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Planning a trip to Palm Springs, California? You’ve come to the right place!
We’ve spent time exploring this desert oasis, from its retro-cool architecture to its jaw-dropping natural landscapes, and we’re here to share the best of it with you. Whether you want to escape into the rugged beauty of Joshua Tree, ride the iconic aerial tramway, or take a deep dive into the city’s Hollywood past, Palm Springs has something for everyone.
We’ve put together this list of the best things to do so you can make the most of your visit, even if you’re there for just a few days or longer! Keep reading for our top picks, insider tips, and can’t-miss experiences!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE Palm Springs experience was this 4×4 tour of Joshua Tree National Park! We got off the beaten path and had a blast climbing boulders, seeing ancient carvings, and experiencing the unique beauty of Joshua Tree and the Mojave Desert.
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Palm Springs, California
- 1. Ride the iconic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
- 2. Get your adrenaline pumping on an off-road tour of Joshua Tree National Park
- 3. Discover the famous history of Palm Springs with a private guide
- 4. Explore the San Andreas Fault and the Palm Desert in a jeep
- 5. Go hiking in Joshua Tree National Park
- 6. Bicycle through the desert
- 7. See the historic Palm Springs Windmills up close
- 8. Go stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park
- 9. See the unique side of Palm Springs on a golf cart tour
- Where to Stay in Palm Springs, California
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in the USA
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Palm Springs, California
1. Ride the iconic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Time: Multiple times available from 8 am to 8 pm
- Highlights: Take the Palm Springs Tramway up into the San Jacinto Mountains, disembark and explore the area around Mountain Station, which includes a lounge, restaurant, and observation deck, watch a film on the history and construction of the tramway at the top
- Inclusions: Round-trip tram ride, tickets timed for the next available tram car on a first-come-first-served basis
- Rating: 4.4 stars (check 1,400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Palm Springs is hot—like, “why-did-I-wear-jeans” hot. And while we love the desert scenery, sometimes you just need a break from the relentless heat. That’s where this tramway experience comes in. In just ten minutes, this rotating tram whisked us from the scorching desert floor up into the cool, pine-covered San Jacinto Mountains—a temperature drop of nearly 40 degrees!
The ascent itself is the experience. The tram slowly rotates as it climbs, so every passenger gets an unbeatable view of Chino Canyon’s rugged cliffs and sprawling desert below. It’s one of those rare rides where every turn brings a new perspective—and you won’t want to miss a second of it.
At the top, the Mountain Station welcomed us with crisp mountain air, a cozy lounge, and panoramic observation decks. There’s also a short film about the tram’s construction, but we were more interested in exploring the miles of hiking trails in Mt. San Jacinto State Park. In winter, you can even snowshoe or cross-country ski up there!
Whether you’re escaping the heat or just chasing a great view, this tram ride is an absolute must. Tickets are first come, first served, so plan ahead and get there early to make the most of the experience!
Book your tram tickets here and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
2. Get your adrenaline pumping on an off-road tour of Joshua Tree National Park
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 7 am and 1 pm
- Highlights: Tour Joshua Tree via 4×4, ride deep into the rugged backcountry, see the Mojave Desert, sacred Joshua trees, wild rock formations, and more
- Inclusions: Professional guide/driver, bottled water, snacks, live commentary on board
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 380+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Driving the paved roads in Joshua Tree only gives us a glimpse of this massive park, but its most jaw-dropping landscapes are hidden far beyond the main tourist routes. That’s why this epic 4×4 tour was the way to go! We tore through the backcountry, bouncing over rugged trails, feeling every twist and turn as we ventured to places most visitors never see.
Our guide, Jeff, was fantastic and totally up for anything we wanted to do. Since Joshua Tree spans nearly 800,000 acres (324,000 hectares), having an expert who knew the best spots made all the difference. He took us down remote desert paths leading to hidden trails, dramatic rock formations, and wide-open vistas with no one else around.
We wove through otherworldly Joshua trees, climbed up massive boulders for panoramic views, and even stopped to check out ancient rock carvings tucked away in the desert. At one point, we cut the engine and just listened to the pure, untouched silence.
Out of everything we did in Palm Springs, this was hands-down our favorite tour! Riding through this off-the-beaten-path side of Joshua Tree gave us a whole new appreciation for the park’s raw beauty. It’s an adventure you won’t forget! Don’t just take our word for it—read the glowing 5-star reviews here.
