The downtown area, roughly extending from Ramon Road to Vista Chino at the north and south end and between Belardo Road and Indian Canyon Drive from the east to the west, can be easily explored on foot. There is a lot of shopping, and the area is filled with restaurants and unique food shops. Don’t miss the Sonny Bono statue or the Walk of Stars. Some shops of note are Rocket Fizz with candy and sodas, Ruddy’s 1930’s General Store, and Elena Bulatova Fine Art with their unique art pieces.

If your visit falls over a Thursday night, be sure to explore the Palm Springs Village Fest. Happening each Thursday night, year-round, a quarter-mile-long stretch of Palm Canyon Drive is closed to cars and turned into a street fair and night market. There are food booths, crafts, artists, and more to discover. You can find the entire vendor directory here, but come hungry for anything from ice cream tacos to homemade tamales. There are also kiosks of antiques and local stores setting up downtown, so you can shop in between your food stops. The weekly event is dog and family friendly, as well.

If you want to just get a little outside of downtown, the Palm Springs Air Museum is a fun way to spend an afternoon. The large museum has a vast collection of civilian and military aircraft. It’s located right at the PSP airport. The Palm Springs Air Museum is a living history museum dedicated to educating the public about the role Air Power played in preserving American liberties and way of life. The Museum preserves, exhibits, and flies aircraft from World War Two, Korea, and the Vietnam Wars. Most of the aircraft are in flyable condition.

You can also take a drive to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and explore the local mountains. In 10 minutes, the rotating tramway takes you up the side of the mountain from the desert to an alpine forest at around 8,500 feet above sea level. There is snow at the top most of the year, so you can swim in the sunshine and play in the snow all within an hour. There are 50 miles of hiking trails at the top as well. Don’t forget to attempt hiking or running the steep 6k road that leads to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Valley Station. There is also a popular organized run challenge every October that was started in 1983. Click here for information about registering.

The city’s perfect weather (it’s sunny and warm about 350 days a year) means you can always just go outside and take a walk or go for a run. It’s also fun to go swimming, especially during the hot summers. We are partial to the Gene Autry Bikeway; if you need a bike visit BIKE Palm Springs Rentals. You’ll find all of Palm Springs is bike friendly. As for hiking try the North Lykken Trail and of course the Palm Springs Museum Trail. For something more challenging try the Cactus to Clouds Trail which assends to San Jacinto Peak with a net elevation gain of roughly 10,300 feet. Palm Springs is full of trails, but if you’re seeking something a little different, try the Indian Canyons or even the 4 mile hike of Murray Canyon Trail that leads to the Seven Sisters Falls

There are many fantastic restaurants in the Palm Springs scene. The Coachella Valley’s best restaurants range from the upscale and elegant to the hole-in-the-walls servings some of the desert’s best-kept secrets. Workshop Kitchen + Bar is located in the historic El Paseo building on Palm Canyon Drive, featuring a farmhouse-style table and a selection of large format plates allow patrons to meet new friends over a shared ribeye or grilled chicken. We’re also big fans of Copley’s on Palm Canyon. You’ll love the romantic, open-air patio in the garden, and the sublime cuisine, which includes Muscovy duck breast, seared Scottish salmon, lobster pot pie, and tandoori chicken breast. A broad wine list arranged by type promises an appropriate accompaniment.

Palm Springs has long been a favorite winter destination for its warm weather and sunny days. Aside from the physical activities like swimming, hiking, biking, golfing, and more – the desert paradise, known for its Old Hollywood glamour and mid-century modern architecture, is also home to some of the best spas. Right at the top of the list is Spa La Quinta at La Quinta Resort and Club. Owned by the Waldorf Astoria Group, this spa drips in luxury. Step into the Estrella Spa with its idyllic garden hacienda and decompress with a glass of bubbly. Seasoned therapists will guide you through the facilities, pamper and heal with a natural menu of options, from body scrubs with Vichy showers to Natura Bisse facials and reflexology massage, and perhaps a nibble of chocolate.