28 Best & Fun Things To Do In Palm Springs (California)

Each section of California is special in its own way, and the southern city of Palm Springs is rich with activities and attractions.

Coming to Palm Springs, California means you need to prepare yourself for all sorts of excitement and beauty.

Spending a weekend in Palm Springs, California could be your exposure to some of the best vacationing experience you’ve ever had.

These are 28 things to do in Palm Springs, California.

1. Palm Springs Art Museum

One of the best things to do in Palm Springs, California is to visit the Palm Springs Art Museum.

At this art museum, you can see all sorts of superb works.

These are created in a variety of styles with various mediums.

Some of the best things to see at this museum are part of its collection of contemporary art.

Much of this is from the mid-century modern art movement from the 20th century.

There are detailed sculptures as well as works made of glass, and photography from renowned artists such as Andy Warhol and Diane Arbus.

There’s also a lovely focus on the world around us in the natural science attractions.

Palm Springs is a massive institution and only seems destined to grow more.

Those who are looking for educational fun should come to this museum.

Address: 101 N Museum Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA

2. Palm Canyon Drive

This isn’t just a place to cruise your car down.

Palm Canyon Drive is one of the most famous parts of Palm Springs, California.

It has become known as a place full of attractions and fun activities.

When you come to Palm Canyon Drive, you might be hardly able to contain your excitement.

Part of downtown Palm Springs, Palm Canyon Drive is a place that entertains and enlightens.

If you were intrigued by the Palm Springs Art Museum, you should know that Palm Canyon Drive is one of the best hubs for museums in the entire state.

There are also attractions such as the Palm Canyon Theatre that make it one of the most must-see parts of Palm Springs.

You’ll likely want to come home from your trip with something to remember the fun you had.

Palm Canyon Drive is full of great souvenir shops.

Should you be hungry, you’ll have all kinds of fantastic restaurants to stop in at.

For a Palm Springs experience that can’t be replicated anywhere else, come to Palm Canyon Drive.

Address: 268 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA

3. Palm Springs Walk of Stars

Hollywood doesn’t have the only Walk of Fame in California.

The Palm Springs Walk of Stars is a great showcase for those who either lived in Palm Springs or made it into something of a “home away from home.”

Influential figures, such as entertainers and leaders, have been memorialized at the Walk of Stars.

Some of the names on the Walk of Stars include Liberace, Elizabeth Taylor, and Elvis Presley.

Should you want to show respects towards presidents like Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan, you can do so here.

You might even come across names that you weren’t familiar with.

Going to the Walk of Stars is one of the most fun things to do in Palm Springs.

You can learn about who is part of Palm Springs legend and consider how much their work or personas were influenced by this city.

You might also picture what it would be like to someday have your name on this walk.

Address: 10 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA

4. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

One of the most incredible natural sights near Palm Springs is Mt. San Jacinto State Park.

To reach this, you should take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

There’s no rotating aerial tramway bigger than this on the entire planet.

It gives you a trip to the park that will leave your jaw on the floor.

The ride up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is short but highly memorable.

For approximately ten minutes, you’ll ascend the mountain area.

Be sure to keep your eyes open and take in the scenery.

A weekend visit can reach a peak in more than one way by taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

Once you’ve arrived at the state park, you’ll have acres of magnificent wilderness to explore.

You can stay for a camping trip or just look for things to see on a hike.

There’s also great dining near the area.

For a top experience at the top, use the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

Address: 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA

5. International Banana Museum

One of the most popular grocery items gets its due thanks to California.

Visiting the International Banana Museum is one of the most fun things to do around Palm Springs.

At the risk of sounding corny, it’s definitely shouldn’t slip your mind.

At this museum, near to Palm Springs, you can see all kinds of amazing items influenced by bananas.

There are banana-based record players, socks, perfume, and more.

You’ll look around, and you’ll be floored by just how much yellow is around you.

While it’s fun to see things that look like bananas, it’s even more fun to taste things made of bananas.

