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    Home»United States»California (CA)»21 Things to Do in Palm Springs: Your Ultimate Desert Playground Guide

    21 Things to Do in Palm Springs: Your Ultimate Desert Playground Guide

    By Xim GOOctober 22, 2025

    Welcome to Palm Springs, where the desert heat is matched only by the red-hot excitement waiting around every corner! If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Palm Springs, you’ve hit the jackpot. This sun-soaked oasis isn’t just about poolside lounging (though we won’t judge if that’s your vibe). From soaring above the valley on aerial tramways to hiking through ancient canyons that whisper tales of old Hollywood glamour, Palm Springs serves up adventure with a side of vintage charm. Whether you’re a culture vulture, adrenaline junkie, or someone who just wants to Instagram their way through the most photogenic desert town in California, we’ve got your perfect itinerary covered. So grab your sunscreen and your sense of wonder – it’s time to discover why this desert gem has been stealing hearts since the golden age of cinema!

    Table of Contents

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    • 1. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
    • 2. Indian Canyons: Desert Hiking Paradise
    • 3. Palm Springs Air Museum
    • 4. Palm Springs Art Museum
    • 5. Tahquitz Canyon: Desert Oasis Adventure
    • 6. San Jacinto Mountain: Palm Springs’ Sky-High Adventure
    • 7. VillageFest: Palm Springs’ Most Charming Street Fair
    • 8. Palm Canyon Drive: The Heart of Palm Springs
    • 9. Coachella Valley Preserve
    • 10. Palm Canyon Trail
    • 11. Indian Canyons Hiking Trails
    • 12. Painted Canyon
    • 13. Moorten Botanical Garden
    • 14. Palm Springs Historical Society
    • 15. Agua Caliente Indian Canyons
    • 16. Murray Canyon Trail
    • 17. Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
    • 18. Robolights: Palm Springs’ Wildest Holiday Light Display
    • 19. Las Palmas: Celebrity Neighborhood Tour
    • 20. Ruddy’s General Store Museum: A Nostalgic Journey Back in Time
    • 21. South Lykken Trail

    1. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

    Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

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    The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a breathtaking cable car ride that whisks you 8,516 feet up to the pristine wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park, offering one of the most dramatic temperature drops you’ll ever experience in just 10 minutes.

    As the world’s largest rotating tramcar gently spins during the 2.5-mile journey, you’ll witness stunning 360-degree views of the Coachella Valley below and the rugged Chino Canyon walls. At the top, you’ll find yourself in an alpine wonderland with hiking trails, a natural history museum, and restaurants serving hearty mountain fare.

    • Visit Duration: 2-4 hours (including tram ride and mountain activities)
    • Perfect For: Families, couples, nature lovers, and anyone seeking cooler temperatures
    • Ticket Price: Around $30-35 for adults, $20-25 for children
    • Location: 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
    • Pro Tip: Visit during summer to escape the desert heat – it’s typically 30-40°F cooler at the top! Bring a jacket and book tickets online to skip the lines.

    It’s not just a ride; it’s your ticket to two completely different worlds in one unforgettable day.

    2. Indian Canyons: Desert Hiking Paradise

    Indian Canyons: Desert Hiking Paradise

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    Indian Canyons offers some of Palm Springs’ most spectacular desert hiking experiences, where ancient palm oases meet dramatic canyon walls in a setting that feels like stepping into a natural cathedral. This sacred Native American land features three main canyons—Andreas, Murray, and Palm—each offering unique trails through towering fan palms and crystal-clear streams that seem almost magical in the desert landscape.

    The Andreas Canyon Trail is perfect for families with its easy 1-mile loop, while adventurous hikers can tackle the more challenging Palm Canyon Trail stretching 15 miles. You’ll discover hidden waterfalls, ancient petroglyphs, and some of the largest natural palm oases in North America.

    • Duration: 1-4 hours depending on trail choice
    • Perfect for: All fitness levels, families, photographers, nature lovers
    • Admission: $9 for adults, $5 for children
    • Location: 38500 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs
    • Pro tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and golden lighting—plus you’ll avoid the midday crowds!

    This is where desert dreams come true, offering an authentic Palm Springs experience that connects you with both natural beauty and cultural heritage.

    3. Palm Springs Air Museum

    Palm Springs Air Museum

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    Step into aviation history at the Palm Springs Air Museum, where legendary warbirds come to life in one of CNN’s top 14 air museums worldwide. This isn’t your typical stuffy museum – here you can get up close and personal with authentic WWII fighters, Korean War jets, and Vietnam-era bombers that actually flew in combat.

