Top Things to do in Greater Palm Springs
Top Hotels in Greater Palm Springs
- 1. Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa
- 2. Best Western Plus Las Brisas Hotel
- 3. Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel
- 4. Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa
- 5. Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs
- 6. Caliente Tropics Resort
- 7. Palm Springs Rendezvous
- 8. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
- 9. Hotel California
- 10. La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection by Hilton
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Greater Palm Springs, California Desert
Greater Palm Springs is an oasis for art, culture, adventure and relaxation. Take in the views from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tram car, before exploring exhibits at the Palm Springs Art Museum and its Architecture & Design Center. Visit the Empire Polo Club, home of the Coachella Music & Arts Festival and Stagecoach Country Music Festival. Dozens of spas in Desert Hot Springs let you soak in the healing mineral waters that flow beneath the city.
Restaurants in Greater Palm Springs
1. The City of Rancho Mirage Public Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada
Outside the library, there is a statue of a young man. It shows also a lot of rocks with colors. There are a lot of books,videos, computers and more. The librarians take good care. There is a painting of the governor and his wife. There are a lot of beautiful minerals. It even has a fish. I liked that library!
2. Desert Holocaust Memorial
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By PJCoastToCoast
I don't mean this in a snarky way but when I heard a memorial was in the park I hadn't expected much - perhaps a plaque or two. But this space is really impressive. Very sobering and contemplative to be there. While it's not a huge space, there are several areas and artistic depictions of the Holocaust. The piece at the center is so very well done - a star of David with representations of victims, a map and a count of the number of those killed in each country. As one of the plaques says, "Never Again."
3. Coachella Valley Vista Point
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By sdbctb - Brooklyn, United States
This highway is very nice to drive to palm springs from San Diego or anywhere on the west coast, it takes you through the mountains with switchbacks on the roadway and scenic views, this view is the winner as far as i saw. you see the valley from up high with amazing views of mountains and valley as well as the picturesque view of the roadway the rest of the way down. almost like the pikes peak roadway. if your stomach is sensitive and get nauseated on the roadway though this is not for you.
4. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By MSA-Eagle - Eagle, United States
Hey, you Catholics out there! St. Francis is a beautiful church on beautiful grounds. We attended 7:30 am Mass here last Sunday morning. Fr. McLaughlin, the pastor, presided over Mass. He's from Scotland, and delivered a couple jokes during the homily. Nice effort, Fr. McLaughlin. It's always good to come across a priest from Scotland who knows how to keep the flock awake! Note: this is a busy place. They pack'em in. So, you better plan to be here at least 10-15 minutes early to get a good seat. Enjoy. Amen.
5. La Quinta Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada
Beautiful library with red roof and beige and white. There are vases outside and flowers. There is a dinosaur as well. They have nice chairs and tables. It looks attractive. Wow! A mountain is near the library. The librarians were very friendly. There were a lot of books and magazines.
6. Palm Canyon Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 685 reviews
Reviewed By janinnew - San Francisco, United States
Great shopping and wonderful restaurants, 250 stars to watch out for as you stroll along the main drag.
7. El Paseo Shopping District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,016 reviews
A unique nine-block shopping district filled with over 200 delightful discoveries... Shops, restaurants, art and more! Experience this mile of adventures by hopping aboard our fun Yellow Courtesy Cart and go from one end to the other, finding treasures every step of the way. Don't miss all the special events like El Paseo Cruise Night (1st & 3rd Fridays, Nov through April), Holiday events and Santa each December, Jazz Concert Series (Jan-Apr), Fashion Week El Paseo (Mid-March), Pam Desert Food & Wine (mid-March) and so much more! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and online.
Reviewed By rodr345 - Edmonton, Canada
Best shopping in Palm Desert. Many high end outlets but also many more affordable options. El Paseo is a beautiful street especially at night when the tree lights are on. In addition to great shopping there are also many world class restaurants that are well worth a visit.
8. Painted Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 224 reviews
A variety of colors paint the rocks here, giving this unique location its name.
Reviewed By AKKris - Juneau, United States
Long drive in to the parking area on bumpy, dirt road. Took it very slow with the car. No bathrooms available once you get to parking area (there are bathrooms on the road on the way). From parking lot, head in and keep eyes peeled for big arrow pointing to the left. Also if you see a park sign on the left with an arrow, look around on ground in area by it for the arrow made with rocks to the left. It will look like you are going to walk into a big rock wall but once you are by the rocks, you can see a path to start climbing. If you get to the wash area, you missed the arrow and should turn around and go back looking for the arrow. You need to be able to climb ladders that at times are not in the best of shape. It will take you through some beautiful slot canyons. We've done the loop where you turn towards the right once you are on top towards the tower and follow the path down. It takes you through the wash area and is not that much fun to walk through. Or you can get on top and follow the path back along the canyon and it will take you through two ropes to climb down. Our group didn't feel comfortable doing so but have talked with others who have and sounds easier than the first rope looked. We also have hiked through the ladders back to the parking lot and really enjoyed that. Really enjoy this hike.
9. Coachella Valley Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 727 reviews
Formed by a system of sand dunes, this 20,000-acre sanctuary is home to several species of rare wildlife and a number of palm oases.
Reviewed By JudyP1614
Come see how Palm Springs was named! My husband and I took an easy, leisurely walk with some friends through this preserve and were treated to sun, desert, gorgeous flowers following a recent rain, palm trees surrounding an oasis! A docent welcomed us to the trails and explained this particular area had more ecological diversity than most any other in the area! Another docent further up the trail explained the amazing array of flowers often not present. We extended our 2 mile loop an additional stretch to catch more wild flowers. It was well worth it. Although I have lived in the Inland Empire area for ten years this was my first time to savor the beauty of the springs. Wow! Nature gave us a spectacular morning! The whole experience was picturesque, pristine (not one piece of trash anywhere to be seen) with sand, water, palm trees and snow capped mountains in the distance. The beauty of this spot cannot be fully captured without feet in the sand and eyes to the sky. Thanks for an unforgettable preserve!
10. VillageFest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,781 reviews
The place to meet new friends is at this old-fashioned street fair with sidewalk performers, musicians, farmer's market, gifts and lots of food.
Reviewed By V3855POhelena - Santa Monica, United States
I happened upon this Palm Springs experience a few months ago, and have repeated it ever since. It's very pleasant walking down the main street among arts and crafts, good stands, a mini farmers market, locals walking their dogs, and a village atmosphere on a large scale. I specially like the tiles/coasters made from retro posters and have started a collection. They can be found at stelladivina.com. These and other excellent arts and crafts make it worth spending at least a couple of hours browsing, and sampling some of the street food while mingling with the locals and tourists.
