Change things up this holiday season by gifting an experience! Not only will you give someone a chance to experience something they may not have done before, but you'll also be giving them a reason to visit this Southern California oasis. Greater Palm Springs winters are known for their beautiful blue skies and enjoyable temperatures, as well as endless adventures and relaxation to enjoy! Whether you're looking to gift an experience for a solo traveler or a whole family, a history buff or a music lover, there's something fun for everyone. Let the adventuring begin!


GIFT EXPERIENCES FOR ADVENTURE SEEKERS

Joshua Tree Rocks and Trees

INDIAN CANYONS & TAHQUITZ CANYON ANNUAL PASSES

The Agua Caliente Indian Reservation’s Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon both boast incredible hiking trails, history, views, rock art, ancient irrigation systems, native wildlife, plants, and seasonal waterfalls. Annual passes are available for purchase at each location.


BMW PERFORMANCE CENTER

Give the drive of a lifetime by booking an adrenaline-pumping afternoon at the BMW Performance Center in Thermal. There are a number of exhilarating driving experiences available on the track—perfect for adrenaline junkies.


JOSHUA TREE ANNUAL PASS

Visit the trails and open spaces whenever you’d like with an annual pass to Joshua Tree National Park. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, rock climbing, biking, and stargazing, among other outdoor activities.


GOLFING

When you think of Greater Palm Springs, you can’t help but also think of golf, which makes it a top gift to give. Popular places to book some tee time include The Golf Club at Terra Lago, Indian Wells Golf Resortand Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort. Find more out about the endless greens offered in this golfer's paradise. 


HORSEBACK RIDING AT SMOKE TREE STABLES

Located in Palm SpringsSmoke Tree Stables offers the opportunity to get away from it all with custom-guided horse rides by the hour, as well as full-day adventures on over 150 miles of open land.


OUTDOOR TOURS

Big Wheel Tours and Red Jeep Tours provide adventure seekers the chance to experience the destination's natural beauty and wonders by hike, jeep, or bike—the choice is yours! Book your excursion and get to explore the open air! Find more outdoor tours here.

 

GIFT EXPERIENCES FOR FAMILY FUN

Giraffe feeding at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

THE LIVING DESERT MEMBERSHIP

Give the gift that keeps on giving with a membership to The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens! The membership gives access to unlimited fun at the zoo, invitations to special events, 10% discounts at Living Desert shops and eateries, as well as discounts on programs, classes, trips, and events. Plus, you'll be gifting them the chance to meet some of the zoo's wildly wonderful inhabitants, including giraffes, wallabies, and black rhinos! All memberships support The Living Desert's mission of conservation and preservation.


TICKETS TO THE PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY

At the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, visitors can enjoy a day of beautiful hiking trails in the pristine alpine wilderness or a full-on snow adventure at 8,516 feet above sea level.

 

GIFT EXPERIENCES FOR ART & MUSIC LOVERS

PALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM ANNUAL PASS

For those history lovers and airplane pros, gift them an annual pass to the Palm Springs Air Museum and let them live their dreams vicariously through those who are here to tell their stories! They will receive unlimited free admission, a subscription to the newsletter, a complimentary guest pass, and 10% off at the gift shop. 


PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM ANNUAL PASS

Palm Spring Art Museum

Art enthusiasts will enjoy an annual membership to the Palm Springs Art Museum. There are a few membership levels to choose from with great benefits and perks. As a member, you'll receive unlimited admission all year long to all locations, and access to groundbreaking exhibits. If you gift the Individual membership level, benefits include a complimentary guest pass and a 10% discount at the museum stores.


MODERNISM TOURS

Unveil the history, architecture, and artistry that lies within Greater Palm Springs by hopping on one of these midcentury modern tours. This makes the perfect gift for someone who is interested in design and architecture or has lived in the area and wants to learn more about the history behind the buildings. 


A NIGHT OUT AT ACRISURE ARENA

Whether your special someone wants to see the hottest concert act coming to town, laugh all night with one of the world's best comedians, witness an adrenaline pumping event, or "chill" at a Firebirds hockey game, there is no shortage of fun to be had at Acrisure Arena.

 

GIFT EXPERIENCES FOR WELLNESS

Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis, a natural hot spring resort in Desert Hot Springs.

SPA TREATMENTS/SKINCARE

Impress by gifting a spa treatment at one of the many world-class spas in Greater Palm Springs, like Spa Esmeralda at Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa, or by picking up some amazing gifts at The Body Deli in Palm Desert, which offers an array of locally crafted skin-care items, hair sets, and essential oils for at-home spa experiences. Shoppers can also visit Kiehl's in Palm Springs for top-notch skin care and hair products. Maybe you'll decide you deserve a little pampering, too! 


DAY PASS TO SOAK IN HOT SPRINGS 

Give the gift of relaxation with a day pass or stay at one of the many spas offering natural hot mineral springs. The outdoor soaking tubs at Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis provide a unique way to unwind in the open air. Or book them a relaxing day at The Spa at Séc-he, where the Agua Caliente tribe's sacred hot mineral spring waters are estimated to be 12,000 years old and state-of-the-art treatments range from halotherapy to gemstone massages.
 

If you're planning a holiday trip to Greater Palm Springs this season, check out our list of featured places to stay, as well as our local deals so you can save more on your next relaxing getaway.