Palm Springs is an architectural marvel, offering sunshine and a serene desert oasis. Here is a list of Palm Springs Activities you must save to enjoy your time hassle-free.
You may be coming here for a couple’s escape, friendly vacations, a group outing, or on a solo adventure, but whatever you are looking to do, we’ve got you covered.
Planning to visit and confused about where to stay? Spirit of Sofia is all about the ideal base where you can relax with glamour after a day of sightseeing.
What are you waiting for? Let’s get started.
Palm Springs Activities for Families
Palm Springs is one of such destinations where families can enjoy themselves and not feel in a hurry. So, hop on the family train to find out the activities for families.
The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens – Family Wildlife Adventure
Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is not only a zoo but a trip where the person gets to see the exclusive ecosystem of the desert.
- Families can walk through the areas with giraffes, cheetahs, camels, and desert foxes.
- Most children will love Giraffe Feeding Station, where you will be allowed to get close to the giants by hand-feeding and taking photographs.
- Other attractions of the zoo include nature trails, a model train exhibit, and a wildlife hospital where children can gain knowledge on how to take care of and conserve animals.
Ticket Price
| Age Group | Price |
| Adult Ticket (Ages 18+) | $39.95 |
| Child Ticket (Ages 3-17) | $29.95 |
| Child Under 3 Ticket | Free |
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 5 pm
Location: 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States. Google Map
Phone: +1 760-346-5694
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – Ride to the Mountaintop
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will give you a rotating tram car ride that ascends more than 8,500 feet into the desert floor and into the wilderness of the Alps at Mt. San Jacinto State Park.
- Children are never disappointed because the scenery is transformed into a rocky desert and snowy mountains in a few minutes.
- On the summit, you can enjoy short family hikes, snow play during the winter season, or a warm meal in the mountaintop restaurant overlooking the spectacular views.
- It is a very recognizable destination in Palm Springs, and families enjoy it highly.
Ticket Price
| Age Group | Price |
| Adults (13+ yrs) | $36.95 |
| Children (3 to 12 yrs) | $20.95 |
| Seniors (65+ yrs) | $33.95 |
Opening Hours: 10:00 am on weekdays and 8:00 am on weekends
Location: 1 Tramway Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States. Google Map
Phone: +1 888-515-8726
Children’s Discovery Museum – Fun Learning Indoors
The Children’s Discovery Museum is ideal when one has younger kids, and it has more than 80 interactive exhibits to stimulate creativity and curiosity.
- The museum remains one of the best-rated indoor family sites in Palm Springs, particularly in the hot summer seasons after the renovations.
- Check their website to see what they have on the weekend. There are workshops that your kid can join and have a fun time.
Ticket Price
| Age Group | Price |
| Age 1 and over | $19.95 |
| Military Pricing | $17.95 |
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
Closed: Sunday
Location: 71-701 Gerald Ford Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270, United States. Google Map
Phone: +1 760-321-0602
Indian Canyons – Family Hiking & Nature Walks
Indian Canyons is a memorable experience for families that like outdoor adventure.
- Canyon Trail is a good family hiking event as it is easy to moderate and has shaded picnic sites.
- On the way, you will be able to educate kids about native flora and fauna, as well as teach about the ancient Cahuilla culture.
- You can also go to Andreas Canyon, where there is a short loop trail that takes one through the green vegetation and old rock structures.
Location: 38520 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States. Google Map
Phone: +1 760-323-6018
Moorten Botanical Garden – Desert Plants & Cacti Trail
One of the places that is much appreciated by families is the Moorten Botanical Garden, which is a small yet magical attraction with more than 3,000 plants from around the world in the desert.
- The garden is privately owned, and it can be compared to entering a small desert paradise.
- Children in particular like the “Cactarium,” a glasshouse which contains various unique succulents.
- It is a fast and enjoyable visit that is entertaining and ideal for capturing pictures with the family around the giant cacti.
Botanical Garden Ticket Price
| Age Group | Price |
| Adults and Seniors | $5 |
| Children 15 and Under | $2 |
| Children Under 5 | Free |
Opening Hours: Open daily (except Wednesdays) from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: 1701 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264. Google Map
Phone: +1 760-327-6555
Ruth Hardy Park – Relaxation & Picnics
Ruth Hardy Park is the best place to rest if your family is tired of sightseeing.
- It has picnic tables, picnic areas, tennis courts, and open green areas.
- It is an ideal location to have a quick lunch and play frisbee, or to allow kids to run around and adults to relax and absorb the mountain air.
Opening Hours: Open daily (except Wednesdays) from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: 700 Tamarisk Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States. Google Map
Phone: +1 760-323-8272
Joshua Tree National Park – Perfect Day Trip from Palm Springs
A day trip to the Joshua Tree National Park is a must if you are visiting Palm Springs.
