Palm Springs CA is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. With so many amazing places to choose from, it can be hard to know where to go. To help make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit in Palm Springs CA based on traveler ratings and reviews. So whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway spot or an adventure playground, there’s something for everyone in this metropolis area!
Best Place to Visit in Palm Springs CA
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
- Address: 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (10012)
- Phone: +1 760-325-1391
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMSaturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
5 Replies to The Best Place To Visit in Palm Springs CA (Rating and Reviews)
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Top 15 Tourist Attractions in Palm Springs CA
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
- Address: 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (7926)
- Phone: +1 760-346-5694
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Reviews:
Went during the very popular “Glow in the Park” event. They did a great job at having everything setup and managing the crowds. It might be a “zoo” but it has more of an animal sanctuary type feel with lots of large open spaces. Still we were able to see all the wildlife and was much closer to a cheetah and hyena then I’d ever been before. It’s not that big and you can easily see everything in a few hours and not feel rushed. They also do a good job of keeping the walkways shaded. Aside from that the staff was friendly, the paths and eating areas were immaculate and very well maintained. Despite it being crowded there were no lines to enter, plenty of parking, and the lines to get food were short as well.
Well worth visiting. Get there when they open to beat the heat and you won’t be disappointed.By Brian Toro (6 months ago)A wonderful visit in March of 2022. I would love to come back to see the lanterns at night! They were still very beautiful and fun in the daylight. The kids all loved them and I think it made it a bit more exciting for them! We went early so all the animals were moving around and eating breakfast. Truly wonderful experience.By Katharine Kenney (8 months ago)The living Desert Zoo and Gardens was a great experience! Especially for the little ones looking at all the different animals from all different areas of the world was awesome!From Africa, Asian, North and South American!
Garden areas pretty.They have petting goats which was nice.
I recommend being a wagon or a stroller if you have kids and bring cold drinks.By TEA REX (7 months ago)Peaceful in the daytime.
The staff and volunteers are extremely nice.
I hope all animals are treated well at all times.
I normally don’t go to zoos only sanctuaries.Shout out to Christina the young lady who works in the refreshment stand that’s near the camels and in between the goat petting area. She’s very nice and has really great customer service. We tried to tell Chad and David her bosses but we could not find them anywhere at the zoo throughout the time we were there from 1:00 p.m. to closing time. We even came back for the second evening light festival. Give Christina a raise.
Extremely overcrowded in the evening.
They should definitely have a capacity of how many people can come in. Or they should definitely have some kind of structure when people are taking pictures or people are waiting in line to take photos.
It might even be a great idea to implement photographers as well as people being able to take their own pictures.The lantern festival is very pretty but I would never go again to the Palm springs location because the patrons really don’t have any manners, (adults and children). People were just walking through when other people are trying to take pictures, not even saying excuse me which was very rude.
Also for better pictures and lighting it’s probably a good idea to put lights on both sides of any area that has a festival lantern because if there’s no lighting on the other side all pictures come out really dark. The only thing you can see is the lantern not really the people in the pictures.
By Nekie G (7 months ago)The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is amazing. We went in at opening when animals where active. Once we entered, the zoo volunteer/greeters were very nice and proactive in providing information about the park.Kids really enjoy feeding the giraffes, petting coral and animal encounter shows. Place is big enough for kids to explorer for a few hours. Animal enclosures were open and laid out right. Made you feel physically close. The gentleman/docent by the mountain lions was super friendly and patience with my kids question.
Free parking. Friendly staff. Zoo grounds and restrooms are very clean.
Food /drinks price are reasonable price for a non profit. Cool G-scale model train exhibit where you can enjoy with coffee.Zoo is a great family attraction when you are in the Palm Springs area.
By Sam Bawahab (9 months ago)Palm Springs Air Museum
- Address: 745 N Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (2973)
- Phone: +1 760-778-6262
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Reviews:
No words to explain how amazing this place is!! It’s a very surreal experience, and the people who work and volunteer there are wonderful. There are many workers there who were soldiers themselves, and hearing their knowledge is something I’m grateful for. The planes are breathtaking and the displays of knowledge and artifacts engage oneself. They also have a library of Life magazines, how cool! Highly recommended taking anyone there!!By Bianca Antonette Sarte (4 months ago)2022-Oct. Lots of parking. The staff are really nice. There is a Cafe, souvenir shop, flight simulator (extra $25 for about 10 minutes) and restrooms inside.
