Things
to do
Palm Springs Art Museum
Highlights: A premier art destination with modern and contemporary works, Native American art, and a tranquil sculpture garden. A great spot for a dose of culture and art.
Location: Downtown Palm Springs
The Living Desert
Highlights: A desert-themed zoo and botanical garden where you can encounter giraffes, bighorn sheep, and native cacti/succulents in a beautiful setting. Great activity for kids!
Location: Palm Desert, ~20 minutes from Palm Springs
Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway
Highlights: This famous mid-century modern home was the honeymoon spot of Elvis and Priscilla Presley. Tours highlight its iconic architecture and history of old Hollywood.
Location: Near downtown Palm Springs
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Highlights: A stunning 10-minute tram ride up to 8,500 feet, where you can hike, enjoy panoramic views, or just relax in cooler mountain air. A perfect mix of adventure and scenery!
Location: Just outside Palm Springs
Date Shakes in Indio
Highlights: A must-try Coachella Valley treat! Shields Date Garden in Indio serves up creamy date shakes, made from locally grown dates, that are perfect for a warm day. Today, it's estimated that over 90% of the dates grown in the U.S. come from the Coachella Valley, about 35,000 tons annually. Some dates, like the Medjool, are particularly plump, sweet and fruity.
Location: Indio, ~30 minutes from Palm Springs
Joshua tree national park
Highlights: Just a short drive from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is a captivating desert landscape where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. Known for its iconic Joshua trees, surreal rock formations, and stunning night skies, the park offers unique hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and breathtaking photo spots. Whether exploring Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, or simply taking in the views, Joshua Tree is a memorable desert escape and a true natural wonder.
Location: About 45 minutes from Palm Springs
the salton sea
Highlights: The Salton Sea, California’s largest lake, is a unique and intriguing destination just over an hour from Palm Springs. Once a bustling resort area, it now features stunning landscapes, eclectic wildlife, and remnants of its storied past. Explore the serene shoreline, visit the Salton Sea State Recreation Area for birdwatching, or wander through the surreal, abandoned towns that tell the tale of the area's boom and bust. With its otherworldly beauty and rich history, the Salton Sea offers a one-of-a-kind experience for adventurous spirits.
If you made it this far into our website, you may also enjoy a documentary Chris made for a college project on the Salton Sea with groomsman Alex Cooke: LINK.
Location: About 1 hour from Palm Springs
