Palm Springs offers a rich cultural scene, and the surrounding desert offers breathtaking views and plenty of hiking trails. We’ve rounded up our favorite sightseeing spots to visit when you’re in town!
The Palm Springs Air Museum boasts the largest collection of WWII-era aircraft in the world. Tour guides tell fascinating stories and give you a peek into the history of these war-winning machines.
Joshua Tree National Park
The 794,000-acre preserve just 45 minutes outside of Palm Springs is filled with stunning sights of larger-than-life rock formations and twisted Joshua trees. It’s a favorite for hikers, rock climbers and nature lovers.
While it’s a popular destination, it can also be difficult to get around and find parking. It’s important to plan ahead if you want to avoid crowds.
Visiting in the winter can be cold, especially with temperatures dropping into the 30s at night, but it’s still a good time to visit Joshua Tree as you’ll see fewer tourists and enjoy more serene weather.
The park’s highest point, Keys View, offers round-the-clock breathtaking vistas of the Coachella Valley and surrounding mountains. The awe-inspiring views are at their best at sunset, when purples and pinks glisten in the desert sky.
Indian Canyons
A short drive from downtown Palm Springs, Indian Canyons is a lush oasis dotted with cascading waterfalls and the largest grouping of Washingtonia filifera palm trees in the world. Located on the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians reservation, the canyons are sacred to the tribe and a natural treasure to scientists and nature lovers.
Hiking trails are one of the best ways to explore the stunning beauty of Indian Canyons. There are more than 60 miles of trails that wind through the gorges, desert vistas and waterfalls of this nearly pristine region.
A number of popular trails leave from the Indian Canyons Trading Post, including the West Fork Trail, which leads hikers above the tree line and into a rocky canyon. The trail also leads to West Fork Falls, a waterfall that flows from two massive boulders and collects in a small pool below.
Palm Springs Art Museum
The Palm Springs Art Museum is home to a large collection of world-class contemporary art, as well as cultural pieces that reflect the desert's native past. Founded in 1938, the Palm Springs Art Museum has grown to become the largest art institution in Greater Palm Springs.
The museum is housed in a mid-century modern building that embodies the essence of Palm Springs. The three floors of galleries feature art in a variety of mediums and offer rotating special exhibitions.
Also on display at the Palm Springs Art Museum is a fascinating Architecture and Design Center that showcases modern designs, including the Frey House II, built in 1963 by Albert Frey, considered one of America's most important architects. The Museum also features a beautiful outdoor sculpture garden.
Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is an outdoor attraction that brings together wildlife and plant life from desert landscapes. It is one of the top family-friendly attractions in Palm Springs and has been ranked as one of the best zoos in the country.
The zoo has interactive live shows, a Conservation Center, authentic animal habitat exhibits and safari tours. Visitors can also participate in Glow in the Park, a yearly event that celebrates the beauty of nature through hundreds of illuminated lantern displays.
The zoo has several fun activities for children, including the Camel Ride ($5/person) and Giraffe Feeding (also $5/feeding). There is also an impressive model train layout called the LGB, which is the largest wooden-scale train set in the world.
Palm Springs Air Museum
The Palm Springs Air Museum is an excellent destination for history buffs and plane enthusiasts. Named a top aviation museum by CNN Travel, it’s a fun, educational experience for the whole family.
- The museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of flying WWII aircraft. These are displayed in modern, well-lit hangars and you’ll even be able to see these iconic aircraft up close and personal.
- The museum’s mission is to preserve, exhibit and educate on America’s wartime aviation history. It’s also a popular venue for various events and special programs throughout the year.
