2024 Palm Springs Visitors Guide
Palm Springs has it all. Sunny summers and warm winters offer just about anything you are looking for in a vacation spot. While you are here you will find modern accommodations, art, culture, history, museums and so much more there won’t be time to see it all. Palm Springs is one of the cities that make up Coachella Valley which offers tons of great attractions and lush California scenery. While you are here please check out some of the surrounding area attractions and activities that help make the Palm Springs area what it is.
Palm Springs, California Vacation & Visitors Guide
Palm Springs has many local activities & attractions. Palm Springs can boast of eight of the valley’s 69 golf courses. Her greatest attractions are the Aerial Tramway, Desert Museum, Oasis Water Resort, Moorten Botanical Gardens, and the spectacular Indian canyons. In addition, 21 excellent art galleries, 12 antique stores, and many specialty shops line Palm Canyon Drive. We are sure you will find something of interest while you are here.
Whether you’re on a budget or not, you should be able to find affordable accommodations in Palm Springs at any time of the year. All About Palm Springs’ online reservations system offers many hotels & resorts to choose from with discounted rates. You can view individual hotel information. Check rates, availability and make secure online reservations. All About Palm Springs also offers the guaranteed lowest rates on car rentals anywhere in the city from major companies like Enterprise & Thrifty. Our online services are easy to use and very secure. We provide quality service to all of our customers.
While visiting Palm Springs you’ll never go hungry for quality food or shopping. Palm Springs offers lots of great restaurants that will please anyone’s appetite. You can eat everything from seafood to sushi and do it with a fantastic view. Restaurants serving Italian, French, American, and Seafood can all be found close by. If shopping is what you are looking for you are in luck. Palm Springs has everything from your department store chain to local gift shops. Shopping here is great for everyday items as well as the special gift items you are looking for.
What to See & Do in Palm Springs
Palm Springs has tons to see and do. You can take a trip to scenic state or national parks and enjoy the serene setting. On the other hand, you could visit some of the game centers and try out the batting cages, go-carts, or bumper boats. If that is no enough try a botanical or water park. The variety will satisfy a couple on a getaway or an entire family craving entertainment. Below we have highlighted some of Palm Springs’ major attractions to help you plan a great vacation.
Palm Springs Attractions & Activities
Anza Borrego Desert State Park
This 600,000-acre park, the largest in the United States, enjoys virtually the same climate as the Coachella Valley. The park surrounds the quiet community of Borrego Springs, itself becoming a haven for celebrities and artists. Visitors can explore by foot, vehicle, or bicycle. Guided Jeep tours are also available. A one-hour drive south of Palm Desert via Hwy. 86. (800) 559-5524.
Camelot Park Family Entertainment Center
Fun for all ages! Mini golf, bumper boats, go-karts, Lazer Tag, motion simulator, batting cages & arcade. Open 365 days a year, Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.-midnight, Sat. 10 a.m.-midnight, Sun. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission free; golf $6, seniors $4.25, junior golf 5 and under free (with paying adult); go-karts $4.75; bumper boats $4; Lazer Tag $4; simulator $4; soft- or hardball batting 20 pitches $1, 30 minutes $12. (bats/helmets available). Group & birthday packages. 67-700 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Cathedral City. 321-9893.
Castle City Family Fun Center
Indoor bumper cars! Animated theater; Kiddie-land and free soft play; Redemption games; Video games. Birthday Parties. Great family fun & food! Open daily 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Free admission. 25-cent tokens for rides and games from $.25-$1. 82-530 Hwy. 111 at Arabia, Indio. 775-6600.
Indian Canyons
Andreas, Murray, and Palm canyons. Tahquitz Canyon is closed to the public. A trading post, picnic grounds, hiking and horse trails. Year-round 8 a.m.-5 p.m., the summer schedule varies. S. Palm Canyon Dr., five miles from the center of Palm Springs. Admission $6 adults, $3 seniors 62 and over, $1 children 6-12 years, under 5 free, $3.50 students and military with I.D., $7 equestrian, group rates available. 325-3400.
Joshua Tree National Park
Mojave and Colorado deserts join to form the park, approximately 1,241 sq. miles. Varieties of flora, wildlife sanctuary, campgrounds, horse and hiking trails. Headquarters in Twentynine Palms. Take Route 62 through Morongo and Yucca Valleys. $10 per car (7 days). 367-5500.