- Children will enjoy the climbing of the rocky hills, the viewing of desert creatures, and the knowledge of the interesting Joshua trees themselves.
- Don’t miss the visitor center to pick up the Junior Ranger Booklet, which is a fun activity guide with kids. They also get a park badge upon completion!
VillageFest – Palm Springs’ Weekly Family Street Fair
On Thursday evenings in downtown, the street is turned into a scenic pedestrian street fair called VillageFest.
- Families have the opportunity to listen to live music, local food kiosks, local handicrafts, and music on the streets.
- Children particularly enjoy trying ice cream, walking around booths that are colorful, and artists producing their work in front of them.
Opening Hours: Thursday
Location: 401 S Pavilion Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States. Google Map
Phone: +1 760-320-3781
Romantic Things to Do in Palm Springs for Couples
Palm Springs is a couple’s dream destination. Here are the most romantic things to do in Palm Springs as a couple to ensure that your getaway is remembered.
Watch a Desert Sunset at Tahquitz Canyon
It is magical to see the sun set behind the jagged rocks of Tahquitz Canyon.
- This picturesque location is just a few minutes out of downtown, and it has a combination of both natural beauty and indigenous history.
- Lovers may take a 2-mile moderate hiking loop trail, which ends in a breathtaking 60-foot waterfall.
- Some of the most interesting rock formations and old Cahuilla petroglyphs will be found along the way.
Ticket Price
| Category | Price |
| Adults | $15 |
| Children (6-12) | $7 |
| Military (with U.S. military ID) | Free |
| Annual Pass | $125 |
Location: 500 W Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States. Google Map
Phone: +1 760-416-7044
Explore Palm Springs’ Iconic Mid-Century Modern Architecture
Palm Springs is a museum of mid-century modern architecture. Walking around as a couple is like travelling back in time and entering a more glamorous world.
- You have a choice of a guided architecture tour or rent a bike and ride through such neighborhoods as the Vista Las Palmas, Twin Palms, and Deepwell Estates, where there are beautiful houses that used to belong to Hollywood stars like Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe.
- Kaufmann Desert House is one of the most photographed residences, which is made of modernist architecture.
Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum – Culture & Creativity
Culture-loving couples would love a visit to the downtown cultural attraction in the Palm Springs Art Museum.
- The museum boasts an extensive collection of modern and contemporary artifacts, Native American artifacts, and photography displays.
- Explore brightly lit galleries, see monumental outdoor artworks, and visit the Architecture and Design Center of the museum, which tells the story of the creative heritage of Palm Springs.
Ticket Price: $16
Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm
Location: 101 N Museum Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States. Google Map
Phone: +1 760-322-4800
Take a Scenic Drive Through the San Jacinto Mountains
There is nothing more romantic than a picturesque journey on the winding desert pathways with your playlist of choice on.
- The Palms to Pines Scenic Byway is the route that takes you to Palm Springs up to the cool pine-scented air of the San Jacinto Mountains.
- Pull over at a scenic viewpoint to take in the panoramic scenery, or have a picnic lunch with a magnificent view.
Best Palm Springs Activities for Kids
Palm Springs is not only a desert spa resort for adults but a land of sunshine, fantasy, and exploration for children who cannot resist. Here are some activities that kids will enjoy the most.
Cabazon Dinosaurs – Prehistoric Adventure
Cabazon Dinosaurs is located only a few minutes off downtown Palm Springs, which means that it takes a family only a short ride to go millions of years back in time.
- Over the desert, one can see two massive concrete monuments, one of them being the name of Dinny the dinosaur and the other one of Mr Rex.
- They have become famous as symbols of the eccentric road trips in California.
- There is a little museum located in the belly of Dinny where kids can learn about the dinosaurs and their facts, fossils and life-size replicas.
Ticket Price
| Category | Price |
| Adults Ages 13-55 | $15 |
| Children Ages 3 – 12 | $13 |
| Seniors & Military | $11 |
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 9 am to 6 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 9 am to 7:30 pm
Location: 50770 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230, United States. Google Map
Phone: +1 909-272-8164
Palm Springs Air Museum – Planes, History & Fun
The Palm Springs Air Museum has been rated among the best air museums in the U.S. This is a great place to visit, especially when you have kids who have an obsession with planes, helicopters, and history.
- The huge hangars of the museum are crowded with well-restored World War II, Korean, and Vietnam aircraft, most of which are still airworthy.
- Kids are allowed to climb cockpits, play flight simulators and talk to veteran volunteers who have unbelievable real-life stories.