Book this popular tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
3. Discover the famous history of Palm Springs with a private guide
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 10 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm (not available Sunday)
- Highlights: See the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, roam around some of the city’s historic districts, get photo ops at locations like Indian Canyon and the San Andreas fault line, visit the property where the Rat Pack partied
- Inclusions: Award-winning driver/guide, bus transportation, live commentary on board, bottled water, private personalized tour for small to large groups
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 120+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Palm Springs isn’t just about desert views and mid-century modern homes—it’s a living time capsule of old Hollywood glamour. But instead of cramming onto a bus with a bunch of strangers to see it, we opted for this private tour, giving us a front-row seat to the stories and secrets that shaped this iconic resort town.
Our guide, Annette, was fantastic! She knew her Palm Springs history inside and out, and her storytelling made every stop feel like stepping into a different era. She didn’t just point out landmarks, she brought them to life with stories of Hollywood scandals and the city’s rise as a celebrity hideaway.
We cruised past designated historic districts, the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, and even the legendary property where the Rat Pack partied through the ‘60s. Seeing these places in person, with Annette’s lively commentary, brought the city’s past to life in a way no guidebook ever could.
We even passed former Hollywood movie sets and learned how the San Andreas Fault helped shape the city’s landscape. We had no idea that those underground springs are the very reason Palm Springs exists!
The best part? The tour is totally flexible. Whether you’re rolling with a small group or planning something bigger, you can book it as a private experience to fit your schedule. It’s a fun, laid-back way to explore the city’s rich history while scoring some great photo ops along the way.
This tour is likely to sell out—grab your spot here before it’s too late!
4. Explore the San Andreas Fault and the Palm Desert in a jeep
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 8 am and 1 pm
- Highlights: Open-air Jeep tour to the San Andreas Fault from Palm Desert, explore a desert oasis fed by underground water sources, learn about geology and California’s earthquakes, the Native American Cahuilla tribe, and early pioneer settlers
- Inclusions: Expert naturalist guide, open-air Jeep eco-tour, granola snacks, bottled water, land use fees, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 680+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Driving past the San Andreas Fault on the highway doesn’t really do it justice. You know it’s there, but it just looks like more desert. If you really want to understand the incredible forces shaping California’s landscape, you need to get off the pavement—and that’s precisely what this small-group Jeep tour delivered.
Our guide, Morgan, was a blast—full of wild facts about earthquakes, desert survival, and the forces that shaped this rugged terrain. She showed us rock formations twisted by millions of years of seismic activity and led us through a narrow slot canyon, where towering walls revealed the Earth’s constant movement.
One of the most fascinating stops was the Cahuilla Indian Village, a recreated site showing how the Cahuilla people survived in this extreme environment. From homes and a sweat lodge to tools made from desert plants, it was a glimpse into the incredible ingenuity of early desert dwellers.
And don’t get me started on the oasis! It felt like stumbling into another world with lush palms, crystal-clear water, and a peaceful silence that made us forget we were in the middle of the desert.
Pro tip: Wear comfortable hiking shoes! The terrain is uneven, and you’ll definitely want to explore every inch of this place.
This tour was the perfect mix of adventure, history, and jaw-dropping scenery. Plus, bouncing through the desert in an open-air Jeep made us feel like we were on our own expedition—just without the survival skills!
Reserve this Jeep tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Go hiking in Joshua Tree National Park
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Time: Park hours 5 am – 10 pm (confirm time with provider)
- Highlights: Private tour exploring Joshua Tree National Park, itinerary customized to your preferences and skill level, discuss flora, fauna, geology, history, and more
- Inclusions: Local naturalist guide, daypack, bottled water
- Rating: 5 stars (check 110+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Hiking in Joshua Tree sounds amazing—until you realize how massive it is. With endless trails and no clear signs of the best views, it’s easy to end up on a crowded path or miss hidden gems. That’s why this private hiking tour was a game-changer, leading us on a customized route tailored exactly to what we wanted to see and do.
We hiked through rugged desert terrain, past clusters of striking Joshua trees, and up to an incredible panoramic viewpoint, where we stopped to take it all in. It felt like we had the park to ourselves—just the wide-open desert and total silence.
And we couldn’t have asked for a better guide than Hollis! She had an incredible depth of knowledge about the local cacti, plants, and rock formations, pointing out details we never would have noticed on our own.
She also shared fascinating stories about the park’s history, from early settlers to the artists and visionaries drawn to this surreal landscape. It was so cool to learn that cattle rustlers and gold miners once used these canyons as secret hideouts!
Just note that the park entrance fee isn’t included, so plan ahead of time for that. And don’t forget comfortable shoes and sunscreen, because you’ll definitely be spending some quality time under the desert sun!
This tour was the ideal way to experience Joshua Tree, and we aren’t the only ones who think so. Just check out the 5-star reviews here and see why travelers say it’s an unforgettable adventure!
Book your private hike here and discover the best of Joshua Tree!