The International Banana Museum gives you a world full of unique banana recipes, from banana soda to banana shakes and more.

If you’re planning a trip to Palm Springs, California, you definitely want to include a visit to the International Banana Museum.

Address: 98775 CA-111, Mecca, CA 92254, USA

6. Coachella Valley Preserve

Although its name is largely connected to the famous music festival, Coachella Valley Preserve offers captivating natural beauty throughout the year.

Hundreds of acres near the Indio Hills are open for your exploring pleasure.

Distinct biodiversity and interesting land make this one of the most important places to check out near Palm Spring, California.

At Coachella Valley Preserve, you can witness how important the land in this area is and what California has been doing to keep it alive.

The wetland area, as well as places like the Thousand Palms Oasis, show an ecosystem that has helped to make California what it is.

There are also tons of opportunities for activities at Coachella Valley Preserve.

Some of the things you can do here include horseback riding, hiking, and observing birds.

You can see ones like cactus wren and white-crowned sparrows.

This is one of the top places to visit for anyone who longs for the harmony and balance that comes with being embedded in nature.

Planning a road trip around California soon? Check out our guides on the top things to do in Santa Barbara & fun things to do in San Francisco!

7. Baby Sculptures

Before or after you visit the Palm Springs Art Museum, you should check out the large baby sculptures near the museum.

These outdoor works measure eight feet and are definitely a bit unsettling.

However, some of the best art is the kind that provokes a strong reaction that leads us to become further fascinated by it.

These sculptures represent the forward-thinking attitude of Palm Springs, California.

Although babies have always been part of the world, the man behind these sculptures, David Cerny, has created quite an incredible commentary on commodification.

Instead of cherubic faces, these babies have bar codes.

It speaks to how branding has superseded emotion in many ways today.

Depending on when you visit these sculptures, you could see them in all kinds of shapes.

It’s definitely one of the most fantastic pieces of the whole city.

Just make sure that you don’t let it creep into your subconscious, or you might have some very interesting dreams at your hotel later that night.

8. Palm Springs VillageFest

In most cities, you’re lucky to have a worthwhile festival once a year.

Palm Springs, California has a fantastic festival once a week.

Palm Springs VillageFest brings people from all over the area for fun and camaraderie.

At this street fair, you can enjoy every booth and the company all around you.

Palm Springs VillageFest occurs each Thursday.

Across these blocks are vendors selling idiosyncratic crafts pieces and antiques.

There’s also so much great food, you’ll wish that you had an extra stomach to store all of it.

You don’t need to worry about any special travel hacks for experiencing this, just as long as you’re in Palm Springs on a Thursday.

You might consider starting a weekend visit a little earlier than intended to see the Palm Springs VillageFest.

Along with the goods and foods, there’s also great live music to soundtrack your time there.

Come to Palm Springs VillageFest and see why this has become a weekly tradition.

Address: 401 S Pavilion Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA

Visiting other parts of California? Be sure to check out our lists of things to do in Sacramento & things to do in San Diego!

9. Sonny Bono Statue

Sonny Bono had one of the most intriguing career developments of any public figure in the second half of the 20th century.

After his marriage to Cher ended along and before he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, Bono acted for four years as mayor of Palm Springs, California.

It was during this time that Bono showed people that he was more than just a good voice and a pretty face.

Bono’s foray into politics came as a result of his struggle in getting his own Palm Springs restaurant off the ground.

Though he only served one term as mayor and his life was cut tragically short from a skiing accident in 1998, he still proved to be very influential.

The Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act was named in honor of him.

You can show your own honor towards Bono by paying a visit to his statue.

It’s one of the top attractions in all of Palm Springs.

His grinning, mustachioed face shows that his impact is sure to continue on into our hearts.

Address: 155 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA

10. Indian Canyons

Some of the most beautiful parts of Palm Springs, California were tended to by Native Americans before European settlers came along.

Visiting Indian Canyons is one of the most satisfying things to do in Palm Springs.

