Whether you’re a Palm Springs newbie or a seasoned visitor, get ready to discover some insanely cool things to see in Palm Springs! I’ve rounded up the top nine spots that’ll make your first trip to Palm Springs totally unforgettable.
From unique landmarks to Insta-worthy hideouts, get set to uncover the magic of this quirky oasis. Think of it as your ultimate bucket list for Palm Springs—minus the boring stuff!
So, grab your shades, pack your sunscreen, and let’s dive into the coolest, quirkiest, and downright awesome things to see in Palm Springs!!
Just giving you a little taste of what this Palm Springs guide will cover and let me tell you it’s JAM PACKED with spots many visitors overlook!!! So let this girl help you out, because I’ve got the inside scoop on the best things to see in Palm Springs.
@herjoliejourney PALM SPRINGS MINI TRAVEL GUIDE Palm Springs is a total vibe that is filled with cute restaurants, photogenic hotels, quirky little attractions and some cool hidden gems. 📌SAVE this for your next trip to Palm Springs! #traveldiaries #travelblogger #palmsprings #visitcalifornia #californiaadventure #californialife #palmspringsgetaway ♬ PRETTY BOY FLOW - Sturdyyoungin
Palm Springs is located in the Coachella Valley in Riverside County, Southern California, United States. It’s about 100 miles (160 kilometers) east of Los Angeles and about 140 miles (225 kilometers) northeast of San Diego. The city is nestled at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, providing a stunning backdrop of rugged desert landscapes.
Looking to visit Palm Springs? Skip the scorching summer months and opt for a trip between October and April instead. You’ll enjoy perfect weather for outdoor activities and exploring, with warm days and cool evenings. Want even fewer crowds? Aim for October-November or March-April. But if you’re a true heat-seeker, summer can offer lower hotel rates and fewer tourists.
The best way to get to Palm Springs depends on your starting point and preferences. Here are some common transportation options:
Car: If you’re traveling from nearby cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, or Las Vegas, driving to Palm Springs is a popular option. Major highways like Interstate 10 (I-10) provide easy access to the city.
By Air: The Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) offers direct flights from various cities across the United States, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, and more. Once you land, you can easily rent a car or use rideshare services to reach your destination.
By Bus: Several bus companies operate routes to Palm Springs from neighboring cities. Greyhound and FlixBus are two options to consider if you prefer bus travel.
By Train: Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner and Sunset Limited lines serve nearby cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. From there, you can transfer to a bus or rental car to reach Palm Springs.
Ultimately, the best mode of transportation depends on factors such as your location, budget, and personal preferences but I would recommend visiting by car. Having access to a car makes it much easier to discover the best things to see in Palm Springs!
Picture yourself exploring iconic mid-century modern architecture, strolling through colorful art scenes, and relaxing in lush botanical gardens against the backdrop of breathtaking mountains. Whether you’re soaking up the sun by the pool or embarking on desert adventures, Palm Springs has something for everyone. Join me as we uncover the best sights and experiences this lively city has to offer. Trust me, these are the BEST things to see in Palm Springs!
‘Robolights’ is a unique outdoor sculpture park that is known to many locals and often gets overlooked by tourists. It has been around since 1986 thanks to Kenny Irwin Jr. And get this- it’s located right down the street from where Frank Sinatra used to live! How crazy is that?!
As soon as you pull up, you’ll be greeted by plastic aliens blocking your way, a UFO parking sign and mechanical arms wildly flapping around the backyard. It’s a fantastic attraction filled with amazing sculptures made of recycled materials, glowing lights, and whimsical designs.
@herjoliejourney There is no shortage of things to see here! #palmspringscalifornia #visitpalmsprings #palmspringsgetaway #traveltiktok #traveldiaries ♬ Quirky - Oleg Kirilkov
Get ready to have your vintage-loving mind blown at Sunny Dunes! With over 40 independently owned shops and a 6,000 square foot warehouse filled to the brim with antiques, art, books, collectibles, and more – you’re bound to find your next hidden gem. They have it all: fine art glass, vintage jewelry, porcelain, postcards, pottery, silver, and even some mysterious items from around the world.
We couldn’t get over how many cute things we found here and desperately wanted to take so much home with us, but we settled for a cute little vintage suitcase, some cute coffee books and a lovely little brass Eiffel Tower motif.