Lots of war planes that was beautifully maintained!Please give a thumbs up if this review helped you.
Have a great visit!
By Cindy Rose (a month ago)I spent about 2 hours in this small museum and it was worth it. When I went there, it was Indepent Day. I didn’t expect the museum to be open that day, and it was open for business as usual.
The ticket price for adults is $22, and the service staff inside are all elderly. It is estimated that they are all volunteers. It feels very cordial. There are also planes and models at the door, you can take pictures，there are many models of fighter jets, as well as F117 stealth fighter jets, various audio-visual materials, pictures, and explanations. Very good experience, the key is that there are not many people visiting and it is not crowded.
You can also take a plane experience every Saturday, the price is from $125-$4995, depending on how much you are willing to pay and what kind of plane you take to experience. Awesome.By Weiqin Z (4 months ago)This is an amazing museum. Not only will fans of airplanes love it here, but people who enjoy history, or even just want a unique activity to take your kids too. I recently took my 10 and 12 year old and they were fascinated with something in each hangar. There are even several planes you can get into and sit in the cockpit. Don’t forget to check out the upstairs library and flight simulators. The library was especially interesting because they had original print magazines going back to the 20’s and 30’s. It was so interesting to see the ads, stories, and prices of things back then.Make sure you take the guided plan tour which is only and extra $5. An actual retired air force pilot was working the day we went and he had some amazing stories and insight to share.
By Jacob Wheeler (4 months ago)What a beautiful museum!! Completely surprised by this gem in the middle of Palm Springs. You walk between five different plane hangers and you see some amazing restoration! We ended our visit in the kids area. Which slightly smaller than we hopped. Wishing maybe there was opportunities through out the museum for kids to interact, but it was still so much! We enjoyed snacks out on the bleacher outside watching the planes take off due to the museum was right next to a tarmac.By Michelle Whitlow (a month ago)Palm Springs Art Museum
- Address: 101 N Museum Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (2137)
- Phone: +1 760-322-4800
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: ClosedTuesday: ClosedWednesday: ClosedThursday: 12:00 – 8:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Reviews:
An incredible variety of beautiful art. The permanent Pure, Simple, and Beautiful Forms: Glass Collection is a must see. Stunning colours and visually appealing. Lawrence Schiller’s the 60s images captured so well that takes you back in time. Museum has a cafe which is nicely tucked in surrounding art everywhere. A must visit museum.By Nas Sol (2 weeks ago)Cute tittle museum. It won’t overwhelm you but it will satisfy you. They have beautiful art and always changing their displays. Very well kept.
Their bistro was closed though so we didn’t get to enjoy that part of it
I don’t remember the dates but they do close it during some months in the year so call before you go. It cost us $28 to enter. $14 per adult
My children ages 10 and 12 were free.
Go and enjoy some art and get out of the heat 🙂By catalina c (a month ago)Great museum to visit while in town. There is plenty of unique art to see. I went on a Saturday afternoon and the place was not packed, we were able to enjoy the entire museum with no rush. The place was clean, various clean restrooms and plenty of areas to sit. Good place to spend the day if you like any form of art.By Blue Dream (2 weeks ago)Much bigger than we thought. There are three floors of exhibits and a decent sized gift shop on the first floor. We were able to do a short free tour of one of the exhibits with a docent. Definitely worth a visit!By A (3 months ago)We went on a free admission Thursday and was surprised at the quality of the local museum. We loved the open space layout and architecture design. There were three floors of paintings, sculptures, drawings, mini theaters, and installations. The outdoor sculpture garden was beautifully landscaped and parking was easy when we arrived around 5:30 pm. There is a big multi level parking lot across the street with free parking as well.By G T (5 months ago)Coachella Valley Vista Point
- Address: Pines to Palms Hwy, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (1190)
- Phone: +1 909-382-2600
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
- Reviews:
I rode to this landmark and let me tell you it’s such a beautiful ride there from temecula so much beautiful scenery and pretty well maintained road there. The pull off area was fairly clean and peaceful the view was phenomenal so picturesque. Then headed down to palm desert. Excellent ride both ways I highly recommend visiting if you want some awesome photos or even just to experience.By Jay H (a month ago)Cool spot to see an overview. If you’re a solo conversion camper there are no facilities but a small parking lot.
