There truly is no destination like Palm Springs – where everything is hip, chic, and one-of-a-kind. It’s a desert escape framed by the picturesque San Jacinto Mountains under bright blue skies and clear starry nights. What’s not to like? And there’s so much to see and do, from architecture and attractions to restaurants and nightlife to hotels and shops — unique and unforgettable pleasures are everywhere. Here are five of our favorite things to do in the region.
Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
This is the world’s largest rotating tram and travels over 2.5 miles along the cliffs of Chino Canyon, transporting visitors to the pristine wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area.
During this 10-minute journey, the tram rotates slowly, offering spectacular vistas of the valley below. Once the tram reaches the Mountain Station—elevation 8,516 feet—visitors can enjoy two restaurants, observation decks, natural history museum, two documentary theaters, a gift shop, and over 50 miles of hiking trails.
For more information on this must-see attraction, visit the tramway website HERE.
Relax and Ride through Agua Caliente Indian Canyons
Experience a few wonderful hours of riding trails that provide both solitude and breathtaking beauty. Explore the historic Agua Caliente Indian Canyons that offer year-round streams and beautiful palm oases.
Located in Palm Springs near the Indian Canyons, Smoke Tree Stables offers guided rides by the hour or for the entire day!
Custom-designed group packages are available that can include picnic lunches or western cookouts and entertainment.
Explore the Desert with Red Jeep Tours
Individuals and families can enjoy open-air adventures to the San Andreas Fault, Palm Springs Indian Canyons, or the majestic Painted Canyon in the Mecca Hills Wilderness Area thanks to Red Jeep Tours. This authentic and unique tour company also offers a Joshua Tree National Park Tour that includes lunch.
This unforgettable destination experience is the perfect way to see the natural beauty of the Palm Springs area with the entire family.
Admire Mid-Century Modern Architecture
Lured by the constant sunshine and stylish cocktail culture, the rich and famous have escaped to Palm Springs for decades. The party really took off in the swinging 1950s and ‘60s when Frank Sinatra and The Rat Pack put Palm Springs on the world stage. They built lavish pads in the glamorous architecture of the day, by the most famous architects.
Today, we call the style Mid-Century Modern. These classic structures – homes and business buildings – are everywhere. Visitors can simply drive around to see them or take a guided tour with Mod Squad. This Architecture $ Design Tour Company offers 3 different tour packages that are sure to leave visitors completely wowed!
Visit the Living Zoo and Gardens
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert is a unique zoo and botanical garden that specializes in the deserts of the world with a mission of desert conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation.
Mountain lion, leopard, warthog, bighorn sheep, and Peninsular pronghorn are just a few of the more than 450 incredible animals found in their natural setting that take visitors from Africa to North America. Feed a giraffe, watch the cheetahs run, admire the zebras, mimic a meerkat, interact with goats, explore nature and so much more.
The immersive botanical gardens include geographic replicas of areas as diverse as Baja California’s Viscaino Desert and the exotic deserts of Madagascar. Stop by the interactive Discovery Center, visit one of the largest G-scale model train displays, enjoy a Wildlife Wonders animal presentation, and hike the nature trails.
Source: Visit Palm Springs
Photo Credits:
Lead – Wallpaper Safari
Aerial Tramway – DesertSun.com
Indian Canyon – Unsplash
Palm Desert – Unsplash
Mid-Century Modern Architecture – Unsplash
Living Zoo and Gardens – Visit California