    The museum’s crown jewels include a pristine P-51 Mustang, a thunderous F-4 Phantom, and rotating exhibits featuring rare aircraft you won’t see anywhere else. What sets this place apart is the interactive experience – many planes are open for exploration, and knowledgeable volunteer docents (many are actual pilots!) share incredible stories that bring these metal birds to life.

    • Time needed: 2-3 hours for aviation enthusiasts, 1-2 hours for casual visitors
    • Perfect for: History buffs, families with curious kids, and anyone fascinated by flight
    • Admission: Around $20 for adults, $10 for children
    • Location: 745 N Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs
    • Pro tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and catch volunteer pilots who love sharing war stories

    It’s rare to find a museum where you can literally climb into a fighter cockpit and imagine soaring through history – making this a must-visit for anyone wanting to touch the sky without leaving the ground.

    4. Palm Springs Art Museum

    Palm Springs Art Museum

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    The Palm Springs Art Museum is the cultural crown jewel of the Coachella Valley, offering a sophisticated escape from the desert heat where art lovers can immerse themselves in world-class exhibitions and thought-provoking collections. This isn’t your typical stuffy museum – it’s a vibrant cultural hub that seamlessly blends contemporary works with classic pieces, making art accessible and engaging for everyone.

    The museum’s permanent collection spans everything from Native American artifacts to contemporary sculptures, while rotating exhibitions keep things fresh and exciting. The architecture itself is a work of art, with clean lines and natural light that perfectly complement the desert setting.

    • Time needed: 2-3 hours for a thorough visit
    • Perfect for: Art enthusiasts, couples seeking culture, families with older kids (10+)
    • Admission: $14 adults, $12 seniors/students, free for members and children under 12
    • Location: 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs
    • Pro tip: Visit on Thursday evenings for free admission to locals, or come during the cooler morning hours to enjoy the outdoor sculpture garden

    Whether you’re a serious art collector or just looking to add some culture to your Palm Springs getaway, this museum proves that the desert has serious artistic chops.

    5. Tahquitz Canyon: Desert Oasis Adventure

    Tahquitz Canyon: Desert Oasis Adventure

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    Tahquitz Canyon is Palm Springs’ crown jewel for hikers seeking a spectacular desert waterfall experience that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy. This sacred Agua Caliente tribal land offers a moderate 1.8-mile loop trail leading to a stunning 60-foot seasonal waterfall cascading over ancient rock formations – yes, there’s actually water in the desert!

    The canyon showcases incredible rock art, palm oases, and dramatic geological formations that tell stories spanning thousands of years. You’ll encounter everything from desert wildlife to Native American cultural sites, making this more than just a pretty hike.

    • Duration: 2-3 hours for the full experience
    • Perfect for: Families with older kids, couples, and nature enthusiasts
    • Admission: $15 for adults, $6 for children
    • Location: 500 W Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs
    • Pro tip: Visit October-April for the best waterfall flow and comfortable temperatures; arrive early to beat crowds and heat

    This isn’t just another desert walk – it’s a journey through time where ancient culture meets natural wonder, proving that Palm Springs has way more to offer than just poolside cocktails.

    6. San Jacinto Mountain: Palm Springs’ Sky-High Adventure

    San Jacinto Mountain: Palm Springs' Sky-High Adventure

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    San Jacinto Mountain offers Palm Springs visitors a breathtaking escape from the desert heat with its towering peak rising 10,834 feet above sea level, accessible via the famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway that whisks you from desert floor to alpine wonderland in just 10 minutes.

    Once at the top, you’ll discover over 50 miles of hiking trails through pristine wilderness, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry adventures. The Mountain Station features dining, gift shops, and two documentary theaters, while the surrounding Mount San Jacinto State Park offers camping and stunning panoramic views stretching to the Salton Sea.

    • Visit Duration: 3-6 hours (half or full day)
    • Perfect For: Families, hikers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking cooler temperatures
    • Tramway Cost: Adults $29.95, Children $19.95 (prices vary seasonally)
    • Location: Tramway Road, Palm Springs
    • Pro Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon for best lighting and fewer crowds; bring layers as it’s 30-40°F cooler at the top!

    Whether you’re escaping triple-digit heat or seeking an alpine adventure, San Jacinto Mountain delivers the perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness that makes it Palm Springs’ most spectacular natural attraction.

