Make the Most of Your Palm Springs Getaway: 4 Must-Do Activities

For over 100 years, Palm Springs remains the perfect place for a weekend getaway. The 1920s Hollywood elites knew they were onto something special with the beautiful desert landscape and sunny climate. It offers an escape from city life, a place to relax in the sun. And, if you are planning a bachelorette party, Palm Springs has become the hotspot. In years past, stores and restaurants closed during August, but not any longer. Palm Springs is a happening place year-round. A weekend getaway means you can’t see and do everything in one trip, so if this is your first time to Palm Springs, we believe these are the best 4 must-do activities when you aren’t relaxing in the sun.

1. North Palm Canyon Drive

One of your first activities in Palm Springs should be to meander up and down North Palm Canyon Drive during your weekend getaway. Our recommendation is to start at the intersection of Alejo Road and N. Palm Canyon Dr. and walk south.

• Palm Canyon Galleria – 20^th-century antiques, furniture, and wares

• The Michael Weems Collection – gallery filled with color and handblown glass

• Joshua Tree 925 – handmade sterling silver jewelry designed by Carlos Reyes

• Destination PSP – gift shop for unique dinnerware, high-quality t-shirts, Palm Springs memorabilia

• On the Mark – take a quick ½ block detour on Museum Way and visit this gourmet grocery store – look for the yellow cow with pink polka dots

• Walk of the Stars – the sidewalk on both sides of the street are lined with stars, statues, and plaques honoring a variety of Hollywood stars

• Brandini Toffee – Locally made artisanal almond toffee, toffee popcorn, toffee ice cream, and more

• Sonny Bono Statue – Bronze statue of Bono when he was the Mayor of Palm Springs

• Mercado Plaza – shopping mall with dining options

• Great Shakes – try the date shake – best in town

• CoCo & LuLu Boutique – clothing and accessories with a bohemian flair

2. Downtown Art Museum & Sculptures

Art is everywhere in Palm Springs — in museums, galleries, and on the streets for public viewing. These suggestions only cover a small portion of the art that calls Palm Springs home. Thes following activities will offer you a glimpse into the artistic side of your Palm Springs getaway.

• Palm Springs Art Museum – Always free for children under 18, active-duty military, and their families. Free admission on Thursdays from 5:00-8:00 pm.

• Outside the Museum, notice the car appearing to defy gravity – Gonzalo Lebrija’s History of Suspended Time (A monument for the impossible).

• “Forever Marilyn” – a 26-foot-tall statue of Marilyn Monroe. Go early in the morning or the evening if you want a photo op without all the tourists.

• “Isabelle,” another fine art polished stainless-steel sculpture outside the Rowan Hotel. She seemingly changes form as you move around her.

• Across from Isabelle is a mural of angel wings named “Stay Human” by Colette Miller. Great place for a selfie!

Hiking is a favorite pastime for many Palm Springs residents and visitors. Indian Canyons is just 5 miles south of downtown on South Palm Canyon Drive and is well worth the excursion.

• Several trails to choose from with a moderately graded footpath.

• Visit the Trading Post for maps, refreshments, and souvenirs.

• Indian Canyons is open daily from October through June and weekends only from July through September.

• Carry water and snacks with you and don’t hike farther than you are able.

4. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Need a break from the heat in Palm Springs? Take a ride on the world’s largest rotating tram car up to an elevation of 8,516 feet. You will find the tramway is about 6 miles from downtown Palm Springs off Highway 111.

• The views are spectacular and in 10 minutes you will arrive in a vastly different landscape and much cooler temperature than the one you left.

• Dress appropriately for the weather!

• Enjoy 1 of the 2 restaurants, observation decks, natural history museum, two documentary theaters, and a gift shop.

• Want to hike? You will have over 50 miles of hiking trails to wander.

Looking for unique experiences in Palm Springs?

We recommend a visit to Palm Springs during Modernism Week in February or Modernism Week in October. Also high on our list is the Palm Springs International Film Festival which happens in January. You will need to plan for both events because tickets and hotel rooms sell out very quickly.

If Palm Springs is on your list of getaway vacations, be sure to check out our Curated Palm Springs Digital Travel Guide.  This guide will cut your research time in half (or more). It offers hotel accommodations for several budgets, a list of recommended restaurants because we know firsthand they are good, and a list of things to do and see that is sure to please everyone!