6. Bicycle through the desert
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 8 am and 1 pm
- Highlights: Guided mountain bike tour along the San Andreas Fault, enjoy beautiful views of the desert landscape as you pedal along the paved path, learn about the area’s unique ecology and history, try a date shake at a date farm
- Inclusions: Professional guide, use of bicycle and helmet, live commentary, bottled water, snacks, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 240+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Biking in the desert might seem intimidating—blazing heat, endless sand, and tough trails come to mind. But this small-group bike tour was the complete opposite. With a gentle downhill grade and smooth, paved path, this ride was less about strenuous pedaling and more about soaking in the incredible scenery where the Mojave Desert transitions into the Colorado Desert.
Our guide, Ben, set us up with everything we needed and gave us a great rundown of where we were about to ride. As we pedaled along, he shared fascinating facts about the San Andreas Fault, the region’s unique geology, and how the desert’s ecosystem has adapted to this dramatic landscape.
The scenery was absolutely spectacular! The contrast of rocky canyons, open desert, and distant mountain ranges made every turn in the trail feel like something out of a movie.
And just when we thought the ride couldn’t get better, we rounded the last corner and were greeted with magnificent views of the Salton Sea. After taking it all in, we made our way to a date farm, where we kicked back and celebrated the ride with a famous date shake. It was the perfect post-ride treat!
We loved this tour because it was a great balance of adventure and relaxation—just enough activity to feel rewarding but still laid-back enough to enjoy the views fully. But this tour books up fast, so grab your spot early and get ready for an unforgettable downhill cruise through the desert!
Check out the 200+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
7. See the historic Palm Springs Windmills up close
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times from 9 am to 2 pm
- Highlights: Self-driving Coachella Valley windmill tour, explore the evolution of wind turbines on a private wind farm, learn about this renewable energy industry from your audio guide, get special behind-the-fence access to explore on foot
- Inclusions: Audio program, Palm Springs windmill tour app
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 260+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Palm Springs is famous for its celebrity homes and desert landscapes, but if you’re looking for something totally unique, this self-guided windmill tour is a must. Instead of squeezing onto a crowded tour bus, we explored the first commercial wind farm in the U.S. at our own pace, all from the comfort of our own vehicle.
Before heading in, the greeter gave us a great rundown on what to expect and made sure we were set up with the tour app. It was super easy to use, even for those of us who tend to ignore instructions!
As we drove through the massive wind turbines, the app guided us with fascinating facts about the evolution of wind energy, the successes (and failures) of past designs, and the role these windmills play in powering the Coachella Valley.
One of our favorite parts was the special behind-the-fence access. We got to step out, walk up to a real operating wind turbine, and see firsthand how these towering machines generate clean energy. I’ve always been mesmerized by these turbines as we drive past, so seeing just how big they are up close was simply incredible!
This tour was easy to navigate and totally different from anything else we did in Palm Springs. If you’re even a little curious about renewable energy—or just want an up-close look at those iconic windmills—these windmills are worth checking out!
Reserve this unique windmill tour here and see these massive turbines up close!
8. Go stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park
Stargazing Joshua Tree
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times from 5:30 pm to 9 pm
- Highlights: Go on a small-group stargazing journey in Joshua Tree National Park, use laser pointers, telescopes, and astro-binoculars to learn about the evolution of the Cosmos
- Inclusions: Astronomer, telescopes, zero-gravity pods, astro-binoculars
- blankets, hot beverage station
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check all reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Trying to stargaze in the desert on your own sounds simple—until you realize how hard it is to actually identify constellations, find planets, or get a good look at deep-space objects. This small-group stargazing tour took the experience to a whole new level! Instead of guessing at the night sky, we had expert guidance, powerful telescopes, and perfect viewing conditions.
During the day, Joshua Tree’s heat can be intense, but once the sun sets, temperatures drop fast. Thankfully, we were bundled up in blankets and hand warmers as we lounged in zero-gravity pods, sipping hot chocolate and watching the night sky come to life.
With high-powered telescopes and laser pointers, we explored glowing nebulae, distant galaxies, and even binary star systems. But the real highlight was seeing Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s swirling clouds up close. It was truly mind-blowing!
Our guide, Brandon, made the experience so much better. His incredible knowledge of astronomy was one thing, but what truly set him apart was his storytelling. He took us on a journey through the universe, weaving in stories from ancient civilizations, Greek mythology, and modern science that made every constellation feel even more magical.
With hand warmers, cozy seating, and hot drinks, the whole evening felt like a blend of science, storytelling, and pure wonder. Words can’t quite capture the feeling of witnessing the infinite vastness of space this way—it’s something you just have to see for yourself.
Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book in advance here!