    7. VillageFest: Palm Springs’ Most Charming Street Fair

    VillageFest: Palm Springs' Most Charming Street Fair

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    VillageFest is Palm Springs’ beloved weekly street fair that transforms downtown into a vibrant community celebration where locals and visitors mingle over fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and toe-tapping live music. This old-fashioned market captures the essence of small-town charm with big-city flair, making it the perfect spot to experience authentic Palm Springs culture.

    Every Thursday evening, the streets come alive with sidewalk performers entertaining crowds, local musicians setting the mood, and vendors selling everything from organic fruits to unique desert-themed souvenirs. The aroma of street food fills the air as you browse through artisan crafts and strike up conversations with friendly locals who are always eager to share their favorite Palm Springs secrets.

    • Duration: 2-3 hours for a leisurely stroll
    • Perfect for: Families, couples, solo travelers, and anyone seeking authentic local experiences
    • Cost: Free entry, budget $20-40 for food and souvenirs
    • When: Thursday evenings, 6 PM – 10 PM (year-round)
    • Location: Palm Canyon Drive, downtown Palm Springs
    • Pro tip: Arrive early (around 6:30 PM) for the best selection and easier parking

    VillageFest proves that sometimes the best travel memories happen not at famous landmarks, but at genuine community gatherings where you can taste, touch, and truly connect with a destination’s heart and soul.

    8. Palm Canyon Drive: The Heart of Palm Springs

    Palm Canyon Drive: The Heart of Palm Springs

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    Palm Canyon Drive is the vibrant main street that serves as Palm Springs’ beating heart, where desert chic meets retro glamour in the most delightful way possible. This iconic stretch runs right through downtown, offering everything from vintage shopping and sidewalk cafes to people-watching opportunities that rival any Hollywood boulevard.

    Stroll along the palm-lined sidewalks and discover an eclectic mix of boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and bars housed in mid-century modern buildings that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy. The street comes alive especially during evening hours when the desert air cools and the neon signs begin to glow, creating that perfect Palm Springs ambiance.

    • Time needed: 2-4 hours for a leisurely exploration
    • Perfect for: Couples, solo travelers, and anyone who appreciates good design and great cocktails
    • Cost: Free to walk, budget varies for shopping and dining
    • Pro tip: Visit during late afternoon to early evening for the best lighting and cooler temperatures

    Palm Canyon Drive isn’t just a street—it’s where Palm Springs shows off its personality, making it an essential stop for anyone wanting to truly experience the desert oasis lifestyle.

    9. Coachella Valley Preserve

    Coachella Valley Preserve

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    The Coachella Valley Preserve is a stunning 20,000-acre desert sanctuary that offers visitors a chance to explore one of Southern California’s most unique ecosystems, where towering sand dunes meet rare palm oases in an otherworldly landscape. This natural wonderland is home to endangered species like the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard and provides a peaceful escape from Palm Springs’ bustling resort scene.

    Wandering through the preserve’s network of trails, you’ll discover hidden palm groves fed by underground springs, creating unexpected pockets of lush greenery amid the stark desert beauty. The contrast between golden sand dunes and emerald palms makes for incredible photography opportunities, especially during the golden hour.

    • Visit duration: 2-3 hours for main trails
    • Perfect for: Nature lovers, photographers, families with older kids, hikers
    • Admission: Free entry
    • Location: Thousand Palms Oasis Road, Thousand Palms
    • Pro tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid desert heat and catch the best lighting

    It’s a rare chance to witness desert resilience in action, where life thrives against all odds in one of California’s most pristine wilderness areas.

    10. Palm Canyon Trail

    Palm Canyon Trail

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    Palm Canyon Trail is a must-visit desert oasis hike that showcases the largest concentration of California fan palms in the world – and trust us, it’s more Instagram-worthy than your morning latte. This moderate 3-mile loop trail leads you through a stunning desert canyon where towering palm trees create a natural paradise against dramatic rock formations.

    The trail offers multiple route options, including the popular descent to Fern Trail that follows a seasonal creek back to the visitor center. You’ll encounter genuine desert wildlife, from bighorn sheep to colorful desert birds, while enjoying the contrast of lush palm groves against rugged canyon walls.

    • Time needed: 2-3 hours for the full loop
    • Perfect for: Families with older kids, couples, and nature enthusiasts
    • Cost: $5 per adult entrance fee to Indian Canyons
    • Location: 38520 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs
    • Pro tip: Start early morning (7-9 AM) to avoid crowds and heat, bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking shoes

    This trail perfectly captures the magic of Palm Springs – where desert meets oasis in the most spectacular way possible.

