The city of Palm Springs is a popular destination due to its wide range of attractions and activities that cater to diverse interests. It attracts visitors seeking natural beauty, architectural highlights, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. This guide covers the most unique things to do in Palm Springs for both first-time visitors and returning travelers.
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Unique Things To Do in Palm Springs: Attractions and Landmarks
1. Experience the world’s largest rotating tram cars
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will take you up 8,500 feet into the San Jacinto Mountains. At the top, enjoy hiking trails and dining options with spectacular views.
2. Explore a 1930s General Store Museum
Ruddy’s General Store Museum is a recreation of a 1930s general store, featuring over 6,000 original items.
The museum offers an immersive experience with authentic fixtures, signage, and products like groceries, beauty aids, and hardware, 95% of which still contain their original contents.
Unique Things To Do in Palm Springs: Adventure and Outdoor Activities
3. Explore the desert on a Red Jeep Tour
Red Jeep Tours could very well be the best way to explore the beautiful landscapes of the Colorado-Sonoran Desert.
Knowledgeable guides lead the off-road experiences and share insights on geology, wildlife, and Cahuilla Native American history while navigating dramatic landscapes.
4. Hike the Palm Springs Canyons
The Indian Canyons are known for their stunning natural beauty. The scenic hiking trails provide a unique opportunity to explore the desert landscape while learning about the area’s Native American heritage.
Hike the Andreas Canyon Loop Trail, within the Indian Canyons, is an easy 1.2-mile loop trail suitable for all skill levels. It has stunning views of the surrounding rock formations, Andreas Creek, and the California Fan Palm Oasis.
FYI: The California Fan Palm Oasis is the second-largest in the world. It has towering, lush palm groves that provide shade and a tropical feel amid the desert.
5. Witness a Desert Waterfall at Tahquitz Canyon
Tahquitz Canyon is located on the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. It features a breathtaking 60-foot waterfall that can be reached via a 1.7-mile hike.
6. Access Lush Palm Oases at Pushawalla Palms Loop
The Pushawalla Palms Loop is located within the Coachella Valley Preserve. At this trail, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the desert landscape and access to lush palm oases.
It is a tranquil environment perfect for observing unique desert flora and fauna, including rare plants and wildlife such as the elusive desert tortoise.
Unique Things to do in Palm Springs: Art and Culture
7. Walk in the footsteps of legends at the Palm Springs Walk of Stars
Explore the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, which honors notable figures like Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe.
8. Experience a Whimsical Art Installation at Robo Lights
Robo Lights uniquely blends art and technology with lights and robotic sculptures.
It features massive sculptures made entirely from recycled materials like old phones, microwaves, and car parts transformed into neon-lit robots, aliens, and surreal holiday-themed displays.
9. Interact with Local Artists at Backstreet Air District
The Backstreet Art District is located in a converted mid-century strip mall. It’s an intimate creative hub featuring over a dozen independent studios, where artists often work on-site, so you can interact with them directly.
Here, you can explore diverse art, including painting, sculpture, and photography.
Unique Things To Do in Palm Springs: Events
10. Experience the Palm Springs VillageFest
The Palm Springs VillageFest, also known as the Palm Springs Street Fair, is held every Thursday evening in downtown Palm Springs.
It transforms Palm Canyon Way into an exciting street fair, with hundreds of vendors selling handmade arts, crafts, and local artwork as well as diverse food options and live entertainment.
11. Attend Modernism Week
Modernism Week is an annual event that celebrates mid-century modern architecture, design, art, fashion, and culture with tours and parties.
Unique Things to Do in Palm Springs: Food and Drinks
13. Indulge in a Date Shake
A date shake is a must-have treat when in Palm Springs. What is it you ask? It is a tasty shake made with dates, vanilla ice cream, and milk.
Great Shakes, Shields Date Garden, and Hadley Fruit Orchards are some local spots with the best date shakes.
Unique Things To do in Palm Springs: Nature
12. Get Acquainted with Cacti at Moorten Botanical Garden
The Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium is home to thousands of cacti and over 3,000 types of desert plants from around the world. It is a great way to experience the desert’s natural beauty.
