Finding holiday gifts in Greater Palm Springs goes beyond browsing store shelves. With endless thrilling adventures, wellness offerings, and family fun, Greater Palm Springs welcomes visitors to explore this Southern California oasis through experiences. Give your loved ones a reason to visit with these top recommendations for experiential Greater Palm Springs gift ideas.
Give the drive of a lifetime by booking an adrenaline-pumping afternoon at the BMW Performance Driving School in Thermal. One- and two-day M School courses offer the chance to get behind the wheel of a BMW M vehicle and develop driving skills on a closed course. Regardless of the package you choose, this one is perfect for adrenaline junkies.
Treat your favorite golfer to a round in a world-class golf destination, with sweeping views of the San Jacinto Mountains adding to the appeal. Consider Indian Wells Golf Resort, PGA WEST, Desert Willow Golf Resort, The Golf Club at Terra Lago, or Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort. For a gift you can enjoy together, plan a tee time or two.
For someone who loves nature, a horseback guided tour of some of the most scenic areas of Palm Springs offers a peaceful way to explore. Smoke Tree Stables leads rides through the palm oasis of the Indian Canyons, where your loved one can take in the scenery from the saddle. Check ride options and requirements before booking.
Thrill seekers looking for some off-roading action have several options to choose from. Big Wheel Tours invites visitors to Joshua Tree National Park for paved and off-road experiences, while Red Jeep Tours’ San Andreas Fault Tour remains a fan favorite. Meanwhile, Anza-Idyllwild Off-Road Adventures offers exclusive tours in the surrounding mountains. Browse more local tours to find an outing that suits your recipient’s interests and comfort level.
Our desert oasis now offers two ways to surf, and a lesson on the board could be the perfect gift for wave chasers. Whether you’re looking to gift a day pass to the water park or lesson at The Palm Springs Surf Club or want your loved one to experience North America’s largest Wavegarden Cove lagoon at DSRT Surf, Greater Palm Springs has options for the surfer in your life. Both surf parks have sessions available for all skill levels.
For a loved one who enjoys hiking, consider an annual pass to the Indian Canyons or Tahquitz Canyon. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians are the stewards of these culturally significant landscapes, where trails offer opportunities to experience native plants, wildlife, and desert scenery. Annual hiking passes are available for purchase at each location; confirm which trails and admissions the selected pass covers.
Give an outdoor enthusiast a reason to return to Joshua Tree National Park throughout the year. An annual entrance pass is a thoughtful choice for someone who loves hiking, rock climbing, or stargazing among the park’s distinctive rock formations.
A Family or Family Plus membership to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens gives a family a year of outings to look forward to. Benefits include unlimited daytime admission, member events, discounts at shops and eateries, and guest passes. For an extra treat, look into adding a giraffe feeding or rhino encounter, and confirm any separate fees or reservations.
Treat a family to a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, where they can explore alpine hiking trails at 8,516 feet above sea level. In winter, snow may add to the adventure when conditions allow. The Ride ‘n’ Dine ticket pairs the tram ride with a meal at Pines Café, making it easy to give an outing that includes dinner.
For a family with children ages 8 and younger, a membership to the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert is the perfect gift to help blend learning experiences with fun. An interactive imaginative play destination, Children’s Discovery Museum hosts programs throughout the year, is a Certified Autism Center, and provides endless opportunities for discovery through more than 40 hands-on gallery installations.
Hockey, basketball, and major touring acts fill Acrisure Arena with cheering fans throughout the year. Give your loved one tickets to see a favorite performer or cheer on a local team at Acrisure Arena. For devoted sports fans, consider season tickets for the Coachella Valley Firebirds or the Coachella Valley Lakers. Browse upcoming events to find the right match, and make it a shared night out with a second ticket and dinner. Explore the arena’s dining options to help plan the evening.
Treat the architecture or design enthusiast in your life to a Modernism Week experience. From Old Hollywood neighborhood history tours to the Modernism Show & Sale, the festival offers ways to explore Greater Palm Springs’ midcentury modern architecture and design. Tickets sell out fast, so be sure to check availability early.
For an aviation enthusiast or history buff, consider a membership to the Palm Springs Air Museum. Your loved one can explore more than 80 historic aircraft and learn about aviation’s role in conflicts from World War II onward. For an extra-special gift, look into a Warbird Ride aboard a historic aircraft.
Give an art lover a year of inspiration with a membership to the Palm Springs Art Museum. Membership offers opportunities to return for rotating exhibitions and enjoy member benefits throughout the year. Compare levels to find the best fit, including options with guest privileges for someone who enjoys bringing a companion.
Give someone who needs a break time to unwind with a hot springs day pass or an overnight stay. The outdoor soaking tubs at Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis offer a relaxing escape in the open air. At The Spa at Séc-he, your loved one can experience the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians’ sacred hot mineral spring waters, estimated to be 12,000 years old.
Treat a loved one to a massage, facial, or other service at one of the spas in Greater Palm Springs, such as Spa Esmeralda at Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa. If you’re unsure which treatment they’d prefer, ask about a gift card so they can choose. Pair the experience with locally crafted skincare from The Body Deli in Palm Desert.
For a gift you can share, add a second ticket or plan an overnight getaway together. Explore places to stay and local deals to round out the experience.