@herjoliejourney I have never had much luck with antique shopping, either i get overwhelmed with the selection or the prices. Sunny Dunes Antique Mall is the perfect balance of variety and price. So if you are traveling to Palm Springs and looking for some things to do, you bave to check out Sunng Dunes Antique Mall! #traveldiaries #travelblogger #palmsprings #visitcalifornia #californiaadventure #californialife #palmspringsgetaway ♬ Blue Blood - Heinz Kiessling
If you Google “things to see in Palm Springs” chances are the Palm Springs aerial tramway will be the top result. So you may be wondering if a visit is worth blending in with a large crowd of tourists? Yes!!! And let me tell you why…There is a reason this iconic Palm Springs landmark see’s thousands of visitors every year:
Chino Canyon is located in the beautiful Coachella Valley, but did you know that this canyon boasts some of the steepest terrain in North America?? As you make your way to the mountain station, you’ll have the opportunity to experience 5 different biomes and witness some breathtaking waterfalls. With over 50 hiking and walking routes available, the San Jacinto Mountains National Park is just waiting to be explored.
This aviation themed bar in Palm Springs will be your new obsession and one of the best things to see in Palm Springs! Guests can experience the coolest in-flight experience with a boarding pass menu, a screen that projects scenes flying through the clouds into Palm Springs airport, 8 first-class seats, 27 coach seats, bartenders dressed as crew members and Continental’s original 1975 beverage cart.
On Saturday nights, guests can actually book a reservation for an in-flight dining experience equipped with a meal served on a divided tray. You will want to make a reservation in advance, because this is a very popular spot and space is limited!
Step into the treasure trove of Palm Springs style at The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five! This iconic building houses fourteen luxurious shops filled with everything from vintage and modern furniture to stunning jewelry, art, clothing, and even rare specimen cactus. Come and find your own personal gem amidst this unique collection.
We really enjoyed checking out all the beautiful collections found here, and although we didn’t purchase anything I would still consider this one of the best things to see in Palm Springs while you’re here.
The Palm Springs Art Museum is located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs and is surrounded by upscale hotels and boutiques. Inside, you’ll discover three floors of captivating art, including paintings, sculptures, and photography! You can also find an on-site theater and cute bistro to grab some food.
Don’t miss out on the iconic sculptures nearby, such as Marilyn Monroe and a vintage car that appears to be diving into a puddle.
It’s hard to miss this spot when driving west on Interstate 10 out of Palm Springs, because it’s home to the “World’s Biggest Dinosaurs.” And you can actually climb them!!! To visit the Cabazon Dinosaurs just outside of Palm Springs, take a trip to 50770 Seminole Drive, Cabazon, CA. Towering over the landscape, these iconic dinosaur sculptures offer a thrilling adventure for visitors of all ages.
If you don’t want to pay to go into the park and climb the T-Rex, you can enter the gift shop found inside the Brontosaurus and it’s FREE.
The Parker Palm Springs is renowned for its iconic status as a luxury resort destination in Palm Springs, California. Originally known as the Givenchy Hotel and Spa when it was built in the 1950s, it underwent several transformations before becoming The Parker in 2004 under the ownership of hotelier Jack Parker. Here are a few reasons why it’s famous:
The Parker Palm Springs has long been a favorite among celebrities and influencers, drawing high-profile guests due to its luxurious accommodations and secluded atmosphere.
The hotel fuses mid-century modern style with a hint of French flair. Designed by the one and only Jonathan Adler, the spaces are an beautiful combination of lively hues, quirky embellishments, and verdant gardens, producing an absolutely distinctive and striking atmosphere.
You’ll find several refreshing pools to take a dip in and a spa that exudes luxury, not to mention tennis courts for some fun competition. They have some great dining options on site.
The Parker frequently hosts exclusive events, parties, and gatherings, further solidifying its status as a hotspot for luxury and entertainment in Palm Springs. These events attract a glamorous crowd and help maintain the hotel’s reputation as a must-visit destination.
This hotel could easily fill your Instagram feed for an entire month with all the cute, retro photogenic spots here but tbh, I wouldn’t pay a hefty fee to stay here myself. So skip the expensive hotel room and make a reservation at one of their dining spots on site.
Looking for the perfect desert oasis that’s worthy of a visit? This should be on your list of things to see in Palm Springs!
Sands Hotel and Spa is the spot for you! With 46 Moroccan-style rooms, a cute pool area with cabanas, a spa, and an oh-so-pretty restaurant, this boutique hotel has it all. And let’s not forget about The Pink Cabana – the ultimate Palm Springs restaurant with decor that’ll make all your Insta dreams come true. Don’t miss out on the cute views – even if you’re not staying here, make sure to snag a reservation!
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