There’s a reason why so many celebrities have made Palm Springs a preferred vacation spot over the decades: This desert hub is colorful, unique, and undeniably fun. Whether you want to explore outdoor landscapes, immerse yourself in pop culture, or just expand your concept of relaxation, you can find a way to do it in Greater Palm Springs. Here are six ways to enjoy your own desert oasis.
Enjoy some mod time travel
The Coachella Valley is the mothership for fans of midcentury modern design and architecture, and with that comes a cheeky sense of fun. Get acquainted by driving through neighborhoods such as Vista Las Palmas or Movie Colony, or by sitting down for a martini at Melvyn’s, the sleek restaurant and bar at the Ingleside Estate Inn that has hosted the likes of Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, and Marilyn Monroe. For a fun local’s look at the design landscape—sometimes even going inside houses—embark on a tour with Palm Springs Mod Squad.
Take a super-scenic hike or nature walk
You can explore miles of local trails to see the unique flora in and around Palm Springs. See dense palm groves, native rock art, and possibly bighorn sheep on the hillsides in Indian Canyons, including Palm and Andreas Canyons. Near downtown, Tahquitz Canyon is home to a 60-foot waterfall and a visitor’s center that explains the Agua Caliente myth that still resonates in this canyon. To boost your cactus savvy, head to Moorten Botanical Garden, a cactarium with 3,000-plus specimens.
Ride the iconic tramway
Take the world’s largest spinning tramcar from the desert floor to piney highlands on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, an engineering marvel that travels 2.5 miles in 10 minutes along Chino Canyon. Your stop at the 8,500-foot Mountain Station, part of Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area, offers jaw-dropping views and more ways to play. Hike along the 50 miles of trails; enjoy a meal or drinks at the two restaurants and beer bar; check out the natural history exhibits; and check out the theater showing documentary films. You can even stay overnight at the campground at Round Valley (just reserve your spot at least five days in advance). Pack a jacket: Even in warm weather, it gets chilly up here.
Play golf, tennis, and pickleball
Palm Springs has long been a world-class hub for golf and tennis, thanks to facilities at La Quinta Resort, Desert Willow Golf Resort, and Indian Wells Tennis Garden, site of the BNP Paribas Open. If you prefer your leisure sport with lots of dinking, check out the pickleball courts now at La Quinta, Indian Wells, Westin Mission Inn Hills Golf Resort & Spa, and Palm Desert Resort Country Club, as well as the indoor courts (and bar) at Pickled Bar.
Bliss out in a spa
In this town, lounging by a hotel pool is a sport in itself. To take your skills to the next level, spend an afternoon or even a few days at a local spa, many of which are fueled by natural hot springs. Choose from large resort-based spas such as Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa and Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, or stay overnight at a wellness-oriented retreat such as Two Bunch Palms and El Morocco Inn & Spa, both in Desert Hot Springs. Or just spend the day at the Spa at Séc-he, the downtown Palm Springs spa that draws on native ingredients and the culture of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (“séc-he” means “sound of boiling water”).
Do some quirky tours
Plenty about Palm Springs is unconventional, so it’s fitting to experience the sights in non-traditional ways. Start with the 90-minute self-guided driving tour of the huge expanse of windmills outside of town and learn how much electricity they produce. Get an overhead view of the San Andreas Fault, the Salton Sea, and even the homes of Hollywood celebrities on a hot-air balloon ride from operators such as Fantasy Balloon Flights or Balloons Above. Or learn about Old West history on a mule-drawn covered wagon ride through the Coachella Valley Preserve, followed by a chuckwagon barbecue dinner, campfire, and live cowboy music.