9. See the unique side of Palm Springs on a golf cart tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am (dates vary)
- Highlights: Sightseeing adventure on a six-passenger electric cart in Palm Springs, stop for appetizers and drinks, and get a free gift
- Inclusions: Guide, appetizers, drinks
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check all the reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Walking around Palm Springs sounds fun—until you realize just how spread out everything is. Between the desert heat, long blocks, and scattered landmarks, it’s easy to miss the best sights. That’s why this small-group electric cart tour was the best way to explore!
We zipped through downtown, Old Las Palmas, and the Uptown Design District, stopping for celebrity homes, iconic landmarks, and some surprise foodie stops.
Our guides, Donnie and Kathy, had so much inside information that it felt like we were getting a backstage pass to Palm Springs. Their local knowledge made all the difference. Instead of just pointing out landmarks, they brought Palm Springs to life with Hollywood gossip, fascinating history, and personal stories.
We passed mid-century modern homes, historic hotels, and the former residences of Liberace, Clark Gable, Goldie Hawn, and more. They even showed us the rumored underground tunnels once used by Hollywood’s elite!
But this tour wasn’t just about sightseeing. Even though it’s not advertised as a food tour, we made several stops for small bites and drinks, and honestly, it was better than some food tours we’ve taken! We enjoyed ceviche, crispy avocado tacos, and even chocolate chip cookies at a hidden speakeasy.
Blending history, great food, and local charm, this tour made exploring Palm Springs effortless. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or think you’ve seen it all, it’s a fresh and entertaining way to discover the city!
Check availability and secure this tour here to get FREE cancellation options!
Related Read: Maximize your vacation and follow our 3-day Palm Springs itinerary! It includes most of these top activities, and a few of our favorite hidden gems!
Where to Stay in Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs isn’t huge, but there are a lot of accommodation options. It is a retro-desert-oasis after all! Not to worry, we’ve picked out three fantastic hotels for you, whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel, a comfortable mid-range option, or something budget-friendly. All you have to do is book your favorite hotel, pack your bags, and you’re off to Palm Springs paradise!
Luxury – $$$
La Serena Villas is a luxury hotel, located in the heart of Palm Springs. We love this hotel for luxury travelers, as you can enjoy a private villa equipped with a kitchenette, private patio area, and some even have a hot tub attached! There’s a gorgeous pool, a spa, bicycles, and an onsite restaurant and bar.
Prices fluctuate by season but range from $375 USD to $800+ USD per night, depending on the date and room choice. Check availability and book this luxury hotel here on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
The Dunes Hotel is a comfortable hotel for a moderate price point. This is a great choice if you want to explore Palm Springs on foot, as you’re within walking distance of downtown. The hotel offers that charming desert design, including two pools, a hot tub, a fitness center, and mountain views. There is a range of rooms, from double queens, superior kings, or a king suite, all of which are modern and super comfortable!
Prices range from $140 USD to $300 USD and can be reserved on Booking.com.
Budget – $
7 Springs Inn & Suites offers that classic Palm Springs vintage charm at an affordable price! This hotel is also located in central Palm Springs and is easily walkable to the best restaurants in downtown. The rooms are simple, but clean and provide everything you need for a comfortable stay. You can enjoy the outdoor pool and hot tub, courtyard area with BBQs, and a recommended spa nearby!
Rooms start at $80 USD per night and can be booked on Booking.com.
For more options, see all of the hotels in Palm Springs here!
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
- Drive on the right: In the U.S., vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the driver’s seat is on the left. If this is different than your home country, take some time to adjust before hitting busy streets!
- Know the local rules: Speed limits, road signs, and driving laws can differ between states. For example, turning right on red is generally allowed after a complete stop, unless a sign indicates otherwise. Always check the specific rules for the states you’ll be driving in.
- Add full insurance: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance, especially in the U.S., where long distances, varying road conditions, and unpredictable weather can lead to unexpected situations. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable!) to add this peace of mind when you book.
- Choose the right car: Consider the nature of your trip. For city driving, a compact car is convenient, while for road trips or national park visits, an SUV might be more comfortable. With Discover Cars, it’s easy to filter by vehicle type, transmission, fuel efficiency, and more to find the perfect fit.
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or uses a non-Roman alphabet. Some rental companies may require it, so it’s best to check in advance.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Palm Springs is such a unique part of the United States, and we had such a fun and relaxing time here! Between thrilling desert ATV rides, hikes, stargazing in Joshua Tree, and plenty of pool time, we felt rested and rejuvenated. Stick to this list and you’ll have a memorable trip in Palm Springs – we sure did!
If you need help planning your next vacation, check out some of our other USA blogs! We have put together tons of resources about our favorite places and experiences while traveling, and we love sharing them with fellow travelers. Here are a few blogs to get you started:
10 Best Things to do in Phoenix, Arizona
10 Best Things to do in Los Angeles