The Living Desert
1,200-acre wildlife and botanical park, accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA), featuring rare and endangered desert animals and African wildlife including bighorn sheep, mountain lions, Mexican wolves, cheetahs, warthogs, and zebras. A new Village WaTuTu, hiking trails, picnic areas, cafe, gift shop, “Wildlife Wonders” live animal shows daily in outdoor Tennity Amphitheater. Native plants in Wortz Demonstration Garden. Open daily year-round, except Dec. 25. Hours Sept. 1-June 30: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., last admission 4:30 p.m. $8.50 adults; $7.50 seniors over 62; $4.25 children 3-12. July 1-Aug. 31: 8 a.m.-2 p.m., last admission 1 p.m. $6.50 general admission. $3 children 3-12. Shaded and misted areas throughout the park. Desert Explorer 50-minute guided tour on an electric tram, an additional $5. Group rates. Free parking. 47-900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert. 346-5694.
Oasis Waterpark
Deluxe, family-oriented water playground in a private beach club atmosphere. Thirteen waterslides including the new and exciting Shark Attack, a three-person Tube Ride in a speedy, twisting open flume, Wavepool for body- and board-surfing, and the relaxing Lazy River ride. Monte Carlo Beach with mist-cooled private cabanas, gift shop, food and beverages. Open daily at 11 a.m. Mar. 10 thru Labor Day, weekends through Oct. 29. $19.95 5’ tall & over; $12.95 for seniors and children 3’-5’ tall, under 3’ free. Group discounts for 15 or more. Parking $4. All Condo Oasis Villa Hotel guests receive free waterpark admissions. Off I-10 south on Gene Autry Tr. between Ramon Rd. and E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs. (800) 247-4664.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
One of the world’s most spectacular aerial rides, Mountain Station at 8,5l6 feet features a restaurant, cocktail lounge, gift shop, and movie theater. Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness offer 54 miles of hiking trails, wilderness mule rides, cross-country skiing and snow-tubing with rentals available. Round trip tram fare $19.65 adults, $17.65 seniors, $12.50 children 3-12. Ride ?n’ Dine (tickets after 2:30 p.m., dinner after 4 p.m.) $23.65 adults, $15.50 children. Annual ride tickets and group rates. Ample parking. Tramway Dr. – Chino Canyon off Hwy. 111 (north). Open 10 a.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. weekends and holidays. Cars depart at least every half hour. The last car up 8 p.m., last car down 9:45 p.m. Recorded info: 325-1391.
Uprising Outdoor Adventure Center Friends
Family, fun. Anyone can do it! Specializing in beginner lessons for those 6 years and up. Come try rock climbing at a most exciting outdoor rock climbing facility. Open-air, shaded, micro-cooled, and open year-round. Also, a high adventure Rope Course for local and visiting team building and training. Corporate/group rates. Call for hours and rates. 1500 S. Gene Autry Tr., Palm Springs (next to Oasis Water Park minutes off Hwy. 10). 320-6630.
Where to Eat in Palm Springs
Time for dinner? Palm Springs has plenty to offer, ranging from seafood to steaks and from Chinese to Mexican. Make no mistake Palm Springs has more to offer than just dinner. Look for great restaurants serving outstanding breakfasts, great lunches as well as savory dinners.
Where to Stay in Palm Springs
Palm Springs offers hotels, resorts, motels, and inns for almost any budget. Whether you need a room in downtown or outside city limits, the selection is enormous. By clicking on the “Palm Springs Accommodations” link below, you can view a variety of accommodations in different areas of Palm Springs.
Nightlife in Palm Springs
Palm Springs has everything you are looking for. After a day of checking out the scenery or playing at the attractions, you may want to relax at one of Palm Springs’s many nightclubs. You have more energy! Visit nightclubs ranging from hard rock to the blues for a night of dancing and entertainment. Comedy clubs are also on the menu for visitors who need to finish their day with a smile. No matter what you are looking for when the sun goes down, Palm Springs has it to offer.
Palm Springs is also known for its LGBT population. With the high quality of the new gay hotels, gay restaurants, and gay bars, Palm Springs in gaining the image of being the most popular vacation destination in America. North Palm Springs where there is many gay-owned businesses including antique stores, galleries, and unique furnishings boutiques. Internationally known paper sculptor and recent inductee into the Guggenheim’s permanent exhibit, Ron Chespak exhibits exclusively at the 1930s Pacific Building. Sponsored by the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism, the City of Palm Springs, and The Village of Palm Springs Development Center, the First Friday event is held monthly on the First Friday of each month. Stores in the Uptown Heritage District remain open until 9:00 p.m.
