From teeing off to poolside lounging, Palm Springs is — and always has been, long before Coachella — a land of plenty in sun-kissed Southern California.
After hitting the fairway in Palm Springs, try one of our favorite under-the-radar outdoor activities. (Photo Credit: @clikcc)
Or just stay by the pool — we get it. (Photo Credit: Kevin Turcios)
For those who crave hiking, horseback riding, or are simply searching for scenic pleasures aside from bright green fairways and floating pink flamingos, there are plenty of amazing outdoor activities for those soaking in the desert lore of Palm Springs. Here are our top 5.
Moorten Botanical Garden
Stroll along the family-owned Spanish style grounds, featuring a collection of over 3,000 cacti and prickly plants including towering 15-foot saguaros and a special greenhouse (known as a cactarium) with native African desert plants.
Visit a botanical garden unlike any other in this desert town. (Photo Credit: Douglas Sanchez)
The cactarium is a sight to behold. (Photo Credit: Karly Jones)
Also make sure to stop by Cactus Castle sitting in the Palm Grove Oasis, a spot known as a haven of tranquility and one that is emblematic of classic Palm Springs charm. Fun fact: This hidden gem dates back to the 1930’s.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Nostalgia reigns inside this old school 1960’s station with a series of rotating tram cars to whisk you above fifty miles of hiking trails. Sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery (at 8,000 feet) of Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Coachella Valley.
Make an afternoon of it and stay at the top of Mountain Station for a meal at one of two restaurants, stroll through the natural history museum, and watch a documentary at one of the theaters on the premises. If looking for a hike, check out the conditions, grab a map, and explore the beauty of Palm Springs from above.
Sunnylands
Built by media tycoon Walter Annenberg, this 200-acre estate and retreat center has long been a gathering place for visiting world leaders and US presidents.
Mid-century modern architecture stylistically defines Palm Springs. (Photo Credit: Max Anderson)
Visitors can walk along 12-acres of lush, art-filled public grounds bursting with unique clusters of cacti. Alternatively, take a tour of the magnificent 23-room, 1960’s mid-century mansion — the definition of iconic Palm Springs architecture — though make sure to plan ahead, since reservations are suggested.
Indian Canyons
For a peek into the past, the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation provides visitors with an education about the Cahullia people’s way of life, a band who has thrived in the region for thousands of years.
Alternatively, go for a hike along the Indian Canyon Trails, a group of ravines with cooling streams, fan palms, wildflowers, and a shady canopy. For horseback riding, Smoke Tree Stables offers guided trail rides and a traditional cowboy cookout afterwards.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Nestled at the foot of Mt. San Jacinto, this desert attraction reads more like an untraditional park filled with a mix of 450 wild animals (including cheetah, zebra and bighorn sheep), giraffe feedings, and tram rides.
After a long day out in the sun, you can rest easy at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs. (Photo Credit: @rowanpalmsprings)
Fur babies included. (Photo Credit: @heeahyoo)
There are also private hiking trails to stretch your legs — or perhaps you’d prefer to stroll among peaceful gardens filled with rare and exotic succulents, cacti, and wildflowers.
Where to stay: Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs
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