Palm Springs Guide: What to Do, When to Go and Where to Eat

This Palm Springs guide comes down to a simple rhythm: get outside early, spend the afternoon at a pool, and go out after the sun drops behind the mountains. The must-dos are the Aerial Tramway, a palm canyon hike, a mid-century architecture drive and a Thursday night downtown. October through May is the classic season. Use it alongside our Palm Springs weekend getaway plan, and browse our experiences for things we can set up at the hotel.

What are the best things to do in Palm Springs?

The short list we give friends on their first trip:

• Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Rotating cars climb from Chino Canyon to the Mountain Station at 8,516 feet, where more than 50 miles of trails begin. It's much colder up top, so bring a jacket.

• Hike Indian Canyons. On Agua Caliente land, the Andreas Canyon loop is about 1.2 miles and easy, with palms and a creek. Murray Canyon is a longer walk to the Seven Sisters waterfall.

• See Tahquitz Canyon. A seasonal 60-foot waterfall, rock art and a visitor center at the trailhead. Drinking water is required on the trail.

• Wander Moorten Botanical Garden. A family-run cactus garden on South Palm Canyon Drive with a greenhouse the Moortens named the Cactarium.

• Learn the land's history. The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum downtown tells the story of the Agua Caliente people, and it has offered free entry on Thursday nights from October through May.

• Do Thursday night downtown. VillageFest takes over Palm Canyon Drive, and the Palm Springs Art Museum has offered free Thursday evenings.

• Shop the Uptown Design District. Vintage furniture, mid-century décor and good people-watching on North Palm Canyon Drive.

• Drive past the mid-century houses. Modernism Week runs February 11 to 21, 2027, if you want tours inside.

Want trails in more detail? Our easy hikes guide has the full rundown. For dates, see our Palm Springs events calendar.

When is the best time to visit Palm Springs?

October through May. Days are warm, nights are cool, and the pool is the obvious afternoon plan. February brings Modernism Week, and April brings Coachella and Stagecoach in nearby Indio, so book early for those months.

Summer afternoons often top 100 degrees. It's quieter and easier to book, as long as you plan hikes for sunrise and stay near water after lunch. Midweek is the calmest time any season.

Where can you watch the sunset in Palm Springs?

Here's the local quirk: the San Jacinto Mountains rise right behind town to the west, so the sun drops behind them early and the valley goes into shade while the sky is still glowing. The best desert mountain sunset is often the color on the peaks to the east and the pink sky above the ridgeline.

Three ways to see it:

• From the top of the tram. Ride up late in the afternoon in winter and watch the sun set over the mountains, then the valley lights come on. The last car down runs at 9:30PM in the cooler months.

• From the courtyard. The Muse sits with the mountains in view, and sunset from the pergola swings with a drink in hand is hard to beat.

• On the drive. Head out past the edge of town and pull over somewhere safe. The light on the rocks does the rest.

What are some unusual things to do in Palm Springs for adults?

If you've done the pool and the tram, try one of these:

• A windmill tour. Palm Springs Windmill Tours runs guided golf cart tours through a working wind farm.

• The San Andreas Fault by Jeep. Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours drives groups into the fault zone with a guide who explains what you're looking at.

• Drag brunch. A Palm Springs institution, and a great birthday plan. Our drag brunch guide has the current picks.

• A private hibachi dinner at the hotel. A hibachi chef cooks for your group at the hotel, and nobody has to drive.

• In-room massages. 60 or 90 minutes per person, booked at least 48 hours ahead.

• Private yoga. $150 for the whole group with three days' notice.

Where should you eat and go out?

Palm Springs loves a patio. Book dinner for the weekend before you arrive, and do brunch on a weekday if you can. Our where to dine guide covers dinner, patios and brunch.

For nights out, Arenas Road is the center of the gay bar scene and the easiest place to bar hop. Palm Canyon Drive has the restaurants and cocktail bars.

How do you get to Palm Springs and get around?

Palm Springs International Airport is minutes from The Muse. By car, Los Angeles and San Diego are about two hours without traffic, and Las Vegas is about four. A car makes everything easier, from canyon trailheads to day trips, and parking is included at The Muse. Our day trips guide covers Joshua Tree and beyond.

A few first-timer tips:

• Start outdoor plans early. Trailheads get busy and hot by late morning.

• Hours at the canyons and the garden change by season, so check before you go.

• Leave room in the schedule. The best afternoon is often the one you didn't plan.

PLAN THE WEEKEND

Palm Springs guide FAQ

What should I do in Palm Springs for a weekend?

Ride the Aerial Tramway, hike Indian Canyons early, spend the afternoon at the pool and do dinner downtown. Add VillageFest if you're there on a Thursday night.

What is the best month to visit Palm Springs?

October through May has the best weather. March and November are favorites, with warm days and cool nights. April gets busy with Coachella and Stagecoach.

Where is the best place to see the sunset in Palm Springs?

The top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway on a winter afternoon, or anywhere with a view of the mountains as the peaks turn pink.

Does The Muse offer activities?

Yes. Guests can add in-room massages, private yoga, a private hibachi dinner, a photography experience, bike rentals and more. Party on Wheels and the bartender package are for full buyouts only.

Is The Muse Hotel adults-only?

Yes. The Muse is adults-only, and all guests on a full hotel buyout must be 21 or older.

Nine suites. Nine bathrooms. One pool. And nobody else invited. Check your dates and we'll help you plan the rest.