Top Ten Things to do in Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs is one of our new favorite vacation destinations! We visited this past Spring Break and fell in love with everything there is to see and do here. Here are my top ten recommendations of what to do during your visit to Palm Springs, California.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through the links in this article.

Check out the Mid-Century Modern Architecture
Palm Springs has the biggest concentration of Mid-Century Modern architecture in the United States. There are tons of homes, businesses and buildings built in this style that look fabulous. There are several guided tours available for booking:
The Modern Tour
Palm Springs Mod Squad
Palm Springs Architecture Tours

If you’d rather scope out the houses yourself, there are several lower cost and FREE options:
View my Palm Springs Door Tour HERE.
View a Self Guided Tour on the Palm Spring’s website HERE.
Download a Driving or Walking Tour from Modern Tours Palm Springs HERE.

Visit a National Park
There are two National Parks within driving distance of Palm Springs: Death Valley and Joshua Tree. Joshua Tree National Park is only a 45-ish minute drive depending on which part of the park you are heading to. Death Valley is about a 4.5 hour drive from Palm Springs so I recommend staying at least one night closer to the park when you visit Death Valley and then heading back to Palm Springs. At minimum you need one full day in each park to see the most sights. With National Parks the early birds get the worm. We start early and arrive around sunrise (7/8am) to maximize our time and beat the crowds.
Read my full blog post on Joshua Tree National Park HERE.
Read my full post on Death Valley National Park HERE.

Moorten Botanical Gardens
1701 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92264
Moorten Botanical Gardens is one of the most photographed places in Palm Springs by far, and for good reason! This place is full of native desert plants and makes a gorgeous back drop for photos. Entry is just $5 per adult and $2 for children 5-15. Children under age five are free.
Read more info on their website HERE.
Read my full blog post on Moorten Botanical Garden HERE.

Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260
The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is by far one of the best zoos we’ve visited. It is huge and offers some really unique animals. You will also get to stroll through several different gardens. You will need at least 2-3 hours at the Zoo. Admission ranges from $17-29 per person. Senior and Military discounts are available. Children 3 and under are FREE. Tickets are cheaper online if purchased ahead of time than at the door. Parking on site is FREE.
Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.
View my full post on the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens HERE.

Palm Canyon Oasis Trail
Easy, 2 Miles (No Dogs)
An oasis is a must see in Palm Springs! This spot in the middle of the desert is an amazing sight full of lush green palm trees and water. In the canyon there are tons of shady spots and picnic tables available for your use. The trail itself is mostly shaded but there are a few spots in the sun.
View the trail map on All Trails HERE.
View my full post on this hike HERE.

Cabazon Dinosaurs
50770 Seminole Drive, Cabazon, CA 92230
These HUGE and fun life size dinosaurs are a roadside attraction in Cabazon, California about 30-ish minutes from Palm Springs. They are literally in the middle of nowhere in the desert, but they are worth a quick stop! There are two large dinosaurs in the parking lot that are FREE to access. You can visit these anytime sinc ethey are just out in the open. These are the two you’ve probably seen the most photos of. There is an actual dinosaur attraction that you can visit, which costs $10-13 per person to enter.
View more info on their website HERE.
View my full post on the Cabazon Dinosaurs HERE.

Shop, Stroll, & Snack on Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Canyon Drive is the heart of Palm Springs. This is where you can find all of the best restaurants, shopping and museums in Palm Springs. Palm Canyon Drive also has it’s own “Walk of Stars” like in Hollywood.
Read my full blog post on Palm Canyon Drive HERE.
Read about Palm Canyon Drive on Palm Spring’s website HERE.

Cabot’s Pueblo Museum
67616 E. Desert View Avenue Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
Cabot Yerxa and his wife were the first family to discover the hot springs underneath the city of Palm Desert. You can tour their house which is the original pueblo style home they built in 1914. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Tours are available and are self guided audio tours through your own device. Tickets are $11-15 per person. Children under age six are free.
View more info and purchase tickets HERE.
View my full blog post on Cabot’s Museum HERE.

Check out some of the Amazing Hotels
Palm Springs has tons of hotels but there are a few that you simply must check out. Even if you don’t intend to stay there, you can go walk around to check them out or dine in. My three favorites were the Saguaro, Colony Palms, and the Parker.
View my full blog post on the Saguaro Hotel HERE.
View my full blog post on the Parker Hotel HERE.
View my full blog post on the Colony Palms Hotel HERE.

Palm Springs Aerial Tram
The Palm Springs Aerial Tram offers the most amazing view of Coachella Valley. You will take a short ride over 8000 feet up to the top of the mountains in a rotating gondola. There are restaurants, hiking trails and a gift shop at the top.
Read my full post on the Aerial Tramway HERE.