Unique Things To Do in Palm Springs: Wellness and Relaxation
13. Relax at a Calming Salt Cave at The Spa at Séc-he
The Spa at Séc-he is renowned for using ancient Agua Caliente hot springs water.
The spa offerings include private mineral baths, a calming salt cave, and innovative treatments like quartz bed therapy.
Unique Things to do in Palm Springs: Tours
14. Set off on a Palm Springs Windmills Tour
Palm Springs Windmills Tours are a great way to gain perspective on sustainable energy in the desert. You can choose from a golf cart or a self-driving tour to visit the wind turbines.
15. Visit Elvis Presley’s Honeymoon Getaway
Tour the Elvis Presley honeymoon getaway, also known as the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway, a celebrated landmark in Palm Springs. This mid-century modern house features circular rooms and expansive views of the surrounding mountains.
16. Tour the Frank Sinatra House
The Frank Sinatra House in Twin Palms features original furnishings, memorabilia, and luxurious amenities, including a piano-shaped pool.
The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation offers tours of Twin Palms, including the Frank Sinatra House. You can also tour the property during Modernism Week.
17. Soar into the Skies on a Vintage Aircraft
One of the most exciting experiences at the Palm Springs Air Museum is booking a Warbird Ride in a vintage aircraft and soaring over Palm Springs.
Tip: You can also climb into the cockpits of historic planes and explore interactive exhibits.
Unique Things To Do Near Palm Springs
The following are things to do within a short distance of Palm Springs:
18. Walk Through Art at Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden
The Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden is a free outdoor art space in Palm Desert. It is part of the Palm Springs Art Museum campus.
It features 14 contemporary sculptures by renowned artists, set amid native plants, winding paths, and water features.. You can explore this tranquil garden via a self-guided tour.
21. Snap Photos with Giant Vintage Dinosaur Sculptures
The Cabazon Dinosaurs are an iconic roadside attraction just off Interstate 10 near Palm Springs. They are two enormous dinosaur sculptures: Dinny the Brontosaurus and Mr. Rex the Tyrannosaurus rex. You can even climb inside the dinosaurs for a unique photo opportunity!
19. Experience Relaxation at the Integratron Sound Baths
The Integratron near Joshua Tree is a fascinating destination blending history, science, and mysticism. Its sound baths and unique architecture offer an unforgettable experience of relaxation and introspection.
20. Discover a 19th-Century-Themed Town
Pioneertown is a popular destination near Joshua Tree National Park. It is an 1880s-themed town initially built as a movie set in 1946. It is now a quirky little town where you can explore old Western-style buildings for a truly unique experience.
24. Explore the Crochet Museum
Crochet Museum is a tiny museum located in Joshua Tree. It features a collection of crochet art, making for a fun and unusual visit.
25. Wander through an Outdoor Art Gallery
The Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum is near Joshua Tree. It has outdoor installations displayed as one large open-air gallery to wander through.
26. Explore Camp David of the West
The Sunnylands Center & Gardens in Rancho Mirage is a 200-acre estate that previously hosted presidents and royalty. It is famously known as the “Camp David of the West.”
On your visit, you can stroll through the beautiful gardens lined with exotic plants and reflecting pools.
Soak in Aerial Views on a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Hot air balloon rides are a great way to experience the best views of the Coachella Valley from above.
Fantasy Balloon Flights offers daily champagne balloon adventures over the Palm Springs area from September through May. Their tours feature scenic views of natural deserts, date palm groves, and golf resorts.
Final Thoughts About Unique Things to Do in Palm Springs
I’ve traveled extensively, and Palm Springs consistently delivers experiences that leave me speechless. It offers an unmatched fusion of tranquility and exhilaration that defies comparison.
If your goal is to explore beyond the tourist traps, this travel guide covers some of the best places to transcend the ordinary. Each recommendation has the potential to elevate your trip from a standard vacation to an unforgettable adventure.
As you explore these unique corners of Palm Springs, you’ll discover firsthand what makes this desert city such a treasured destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences.
Happy travels! Palm Springs is calling!
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