This region can be a gateway to some of the greatest activities.

Indian Canyons puts you in the immediate vicinity of unspoiled nature.

It’s also a way to learn about how past cultures lived.

The Native Americans in this region had a strong system of agriculture.

They also made use of nature to give themselves homes and ways of making art.

There were so many things to do with the resources they had available.

Lots of activities can be enjoyed by visitors to Indian Canyons.

You can go on hikes, picnics, or even horse rides.

Even though it’s not the same as it was centuries ago, Indian Canyons is still one of the greatest sightseeing attractions in all of Palm Springs.

Address: 38520 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA

11. The Alexander Estate

What makes houses like the Alexander Estate so impressive isn’t just their size or sophisticated design.

It’s also their history.

This residence is full of legend, as it was where Elvis and Priscilla Presley not only had their honeymoon but also spent a year of their lives together.

This is a great display of how much importance resides in Palm Springs, California.

It’s not hard to see why this is one of the biggest attractions in all of Palm Springs or why famous figures like the Presleys were attracted to it.

One of the Alexander’s Estate’s biggest plusses is its look.

Even though it’s decades-old, the modern look that designer Robert Alexander gave this home is one that is not stuck in any particular time.

This is also one of the most awesome things to do if you love Elvis.

The Alexander State honors the legacy of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll by hosting celebrations such as his birthday.

For sightseeing that shows how a legend lived, come to the Alexander Estate.

Address: 1350 Ladera Cir, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA

12. Palm Springs Sign

Hollywood is just one place in California with a noteworthy sign.

Although Palm Springs’ isn’t as large or famous, seeing it can still be one of the top things to do.

Part of N. Palm Canyon Drive, you can see the Palm Springs sign as a key part of your California experience.

You can see the Palm Springs’ sign as a smaller-scale version of the Hollywood one.

It has a similar look of well-shaped white letters.

However, you can get closer to it, allowing you to take better photos.

You could do something fun like having your hands facing out during a photo, as a means of underscoring the “palm” part of the name.

Anything thing that makes this sign one of the top attractions in all of Palm Springs is how it’s placed.

It stands not only against lovely greenery, including shrubs flowing with flowerings, but it’s also placed against the San Jacinto Mountains.

This sign doesn’t just label Palm Springs.

It also helps to define it.

13. Moorten Botanical Garden

If you look at Moorten Botanical Garden simply from an area perspective, it might not seem all that impressive.

After all, it’s only one acre.

However, there’s so much packed into this one acre.

You explore ten other botanical gardens and none of them might come near what this one is able to pull off.

This is one of the greatest things to do in Palm Springs, California for those who love plants.

There are thousands of varieties that you can see.

These aren’t just from California either.

Some of the must-see plants come from areas like Guatemala.

Opened since 1938, Moorten Botanical Garden has become one of the best parts of Palm Springs.

If you are looking for things to see related to nature, come to this garden.

It’s also one of the best places for hosting events.

Address: 1701 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA

14. Celebrity Home Bus Tours

The glamor of Hollywood extends to Palm Springs, as many celebrities have taken up residence here over the years.

If you want to see how stars past and present have lived, you should take a bus tour around the swankiest neighborhoods.

This is one of the best things to do in Palm Springs, California if you feel like you have a kindred spirit with the stars.

Stops on the tour include the home of Marilyn Monroe.

However, one of the best parts is that different tours end up going to different places.

You could tell a friend about the experience and recommend they do so as well.

Then, you’ll both end up having different but equally engrossing tours.

These are some of the most fun things to do in Palm Springs.

You can marvel at the luxury that these famous figures live in and listen closely to the tour guide sharing intriguing details about the homes.

For a taste of the high-life, go on Palm Springs Celebrity Home Bus Tours.

15. Sparrows Lodge

In spite of its name, this place shouldn’t be considered “for the birds.”

Staying at Sparrows Lodge is one of the most compelling things to do in Palm Springs, California.

