Things to See and Do in Palm Springs, California

"Forever Marilyn"
When you come to Palm Springs, get your picture taken in front of the 26-foot Forever Marilyn Monroe sculpture

Insider Tips to Palm Springs, CA

Are you visiting Palm Springs for the first time? Below is a list of “Insider Tips” for things to see and do in this desert oasis.

When I have a visitor from out-of-town the first place they want to see is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, but I also take them to Backstreet Art District – for a more local, authentic experience.

When I want to escape the tourists, my favorite place to visit is going to the Moorten Botanical Garden.

If this is a romantic trip, I recommend the observation deck at 8,500+ feet at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for kissing with a view.

The best place to walk the dog is through the Tennis District, a historic neighborhood lined with old Hollywood celebrity homes and mid-century modern boutique hotels.

Museums are wonderful, but if you are traveling with kids, you’ll want to visit Palm Springs Air Museum.

"Aspen Mills Cinnamon Choppers"
The best place to go for coffee & a breakfast treat is Aspen Mills, a local bread/bakery company – great coffee and amazing cinnamon rolls

Palm Springs Food:

The best place to go for coffee & a breakfast treat is Aspen Mills, a local bread/bakery company – great coffee and amazing cinnamon rolls.

Looking for cheap food in Palm Springs? Go to John’s Restaurant –  many menu options and large food portions.

The restaurant, LuLus Palm Springs is the spot for late night dining. Plus, they have a 12-hour happy hour.

For an expensive, yet quality meal, go to Copley’s Restaurant (it is the former estate of Cary Grant)

Seeing a lot of sunshine? Palm Springs is best known for its year-round sunshine, palm trees and swimming pools.

When you come to Palm Springs, get your picture taken in front of the 26-foot Forever Marilyn Monroe sculpture on display in downtown until June 2013.

The best vantage points are taken by walking to the top of Palm Canyon in the Indian Canyons. It is considered to be the largest natural palm oasis in the world.

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The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers great views and Palm Canyon Drive is the best place to watch or experience the Festival of Lights Christmas Parade.

"Bronze Horse"
Deborah Butterfield’s Bronze Horse Palm Springs Art Museum

In Palm Springs, outdoor enthusiasts will want to hike ancient canyons or go horseback riding through pristine wilderness.

Looking for a little exercise? Walk along the Andreas Canyon trail in the Indian Canyons, it is a 1 mile loop along streams, canyons and beautiful views.

If you are a museum lover, Palm Springs has a stunning Art Museum.

Looking for exciting night life? Go dancing at Village Pub or Las Casuelas for live music.

The Desert Sun will keep you posted on what’s happening in Palm Springs.

You can tell a lot about Palm Springs from visiting and watching the Palm Springs International Film Festival event.

In the spring you should attend, the Coachella Music Festival.

In the summer you should attend the weekly free film series at the Palm Springs art museum.

Did you know that Palm Springs is known for its mid-century modern architecture. Plan a visit to Modernism Week in the winter.

Come to Palm Springs for classic car auctions and motorcycle show in the fall.

"Dale Chihuly"
Dale Chihuly’s “End of the Day” at Palm Springs Art Museum

Insider Tip: Check out the often over-looked Agua Caliente Cultural Museum in Palm Springs.

I’ll bet you didn’t know…..that Palm Springs is ½ Tribal Land and ½ City land.

Just outside of Palm Springs you can visit Joshua Tree National Park, and have lunch at Pappy and Harriets in Pioneertown.

What are your favorite things to do in Palm Springs?

For additional insider tips follow Luxury Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter and follow Palm Spring  on Twitter  and like them on  Facebook.

 

Thanks to Hillary at the Palms Springs Visitors Bureau for assistance with this post. Photos and YouTube video courtesy of Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown.

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