It’s not hard to understand why Palm Springs is one of California’s premiere tourist destinations – even for in-state visitors looking to get a change of scenery. Palm Springs is a desert oasis that combines stunning natural scenery with cosmopolitan flare, thanks to its many dining and entertainment options.

Palm Springs is more than a tourist hot spot; it’s also a cultural phenomenon. Many artistic movements were born in this desert city. It’s known for its mid-century modern influence and unique desert themes. This also explains why it’s the home of many annual cultural events, like Modernism Weeks and the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Needless to say, there are plenty of things to do when visiting Palm Springs. There are dozens of outdoor activities that allow guests to take in the scenery. Visitors don’t need to limit themselves to simply walking around the desert scenery. It’s possible to book a tour to explore the surrounding area in detail or take advantage of activities like hiking and horseback riding.

On the flip side, the metropolitan area offers plenty of opportunities for fine dining, shopping, entertainment, and more. Palm Springs has many options that are family-friendly, but it also boasts a vibrant nightlife suitable for people in all stages of life.

Since there’s so much to do, proper preparation is key. Travelers should do a bit of research beforehand to see what they want to do, so they can maximize their time. Below, we look at 10 of the top tourist attractions in Palm Springs, from museums to national parks. For guests who have the time, trying to do all of these activities would ensure a magical (and jam-packed) vacation in Palm Springs. The only question is which activity to tackle first!

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10 Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree is one of Palm Springs’ most recognizable attractions. The stunning desert offers picturesque views and unique foliage. Guests can book a tour – there are plenty of off-road or walking ones available to guide people through the terrain. Visitors can also opt for a self-guided audio tour they can do on their own.

9 Palm Springs Art Museum

Palm Springs is known for its funky, artistic vibe, from its mid-century modern architecture to stunning art galleries. The Palm Springs Art Museum is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the art. Visitors can expect to see work from Henry Moore, Helen Frankenthaler, Sam Francis, Mark di Suvero and more.

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8 Cabazon Dinosaurs

Another cool museum to check out is the Cabazon Dinosaurs, which features life-sized statues of dinosaurs who used to roam the area. Visitors can stop outside the museum to admire the sculptures or go on inside the museum to learn more about the prehistoric era.

7 Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

One of the best ways to see the natural beauty of Palm Springs is to hop on the PS Aerial Tramway, located on Tramway Road. The gondola ride offers guests a stunning view of the Coachella Valley. Once on top of the mountain, visitors can enjoy the restaurant, café, and lounge, or explore the San Jacinto mountains further.

6 Moorten Botanical Garden

One of the main reasons people go to Palm Springs is for the stunning desert landscape. To see all the foliage this environment has to offer, visitors should stop by the Moorten Botanical Garden. It features over 3,000 types of desert plans, which are grouped by region. Guests can buy their own desert plants in the souvenir shop.

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5 Villagefest

For visitors looking for unique shopping opportunities, Villagefest is a must-see. This old-fashioned street fair includes performers and musicians, stands with hand-made items, and tons of food. It’s a great place to go for vintage shopping and thrifting.

4 Palm Springs Air Museum

For history buffs or anyone with a love of transportation, check out the Palm Springs Air Museum. The museum features aircraft used in the Korean and Vietnam wars as well as World War II. There are also a limited number of seats available on the museum’s C-47 Skytrain and P-51 Mustang for visitors who want to fly.

3 Tahquitz Canyon

An abundance of water isn’t easy to find in the desert, which is what makes Tahquitz Canyon so unique. The two-mile loop gives way to a stunning 50-foot waterfall. Visitors can expect to pay admission since it’s located on the Caliente Band of the Cahuilla Indians reservation.

2 Living Desert Zoo & Garden

Another family-friendly attraction is this zoo, located only a few miles outside of Palm Springs. It’s organized into two environments – African and North American. Guests can expect to see a variety of animals, like big cats and giraffes, some of which are even available to feed.

1 Palm Canyon Drive

Another spot for some one-of-a-kind shopping is Palm Canyon Drive. This street is lined with funky galleries, antique shops, and showrooms. Even for guests who don’t plan to buy anything, it’s still fun spending time walking up and down the street, taking in the mid-century modern vibe that’s so distinctive of Palm Springs.