Start here
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The clearest Palm Springs splurge. It changes the climate, scenery, and pace in ten minutes, so give it a real block instead of squeezing it between pool plans.
Best for: Palm Springs essential, First-time trip
Destination guide
Things to do in Palm Springs
Palm Springs has enough to fill a trip without trying to cover every corner. Start with the places that fit the way you want to spend the day, then keep nearby choices together.
Places to put on the list in Palm Springs
Build around a few anchors, then choose nearby additions that match your pace. The main Palm Springs guide has itinerary ideas if you want help putting those pieces in order.
Start here
Palm Springs Art Museum
A downtown art stop that earns the middle of a hot day and pairs naturally with Palm Canyon Drive rather than another cross-valley errand.
Best for: Indoor culture, First-time trip
Start here
Architecture and Design Center
A compact architecture-and-design stop in a restored midcentury bank building. It is the more fitting choice for travelers who came for the city’s design language, not a broad museum survey.
Best for: Indoor culture, First-time trip
North Palm Springs and Tramway
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The clearest Palm Springs splurge. It changes the climate, scenery, and pace in ten minutes, so give it a real block instead of squeezing it between pool plans.
Best for: Palm Springs essential, First-time trip
Before you go: Reserve before you build the rest of the day around it.
Half dayMorning$$$$Reserve ahead
Visit official site 
Palm Springs Visitor Center
Albert Frey’s former Tramway Gas Station is a quick architecture stop with maps and handy orientation. Pair it with the tram, not a separate drive.
Best for: Palm Springs essential, First-time trip
Before you go: Check current hours and access before you go.
2 to 3 hoursMorning$
Visit official site Downtown and Uptown
Downtown and Uptown is a standout base for museum time, Palm Canyon Drive, and easy dinners.
Palm Springs Art Museum
A downtown art stop that earns the middle of a hot day and pairs naturally with Palm Canyon Drive rather than another cross-valley errand.
Best for: Indoor culture, First-time trip
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
2 to 3 hoursMorning$$$Plan ahead
Visit official site Architecture and Design Center
A compact architecture-and-design stop in a restored midcentury bank building. It is the more fitting choice for travelers who came for the city’s design language, not a broad museum survey.
Best for: Indoor culture, First-time trip
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
2 to 3 hoursMorning$$Plan ahead
Visit official site 
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
A focused, locally grounded museum beside downtown that puts Cahuilla culture into your visit before the architecture and cocktail loop take over.
Best for: Indoor culture, First-time trip
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
2 to 3 hoursMorning$$Plan ahead
Visit official site 
Palm Canyon Drive and VillageFest
Palm Springs’ most natural evening walk, especially on Thursday when VillageFest closes Palm Canyon Drive to traffic. Check the current schedule and road closure before you go.
Best for: Palm Springs essential, First-time trip
Before you go: Check current hours and access before you go.
2 to 3 hoursAfternoon$
Visit official site 
Cabot's Pueblo Museum
A focused history experience that adds real local context without repeating the destination's existing landmarks. Build it into the day when this is the part of Palm Springs visitors would otherwise miss.
Best for: History, Rain-safe
Before you go: Check current hours and access before you go.
Morning$$
Visit official site South Palm Springs and Indian Canyons
Tahquitz Canyon
A short canyon walk to a seasonal waterfall and a much more specific desert outing than driving around looking for a view. Check current trail conditions before committing.
Best for: Palm Springs essential, First-time trip
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
2 to 3 hoursEarly Morning$$$Plan ahead
Visit official site 
Indian Canyons
Palm and Andreas canyons are the serious nature counterweight to downtown. Start early, bring water, and do not treat summer midday as a test of character.
Best for: Palm Springs essential, First-time trip
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
Half dayEarly Morning$$$Plan ahead
Visit official site 
Moorten Botanical Garden
A small, old-school cactus garden that is more charming than grand. It works as a low-effort south-end stop, not as the day’s main event.
Best for: Palm Springs essential, First-time trip
Before you go: Check current hours and access before you go.
2 to 3 hoursMorning$
Visit official site East Palm Springs and Airport
Air Museum at PSP
A hangar-scale museum with enough substance for aviation fans and families, plus air-conditioned relief when desert weather is doing too much.
Best for: Indoor culture, First-time trip
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
2 to 3 hoursMorning$$$Plan ahead
Visit official site 
Sunnylands Center and Gardens
A free, quiet garden and architecture outing in nearby Rancho Mirage. It is the right add-on for a slower design-minded day, not a substitute for downtown Palm Springs.
Best for: Palm Springs essential, First-time trip
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
2 to 3 hoursMorning$Plan ahead
Visit official site 
Palm Springs Surf Club
A controlled water-and-pool day for groups who want a break from museums and hiking. Reserve ahead and verify operating hours and attractions for your date.
Best for: Palm Springs essential, First-time trip
Before you go: Reserve before you build the rest of the day around it.
Half dayMorning$$$$Reserve ahead
Visit official site Plan the rest of your Palm Springs trip
See neighborhoods, trip ideas, and the full destination planner in one place.
Hours, tickets, seasonal access, and reservation policies can change. Check the official source before you go. Last destination review: 2026-08-10.