When you hear “Greater Palm Springs,” you might picture vast desert landscapes bordered by majestic mountains — and palm trees in every direction, of course.  And while summer days here can certainly be warm (yes, temperatures in Greater Palm Springs regularly hit triple digits), they also offer unique opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in a refreshing way. With an insider’s knowledge on the best spots to stay cool and experience all that these nine cities have to offer, you will find there is plenty to do. 

Read on if you’re looking for ways to enjoy the summer outdoors in Greater Palm Springs (or if you’re just skeptical of how one can enjoy the summer outside in the desert).  

Red Jeep Tours – San Andreas Fault 

There’s no better way to start off a summer day of outdoor activities in Greater Palm Springs than with something that doesn’t require walking, right? Red Jeep Tours by Desert Adventures has got you covered. All you have to do is hop in the shiny red jeep, sit back and relax, and let your tour guide drive you through the winding dirt roads into the San Andreas Fault.  

No need to worry about the sun – the jeep cover offers just the right amount of shade to keep you comfortable. It is recommended to remove the cover at certain points of the tour for a better view, but the breeze will cool you off instantly. And if you make the tour your first activity of the day, you can enjoy the gentle warmth of the morning sun without concern. 

Now that you’ve settled into your shady, breezy jeep ride, it’s time to take in your surroundings. As you drive across the Pacific Plate to the North American Plate (yes, you will literally drive across the San Andreas Fault) you’ll see and learn a ton about the formation of the fault, and how it both physically and metaphorically shapes the geographical features of the land. Take note of the salt patches that indicate where water lies just beneath the surface and gets evaporated, the way the sky appears to brighten the further you go into the canyon, and some of the flora the Native Cahuilla people utilized for food and medicine.  

Along the tour, you’ll also stop for a few short walks in between the rocky formations of the fault and into a hidden desert oasis with running water. Whether you’re looking for some new geography and historical knowledge, an outdoor adventure, or just some cool photos, Red Jeep Tours will deliver and, most importantly, keep you cool. (Pro tip: If you get Jennie as your tour guide, be sure to ask about her food analogies.) 

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway 

Now that you have explored Greater Palm Springs from literally inside the San Andreas Fault, it’s time to gain some views of the area from up above on the famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The world’s largest rotating tram car will carry you 2.5 miles upwards, about a 10-minute ride, along the Chino Canyon cliffs into Mount San Jacinto State Park.  

The ride offers breathtaking views of the valley below and mountains beyond, as well as a cool breeze that flows in through the opened windows. (Don’t look too far down unless you’ve got a stomach for heights.) At the top, which is 8,516 feet high, a range of air-conditioned activities awaits you, including two restaurants, multiple observation decks, a natural history museum, two documentary theaters, a gift shop, and over 50 miles of hiking trails.  

Perhaps the most notable feature at the top of the tramway is the hidden nature you’ll find yourself immersed in, a result of the alpine forest-like climate at the top of Mt. San Jacinto. The first surprise that will greet you is the vast amount of green, towering trees and the heavily flowing creek that runs throughout the area. The second, more surprising aspect is the significant temperature decrease you’ll feel because of the higher elevation.  

With the cool, fresh air hitting your face (and the adrenaline from that 8,500-foot view still coursing through your veins), you’re in prime hiking state. Choose from a wide variety of trail options depending on how active you’re feeling and relish the sensation of a crisp, mid-70-degree nature escape. If possible, be sure to visit Notch 3 along the way for a view you would never have guessed existed in Greater Palm Springs: tree-covered mountains as far as the eyes can see. 

Swing Suite at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Golf Resort Palm Springs 

No trip to Greater Palm Springs is complete without exploring its stunning hiking trails, especially the unforgettable experience at the top of the tram. And while the altitude adds a bit of a challenge (8,500 feet is no joke), it also leaves you feeling refreshed and accomplished. 

And just as hiking is a must-do in the summer, so is golfing, another iconic activity in Greater Palm Springs — that would be like going to the beach and not getting in the water.  

Thankfully, Topgolf Swing Suite has found a way for you to enjoy golf in climate-controlled air-conditioning. Now you can get the golfing experience that is so symbolic of Greater Palm Springs in a way that ensures you won’t even break a sweat, no matter how competitive you get.  

The suite features two simulator bays and a wide variety of virtual games to choose from, including baseball, soccer, hockey, and more. It’s also equipped with a lounge area to relax and kick back and a bar serving delicious snacks and drinks. But the real reason you're there is to hit some golf balls, so grab one of the several clubs available, stretch out those arms, and swing away. With the air conditioning blasting and your bogeys getting closer to birdies, you’ll forget you’re even in the desert. 

Shields Date Garden 

The only right way to conclude a full day of activities on vacation is with a well-earned sweet treat.  And what more could one crave on a warm summer day than an ice cold, refreshing milkshake?  

Thanks to its plethora of date farms, Greater Palm Springs has become famous for its date shakes offered across all nine cities. Deciding where to get yours can be overwhelming, but worry not, because Shields Date Garden offers one of the best date shakes around. Made from blonde dates, Shields’ shakes promise a mouthful of sweet, caramel, and chocolate flavors with every sip.  

Established in 1924 when Floyd and Bess Shields arrived in the California desert, the business recently celebrated its 100-year anniversary as a cultural and historical landmark dedicated to educating customers about dates. Mr. Shields himself even created a presentation about dates, which is still available for viewing in Shields Date Garden’s movie theater. So take a seat at the light blue counter and order up; it’s the perfect way to cool down and cap off your summer excursion in Greater Palm Springs.