What to do in Palm Springs, CA

Activities, attractions and tours
Palm Springs

Places to Visit in Palm Springs

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Palm Springs, California while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Palm Springs attractions from NZ$17, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Palm Springs tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 50 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Palm Springs. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.


Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.


Top places to visit

1. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

As long as you have a head for heights, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is likely to be a highlight of your trip. Since 1963 the attraction has been lifting passengers from the floor of the Coachella Valley, way up towards to the peak of the San Jacinto Mountains. Around 12 million have travelled on the tramway to date.
Learn more
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway featuring views and landscape views as well as a small group of people

2. Indian Canyon

Indian Canyons boasts some of Palm Springs' best hikes. For anyone who wants to get out in nature, soak up the sun and witness wildlife, this area is a must. Once almost solely inhabited by Native Americans, today the area is open for all to embrace. It's right on Palm Springs' doorstep too.
Learn more
Indian Canyon which includes a gorge or canyon and landscape views

3. Palm Springs Art Museum

The Palm Springs Art Museum started out life in 1938 as the Palm Springs Desert Museum. Back then, it was a small room focused on a few niche subjects. Today, its permanent collection amasses over 24,000 objects alone. Put aside a good few hours to appreciate the museum's engrossing exhibits and varied events programme.
Learn more
Palm Springs Art Museum featuring interior views

4. Palm Springs Air Museum

Aficionados of World War II aircraft will already know about the Palms Springs Air Museum – one of the largest collections of aircraft from this period in the world. For those with a passing interest, the museum provides an incredibly personal and informative experience.
Learn more
Palm Springs Air Museum featuring aircraft

5. Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

Palm Springs is proud of its indigenous people, many of whom still live in the area. The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is the place to come and celebrate their culture through permanent exhibitions and various activities.
Learn more
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum showing interior views as well as an individual male

6. Mount San Jacinto State Park

At San Jacinto State Park and Peak, 86 kilometres of breath-taking trails and scenery await you. The naturalist John Muir once described this area as the most sublime spectacle on earth. When you come here yourself, you'll soon see what the fuss is about, with exquisite views and scenery that is just begging to be explored.
Learn more
Journey to the highest point of the San Jacinto Mountains, and be rewarded with excellent hiking trails and superlative views.

Discover the most popular places to visit in Palm Springs

Explore areas of Palm Springs

Default Image

Downtown Palm Springs

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

Downtown Palm Springs is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Agua Caliente Cultural Museum and Palm Springs Art Museum, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Palm Springs.

Downtown Palm Springs
Default Image

Sunrise Park

If you're spending some time in Sunrise Park, Palm Springs Mall Shopping Center and Heritage Palms Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

Sunrise Park
Default Image

Uptown Design District

4/5(7 area reviews)

Uptown Design District is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Las Palmas and San Jacinto Mountains while in the area.

Uptown Design District
Default Image

Baristo

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Baristo and surrounding area, you can visit Agua Caliente Cultural Museum and Palm Springs Art Museum.

Baristo
Default Image

Tahquitz River Estates

5/5(4 area reviews)

Though Tahquitz River Estates may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium and Agua Caliente Cultural Museum.

Tahquitz River Estates
Default Image

Sonora Sunrise

4/5(1 area review)

Sonora Sunrise might not have many top sights, but Palm Springs Swim Center and Palm Springs Mall Shopping Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Sonora Sunrise

Day trip destinations from Palm Springs