Shopping in Palm Springs
Excellent shopping facilities make this “sport” one of the city’s greatest assets and one of the favorite delights for visitors. Shops in the new Desert Fashion Plaza equal those of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills California. The Courtyard’s many boutiques also provide a high-fashion image. There are three other centers, with more reasonably priced merchandise, appeal to the locals. If shopping is your game you will certainly have fun playing in Palm Springs.
Golf Courses in Palm Springs
Looking for a game of golf? Palm Springs has many courses to choose from. These courses designed by some of the greatest minds in golf today are sure to offer everything for every skill level. If you are a beginner or an advanced player you will enjoy your golf vacation at Palm Springs. Below we have outlined some of the local courses for you to browse through. Please feel free to look around and don’t forget to check out our online reservation service for your hotel and car rental needs.
| Name | City | Holes | Green Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cathedral Canyon CC (706) 328-6571 |
Cathedral City, CA | 27 | $35. – $45. |
| Desert Dunes (619) 251-5367 |
Desert Hot Springs, CA | 18 | $55. – $95. |
| Desert Falls Country Club (760) 341-4020 |
Palm Desert, CA | 18 | $45. – $70. |
| Desert Princess Resort (619) 322-2280 |
Cathedral City, CA | 27 | $55. – $65. |
| Desert Willow (760) 346-7060 |
Palm Desert, CA | 18 | $60. – $80. |
| Heritage Palms (760) 772-7334 |
Indio, CA | 18 | $30. – $45. (Cart Included) |
| Indian Wells – West (760) 346-4653 |
Indian Wells, CA | 18 | $55. – $65. |
| Indian Wells – East (760) 360-0861 |
Indian Wells, CA | 27 | $55. – $65. |
| La Quinta – Dunes (760) 564-5729 |
La Quinta, CA | 18 | $60. – $85. |
| La Quinta – Mountain (760) 564-5729 |
La Quinta, CA | 18 | $80. – $110. |
| Mesquite Golf & CC (619) 323-1502 |
Palm Springs, CA | 18 | $35. – $80. |
| Tahquitz Creek Resort (619) 328-1005 |
Palm Springs, CA | 18 | $38. – $60. |
Sightseeing & Guided Tours in Palm Springs
There is plenty to see in Palm Springs. No matter how you prefer to view the beautiful scenery we have the tour for you. For those of you who enjoy participating in the experience, we have a hiking or biking tour for you. If looking down from above is your preference you can either ride in a plane or float in a balloon over Palm Springs. If heights are not your thing, you can stay on the ground and relax in a bus or motor coach and be guided by experienced professionals whom you can count on to point out just what you want to see.
Ground Tours
AAA Five Star Adventures
Naturalist-guided hiking/walking/bicycle/canoe tours. Off-road jeep and ATV tours. Step-on guides for Joshua Tree and custom tours. 320-1500.
Adventure Bike Tours
Guided group bike tours. Bikes, helmets, refreshments, full support chase vehicles. Bicycle rentals. 328-0282.
Big Wheel Bike Tours
We deliver bikes & guides to you. Several on & off-road tours offered. Price includes guide, bike, helmet & refreshments. 779-1837.
Camel Safari
Enjoy a scenic safari ride on camelback at beautiful Lake Cahuilla, a true desert experience led by an experienced guide. Polaroid pictures available. 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. Jan.-May. 58-075 Jefferson St., La Quinta. Information & reservations: 398-1212.
Canyon Jeep Tours
Tours take off from Spa Hotel & Casino in deluxe nine-passenger Jeeps to Indian Canyons, Joshua Tree National Park and Windmill tours. Snacks and pictures included. 320-4600, Fax 320-3225.
Celebrity Tours of Palm Springs
Guided one- and two-hour fun sightseeing tours to movie star homes, country clubs, date farms. Charters available. 770-2700.
Desert Adventures
offers award-winning, fun eco-tours in open-air Jeeps with knowledgeable guides. Try the Indian Cultural Jeep Adventure, Millennium Jeep Adventure, Santa Rosa Mountain Adventure and Mystery Canyon Adventure for individuals, families, and groups. Reservations required. 67-555 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Suite A-104, Cathedral City. 324-JEEP (5337).
Desert Safari Tour Guides & Outfitters
Amazing eco-tours and hikes in the Indian Canyons. Full moon night expeditions, hip packs provided. Call free info line: (888) TO-SAFARI or 770-9191.
