Choose from 10 Fun Things to Do in Palm Springs
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San Andreas Fault
Running down the state of California, from Cape Mendocino to the Mexican border, the San Andreas Fault forms a continuous, narrow break in the Earth's crust between the Pacific and North American tectonic plates. Seismologists predict that the fault will eventually cause the "big one": a 7.0+ magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale.
The Basics
At just over 28,000 years old, the San Andreas Fault is still growing at a rate of 2.5 inches (64 millimeters) per year, constantly reshaping California. The fault is divided into three distinct zones, each of which can be visited: the northern part via the Pinnacles National Park, the central part at the San Andreas Fault Observatory in Parkfield, and the southern part from the San Bernardino Mountains to the San Gabriel Mountains.
Open-air Jeep tours head out to the Palm Desert to explore the fault, as well as the oasis and hot springs it created.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Desert temperatures can fluctuate drastically, so dress in layers if you’re heading to Palm Desert on a tour.
- Wear sneakers or hiking boots to climb around the fault area.
- Be sure to apply sunblock, wear a hat, and bring water.
- Almost all traces of a crack in the earth along the fault line were erased by the 1906 earthquake that leveled San Francisco; what remain now are geological rock formations.
How to Get There
The southern part of the fault begins near the San Bernardino Mountains, just outside of Los Angeles, and runs east to the San Gabriel Mountains, with Palm Springs being the best place to explore the fault. Palm Springs is located about an hour and 45 minutes southeast of LA. Tours typically begin at a location in Palm Desert, not Palm Springs.
When to Get There
If you’re planning to head out to Palm Desert to tour the fault area, book your trip between January and April, when the weather is the most pleasant. During the summer, temperatures regularly rise above 100 degrees. If you want to explore the northern section at Pinnacles National Park, which is near Big Sur, aim for some time between September and November for optimum weather conditions.
Joshua Tree
Named for the Joshua trees that are native to the Mojave Desert, Joshua Tree National Park is located near San Bernardino and Palm Springs. The protected area boasts plenty of outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, rock climbing, and birding, and many tour companies offer rides in 4WD vehicles, to explore the park and its wildlife.
Address: USA
From $ 139
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Covering more than 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) on a 10-minute journey, the popular Palm Springs Aerial Tramway provides spectacular views of Chino Canyon and Mount San Jacinto State Park. Activities at the top"”accessed by one of the largest rotating aerial tramcars in the world"”are offered year-round.
The Basics
The Palm Springs tramway takes you from the Valley Station (where you can purchase tickets if you didn't buy in advance) up to the Mountain Station, which sits at an elevation of 8,516 feet (2,595 meters). At the top you can visit the observation deck, two restaurants (sit-down Peaks Restaurant and cafeteria-style Pine Cafe), the Lookout Lounge, theaters, a gift shop, and the small natural history museum. Or enjoy outdoor pursuits such as hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, depending on the season.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is great for hikers and cross-country skiers, and first-time visitors to the area.
- Dress in layers"”the temperatures at the Mountain Station are usually 30 to 40 degrees cooler than on the valley floor. Tramcars are not air-conditioned but the windows open for air flow.
- The tramcars run at least every half hour, on the hour; more cars may operate when demand is high.
- Both tramway stations and the tramcars are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
If you're staying in Palm Springs, head west a few miles off of North Palm Canyon Drive (Highway 111) to reach the tramway's Valley Station; paid parking is available (parking is free for area residents and for those with tramway summer or annual passes). There is no public transportation but cabs are available from Palm Springs.
When to Get There
The tramway is open daily from morning to night, but hours vary by season and day of the week, so check the website for times. It also closes for annual maintenance each September.
Hiking from the Top of the Tramway
More than 50 miles (80 kilometers) of hiking trails within Mt. San Jacinto State Park's 14,000 acres (5,665 hectares) can be accessed from the tramway's Mountain Station. When you get off the tram, walk down a paved path to the Long Valley Ranger Station, where the trails start.
Address: 1 Tramway Road, Palm Springs CA 92262, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 26
Mojave Desert
Much cooler and higher than the neighboring Great Basin Desert to the north and the Sonoran Desert to the south, the Mojave Desert is considered a rain shadow area, which occurs when an area of land is forced to become a desert due to mountains that block out rain that would otherwise allow most plants to grow. The Mojave Desert spans across a large region of southeastern California and through portions of Nevada, Arizona and Utah. In total, it encompasses more than 25,000 square miles of land.
The most notable areas by name are the Death Valley and Joshua Tree national parks. The area also includes Lake Mead National Recreation Area and the Mojave National Preserve, meaning
the Mojave Desert is home to an array of stunning, protected areas. The desert sits between 3,000 to 6,000 feet in elevation, much higher than the nearby Sonoran Desert. The elevation keeps temperatures slightly cooler. Visitors are primarily drawn to the area for natural recreation and to see the nearly 200 endemic plant species that only exist in the Mojave.
