Tourists can't resist Palm Springs, especially for its well-known nightlife, resorts, food, and hiking.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a must-see for visitors of all ages to take in the breathtaking views of the desert floor and mountain tops. Boasting the world's largest rotating tram, it travels over 2.5 miles in 10 minutes up to an elevation of 8,516 feet up to the Mountain Station, where you can dine at restaurants, visit the observation decks, natural history museum, two documentary theaters, a gift shop and more than 50 miles of hiking trails.
The Backstreet Art District is the place to go for galleries that display desert-inspired artworks. Meanwhile, the Palm Springs Art Museum features Western and Native American art in the permanent collection, a sculpture garden, and interesting seasonal exhibits. Free admission on Thursdays from 4-8 p.m. Design lovers will enjoy the Architecture and Design Center the museum at the Edwards Harris Pavillion, also with free admission.
You can visit Palm Springs without stepping foot into one of the many Indian-gaming casinos, such as the Spa Resort Casino, Aguas Caliente Resort and Casino, Spotlight 29 Casino, and Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino. Check with the concierge for promotions as some casinos offer free slot play for membership or rewards card sign-ups.
The Walk of Stars, located downtown, is a tourist attraction similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, honoring various famous stars in show business who have lived in the Palm Springs area, such as Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Lucille Ball, not to mention even their plastic surgeons. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops around the area, in addition to the sculptures and artworks displayed, making for fun photo opportunities.
Nature lovers will enjoy the San Jacinto State Park Mountains for its diverse terrain, from the desert ground to the meadows and up the mountains all on a single trail. Within the state park are multiple trails for hikers of all levels. Don't forget to pick up your free wilderness/hiking permit at the Ranger Station to avoid being sent back on a trail.
Bring the kids for fun in the sun and surf at the 16-acre Wet n' Wild Water Park, which has more than 20 water attractions and rides. The humongous Cabazon Dinosaurs are another way to entertain the young ones, as featured in the film, "Pee Wee's Big Adventure." Climb the 150-foot brontosaurus up to the dinosaur shop, or pay a small fee to go into the creationist museum and climb into the mouth of the T-Rex.
Smoke Tree Stables offers hour-long horseback rides through the desert and Indian Canyons for spectacular views of natural desert terrain and wildlife. Meanwhile, BMW and driving enthusiasts can cross one off their bucket lists at the BMW Performance Driving School, where they can learn track driving basics, car control and alternate between driving an M3, M5, and M6.
Even on a budget, Palm Springs is the place to visit for the ultimate bargain shopper. Cabazon Outlets and Desert Palms Premium Outlets are both just a 20-minute drive away on the 10 freeway, with more than 200 shops of both low-end to high fashion, houseware and designer shops, including Adidas, Tory Burch, Gucci, Rip Curl and Le Creuset. Not into designer items? Palm Springs also has a plethora of antique, vintage, and thrift shops such as Gypsyland, Dazzles, and Angel View, for those who are ready to rummage for items that are truly one-of-a-kind.
Those seeking rejuvenation will easily find the perfect place to relax, as Palm Springs is known for its numerous spas. Whether you're looking for a mani-pedi, ethnic massage, colonic hydrotherapy, magnesium detox, Korean body splash or raindrop therapy, you'll be sure to find exactly what you need. Palm Springs Spa Massage and Salon 119 and Spa are two of the most popular establishments for bachelorette parties. Palm Springs also offers a number of establishments where the dress code is your birthday suit, including the Sea Mountain Nude Resort and Spa Hotel and Living Waters Spa.
Hiking:
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the hiking near Palm Springs. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby Trail.
Shopping:
Make sure to check out the shopping here, as it's a fun experience. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Palm Springs. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Stargazing and UFO Tour for $183 details
- Rappelling Adventure in Joshua Tree National Park (4 Hours) for $255 details
- Walking Palm Springs "Twin Palms" Private Tour for $195 details