Parachutes Over Palm Springs
Enjoy a mile-high, five-minute canopy ride in tandem with a certified instructor on your first jump. Nov.-Apr. by appointment. Palm Springs or Bermuda Dunes airports. Group rates, videos. 345-8321, (800) 535-JUMP (5867)
The San Andreas Fault Tour
A three-hour tour of one of the greatest wonders of the world! This is the first-ever bus tour of the San Andreas fault line. 1775 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Ste. H-333. 322-6029.
Tours and More – Receptive services include meet and greet airport arrivals and departures, step-on guides, transportation, sightseeing, attractions. 322-6945.
Trail Discovery Hiking Guide Service
Guided hikes of desert foothills, Indian Canyons and Joshua Tree, from two hours to full day. Runners welcome. 325-HIKE.
Air Tours
Balloon Flights: Balloon Above the Desert
Sip your champagne while experiencing the ultimate romantic adventure with a first-class hot-air balloon ride company. 776-5785.
Dream Flights LLC
Fabulous sunrise/sunset adventures. New, safe, colorful balloons. Service a priority. Group rates, references. 321-5154, (800) 933-5628.
Fantasy Balloon Flights
Established in 1981, they promise guaranteed fun and a great desert view with sunrise or sunset champagne adventures in state-of-the-art balloons with champion pilots. Group, senior and family discounts. 568-0997, (800) GO-ABOVE.
Bermuda Air Services, Inc.
Let us entertain you from above! Rent an aircraft, go for breakfast, join a unique flight event or take your first lesson. 345-3321.
Sailplane Enterprises
has FAA certified pilots to take you and a friend for a thrilling motorless flight tour of the entire desert from Desert Resorts Regional Airport in Thermal or Hemet-Ryan airport. (909) 658-6577.
Museums in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a great city with lots of history. While you are here visit some of the famous sights and don’t forget to stop by and visit the many museums Palm Springs has to offer. Whatever your pleasure we’re sure Palm Springs is sure to please. Don’t forget to make your hotel reservations with us and save up to 40% on tons of hotels in the Palm Springs area.
Cabazon Cultural Museum
History of the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians. Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. 84-245 Indio Springs Dr., Indio. I-10 to Auto Center Dr. exit. 342-2593.
Cabot’s Old Indian Pueblo Museum
Rustic, Hopi-style structure single-handedly built by Cabot Yerxa over a 20-year period. 67-616 Desert View Ave. Desert Hot Springs. The City is working on the site for a future reopening. Info: 329-6411, ext. 503.
Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
A hands-on museum where children learn and have fun while creating, exploring and experimenting in a safe, caring setting. More than 50 exciting and challenging exhibits for the whole family. Call about Birthday Party Packages, Discovery Tots and Smooshes & Squiggle programs. Tours and museum store. Open to schools, groups and the general public. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. $5 per person ages 2 and up. 71-701 Gerald Ford Dr., Rancho Mirage. 321-0602.
Clark’s Ultramar Auto/Truck Stop Museum
Early country store and service station feature more than 200 service station signs, postcards of historic route 99 from Canada to Mexico and advertising memorabilia. 82-253 Indio Blvd., Indio. 342-4776.
Coachella Valley Museum & Cultural Center
Work of local artists, the permanent collection of historical artifacts in 1926 adobe home. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 1-4 p.m. Sun. Sept.-June. Docent program, classes, gift shop. $1, seniors, children 50 cents. 82-6l6 Miles Ave., Indio. 342-6651.
Desert Holocaust Memorial
Outdoor memorial to holocaust victims with seven larger-than-life bronze figures by artist Dee Clements and a circular row of trees representing life outside the concentration camps. , San Pablo & Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert. 325-7281.
Gilman Historic Ranch and Wagon Museum
Celebrating the life and times of James Marshall Gilman, an early pioneer from the Banning area, with interpretive exhibits about the Gilman family and Pass history. Open. Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mar. 1-Nov. 30. Weekdays for group tours by appointment. Parking free. 16th & Wilson Sts., Banning (909) 922-9200.
Hi-Desert Nature Museum
Educational exhibits on natural and historical elements of the high desert, including mini zoo, rock and mineral collection, diorama and kid’s corner. Temporary and permanent exhibits. Nearby nature trails. Free. Tues.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed on major holidays. Community Center complex. Hwy. 62 & Dumosa Ave., Yucca Valley. 369-7212.
La Quinta Historical Society Museum
Housed in the city’s oldest commercial building (1937). Features Cahuilla Indian artifacts, photographs of famous visitors, movie memorabilia. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. (Fall through Spring). 77-885 Montezuma. 564-1283.
