- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Palm Springs
The city's land is a checkerboard grid, co-owned by the Agua Caliente Cahuilla Indians. This desert became a canvas for Mid-Century Modernism. Architects like Albert Frey designed icons for Hollywood's elite, like the Tramway Gas Station, defining our city's visual style.
The San Jacinto Mountains offer a dramatic escape. One of the best reasons to visit Palm Springs is the Aerial Tramway, which climbs 8,500 feet to cool alpine forests. Down below, hike the sacred Indian Canyons to find hidden palm groves and seasonal streams, revealing the desert's surprising biodiversity.
The desert climate defines our culinary scene. Al fresco dining is a year-round staple, from casual patios to fine dining under the stars. A true local specialty is the date shake, made with fruit from nearby Coachella Valley farms. Many chefs create vibrant farm-to-table menus that feature the region's fresh citrus and produce.
- Palm SpringsUnited States
- Palm SpringsUnited States
- Palm SpringsUnited States
- Palm SpringsUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Mar-Maymild, blooming desert flowers, moderate crowds
- Jun-Sepvery hot, peak tourist season
- Oct-Novcooling down, fewer visitors
- Dec-Febmild, pleasant weather, lower tourist traffic
- #Sunscreen
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LightClothing
- #Hat
- #WaterBottle
- #Swimwear
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 5-7 days for side trips and leisure
- USD ($)
- English
- English is the official language here
- #PalmSpringsAerialTramway
- #DesertBotanicalGarden
- #PalmCanyonDrive
- #SunnylandsCenter
- #CoachellaValleyPreserve
- #JoshuaTreeNationalPark
- Explore Downtown Palm Springs
- Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum
- Relax in a spa
- Hike in the Indian Canyons
- Enjoy the nightlife at local bars
Recommended Hotels in Palm Springs by Experience
Things to do in Palm Springs
Discover
Exploring Palm Springs reveals stunning desert landscapes and cultural gems. Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up Chino Canyon, view modern art at the Palm Springs Art Museum, and see desert flora at the Moorten Botanical Garden.
Experience
Hike the scenic trails of the Indian Canyons or Tahquitz Canyon. Experience major cultural events like Modernism Week or the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Stroll through the weekly VillageFest street fair for arts and entertainment.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Rotating tram car ride with panoramic valley views.
Palm Springs Art Museum
Museum with modern and contemporary art collections.
Moorten Botanical Garden
Living museum with over 3,000 desert plant species.
Indian Canyons
Scenic hiking trails through ancestral lands and oases.
Tahquitz Canyon
Hiking trail leading to a spectacular 60-foot waterfall.
Palm Canyon Drive
Main street with boutiques, galleries, and design shops.
Modernism Week
Annual festival celebrating mid-century architecture.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), a quick 10-minute ride to downtown. The trip from the Palm Springs airport to city center is easy via taxi or a pre-booked Palm Springs shuttle bus. You can also take an Amtrak train to Palm Springs (PSN).
Getting Around
A car rental in Palm Springs provides maximum flexibility. While downtown is pedestrian-friendly, public transport in Palm Springs is managed by SunLine Transit Agency buses, connecting the entire valley. Ride the Aerial Tramway for panoramic desert views.
Local Essentials
When driving in Palm Springs, be mindful of cyclists and pedestrians. Carry water at all times due to the intense desert heat. One of the best Palm Springs travel tips for first-timers is to book rental cars and hotels well in advance, especially for festivals.
Where to Stay in Palm Springs
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Palm Springs' culinary scene. The culture favors vibrant happy hours and al fresco dining. Taste iconic local date shakes or a classic margarita. This is the essence of traditional food in Palm Springs.
Enjoy
Eat at Workshop Kitchen + Bar for its industrial design, book ahead. Taste classic cocktails at The Purple Room's retro space, check schedule. Cheeky's offers a vibrant brunch scene, expect queues.
Workshop Kitchen + Bar
Award-winning design and farm-to-table dishes.
Spencer's Restaurant
Elegant American fare at the base of the mountain.
Las Casuelas Terraza
A festive spot for classic Mexican food and margaritas.
Trio Restaurant
Lively bistro with an eclectic, crowd-pleasing menu.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore authentic Palm Springs attractions through events rooted in its history. The annual Singing of the Birds by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians preserves ancient stories. The Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade is a must-see.
Enjoy
Discover modern Palm Springs cultural activities. Enjoy global music acts at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April or celebrate cinema at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in January.
Modernism Week
February celebration of mid-century design and architecture.
Palm Springs Intl. Film Festival
A major film festival showcasing international cinema in January.
Coachella Music Festival
World-famous April music festival with diverse genres.
Greater Palm Springs Pride
November LGBTQ+ celebration with a parade and block parties.
BNP Paribas Open
Major professional tennis tournament held every March.
Palm Springs VillageFest
A weekly downtown street fair with vendors and entertainment.
Festival of Lights Parade
Holiday parade with festive light-adorned floats in December.
Perfect Desert Getaway
Palm Springs is just so relaxing. The whole place has this cool, laid-back feel with the San Jacinto Mountains towering over you. It's clean, easy to get around, and people are friendly. A really great escape for just unwinding.
Incredible Architecture
The mid-century modern design here is stunning. We spent hours just driving through neighborhoods like the Movie Colony to see the amazing houses. It's a dream for anyone who loves architecture and every corner has a photo opportunity.
Ultimate Relaxation
This place is built for lounging by the pool. The weather was perfect, and it's just the best for doing absolutely nothing. The days are sunny and warm, making it a total recharge for the batteries.
Great for Hiking
Palm Springs has awesome outdoor stuff right on its doorstep. The hiking in Tahquitz Canyon was fantastic with a beautiful waterfall at the end. It's so cool to be in the desert mountains one minute and back in town for lunch the next.
Fun Shops and Galleries
Loved walking up and down Palm Canyon Drive. There are so many unique boutiques, art galleries, and home decor shops. It's not your typical shopping street. Found some cool local art to bring home. A really fun way to spend an afternoon.
Nice Evenings Out
The restaurant scene is solid with lots of great patios for outdoor dining, which is perfect for the warm evenings. Had some excellent cocktails and the food was delicious everywhere. The famous date shakes are a definite must-try.