    11. Indian Canyons Hiking Trails

    Indian Canyons Hiking Trails

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    Indian Canyons Hiking Trails offer some of Palm Springs’ most spectacular desert hiking experiences, where ancient palm groves meet rugged canyon walls in a setting that feels like nature’s own cathedral. These ancestral Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians lands feature multiple trail options, from leisurely walks through Andreas Canyon’s lush oases to the moderately challenging trek to Seven Sisters Falls, where cascading water creates a desert mirage you’ll want to photograph from every angle.

    The trails wind through towering fan palms, seasonal streams, and dramatic rock formations that tell stories spanning thousands of years. Each canyon has its own personality – Andreas Canyon for easy family strolls, Murray Canyon for moderate adventures, and Palm Canyon for the longest desert hiking experience.

    • Time needed: 1-4 hours depending on chosen trail
    • Perfect for: Families, nature lovers, photographers, and hikers of all skill levels
    • Admission: $9 for adults, $5 for seniors/students, children 5 and under free
    • Location: 38500 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
    • Pro tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and desert heat – and don’t forget plenty of water!

    This is where Palm Springs shows off its wild side, proving that sometimes the best adventures are hiding in plain sight just minutes from downtown.

    12. Painted Canyon

    Painted Canyon

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    Painted Canyon is nature’s own masterpiece where vibrant red, orange, and golden hues dance across towering rock walls, creating one of the most Instagram-worthy spots near Palm Springs that’ll make your friends seriously question their vacation choices.

    This geological wonder offers easy hiking trails through narrow slot canyons where you can touch walls that look like they’ve been painted by a very talented (and slightly color-obsessed) artist. The short trek is perfect for capturing those dramatic desert photos while feeling like you’re exploring Mars without the space suit.

    • Time needed: 2-3 hours for hiking and photo sessions
    • Perfect for: Families with older kids, photographers, and adventure seekers
    • Cost: Free parking and access
    • Location: Painted Canyon Road, Mecca, CA (about 45 minutes from Palm Springs)
    • Pro tip: Visit during golden hour for the most spectacular lighting, and bring plenty of water – the desert doesn’t mess around!

    Whether you’re chasing the perfect sunset shot or just want to feel tiny next to some seriously impressive rock formations, Painted Canyon delivers an unforgettable desert adventure that proves Mother Nature is the ultimate artist.

    13. Moorten Botanical Garden

    Moorten Botanical Garden

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    Moorten Botanical Garden is Palm Springs’ hidden desert oasis where cacti enthusiasts and nature lovers can wander through one of the world’s most impressive collections of desert plants. This family-owned botanical wonderland has been enchanting visitors since 1938 with over 3,000 varieties of cacti, succulents, and desert flora spread across scenic nature trails.

    As you meander through the winding pathways, you’ll discover towering saguaro cacti, bizarre barrel cacti, and delicate flowering desert blooms that seem almost alien in their beauty. The garden’s crown jewel is the greenhouse filled with rare specimens, including some plants that are over 50 years old. Kids love spotting the quirky shapes and colors, while photographers go wild capturing the dramatic desert landscapes.

    • Visit duration: 1-2 hours
    • Perfect for: Families, nature photographers, plant enthusiasts, and couples seeking a peaceful stroll
    • Admission: Around $5 for adults, $2 for children
    • Location: 1701 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs
    • Pro tip: Visit in early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and catch the best lighting for photos

    This botanical gem proves that the desert is anything but barren – it’s a vibrant, living masterpiece waiting to surprise you at every turn.

    14. Palm Springs Historical Society

    Palm Springs Historical Society

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    The Palm Springs Historical Society is your gateway to understanding the fascinating story behind this desert oasis, from its Native American roots to its glamorous mid-century heyday when Hollywood stars made it their playground.

    Step into their charming museum and archives where you’ll discover captivating exhibits about the area’s transformation from a quiet desert town to a world-renowned resort destination. The society offers guided tours of historic properties, including some stunning mid-century modern homes that defined Palm Springs’ architectural legacy. Don’t miss their collection of vintage photographs and artifacts that bring the Rat Pack era to vivid life.

    • Visit Duration: 1-2 hours for museum, 3-4 hours with guided tour
    • Perfect For: History buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and curious travelers of all ages
    • Admission: Museum entry around $5-10, guided tours $15-25
    • Location: 221 S Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
    • Pro Tip: Visit on weekday mornings for smaller crowds and book architecture tours in advance as they fill up quickly

    This hidden gem perfectly captures the essence of Palm Springs’ rich heritage, making it an essential stop for anyone wanting to truly understand what makes this desert city so uniquely captivating.