Palm Springs Air Museum
Featuring propeller-driven World War II aircraft in flying condition showcased in two air-conditioned 20,000-sq. ft. hangars, the 60-seat Buddy Rogers Theatre of the Air, an aircraft restoration center, photographs, memorabilia. Plus meeting space, educational and entertainment events. Open daily year-round 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $7.50 adults, $6 seniors 65+ and military, $3.50 ages 6-12, under 6 free. Guided tours Sat. & Sun. Group tours available. 745 N. Gene Autry Tr. 778-6262.
Palm Springs Desert Museum
Public, privately funded and nationally accredited art and natural science facility in its 62nd year, featuring several galleries, Annenberg Theater, sculpture gardens, fine permanent collections and top changing exhibitions, lectures, concerts, classes, field trips. 325-0189.
Palm Springs Art Galleries
A Gallery Fine Art
73-956 El Paseo, Palm Desert, 346-8885. One of the desert’s most exciting contemporary art galleries with an outstanding selection of original sculpture, paintings, ceramics, jewelry and art furniture in various media and scale. Works by both emerging and established artists. Private showings and shows all season. Evening appointments available. Internet: agalleryfineart.com
Adagio Galleries
193 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, 320-2230. A beautiful gallery featuring the largest collection of Southwest and Latino art on the West Coast. Major showings all season.
La Quinta Arts Foundation
78-080 Avenida La Fonda, La Quinta, 564-1244. Sponsor of the La Quinta Arts Festival in mid-Mar., plus exhibits, workshops and scholarships.
Montana St. Martin Gallery
2901 N. Palm Canyon Dr., at Tramway Rd., Palm Springs, 323-7183. Restored modernist architectural landmark with a world-wide selection of unique and sophisticated sculptures and objects for garden and home. Jewelry by Andreas Caderas.
Sports & Recreation in Palm Springs
While you visit Palm Springs try to get out and enjoy some of the sports and recreation offered here. You can take a bike ride or hike through some great scenic trails. You will also be able to go horseback riding or drive a race car. If you have the desire to enjoy the outdoors, we have an activity just for you. If you need help with your hotel reservations we offer discounted rates at many hotels in the area. Just use the links to the left and you will be guided through our hassle-free reservations service.
Biking & Rentals
- Bicycle Trails – Well-marked trails in Palm Springs. Map available at Palm Springs Leisure Center. The bike path along Bear Creek Channel in La Quinta Cove beginning at the south end of Calle Tecate. 777-7090.
- AAA Five Star Adventures – Bike Tours with hiking in the Indian Canyons or take the Palm Springs & Celebrity Homes Bike Tour. Custom tours and bike rentals. 320-1500, (800) 951-9495.
- Adventure Bike Tours – Guided group bike tours. Bikes, helmets, refreshments, full support chase vehicles. Bicycle rentals. 328-0282. Bighorn Bicycle Adventures— Quality trek bikes, hourly/daily. Bike & hike tours, exciting Indian Canyon tours daily, and Movie Colony tours by appointment. Electric bikes for sale or rent. 302 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs. 325-3367.
- Oshman’s SuperSports USA – Bicycle rentals and more. Desert Crossing, 72-519 Hwy. 111, Palm Desert. 773-3270.
Horseback Riding
- Flying M Ranch – Trail riding with true cowboy guide, breathtaking views, breakfast/lunch rides and hoe-down BBQs. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Sun. Individuals and groups welcome. 82-950 Ave. 61, Thermal. 399-1236.
- HITS Desert Horse Park – Home of the Indio Desert Circuit Horse Shows, six weeks of show jumping at HITS Desert Horse Park. More than 1,500 horses compete each week for $1 million-plus in prize money, Jan.-Mar. Admission $5, 12 and under free. Ave. 52 at Monroe. 775-7731.
Rock Climbing
- Uprising Outdoor Adventure Center – Anyone can do it at this year-round, exciting rock climbing facility. Misted and shaded, fun for the whole family. 1500 Gene Autry Tr., Palm Springs, next to Oasis Waterpark. 320-6630.
- Tree National Park – Highway 62 to Joshua Tree. Also an entrance in Twentynine Palms. 367-5500.
Off-Road Rentals
- AAA Five Star Adventures – Drive your own all-terrain vehicle (ATV). These four-wheel Quad ATVs are fun and exciting to ride in the open desert! 320-1500, (800) 951-9495.
- OffRoad Rentals – All-terrain vehicles (Quads), exciting instructional video, safety equipment, on-site sand dunes and trails. Beginners, occasional riders and fun for all. Sept. 1-June 1. $30 per machine. Windy Point. 325-0376.