Practical Info
While mostly sparsely populated land, the Mojave Desert is home to a few larger cities, including Las Vegas. Some of the most popular tourist attractions—in addition to the national parks—include the Hoover Dam, the world's tallest thermometer in Baker, Calif., and the Kelso
Dunes. When traveling in the desert, always make sure to carry plenty of water and sunscreen.
Address: California, USA
From $ 189
Mt San Jacinto Wilderness State Park
Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness covers 14,000 acres (5,665 hectares) west of Palm Springs, including the second-highest mountain in Southern California. It is home to subalpine forest, hiking trails"”including a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail"”and cross-country skiing tracks that draw visitors throughout the year.
The Basics
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is one of the best ways to experience the park, especially if you're a first-time visitor. Board the aerial tram at the Valley Station near Palm Springs for the ride up to Mountain Station, where you can access hiking trails and take in views of the park and 10,834-foot (3,250-meter) Mt. San Jacinto.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness is ideal for first-time visitors to the area, especially outdoor enthusiasts.
- Weather can change suddenly in the mountains, so bring warm layers.
- Day-use permits are required to enter the wilderness for hiking; you can get a permit at one of the ranger stations.
- The tramway's Mountain Station has an accessible elevator and viewpoint, and the Stone Creek Campground in Idyllwild has an accessible trail.
- Dogs are not allowed in the park except for trained service dogs.
How to Get There
To reach Mt. Jacinto State Park from Palm Springs, take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Alternatively, take Highway 243 from Idyllwild.
When to Get There
The park is open daily from morning to late afternoon; get there early if you plan to spend the day doing outdoor activities. Summertime can be scorching in Palm Springs but the park's altitude keeps daytime temperatures around a cooler 75°F (24°C). November through April, snow falls and average temps hover around 40°F (2°C).
Hiking on Mt. San Jacinto
You can access more than 50 miles (80 kilometers) of hiking trails from the tramway's Mountain Station. When you get off the tram, walk down a paved path to the Long Valley Ranger Station, where the trails start. One of the most popular wilderness hikes is the 4.5-mile (7.2-kilometer) Round Valley Loop. For something more strenuous, hike 12 miles (19.3 kilometers) up to the peak of San Jacinto.
Address: Highway 243, Idyllwild CA 92549, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 26
Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
Palm Springs' Living Desert Zoo & Gardens presents animals and botanical gardens in the Sonoran Desert. Focusing on flora and fauna from desert landscapes around the world, the living desert includes replicated gardens from Africa and North America, while the Mojave Garden replicates the high desert. Bighorn sheep, lizards, mountain lions, bobcats, and amphibians are joined by exotic giraffes and meerkats in the Africa section.
Take a wander through cactus and agave gardens, wildflower and palm gardens, yucca and salvia gardens . You're bound to be inspired by the drought-tolerant planting schemes.
Take a wander through cactus and agave gardens, wildflower and palm gardens, yucca and salvia gardens . You're bound to be inspired by the drought-tolerant planting schemes.
Practical Info
Visiting early in the day is the best time to see animals up and about, or stay on till sunset when the nocturnal animals come out to play. The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens are in the Sonoran Desert south-east of Palm Springs, in the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains.
Address: 47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert CA 92260, USA
Hours: October 1 to May 31 9am - 5pm, closed December 25. Summer Hours: June 1 - September 30 8am - 1:30pm
Admission: Adults: US$12.50
From $ 20
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park lies at the crux of the Colorado and Mojave deserts and spans 429,690 acres (173,889 hectares) of wind-swept Southern California plains. Famous for its starlit night skies and surreal geological features, the park’s rich landscape and signature flora draws day-trippers, rock climbers, and backpackers alike.
The Basics
Whether you want to visit on a day trip from Palm Springs or take a multi-day hiking tour, Joshua Tree is a perfect wilderness escape. Hiking and mountain biking trails abound in the park; visitors can stroll through Hidden Valley, bike down old country roads, or get completely off the grid on a customized hiking tour. Rock-climbing enthusiasts can perfect their solo climbing skills with a top-rope anchors class or take a beginners rappelling course, while photographers can snap photos of bighorn sheep, birds, and black-tailed jackrabbits.
Those wishing to cover more ground can venture deep into the desert on a van tour or luxury Hummer day trip and see highlights such as the inselberg rock formations, San Andreas Fault, and Keys View atop Ryan Mountain—the highest point in the park at 5,500 feet (1676 meters) above sea level.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and plenty of water.
- Desert weather can change swiftly and dramatically; always check the forecast before heading out.
- There are four visitor centers in the park, each equipped with water, restrooms, and picnic areas.
- Pets must be leashed at all times and are not permitted on backcountry trails.
- Very few areas in the park have cellphone coverage.
- Some trails and campgrounds are wheelchair accessible; see the National Parks Service website for more details.
How to Get There
Joshua Tree National Park is located roughly 140 miles (225 kilometers) east of Los Angeles. The nearest airport is in Palm Springs, roughly one hour by road from the park’s south entrance. The best way to get to Joshua Tree is by road; you can approach the park from Interstate 10 or California Highway 62. Be careful not to rely on GPS directions, which can route you onto potentially impassable backcountry roads.
