Palm Springs is located east of Los Angeles in Southern California. This city is a popular vacation destination. Palm Springs has a desert setting with beautiful mountains in the distance. The population is just under 50,000 and the area has a mild and sunny climate for most of the year.
Things To Do In Palm Springs
Sonny Bono was the mayor of this city from 1988 to 1992. Palm Springs is a great place for shopping, dining, and gaming. The nightlife in this city is always active and there is never a shortage of things to see and do. If you are planning to visit Palm Springs, here is a list of ten great things you can do while you are there.
Palm Springs Desert Museum
This museum features three centuries of art from the Southwest region of the United States. They also have European and modern art, glass, photography, and architecture. Some of the permanent exhibits here include the Miniature Room along with Western and Native American artworks and artefacts. Within this museum, you will also find the Annenberg Theater. This theatre hosts live performances of dance, opera, and many musical and dramatic presentations. The Desert Museum also has many special events, lectures, and films.
Moorten Desert Botanical Gardens
This beautiful spot is home to over 3000 species of desert plants and cacti. There are gardens here representing different regions of the western United States including Arizona, California, Texas, and Colorado. Also included are gardens representing Mexico and the Mojave Desert. Here you can tour the Cactorium, which is a collection of unusual cacti.
Palm Springs Air Museum
This museum is dedicated to the warplanes of WWII. They have a large collection of combat aircraft along with WWII memorabilia. They have a display dedicated to the pilots of WWII and the men and women who built the planes. Here you will also find a great video presentation of WWII aircraft and the Walk of Honor. The Walk of Honor is full of bricks paid for by donors in memory of loved ones. Group tours can be pre-arranged. They host many special events and have a gift shop.
Uprising Rock Climbing Center
This facility offers 7,500 feet of rock climbing space. They have 125 different climbing routes available for the beginning climber, the experienced climber, and youth climbers. There are many different packages from which you can choose. One package includes a hike to Joshua Tree National Park. They also offer special classes and programs, equipment rentals, instruction, and a pro shop.
Knott’s Soak City U.S.A
Soak City is 16 acres of water fun for the whole family. They have waterslides and a wave pool. Sunset River is a long and relaxing inner tube ride. They also have beach volleyball and a family funhouse. Gremmie Lagoon is designed for children. They have food and beverage available. Outside food items are not allowed. They have lifeguards on duty at all times who are trained in CPR and first aid.
Palm Springs Walk of Stars
This sidewalk features the stars of celebrities who have lived or stayed in Palm Springs. Some of the names you will find here are Sonny Bono, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, and Shirley Temple. You can find the Walk of Stars on Palm Canyon Drive.
Olly-O-Land Children’s Art Gallery
This museum features paper sculptures based on scenes and characters from the book “The Whimsical Verse of Olly-O“. They have a gift shop where you can buy copies of the book or other related memorabilia. Some of the proceeds from this museum benefit the Easter Seals charity.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
This tram will take you up and over Coachella Valley. At the end of this 2.5-mile ride, you will find a restaurant and activities for the whole family. During the winter months, they have snow camping, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledging. During the warm summer months, they offer hiking, camping, and guided nature walks.
Ruddy’s General Store Museum
Ruddy’s is a replica of a general store from the 1930s. Every detail here is authentic to the time including the shelving, showcases, fixtures, and signs. They have over 6000 original and unused products from that period including groceries, hardware, medicine, clothing, shoes, and beauty products.
Smoke Tree Stables
Smoke Tree Stables has many horseback tours available. You can ride up Smoke Mountain, past Murray or Palm Canyons, or ride around the ranch itself. Tours vary in length and horses are available for all levels of skill. Smoke Tree also has fine dining, golf, and overnight accommodations.
