Guide to the Most Fun Things to Do in Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs, California, is a desert city located in the Coachella Valley in the southern part of the state. Known for its beautiful weather, stunning natural surroundings, and vibrant arts and culture scene, Palm Springs is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
One of the main draws of Palm Springs is its abundance of outdoor activities. The city is surrounded by beautiful natural areas, including the Joshua Tree National Park, which offers stunning desert landscapes and hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing opportunities. Visitors can also ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
In addition to its natural beauty, Palm Springs also has a thriving arts and culture scene. The city is home to various museums, galleries, and theaters, including the Palm Springs Art Museum, which features a collection of modern and contemporary art, as well as photography and architecture exhibits. In addition, visitors can enjoy live music and theater performances at the McCallum Theatre and the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Located in the Sonoran Desert, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a unique way to enjoy the desert landscape. It travels two and a half miles along the cliffs of Chino Canyon to reach the top of Mount San Jacinto State Park. You can see the pristine wilderness and stunning mountaintops of the San Jacinto Mountains. You can also enjoy mountaintop views of the Salton Sea and Las Vegas.
This tramway is one of the best things to do in Palm Springs. You can enjoy a relaxing journey, visit two historical documentary theaters, and even visit a natural exhibit area. You can also visit the cafe, which offers snacks, sandwiches, and picnic items. You can even see the observation decks at the top. You can also rent winter gear at the Adventure Center and enjoy cross-country skiing in the Alpine wonderland.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Located just 15 miles from Palm Springs, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a great way to spend a day. It features animals from around the world and is home to over 150 species. This family-friendly attraction is also affordable.
The Living Desert is a zoo, botanical garden, and educational center that has been open for 50 years. It has two gift shops, a seasonal carousel, and an indoor Discovery Center. The Living Desert is a non-profit organization that focuses on conservation and appreciation.
There are over 450 animals on site, including an elephant, zebra, giraffe, rhino, and lion. They are cared for by a team of animal handlers. The animals are at their most active during the morning hours.
You can spend three to four hours visiting the park. You should wear comfortable shoes. The park offers free parking. You can also take a guided tour of the zoo.
Cabazon Dinosaurs – World’s Biggest Dinosaurs
Near the Cabazon Outlet Shopping Center, world-famous giant dinosaurs are displayed at Cabazon Dinosaurs. They’re a must-see attraction for visitors to the desert city.
These vast sculptures began construction in the 1960s. Claude Bell, a former Knott’s Berry Farm model sculptor, was the mastermind behind Cabazon Dinosaurs. He wanted to create something that would last. He envisioned a dinosaur that would glow, spitfire, and be made from construction material.
After 11 years of work, Dinny the Dinosaur was built. The dinosaur was a replica of a Brontosaurus. The structure cost $300,000. The relic was initially erected as a steel grid. Then, the steel was filled with concrete. The construction was completed in 1981. Finally, the dinosaur’s mouth was sculpted to spit fire.
The dinosaurs are part of a creationist museum. Claude Bell’s family sold the property to Young Earth Creationists in the mid-1990s. The dinosaurs are now part of the World’s Biggest Dinosaurs(TM) museum. The museum features work from scientists and Creationists around the world. It also has a dinosaur garden and 50 robotic dinosaurs.
Palm Springs Air Museum
The Palm Springs Air Museum is excellent for a fun and informative outing at the Palm Springs International Airport. The museum has more than 40 planes, each with a unique history. The museum also hosts several special events throughout the year.
The museum’s gift shop is a great place to find unique items related to World War II. It also has a flight simulator, which allows visitors to take the controls of a P-51 Mustang and experience a dogfight with the German Luftwaffe.
The Palm Springs Air Museum offers a history lesson of the past century. It is a non-profit educational institution that uses aircraft and artifacts to preserve American history.
There are several planes to see at the Palm Springs Air Museum, including the Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star, B-17 Flying Fortress, and Grumman F7F Tigercat. It is also home to the world’s most extensive flyable World War II aircraft collection.
Palm Springs Art Museum
Located in Palm Springs, California, the Palm Springs Art Museum is a cultural institution that houses various artworks. There are more than 12,000 objects in the museum’s permanent collection. This includes works by American, European, and Mexican artists. The museum also hosts exhibits in the form of temporary and online exhibitions.
The museum features various exhibits, including American art, architecture, Mesoamerican art, Native American art, and contemporary art. The museum also hosts open studios with artists in residence. The museum also features a large gift store.
The Palm Springs Art Museum also offers free admission on Thursdays and Sundays. There are also several events throughout the year, such as a free concert by Giselle Woo on Wednesday nights. In addition, the museum has an 85-seat lecture hall and two sculpture gardens.