    15. Agua Caliente Indian Canyons

    Agua Caliente Indian Canyons

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    Step into the sacred oasis of Agua Caliente Indian Canyons, where ancient palm groves meet dramatic desert landscapes in what the Cahuilla Indians have considered holy ground for centuries. These stunning canyons offer a refreshing escape from Palm Springs’ heat, with towering fan palms creating natural shade along babbling streams and rocky trails that wind through three distinct canyon areas: Palm, Andreas, and Murray.

    Whether you’re hiking the popular Palm Canyon Trail to spot California’s largest natural palm oasis, or exploring the more secluded Andreas Canyon with its seasonal waterfalls, you’ll discover why this place has captivated visitors for generations. The canyons provide excellent bird watching, photography opportunities, and a chance to learn about Native American culture through interpretive displays.

    • Visit Duration: 2-4 hours depending on trail choice
    • Perfect For: Nature lovers, families with older kids, photographers, and anyone seeking desert tranquility
    • Admission: $9 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for children 6-12
    • Location: 38520 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs
    • Pro Tips: Visit early morning (8-10am) for cooler temperatures and better wildlife spotting; bring water and wear sturdy shoes; avoid midday summer visits

    This is where desert spirituality meets outdoor adventure, making it an essential Palm Springs experience that connects you to both nature and Native American heritage.

    16. Murray Canyon Trail

    Murray Canyon Trail

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    Murray Canyon Trail is your gateway to experiencing the raw beauty of the Mojave Desert without the punishing heat—if you time it right. This moderately easy hiking trail winds through the stunning Indian Canyons, showcasing some of the most distinctive desert flora you’ll find anywhere, including vibrant yellow creosote flowers that bloom like nature’s own confetti across the landscape.

    The trail offers a perfect blend of adventure and accessibility, featuring seasonal streams, towering palm oases, and dramatic canyon walls that create natural shade—a desert hiker’s dream. You’ll encounter fascinating desert wildlife and vegetation that have adapted to thrive in this harsh yet beautiful environment.

    • Duration: 2-3 hours for the full experience
    • Perfect for: Active families with older kids, nature lovers, and photography enthusiasts
    • Entry fee: $12.50 for adults (Indian Canyons access)
    • Location: 38500 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs
    • Pro tip: Start early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat, and bring plenty of water—the desert doesn’t forgive the unprepared

    This trail proves that the desert isn’t just about cacti and heat—it’s a living, breathing ecosystem that will leave you with a newfound respect for nature’s resilience.

    17. Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

    Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

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    The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is a stunning 48,000 square-foot cultural treasure in downtown Palm Springs that offers visitors an immersive journey into the rich heritage of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. This brand-new facility isn’t just another museum – it’s a bridge between ancient traditions and modern storytelling that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the desert’s original inhabitants.

    Inside, you’ll discover interactive exhibits showcasing traditional basketry, pottery, and tribal history, along with contemporary Native American art that beautifully blends past and present. The museum features multimedia presentations, authentic artifacts, and rotating exhibitions that bring Cahuilla culture to life in engaging ways.

    Practical Information:

    • Visit Duration: 1.5-2 hours
    • Perfect For: Families, history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and anyone seeking meaningful local experiences
    • Admission: $15 adults, $12 seniors/students, children under 12 free
    • Location: 219 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs
    • Pro Tip: Visit on weekday mornings for smaller crowds and consider combining with a stroll through downtown Palm Springs

    This museum proves that the best travel experiences happen when you take time to understand the soul of a place.

    18. Robolights: Palm Springs’ Wildest Holiday Light Display

    Robolights: Palm Springs' Wildest Holiday Light Display

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    Robolights is Palm Springs’ most eccentric holiday attraction – a mind-blowing outdoor art installation that transforms one residential property into a psychedelic wonderland of lights, robots, and pure creative chaos that’ll make your Instagram followers question reality.

    This isn’t your average Christmas display. Created by artist Kenny Irwin Jr., Robolights features towering robot sculptures, neon cacti, spinning UFOs, and thousands of colorful lights that pulse to music. The experience is part art gallery, part alien landing site, and completely unforgettable. You’ll wander through different themed areas, each more surreal than the last, while disco balls and metallic creatures create a sensory overload that somehow works perfectly.