Ticket Price
| Category | Price |
| Adults Ages 18-64 | $25 |
| Teenagers Ages 13-17 | $23 |
| Seniors Ages 65+ | $23 |
| Kids 12 & Under | Free |
| Family Pack 1 (Two adults, one teenager) (13-17) | $65 |
| Family Pack 2 (Two adults, two teenagers) (13-17) | $80 |
Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm
Location: Parking, lot 745 N Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States. Google Map
Phone: +1 760-778-6262
Wind Farm Tour – Learn About Renewable Energy
A Wind farm tour is one of the most interesting and most neglected family-friendly activities in Palm Springs.
- Even the white windmills that are the initial sight when you enter Coachella Valley are not simply picturesque; they are a part of one of the most extensive wind farms in the United States.
- Visiting them will provide an opportunity for kids to be educated about renewable energy, sustainability, and the unique environment of the desert.
Conclusion | Palm Springs Activities
Palm Springs is one place that presents an exciting combination of nature, culture, design, relaxation, and action.
From the aerial tramway ride to the mid-century architecture walks, from poolside lounging at Spirit of Sofia to desert-sunset hikes, you’ve got options. And your stay at Spirit of Sofia positions you to make the most of them, blending boutique luxury with a prime location.
And you are in a vantage position to enjoy them all with your stay at Spirit of Sofia, with a mix of luxury in a boutique setting and fine location.
Are you ready to reserve a place to stay at Spirit of Sofia and enjoy Palm Springs the way you like? Plunge into it, venture, unwind altogether, and create memories that will last.
FAQs | Palm Springs Activities
1. What are the best activities to do in Palm Springs?
Palm Springs offers a blend of outdoor adventure, art, and relaxation. Top activities include riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, exploring Indian Canyons, visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, touring Mid-Century Modern homes, and relaxing at boutique stays like Spirit of Sofia. You can also enjoy spa treatments, shopping, and desert hikes surrounded by stunning mountain views.
2. What can families do in Palm Springs?
Families will find endless fun in Palm Springs! Kids love the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, Children’s Discovery Museum, and Cabazon Dinosaurs. Families can also enjoy hiking at Indian Canyons, picnicking at Ruth Hardy Park, or exploring Moorten Botanical Garden. A wind farm tour is another great educational activity for children interested in science and sustainability.
3. What are romantic things to do in Palm Springs for couples?
Palm Springs is the ultimate desert escape for couples. You can watch the sunset at Tahquitz Canyon, take a scenic drive through the San Jacinto Mountains, or visit the Palm Springs Art Museum for a cultural touch. Many couples also love staying at Spirit of Sofia, where modern luxury meets desert serenity — ideal for a romantic getaway.
4. What is the best time to visit Palm Springs?
The best time to visit Palm Springs is from October through April, when the weather is mild, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Spring is ideal for hiking and garden visits, while winter brings cooler temperatures and vibrant festivals.
5. Is Palm Springs suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Despite its reputation as a luxury and spa destination, Palm Springs is very family-friendly. Children can enjoy exploring the Palm Springs Air Museum, feeding giraffes at the Living Desert Zoo, or climbing boulders in Joshua Tree National Park. Many attractions offer interactive exhibits designed to educate and entertain young visitors.
6. Are there any free or budget-friendly activities in Palm Springs?
Yes! Enjoy free experiences like VillageFest every Thursday night, stroll through downtown Palm Springs, explore public art murals, or picnic in Ruth Hardy Park. Even sightseeing — from admiring mid-century homes to watching desert sunsets — can be done at no cost.
7. How many days should I spend in Palm Springs?
A 3- to 4-day trip is ideal for exploring Palm Springs at a relaxed pace. This gives you enough time to enjoy key attractions, take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park, and unwind at your hotel — especially if you’re staying at Spirit of Sofia, where comfort and calm are built into the experience.
8. What are the most Instagrammable spots in Palm Springs?
Palm Springs is one of California’s most photogenic cities! Don’t miss the Palm Springs Sign, Moorten Botanical Garden, Cabazon Dinosaurs, Palm Canyon Drive murals, and of course, the Mid-Century Modern architecture. Couples and solo travelers alike will love capturing desert sunsets from Tahquitz Canyon or the Aerial Tramway summit.
9. How far is Joshua Tree from Palm Springs?
Joshua Tree National Park is roughly 40 miles (about 1 hour) from Palm Springs, making it an easy and popular day trip. Families and couples often visit to hike, rock climb, and admire the park’s surreal desert landscapes.
10. Where should I stay in Palm Springs?
For travelers seeking a boutique and stylish stay, Spirit of Sofia is one of Palm Springs’ most unique accommodations. It offers a serene, design-forward atmosphere ideal for couples, solo travelers, or small groups who want to stay close to downtown while enjoying tranquility, comfort, and mid-century elegance.
