Palm Springs Surf Club
Waterslides, waves, and a lazy river decorate this destination water park that was recently re-imagined by a few big-name surfers. Luxury, resort-style amenities include private cabanas and daybed loungers, three full bars, and two restaurants serving gourmet eats like wagyu carpaccio, ahi poke, and pork belly bao buns. Check the website for details on special events, night swims, and concerts throughout the year.
1500 S. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs
760-205-3634
Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza
The Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza houses two main attractions: The Spa at Séc-he and the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, showcasing Cahuilla culture, art, and history. Stop by the museum gift shop for Native-made objects like fetishes, ollas, and beaded jewelry.
140 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
760-778-1079
Moorten Botanical Garden.
PHOTO BY DANIELA STALLINGER
Moorten Botanical Garden
There’s far more to Moorten Botanical Garden than nailing the perfect Instagram snapshot inside the Cactarium, although you’ll definitely come away with a ton of amazing photos. Founded in 1938, the garden occupies approximately 1 acre. Owner Clark Moorten grew up on the property and continues to care for his parents’ thriving flora. Wander at your own pace and keep an eye out for the resident tortoises and doves. Plants are priced well — purchase a mini cactus (or 20) to commemorate the visit.
1701 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
760-327-6555
Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Open 24 hours, the downtown casino features slots, table games, and high-limit gaming along with a sports bar and a steakhouse. Evenings heat up on the dance floor at Cascade Lounge, known for dance music on Fridays and Saturdays, Latin beats on Sundays, and nostalgic melodies on Thursdays. Stand-up comedy shows pop up throughout the year, and Eagle 106.9 FM hosts a weekly bingo night on Wednesdays.
401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs
888-999-1995
Smoke Tree Stables.
PHOTO COURTESY SMOKE TREE STABLES
Smoke Tree Stables
Explore scenic trails lined with flowing water, native palm groves, and impressive rock formations on a guided horseback ride through the Indian Canyons, sacred land for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Experienced wranglers will match you to the best steed for your riding level. Join a group ride or choose a private tour with a custom route.
2500 S. Toledo Ave., Palm Springs
760-327-1372
Indian Canyons
You can also visit the Indian Canyons without a horse. Home to the Palm, Murray, and Andreas canyons, this area offers hiking trails, picnic tables, and an opportunity to view important pieces of Indigenous history. The Indian Canyons contain the largest grove of Washingtonia filifera palm trees.
38520 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
760-323-6018
Tahquitz Canyon
Tahquitz Canyon features a 60-foot waterfall, ancient rock art, and remnants of Cahuilla history. A 2-mile loop trail takes visitors through the dramatic landscape, showcasing the culture and traditions of the Agua Caliente people.
500 W. Mesquite Ave., Palm Springs
760-416-7044
The tram features the world’s largest rotating tram cars.
PHOTO COURTESY PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY
Snow typically begins to fall in December.
PHOTO COURTESY PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY
SPONSORED
SPONSORED
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway — with the world’s largest rotating tram cars — travels more than 2 ½ miles along the cliffs of Chino Canyon, transporting visitors to the pristine setting of the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness.
You begin the 10-minute ride at Valley Station, elevation 2,643 feet, and end at Mountain Station, elevation 8,516 feet. During this journey, tram cars rotate slowly, offering spectacular sights of the Coachella Valley below and close-up views of the rugged canyon.
Peaks Restaurant serves good eats and stellar views.
PHOTO COURTESY PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY
Over 50 miles of hiking trails await at the top.
PHOTO COURTESY PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY
At Mountain Station, breathtaking vistas and delectable food at two restaurants provide a perfect Alpine escape with temperatures up to 40 degrees cooler than the desert floor. Plus, there’s a great gift shop.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking more than 50 miles of picturesque trails, ranging from beginner to experienced. Guided walks and overnight camping are available with advance reservation.
In the winter (snow conditions permitting), enjoy snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in a forest wonderland.
1 Tram way, Palm Springs
888-515-8726
Palm Springs Windmill Tours.
PHOTO COURTESY PALM SPRINGS WINDMILL TOURS
SPONSORED
Palm Springs Windmill Tours
Learn about turbine technology and snap a selfie with a wind farm backdrop. Explore at your own pace with a self-driving tour or join a guided golf cart excursion. Palm Springs Life readers named this one of the area’s best tours in the magazine’s 2023 readers’ choice Best of the Best competition.
62950 20th Ave., Palm springs
800-531-5834
F-117 Nighthawk Stealth.
PHOTO COURTESY PALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM
C-47.
PHOTO COURTESY PALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM
SPONSORED
Palm Springs Air Museum
You can’t help but stand in awe when you walk through the 91,000 square feet of climate-controlled hangars at Palm Springs Air Museum, home to more than 75 aircraft from World War II and the Korean, Vietnam, and Cold wars. The latest additions include a B-29 cockpit nose, Walt Disney’s Grumman 1, and the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter that flew during Operation Allied Force.
Memorabilia, an expansive library, and interactive displays, including flight simulators, round out the experience. Plus, there’s a children’s area with airplane and helicopter cockpits to explore.
Volunteer docents are available to answer any questions. Some share stories from their experiences during museum lecture events, which supplement annual programming such as the Props & Hops Craft Beer Festival and the Memorial Day Air Fair & Flower Drop.
Care to experience one of these planes firsthand? Warbird rides start at $195.
745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs
760-778-6262
Palm Springs Surf Club
1500 S. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs
760-205-3634
palmspringssurfclub.com
Palm Springs Air Museum
745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs
760-778-6262
palmspringsairmuseum.org
Palm Springs Windmill Tours
62950 20th Ave., Palm springs
800-531-5834
windmilltours.com
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
1 Tram way, Palm Springs
888-515-8726
pstramway.com
Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs
888-999-1995
aguacalientecasinos.com
Smoke Tree Stables
2500 S. Toledo Ave., Palm Springs
760-327-1372
smoketreestables.com
Moorten Botanical Garden
1701 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
760-327-6555
moortenbotanicalgarden.com
Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza
140 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
760-778-1079
aguacalienteculturalplaza.com
Indian Canyons
38520 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
760-323-6018
indian-canyons.com/indian_canyons
Tahquitz Canyons
500 W. Mesquite Ave., Palm Springs
760-416-7044
tahquitzcanyon.com/trail_maps