It originated as the swanky celebrity inn known as “Castle’s Red Barn.”

Today, you can come to Sparrows Lodge and know that you’re absolutely getting the VIP treatment.

It’s important to know that Sparrows Lodge is unique from hotels of today as well as the recent past.

Amenities that are a given in pretty much any lodging place, such as phones and televisions, are not part of this Palm Springs resort.

However, when you see just how much intimacy and beauty this place has to offer, you’ll hardly miss them.

Sparrows Lodge is one of the most fun things to do in Palm Springs when you want a wonderful change of scenery.

It’s also a terrific place for a honeymoon.

You can spend the day socializing with other couples at places like the vegetable garden before retiring for the night with your spouse.

For fun in a totally distinct setting, come to Sparrows Lodge.

Address: 1330 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA

16. Crochet Museum

If you have a soul, you should look at crocheted items the same way you look at puppies.

They’re so absolutely adorable and have so much tenderness.

One of the most highly recommended things to do in Palm Springs, California is to check out the Crochet Museum.

The Crochet Museum lives up to its name, but it’s not the type of place where you have to be an absolute crochet fanatic to get anything out of it.

You could be barely familiar with crocheting and still have a fantastic time.

These works, made by Shari Elf, are so very darling that they’ll practically melt you on sight.

This museum isn’t very big in terms of size, but it’s massive in terms of heart.

It should be considered so meaningful that someone was able to put their passion into a project that has impacted so many visitors.

If you have any availability during your Palm Springs weekend, visiting the Crochet Museum is one of the greatest things to do.

Address: 61855 CA-62, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, USA

Visiting other areas of California? Don’t miss our lists of the fun things to do in LA & the best places to visit in Monterey!

17. Palm Springs Windmill Tours

If you’ve ever passed by a windmill farm, you’ve likely been a bit curious about just how they work.

It’s certainly hypnotizing to see those blades turning, but do you think about how they could be the wave of the future when it comes to how you receive your energy?

Palm Springs Windmill Tours are one of the top ways of receiving a renewable energy education in California.

Guides on these tours will take you through the story of windmills and how they help to provide power.

You’ll get to see an actual windmill so that you can better understand how they function today.

Wind power has already made a huge difference in Palm Springs.

You can consider how it can help shape the world.

When you go on Palm Springs Windmill Tours, you’ll see how much your understanding of energy and where it comes from matters.

Windmill farms are one of the top places to visit if you care about the environment.

They can show you that modern conveniences can still be enjoyed while also taking care of our planet.

Address: 62950 20th Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA

18. The Purple Room Supper Club

True to its name, the Purple Room Supper Club can provide you with an excellent meal.

It can also provide you with even more excellent music.

This club has earned a reputation as one of the best venues in the nation.

All kinds of great history have taken place at the Purple Room Supper Club.

Legends like Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra have been in this very spot.

Performers who come there now keep their spirit alive with plenty of soul and style.

Come into Palm Springs for a weekend and be sure to spend part of a night at the Purple Room Supper Club.

You’re likely to come away with a greater appreciation for live music and cultural history.

This is definitely one of the cool things to do in Palm Springs.

Address: 1900 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA

19. The Amado

The Amado is another great and unique hotel in Palm Springs, California.

They are only five suites, but each one is so beautifully set-up.

You practically have a posh apartment to stay at, given that The Amado’s suites include living rooms and kitchens.

What’s outside of your rooms is also heavenly.

During the day, you can take a dip or a siesta beside the lovely swimming pool.

You can also relax on the day beds.

If you want to have an engrossing meal, fire up the barbecue.

It’s like no concerns exist outside of the perimeter of The Amado.

The people you meet are also what makes staying at The Amado one of the most worthwhile things to do in Palm Springs.

You’ll be sure to meet other people looking for a fantastic refuge.

Take part in as many conversations as possible and show that you’re really invested in learning from others.

For fun and unbeatable relaxation, book a suite at The Amado.

