Palm Springs Attractions

Palm Springs offers a wide range of local attractions that include several area museums, State and National Parks, miles of hiking trails, aerial tramway to the top of the mountain and a family water playground when the temperature heats up. There is always something to do for you and the whole family and all within minutes of where you’re staying.

Attraction Listings

Living Desert
760-346-5694

The Living Desert has evolved into one of the countries state of the art animal sanctuaries. Big Horn sheep blend into the rocky Santa Rosa Mountains and the Eagle Canyon exhibit features mountain lions, wolves, javelina, bobcats, golden eagles, and more. The Village Watutu features camels, hyenas, leopards and exotic birds. For close up photo opportunities this is a must see.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
760-767-5311

With over 600,000 acres, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest desert state park in the contiguous United States. 500 miles of dirt roads, two huge wilderness areas and 110 miles of riding and hiking trails provide visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wonders of the Colorado Desert. The park features washes, wildflowers, palm groves, cacti and sweeping vistas. Visitors may also have the chance to see roadrunners, golden eagles, kit foxes, mule deer and bighorn sheep as well as desert iguanas, chuckwallas and four species of rattlesnake. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is located on the eastern side of San Diego County, with portions extending east into Imperial County and north into Riverside County. It is about a two-hour drive from Palm Springs. Highway S2 enters the park from the south off of Interstate 8.

Palm Springs Air Museum
760-778-6262

The Palm Springs Air Museum is the legendary home to some of the greatest flying fighting machines of WWII. At any given time you will find a Hellcat, Wildcat, P-51 Mustang, P-47 Thunderbolt, B-25 Mitchell and the most majestic bomber of them all...a B-17 Flying Fortress. Robert Pond's collection is truly amazing and on every other Saturday the roaring sound of those mighty engines is heard throughout Palm Springs as one of them revs up for a dramatic fly-over.

Palm Springs Desert Museum
760-325-7186

Founded in 1938, the Museum is an educational institution that promotes a greater understanding of art, natural science and performing arts through collections, exhibitions and programs. The Natural Science department provides field trips, exhibitions, and programs in biology and archaeology. The Museum's permanent art collection features 19th, 20th, and 21st century works focusing on contemporary California, classic western American, Native American and Pre-Columbian art.

Palm Springs Aerial Tram

The Tram transports passengers from the Valley Station at an elevation of 2,642 feet to the 8,516 feet high Mountain Station, the Tram passes through five unique life zones from the hot Sonora Desert to an Alpine wilderness.

On top of the mountain the Tram offers a variety of recreational attractions and amenities. Immediately behind the Mountain Station is the 13,000 acre Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area encompassing 54 miles of hiking trails, primitive campgrounds, a ranger station and the Adventure Center.

Indian Canyons
760-325-3400

Five miles from the center of Palm Springs, the centuries-old beauty of Andreas, Murray and Palm Canyons remains untouched by time. With its abundant palms contrasting with stark rocky gorges and barren desert landscape, the 15 mile long Palm Canyon is one of the most beautiful spots in Western North America. The onsite Trading Post, picnic grounds, hiking and horse trails are open daily.

Balloon Above the Desert
760-776-5785

Float above the desert and greet the morning sun or bid it farewell. You can drift in the beautiful desert skies in one of the most peaceful experiences of a lifetime. While floating effortlessly in one of our colorful hot air balloons you will view breathtaking vistas of some of the most picturesque landscapes in California. World famous golf courses, polo fields, contrasting mountain and desert landscapes are just a few of the breathtaking views you will experience. Your flight direction is determined by the breeze.

Joshua Tree Rock Climbing
800-890-4745

Experience the wonderful sport of rock climbing in one of our nation's most popular and spectacular climbing areas - Joshua Tree National Park! Celebrating their 12th year in business, the Joshua Tree Rock Climbing School offers exciting 1- 4 day courses featuring all levels of instruction from beginners to advanced (ages 6 years and up). AMGA Certified Guides on staff. Individual, group and family outings offered. All climbing equipment included.

Oasis Water Park

Surfing in the desert? It’s true and a beach to go with it. This the stop for the whole family to enjoy. A 21 acre water playground that has 13 waterslides and 5 mini-slides for smaller children. And features twin 70 foot tall "Scorpion" free-fall slides and California's largest wave-action pool for stand-up, body-board and body surfing. Or slip into an inner tube for a ride on the 600-ft Whitewater River. The park also features private cabanas and food and beverage services. Mom and Dad you can't go wrong with a family trip here.