Motorcycle or sport car- cool switchbacks and curves going down into indio. Be careful there are wrecks up there that were never recovered. Dont get over confident on that road and believe the 30mph signsBy Justin E619 (4 weeks ago)The views are beyond amazing. We are having such an amazing time. I was a bit scared because I don’t do heights. Just be careful driving. Take your time. Tons of sharp turns.By S B (4 months ago)The scenery is spectacular. The roads are twisty with elevation. It’s just amazing to ride thru the mountains and greenery. The view from the vista point allows one to see the twists and turns of the road ahead. It’s a refreshing break. The monument has a very nice message we all need to heed.By Susan Meraz (6 months ago)Very cool scenic spot to stop and take pictures. However parking is limited. Watch out entering and exiting from the blindspot in the road curve. There are no bathroom facilities.By John (3 weeks ago)Robolights
- Address: 1077 E Granvia Valmonte, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (994)
Palm Springs Visitor Center
- Address: 2901 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (929)
Walk of the Stars Palm Springs
- Address: 10 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (703)
Indian Canyons
- Address: 38520 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (654)
Sunnylands Center & Gardens
- Address: Sunnylands, 37977 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (546)
Palm Canyon
- Address: Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (502)
Moorten Botanical Garden
- Address: 1701 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (439)
Tahquitz Canyon
- Address: 500 W Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (425)
Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center
- Address: 300 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.3 (365)
Cactus to Clouds Trail
- Address: Skyline Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (237)
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center
- Address: 51-500 CA-74, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (199)
The best place to visit in Palm Springs CA Palm Springs CA is a world-famous tourist destination, and it’s no wonder why. Here is our list of the top 15 best place to visit in Palm Springs CA – based on expert opinions and customer reviews. Did your favorite spot make the cut? Let us know in the comments above!
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It is best to plan your adventure on the tramway a month in advance. Get your tickets online – including a parking pass. We got there at 11 AM and I would not get there earlier because it is much cooler up at elevation than it is down in the valley.
The tramway app boasts of maps and more, but it was no use up on the mountain.
The lift facility is world class. The staff is friendly, helpful and efficient. There is a nice deck with a small hike at the mountain house. There is a reasonable lunch spot in the mountain house.
We did the overlook/notch hike and I definitely suggest that unless you have young children or someone in your crew who has mobility issues.
There is a hike to the peak, but it is a 12 mile loop with a 2,000 foot elevation gain and it was all snowed in over spring break. No thanks.
Overall, this is a great and very distinctive experience that I strongly recommend.
I don’t like heights and was very nervous, but I promised a friend I would do the ride and dine for her birthday. We were a total of 9 people. The ride up was a bit scary and the tram rotated slowly so you got great views. The tram operators were full of information and very nice. I actually enjoyed the ride down more than the ride up. It’s beautiful and something to experience. Dinner was cafeteria style at the Pines cafe and it was good food. If you are in Palm springs I highly recommend as it is well worth the price.
We loved it! The views are amazing. It was very well organized and flowed really well. We did not eat at the restaurant but it definitely had wonderful views. If you want to know the history they have the movie .. it was so hot in Palm Springs so we really enjoyed going from 116 degrees to 70’s! It is a nice day in nature with trails at the top as well.
First time here. Amazing views. A great hiking trail at the back end of the top. The temperature difference is a good 40*F between the bottom and the top, so prepare accordingly if you’re going to be hiking.
The Ride & Dine pass is definitely worth it. Otherwise, you have different options for food as there are two other restaurants available.
Oh, and bring quarters to use the telescopes! I wish I had known that.
This tram is such an awesome experience. My other favorite is at Snowbird in Utah; but that tram does not rotate like this tram. The rotating tram gives you a great view up and down this mountain. Don’t worry about the rotating floor. It’s slow and smooth. At the top of the tram is the Mountain Station which has food and beverage service; including a bar. There is only one negative about the experience and that’s the cost of food and beverages. Just like sporting events and amusement parks, this place charges way too much for food and beverage. A small bottle of water is almost $5 and soda/pop is the same. There’s a museum type thing on the lower level and food is on the upper level. If you exit on the back side there are trails to walk and hike. It’s $12 to park so be prepared to pay. Other than that folks, enjoy an awesome day and get out of the desert heat ??