    • Visit duration: 30-45 minutes
    • Perfect for: Families with kids, art lovers, and anyone who enjoys quirky experiences
    • Cost: Free (donations appreciated)
    • Location: 1077 Granvia Valmonte, Palm Springs
    • Pro tip: Visit after dark (opens at sunset) during December-January for the full effect; weeknights are less crowded

    Robolights proves that the best attractions are often the most unexpected – it’s a delightfully weird slice of Palm Springs creativity that you simply can’t experience anywhere else.

    19. Las Palmas: Celebrity Neighborhood Tour

    Las Palmas: Celebrity Neighborhood Tour

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    Las Palmas is Palm Springs’ most glamorous neighborhood where Hollywood legends once called home, and yes, this is where Elvis and Priscilla spent their honeymoon back in 1967. This upscale residential area offers a fascinating glimpse into mid-century architecture and celebrity culture that defined Palm Springs’ golden era.

    Take a leisurely drive or walk through the tree-lined streets to admire the stunning modernist homes, many designed by famous architects like Richard Neutra and Albert Frey. The neighborhood showcases some of the finest examples of desert modernism, with clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and that iconic Palm Springs aesthetic.

    • Time needed: 1-2 hours for a self-guided tour
    • Best for: Architecture enthusiasts, couples, and anyone interested in celebrity history
    • Cost: Free (it’s a public neighborhood)
    • Location: Between Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive, south of Alejo Road
    • Pro tip: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and cooler temperatures

    Las Palmas perfectly captures the glamour and sophistication that made Palm Springs the playground of the stars.

    20. Ruddy’s General Store Museum: A Nostalgic Journey Back in Time

    Ruddy's General Store Museum: A Nostalgic Journey Back in Time

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    Step into Ruddy’s General Store Museum for a delightfully authentic trip back to the 1930s and early 1940s, where you can experience what shopping was really like before supermarkets took over the world. This charming recreation of a Depression-era general store showcases original fixtures, vintage medicines, household products, and hardware that will make your grandparents nostalgic and millennials completely baffled by how people survived without Amazon Prime.

    Wander through aisles lined with period-appropriate merchandise, from old-fashioned remedies that promised to cure everything to tools that actually lasted more than a year. The museum’s authentic atmosphere makes it feel like you’ve stumbled into a time capsule, complete with the kind of personal service that modern retail has forgotten.

    • Visit duration: 30-45 minutes
    • Perfect for: History buffs, families with curious kids, and anyone who enjoys vintage Americana
    • Admission: Free (donations appreciated)
    • Pro tip: Visit during weekday mornings for a quieter, more immersive experience

    It’s a wonderfully quirky reminder that sometimes the best shopping experiences come without credit card readers and self-checkout machines.

    21. South Lykken Trail

    South Lykken Trail

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    South Lykken Trail is Palm Springs’ gateway to desert hiking paradise, offering stunning panoramic views of the Coachella Valley without requiring superhuman fitness levels. This moderate 4.4-mile out-and-back trail winds through classic Sonoran Desert landscape, where you’ll encounter fascinating flora like the resilient creosote bush and towering ocotillo cacti that seem to wave hello as you pass.

    The trail rewards hikers with breathtaking vistas of the valley below and surrounding mountain ranges, making it a photographer’s dream and Instagram goldmine. Early morning or late afternoon hikes offer the most comfortable temperatures and dramatic lighting.

    • Duration: 2-3 hours for the full trail
    • Perfect for: Moderate hikers, nature lovers, and photography enthusiasts
    • Cost: Free parking and trail access
    • Location: Trailhead at South Palm Canyon Drive and Mesquite Avenue
    • Pro tip: Start early to avoid midday heat, bring plenty of water, and wear sturdy hiking shoes

    South Lykken Trail proves that you don’t need to venture far from Palm Springs to experience the raw beauty of the California desert in all its prickly, sun-soaked glory.

    And there you have it – 21 incredible things to do in Palm Springs that’ll make your desert adventure absolutely unforgettable! From the moment you step off that aerial tramway with wind-whipped hair and a huge grin, to your final sunset stroll down Palm Canyon Drive, this desert playground never stops delivering. Whether you’ve conquered mountain trails, soaked up local culture, or simply perfected your poolside pose, Palm Springs has a magical way of making every visitor feel like they’ve discovered their own personal slice of paradise. The best part? This list barely scratches the surface of what this desert wonderland has to offer. So start planning, pack those comfortable walking shoes, and get ready to fall head-over-heels for the most charming desert destination on the West Coast!

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