Address: 1821 E Amado Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA

20. RoboLights

One of the best part of the holiday season is seeing all the lights that people have put up.

The residents are treated to incredible light displays not only during the holidays but throughout the year.

This is thanks to Kenny Irwin Jr. and his RoboLights.

RoboLights is an amazing Palm Springs attraction that covers not only Christmas but also things like aliens and all kinds of unique shapes.

It’s by far one of the coolest places to visit in California.

This is fun for the whole family and anyone who wants to be delighted.

RoboLights combine whimsy with technology to create one of the greatest points of interest in Palm Springs.

For anyone who’s looking for some electrical excitement, RoboLights is one of the best places to go.

Address: 1077 E Granvia Valmonte, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA

21. Workshop Kitchen + Bar

The very name of Workshop Kitchen + Bar suggests practicality, as does the design.

When you come to this restaurant, you should feel very trusting of the environment and setup.

A look at the menu should also have you appreciating what the chefs have put into their concept.

The menu at this restaurant is familiar, yet exciting.

There are offerings like pizza and burgers, but they’re made with a sort of zest you can’t find anywhere else.

There’s also the ingredients, many of which come from farms near the area.

The layout of the Workshop Kitchen + Bar is one of the nicest in Palm Springs.

The design is simple, but it never feels barren.

If you’re looking for memorable things to do when it comes to dining, be sure to come to Workshop Kitchen and Bar.

Address: 800 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA

22. Spider Volkswagon

How do you turn a Beetle into a spider?

It’s pretty simple.

You just put some giant legs on it.

That’s how Palm Springs, California ended up with one of the most unusual attractions in the state.

A welding business used a Volkswagon as the centerpiece of a giant spider, with eight huge legs sticking out.

Now, this sculpture is all that remains of the business.

It might not be fun for arachnophobes, but if you love one-of-a-kind works, you’ll definitely want to check this out.

What’s so cool about this is that it mixes the ordinary with things like this, which are anything but ordinary.

However, it makes for such a memorable experience.

You’d be hard-pressed to think of anything else you’ve seen that’s quite like the Spider Volkswagon.

Address: North Indian Canyon Drive, North Palm Springs, CA USA, North Palm Springs, CA 92558, USA

23. Essence Restaurant

Another great eatery in Palm Springs, California, Essence Restaurant is where to go if you want a dining experience that exemplifies everything you want from a California visit.

The menu and room have each been created with pure pampering in mind.

As part of Two Bunch Palms Resort and Spa, Essence Restaurant carries over the feelings of relaxation that you’ll find from a massage or steam.

On the menu are dishes that are refined, original, and nutritious.

You’ll be able to feel nourished, not only physically, but also mentally.

Whenever you’re eating, it’s always good to just slow down and think about all you’re getting from your meal.

Essence Restaurant is a Palm Springs point of interest for anyone who wants to remember the very essence of why eating matters so much.

Come to this restaurant for a dining experience that you’ll always appreciate.

Address: 67425 Two Bunch Palms Trail, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240, USA

24. Lucille Ball Statue

One of the most cherished individuals to ever live in Palm Springs, California is Lucille Ball.

The star of “I Love Lucy” entertained millions on a weekly basis.

The time she spent here has definitely been considered, as there’s a full-scale statue of her on a bench in the city.

Located outside of a coffee shop, this statue is the perfect place to come for those who love Lucy and want to express their admiration.

Ball’s iconic look and deadpan demeanor remind you why she’s such a legend of pop culture.

When you sit on this bench, you can feel like you’re sitting next to an old friend that you’ve known through primarily through the television screen.

It’s a great place to take photos.

It’s also a fun place to just hang out and pretend you’re talking with Lucille Ball herself.

Address: 100 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92262-5504, USA

25. Tahquitz Canyon

A residence of Native Americans known as the Agua Caliente Cahuilla, Tahquitz Canyon is yet another one of the points of interest that shows how much natural beauty is in this region.

At Tahquitz Canyon, you can go on a hike that you’ve never experienced before and might never again.

