Is a visit to Palm Springs, California, on your travel wish list? Whether you can’t get enough of mid-century modern architecture, are looking to spend your days relaxing by the pool in Old Hollywood fashion or are on the hunt for an LGBTQ+-friendly destination to explore, Palm Springs has it all — the only thing that’s missing is you! Need help planning your itinerary? Here are some of the best things to see and do in Palm Springs.
Village Fest
Taking place every Thursday, Village Fest is an all-ages, dog-friendly event that brings together 180+ vendors, locals and visitors in downtown Palm Springs. Akin to a farmer’s or night market, fest-goers will love perusing the wide variety of booths that span the gamut from food trucks and beverage slingers to crafters, artisans and more. In addition to being the perfect spot to pick up a memorable souvenir or a tasty treat you can’t live without, Village Fest is a great way to explore the shops and businesses of downtown Palm Springs as many stay open late to cater to the crowd.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
From desert to pines, did you know Palm Springs is home to the largest rotating tram car in the world? Traversing over two-and-one-half miles and rising to a staggering elevation of 8,516 feet in a matter of just 10 minutes, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a scenic attraction that gives visitors a literal birds-eye view of California’s Chino Canyon. A must-do for those who adore sweeping vistas paired with just the right amount of adrenaline, travelers who are brave enough to embark on a ride to Mountain Station — the stop at the tippy top of the canyon — can explore two restaurants, observation decks, a State Parks Visitors Center, a natural history museum, two documentary theaters, a gift shop and 50+ miles of trailhead.
Forever Marilyn
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s … a giant statue of Marilyn Monroe? A quirky addition to the Palm Springs skyline, Forever Marilyn is a 26-foot-tall, 34,300 pound painted stainless steel and aluminum statue that doubles as the perfect photo op. The playful statue was created by Seward Johnson in 2011 and made the rounds in cities like Chicago, IL; Hamilton Township, NJ; Bendigo, Australia; and Stamford, CT before calling Palm Springs it’s permanent home in 2021. Travelers who want to see this leading lady for themselves can head toward the Palm Springs Art Museum as Marilyn is just footsteps away and impossible to miss thanks to her iconic pose and, dare we say it, absolutely massive stature.
Drag & Fly Tours
What’s better than a city bus tour? A city bus tour hosted by a drag queen! One of Palm Springs’ most unique sightseeing tours, Drag & Fly Tours mixes live drag performances, storytelling and video to highlight Palm Springs’ history and beloved sights. According to the Drag & Fly Tours website, the business is “a love letter to Palm Springs,” and travelers are sure to enjoy becoming acquainted with the destination from the comfort of the company’s 13-seat tour bus, complete with a 70-square-foot picture window to really take in the sights.
Palm Springs Art Museum
Founded in 1938, fans of vibrant paintings, rotating exhibits, impressive sculptures and colorful collections won’t want to miss a visit to the Palm Springs Art Museum. Just a hop, skip and a jump for the main drag downtown, this under-the-radar gem is a great place to escape the heat or try something new thanks to the museum’s array of all-ages classes and workshops, theatrical and musical performances and special tours led by knowledgeable guides — including “The Modern Tour” which allows visitors to step inside Frey House II, a historic home designed by Albert Frey in 1964 that’s known for its modern minimalism.
Joshua Tree National Park
Boasting wide-open spaces, intriguing rock formations and, of course, the iconic Joshua Tree, Joshua Tree National Park is an easy (and popular) day trip from Palm Springs. A place that feels like stepping foot onto another planet, this park is one of the most photogenic on the West Coast, and travelers can get there by car in just under an hour when they leave from the heart of the city. If they don’t want to navigate the journey on their own, a quick Google search will reveal plenty of daily guided tours to the park departing from Palm Springs making it easier than ever to explore the splendor of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts.
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