Start Your Day with No Plan
Sometimes spontaneity is the key to an unforgettable escape. In Greater Palm Springs, the best days start with no agenda — just you, endless possibilities, and the chance to be surprised. Ease into your morning by wandering the scenic trails of the Indian Canyons , where towering palms and ancient rock formations tell the story of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians . Then, hunt for one-of-a-kind treasures at the Mojave Flea Trading Post , a quirky market brimming with vintage finds and handmade goods.
Immerse yourself in local history and culture at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum , which celebrates the tribe’s art, heritage, and enduring connection to the land. Recharge by checking in at the stylish Thompson Palm Springs , where midcentury modern design, luxury accommodations, and a sparkling rooftop pool set the stage for relaxation. Cap the day with a transformative floating sound bath , a serene experience that harmonizes the mind, body, and spirit.
Explore the Edge of Adventure
Adventure isn’t a place; it’s a pulse, and in Greater Palm Springs, it beats fast. Saying yes to the unknown starts at the Palm Springs Air Museum, where historic aircraft and immersive exhibits bring the stories of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam to life. Warbird rides let you climb into legendary aircraft from World War II and beyond, feeling the power, precision, and thrill that trained fighter pilots and transported troops around the world.
Catch some action at the Palm Springs Surf Club, where man-made waves deliver endless thrills and non-stop fun. Or take the excitement off-road with Red Jeep Tours, traversing through rugged desert canyons and exploring breathtaking landscapes that few get to see up close.
Then take your journey to new heights at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, where you’ll hop on a rotating tram that ascends more than 8,500 feet from the base of Chino Canyon to the top of Mount San Jacinto. And as night falls, join a guided hike with Friends of the Desert Mountains under starry skies, a truly unique experience.
Lose Track of Time
When’s the last time you truly forgot what time it was, not because you were busy, but because you were present in the moment? In Greater Palm Springs, that feeling comes naturally. Here you can float above it all with Fantasy Balloon Flights , where the sunrise illuminates the swaying palm trees and mountain peaks and, for a blissful moment in time, everything feels suspended — just like you.
Or step back in time at Cabot’s Pueblo Museum , an adobe masterpiece filled with handcrafted details, Native American artifacts, and stories of early life in the area. Wander the tranquil Sunnylands Center and Gardens , where perfectly curated gardens, fountains, and sculptures invite slow reflection.
Finally, indulge in The Spa at Séc-he , where luxurious treatments, sacred hot mineral springs, and serene surroundings help you let go of stress and focus on yourself. Here, time slows down, and you remember the moments that truly matter.
Taste the Oasis
Forget what you think you know about desert dining — because in Greater Palm Springs, the heat lives in the kitchen. Culinary creativity thrives across our nine cities, bringing together global inspiration with local ingredients to create dishes as vibrant as the stunning landscape.
At Nobu at Indian Wells Tennis Garden , located at the iconic Indian Wells Tennis Garden, world-class technique and bold innovation take the spotlight with signature dishes and perfectly balanced flavors that redefine fine dining. Craving comfort with a story behind every bite? Stop by Chula Artisan Eatery for authentic family recipes and heartfelt hospitality that celebrate the warmth and traditions of Mexican cuisine.
You can even step behind the scenes at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage during a hands-on cooking class that turns fresh, local ingredients into culinary works of art. For something you can savor between stops, grab a bite from Gabino’s Creperie , a local favorite known for its golden-brown crepes wrapped around inventive fillings. From savory chicken pesto to indulgent banana Nutella, each crepe is a delicious adventure for every appetite.
And you’ll savor every moment at Tia Carmen at Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas , where Chef Angelo Sosa brings a soulful approach to Southwestern cuisine. Across this culinary oasis, the chefs are brilliant, the flavors are bold, and the meals are the kind you’ll be talking about long after the plates are cleared.
Discover Art in Bloom
In Greater Palm Springs, creativity doesn’t watch the clock — it sets the tempo. It spills into the streets, fills courtyards, and splashes boldly onto walls, transforming every corner into a canvas. At SUPERBLOOM , local artists bring a whole new meaning to color, while Downtown Palm Springs is alive with galleries, murals, and public art.
Wander through Palm Springs VillageFest where artisans and live performers line the streets, or make your way to the Palm Springs Art Museum and explore incredible exhibits of classic and contemporary art. The nearby Arenas District brings extra excitement with sparkling nightlife and unforgettable drag performances.
Meanwhile, along El Paseo in Palm Desert, sculptures and murals create a blend of high design and playful expression. You’ll want to travel east to visit the striking Coachella Walls in downtown Coachella and colorful Happy Alley in Indio. And at Rosemary HiFi , a welcoming beer and natural wine bar, art, music, and culture collide.
Ready to plan your next escape? Discover 10 ways to make your next visit to Greater Palm Springs extraordinary!