While the two-mile distance of the hike isn’t all that intense, the terrain is.

If you’re an inexperienced hiker, you should know that there’s plenty of uphill movement.

There’s also a roughness to the trail, so you need to have footwear with good traction.

The highlight of your Tahquitz Canyon visit might be Tahquitz Falls.

These falls are vibrant not only with water flow and sound but also with appearance.

When you reach them, you’ll likely be filled with enthusiasm for all that nature has to offer.

Doing a road trip around California? Check out some of the best things to do in Long Beach before you go!

26. Nudist Bridge

Have you ever thought about how fun it would be to abscond with the idea that you have to wear clothes?

Palm Springs, California has a nude resort that requires pedestrians to use a bridge to get from one end to another.

You might not be planning to stay at the resort, but a trip past the bridge can be worthwhile.

Due to completely understandable privacy concerns, you won’t be able to catch any glimpse of the people on this bridge.

However, you can think about what sort of interesting people might be up there.

On a weekend drive in or out of Palm Springs, it definitely gives you a lot to consider.

Driving by Nudist Bridge is one of the best things to do in Palm Springs if you’re interested in other lifestyles.

If you’re looking for exciting things to do, you might choose to stay at this resort.

It’s sure to be one of the most involving parts of any Palm Springs trip.

27. LGBT Veterans Memorial

One of the top things to do in Palm Springs is to pay your respects at the LGBT Veteran Memorial.

This is what to do if you want to show how much you value those who fought for our country.

It’s especially moving when you consider the additional layer of bravery that these soldiers had.

Given that gay and lesbian soldiers couldn’t serve openly in the military until 2011, there were so many who had to hide who they were.

This memorial opened in 2001, recognizing that LGBT soldiers have been part of this nation, even when they weren’t allowed to identify as such.

Palm Springs is a city with a deep respect for the LGBT community.

The LGBT Veterans Memorial is an amazing show of respect towards these brave individuals.

Coming to this memorial is one of the greatest things to do if you want to demonstrate your gratitude for all they’ve done.

Address: 31705 Da Vall Dr, Cathedral City, CA 92234, USA

28. El Jefe

Those who love Mexican food shouldn’t feel left out when it comes to what to do for great food in Palm Springs.

While there are plenty of terrific choices, El Jefe is one of the top Mexican dining experiences you’ll ever have in the United States.

This menu delivers what’s familiar, but it does so in a way that astounds your mind and tastebuds.

Part of the deluxe hotel Saguaro, El Jefe offers tacos, fajitas, and more classic dishes that are packed with flavor and complexity.

Everything on this menu is supremely mouthwatering and shows how important Mexican influence has been in California.

It’s not just the food that makes El Jefe so special.

There’s also music performed at happy hour and a beautiful, relaxed dining room.

When you come to El Jefe, you’ll have a fantastic dining experience.

Address: 1800 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA

Start Planning Your Trip To Palm Springs

There are countless things to do in California and Palm Springs has some of the best.

These are fun activities that also show how special the people and environment of Palm Springs are.

If you’re looking for what to do in Palm Springs this weekend or during another weekend or a longer visit, you’ll be sure to find something worth your time.

There are so many places to visit in Palm Springs, whether it’s downtown or in more isolated areas.

If you want to know what is there to do or what to see in around Palm Springs, you have so many options for what to do and what to see.

There are things to do in Palm Springs at night and during the day, for families with young children, adult couples looking for intimacy, and friends looking for fun downtown.

Palm Springs could be justifiably considered one of the top 10 most beautiful places in America.

Those who are looking for more California beauty and excitement should look into
things to do in Orange County, things to do in San Jose, and things to do in Santa Cruz.

Coming down here is a must do trip for those who want to see some of the most breathtaking sights in California.

There’s more stuff to do in one weekend in Palm Springs than there is in a month spent in some other cities.

With all these things to do, you should be booking a weekend visit to Palm Springs as soon as possible.