Looking for things to do on your next getaway to Greater Palm Springs? Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, an avid shopper searching for the perfect vintage find, or a foodie on the hunt for the next unforgettable meal, this sun-kissed oasis offers an experience for every kind of traveler. Fill your itinerary with these must-do activities that capture the fun, vibrant spirit of the destination.
Shopping
EL PASEO SHOPPING DISTRICT
El Paseo Shopping District, located in Palm Desert, is a destination in itself. Spanning nine blocks, this shopping district features over 300 stores that range from high-end retailers to local boutiques. You'll also find over a dozen restaurants with everything from casual, quick bites to fine dining.
OLD TOWN LA QUINTA
Photography by Mel Bell Photography
Old Town La Quinta is a quaint shopping and dining stretch in the City of La Quinta featuring an incredible collection of unique boutiques, restaurants, and other businesses. Foodies will want to make a stop at NitroInfusions, a local ice cream shop that uses liquid nitrogen to create over 30 flavors.
Dining Scene
LOCAL DATE SHAKES
Speaking of fun foodie finds, a date shake from Shields Date Garden in Indio is a must-try! Their shakes are made with locally grown dates, and you can actually stroll through the gardens of date palms while you’re enjoying one.
PERFECT PATIOS
When it comes to dining in Greater Palm Springs, the views are just as celebrated as the local flavors. Be sure to dine at a few restaurants with amazing views during your visit, whether it's from the rooftop of Pacifica, overlooking El Paseo and the Santa Rosa Mountains in the distance, or tucked against the mountain at La Quinta Cliffhouse Grill & Bar.
Arts & Culture
PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM
The Palm Springs Art Museum is located in the heart of Downtown Palm Springs with the stunning San Jacinto Mountains as its backdrop. The museum houses over 12,000 objects of modern and contemporary art and showcases examples of midcentury modern architecture throughout. The exhibits rotate regularly, and their famed Annenberg Theater offers events and performances throughout the year.
PALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM
Find one of the world’s largest collections of vintage aircraft that date as far back as WWII at the Palm Springs Air Museum. The museum is a fun activity for the whole family to experience and kids under 12 are free. Warbird plane rides are also available on weekends!
SUNNYLANDS CENTER & GARDENS
The historic Sunnylands Center & Gardens, which has been visited by several U.S. presidents and world leaders, welcomes visitors (for free). Stroll through the beautiful desert art garden, view their rotating art exhibition, then enjoy light bites and beverages at the on-site café. Private tours of the historic estate are also available for a fee and must be booked in advance online.
PUBLIC ART
Greater Palm Springs is an oasis of art, and you'll find large-scale installations and colorful murals at every turn, in addition to midcentury modern architecture and world-class museums. Looking for creative inspiration during your stay? Here's where you can explore public art in Greater Palm Springs.
Spas & Wellness
HOT MINERAL SPRINGS
A trip to Greater Palm Springs is never complete without a spa day. The city of Desert Hot Springs is home to a variety of boutique spas with freshwater hot mineral springs, including Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis, known for their private outdoor soaking tubs, and Two Bunch Palms, where mineral water flows from a 600-year-old natural spring. The Spa at Séc-he in nearby Palm Springs is another must-try wellness experience, welcoming visitors to soak in the healing waters of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians' sacred hot mineral spring in one of 22 private mineral baths or in their outdoor pool.
Outdoor Adventures
PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY
Take a ride on the world’s largest rotating tramcar to the 8,516-foot Mountain Station at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Enjoy over 50 miles of hiking trails, take in jaw-dropping views of the entire Coachella Valley, explore the history museum, and be sure to grab a souvenir from the gift shop before you leave! And, you've worked up an appetite after all that exploring, you’re in luck — grab a bite to eat at one of their two restaurants.
THE LIVING DESERT ZOO & GARDENS
The Living Desert is home to over 500 animals representing over 150 species. Fill your morning or afternoon here by feeding a giraffe, petting the goats, riding on the carousel, and walking among the wallabies at the Australian Adventures exhibit. Also, be sure to stop by and say hello to Jaali and Nia, two African black rhinos who now call the Rhino Savanna exhibit their home.
JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
Take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park, where you’ll find yourself in the midst of thousands of these otherworldly trees that look like they're straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. Take a scenic drive through the park, hit the hiking trails, and journey through the vast desert landscape and gigantic boulders or spend the night camping beneath the bright stars.
HIKING & GOLFING
Greater Palm Springs is also home to more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails and over 100 renowned golf courses. Explore these top hiking experiences and golf courses for ideas and inspiration.
Live Events
Although Greater Palm Springs is most often associated with world-famous festivals such as Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival or Stagecoach, there's no shortage of year-round, top-tier entertainment. Casino venues such as The Show at Agua Caliente, Showroom 29, and the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center offer guests an opportunity to hear world-class music, comedy, and more throughout the year. Plus, Acrisure Arena lands the spot as Greater Palm Springs' largest capacity indoor venue with over 11,000 seats. This state-of-the-art venue is not only home to the Coachella Valley Firebirds hockey team but also hosts countless events ranging from NCAA and NBA games to concerts, family shows, and everything in between.
From history museums to wellness experiences, there is always something new to discover in Greater Palm Springs — and this list is just a starting point! You can find even more popular and unique things to do HERE.
Your Guide to Family Fun
The ultimate guide to planning a family fun summer vacation in Greater Palm Springs.
Read MoreThe Ultimate Greater Palm Springs Bucket List
From soaring in a hot air balloon to giraffe feedings, see these top bucket list...
Read MoreUnique Finds At Resorts In Greater Palm Springs
These hidden gems and unique finds will make your stay in this Southern California...
Read More