Fun Things To Do in Palm Springs: The Ultimate Guide

If you’re making a move to Palm Springs, CA, lucky you! With an excess of sunny, pleasant days all year, outdoor life is significant here. On the list of fun things to do in Palm Springs, CA, there are outdoor adventures, art, culture, and more than enough tennis and golf. There are parks and museums too, as well as gorgeous gardens. There are plenty of free things to do in Palm Springs, CA also, especially things to do with kids.

All About The Fun Things to Do in Palm Springs, CA

In short, you won’t ever get bored living in Palm Springs! There are many pros and cons of living in Palm Springs, CA, so we suggest a visit first. We put together a list of the most fun things to do in Palm Springs to prove it. From free things to kid things and, of course, adult things, we’ve got the best of them in Palm Springs, CA. If exploring and having a blast is your goal, read on!


Peruse Some Plants at Moorten Botanical Garden

Cacti are some of the most interesting plants on the planet, with a wide variety of different species. If you want to see many of them, we highly recommend the Moorten Botanical Garden. Established in 1938, this Arboretum is loaded with an extraordinary variety of desert trees, plants, and, of course, cacti. Some of them are absolutely gigantic and amazing to admire, while others are tiny but beautiful! The Garden displays over 3000 varieties and is the world’s first “cactarium,” a name the founders coined. They also store many of their tools and supplies in a Palm Springs Storage unit for safety and convenience.

Moorten Botanical Garden

1701 S. Palm Canyon Dr.
Palm Springs, CA
Phone: 760-327-6555
Website / Facebook


See a Wonderful Waterfall at Tahquitz Canyon

Most folks are stunned to see a waterfall in the desert, and you will be too! There’s a 2-mile stream that leads to the 60-foot waterfall in Tahquitz Canyon. You’ll also see an ancient irrigation system, rock art, native wildlife, and plenty of beautiful plants. It all starts from the Tahquitz Visitor Center, where you can watch a movie about the legend of Tahquitz Canyon. We also recommend you take a long look around from the observation deck, which is spectacular. There is a small charge to get in because it’s located on the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation. It’s well worth it, though, and a fun 1/2 day trip for the entire family.

Fun Things To Do in Palm Springs

Tahquitz Canyon

500 W. Mesquite Ave.
Palm Springs, CA
Phone 760-416-7044
Website / Facebook


See Some Nature at the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens

This is one of the best fun things to do with kids in Palm Springs, CA! The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens are simply gorgeous! They have two distinct sections, North American and African, loaded with amazing animals! You can feed the giraffes, which is fantastic, and also take a private Safari Tour while you’re there. They also sell memberships and, when you’re a member, you can go anytime with no reservations! Yes, they do charge, but it’s for a good cause; protecting wildlife! They do have military and senior discounts, though, which is nice. It’s a wild way to see some of the biggest, most ferocious (and cute!) beasts on the planet! Don’t pass up this fun thing to do in Palm Springs, CA!

Fun Things To Do in Palm Springs:

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

47900 Portola Ave.,
Palm Desert, CA
Phone 760-346-5694
Website / Facebook


View From Above on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

While it isn’t free, a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is definitely worth it! You’ll ride high into the sky on a classic gondola! It’s about 10 minutes to the top with a significant temperature drop as you go (so do bring a sweater). Once you get there, though, the entire Coachella Valley will be spread out before you in all its magnificence! There’s a restaurant at the top as well as a cafe and lounge for snacks and drinks. Also, you can hike from there deeper into the San Jacinto mountains. It’s a unique and exhilarating way to see your new Palm Springs home.

Fun Things To Do in Palm Springs

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

1 Tram Way
Palm Springs, CA
Phone 888-515-8726
Website / Facebook


Free Things to Do In Palm Springs, CA

If you’re on a budget or simply like free stuff, below is a list of the best free things to do in Palm Springs. Many involve hiking, which is great exercise but does demand some planning. (You don’t want to walk off into the desert without plenty of water, for example.)

  • Palm Springs Art Museum
    • For art lovers, this lovely Museum is a must-see. Every 2nd Sunday is free and also every Thursday from 4 to 8 PM.
  • Downtown Palm Springs
    • Walk, window shop, and have a bite to eat at one of the fantastic restaurants. The Downtown area is beautiful, clean, and inviting.
  • Shields Date Garden
    • 17 acres of dates, a free movie, and a spectacular patio overlooking everything? Yes, please!
  • Salton Sea State Recreation Area
    • One of the largest inland seas in the world! Excellent for kayaking, camping, photography, and birdwatching. There’s even waterskiing!
  • Drive the Palms to Pines Highway
    • Highway 74 is a winding mountain road that provides spectacular views. Stop in the mountain town of Idyllwild at the end; it’s delightful!

Things to Do With Kids in Palm Springs, CA

If you’ve got the kids in tow and want to keep them happy (and quiet!), below are a few great choices!


In Closing

We think you’ll agree, Palm Springs, is packed with fun, exciting and enjoyable activities for the entire family! We’re StorAmerica Storage, and we love it here! We’re the self-storage specialists here, with Palm Springs storage units around the city. Safe, clean, and affordable, our storage units in Palm Springs are also secure with 24/7 video security.

If you have questions about self-storage, you can chat with us online anytime. Or, better yet, come down to one of our facilities and say hello! Our on-site manager will be happy to show you around and answer all your questions. Until then, go out and have yourself a fantastic time here in Palm Springs! We love living here, and we know that you will also, so welcome home!


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