When to Get There
Peak season in Joshua Tree runs from October through May, with most visitors arriving in the spring and fall. Summers are hot here, with temperatures above 100°F (38°C). In the spring, wildflowers bloom and speckle the desert with bright red, purple, and orange hues.
Attractions Near Joshua Tree
The towns of Palm Springs and Palm Desert are good jumping-off points for excursions into Joshua Tree National Park. Coachella Valley Preserve, located near the Palm Springs area, is a popular destination for picnicking and hiking, as well as a hub for wind farming and agriculture. Mojave National Preserve, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and Cabrillo National Monument are also within driving distance of the park.
Address: USA
Admission: $15 per vehicle, $5 per individual
From $ 75
Oasis Date Gardens
Driving from Palm Springs through the nearby small desert towns with cacti and scrub brush on both sides and the heat of summer pressing down on you, a cold treat awaits: the famous date shake at Oasis Date Gardens. This 175-acre date ranch and its accompanying store are situated at the epicenter of California's vast date production area. This spot features a small gift shop, an educational theater that plays a movie on the history of dates in California, a window through which date processing can be observed and a luncheonette counter that serves food incorporating the region's fresh dates.
This industry in California makes up 95 percent of the entire U.S. output of the crop. The majority of California's dates are grown in the Coachella Valley, which produces more dates annually than almost any other region in the world; farmers produce more than 35 million pounds of the date fruit every year. Oasis Date Gardens' medjool dates have been certified organic since 2000, and the business has been in operation for over 100 years.
Practical Info
Oasis Date Gardens is located in Thermal, Calif., about 45 minutes from Palm Springs. Free date samples are offered to all visitors, and the famous date shake is free with a purchase of at least $5. Educational talks are offered daily at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The shop has been known to close during normal operating hours; it's always a good idea to call and confirm ahead.
Address: 59-111 Grapefruit Blvd., Thermal, California 92274, USA
Hours: Open daily 9am - 4pm.
From $ 105
Coachella Valley Preserve
The endangered fringe-toed lizard is given room to roam at the Coachella Valley Preserve, which was specifically designed to protect these desert creatures.
Guided hikes through the preserves’ sand dunes and rocky escarpments are led by knowledgeable naturalists who can share their insights into the life cycle of this threatened reptile.
The preserve has more than 25 miles (40 km) of hiking trails. While you walk, look out for eagles, California fan palms, bobcats, horned owls, cottontail bunnies, kestrels and lizards.
Practical Info
The Coachella Valley Preserve is off the Interstate 10 highway, 10 miles (16 km) east of Palm Springs.
Address: 29,200 Thousand Palms Canyon Road, Thousand Palms CA 92276, USA
Hours: Open daily, closed Jun – Aug
From $ 49
Salton Sea
As far as salty bodies of water located directly on a fault line go, the Salton Sea is pretty unique. The largest inland lake in California, it's positioned on the San Andreas fault at more than 200 feet (61 m) below sea level. Geothermal activity and unique landscapes such as bubbling mud and sand dunes can be seen nearby.
A popular state park and recreation area, the Salton Sea has much to offer boaters, campers, hikers, and bird watchers, and is home to more than 400 species of birds as well as some fish. Though created by accidental irrigation overflow at the turn of the 20th century, only a trickle of fresh water runs to the lake now.
Learn more about the history and geography of the distinct area on a Jeep tour of Earthquake Canyon, or visit the park by bike to make the most of Southern California's natural offerings.
Practical Info
The Salton Sea is located between Coachella and Imperial counties in southeastern California, 60 miles (97 km) outside of Palm Springs. It's about a three hour drive from Los Angeles, and can be accessed on Hwy 111 from Indio. There is a state park admission fee of USD 5.
The lake is accessible from most points, and its visitor center is open Friday through Sunday during the summer.
Address: 100-225 State Park Rd, Mecca, California, USA
Hours: N/A
Admission: USD 5
From $ 105
Indian Canyons
Some of the best hiking near Palm Springs"”and in the deserts of California"”can be found at Indian Canyons, which is located at the western edge of Palm Springs. The land is owned and protected by the Agua Caliente Cahuilla Indians, who settled in the Palm Springs area centuries ago. Today, these people diligently care for the trails and invite visitors from near and far to experience the stunning desert scenery.
There are three primary hikes in the Indian Canyons: Palm Canyon, Andreas Canyon and Murray Canyon. All three are thought to be easy to moderate trips, but more advanced hikers can combine different hikes and take small paths with greater elevation gains up the mountains. Some of the features of the hikes include waterfalls, panoramic views and of course, the sprawling desert landscapes. All of the trails are clearly marked.
Practical Info
There is a fee of $9 per person to enter the Indian Canyons, which open at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. There are bathrooms and picnic tables at the entrance for public use. When hiking in the desert, always make sure to bring as much water as you can carry, as well as sunscreen. Be aware of signs of heat exhaustion and stroke.
Address: 38520 S Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California, USA
Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. July-September open only Friday-Sunday
Admission: Adults $9, Seniors (62+) $7, Children (6-12) $5
From $ 139