roughly 120-200/night.
1 Day Itinerary
1-DAY ITINERARY:
Morning: Take Palm Springs' Golden Age Driving Tour and end at the Aerial Tramway.
Afternoon: Ride the tram to the top of Mount San Jacinto, then come down for a late lunch.
Evening: Stroll Palm Canyon Drive and dinner at Melvyn's.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Day 2: Hike the Indian Canyons in the morning, then visit the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum and the Palm Springs Art Museum.
Extra Time: Take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park, or come in February for Modernism Week.
FAQ's
1. How far is Palm Springs from Los Angeles?
About two hours by car, depending on traffic.
2. Can I go inside the celebrity homes?
No. They're private homes, so view them from the street and respect the owners' privacy.
3. When is the best time to visit Palm Springs?
October through May has the nicest weather. Summer often tops 110 degrees.
4. Should I book anything ahead of time?
Yes. Book hotels early for winter, spring, and Modernism Week in February.
5. What should I bring?
Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and lots of water. Bring a jacket for the top of the tram.
6. Do I need a car?
A car is the easiest way to get around, and you'll need one for the driving tour, the canyons, and Joshua Tree.
7. What is Modernism Week?
A February festival celebrating Palm Springs' mid-century architecture with home tours, talks, and parties.
8. Is it cold at the top of the tram?
Often. It can be 30 to 40 degrees cooler than the desert floor, and there may be snow in winter.
9. Is Palm Springs good for families?
Yes. Kids love the tram, Robolights, the canyons, and the pools.
10. How much time should I spend in Palm Springs?
Two or three days covers the tour, the tram, the canyons, and downtown.
Recommended Tours
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