10 Best Attractions in Palm Springs



Hot Attractions in the Coachella Valley

Each April, hundreds of thousands of music fans from across the globe flock to California's Colorado Desert to see world-famous performers and emerging acts at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Unfortunately, most festival-goers miss out on the quiet beauty and indigenous attractions of the Coachella Valley. Located a mere 30 minutes from the festival grounds, Palm Springs is a world away from the cacophony and chaos of Coachella with its luxe shopping promenades, carefully manicured golf courses and chic Mid-Century modern architecture. Check out GAYOT.com's list of the Top 10 Things to Do in Palm Springs to see the best that this charming desert oasis has to offer.


Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Climb aboard the world's largest rotating tram as you embark on a ten-minute journey scaling the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon, passing through several climate zones. Once you reach the top, diversions include hiking or guided nature walks if the weather is warmer, and cross-country skiing or snowshoeing during the winter. Lunch and dinner are served at the Peaks Restaurant and Pines Café, both offering breathtaking views. The first tram departs at 10 a.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. weekends with the final descent at 9:45 p.m. Keep in mind that even when temps are baking down below, it can get nippy up on top of Mount San Jacinto.


The Living Desert
If you want to see some of the other desert inhabitants (those you won't find lounging poolside), then check out The Living Desert and its 450 wild animals. This enchanting zoo and botanical garden represents the desert environments of North America and Africa and boasts 1,200 protected acres. Enjoy live animal shows, stroll through the gardens, trek along hiking trails, take a tram ride or visit the model train exhibit.



Photo courtesy of Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism

Mid-Century Modern Architecture Tour
Palm Springs boasts a large concentration of Mid-Century Modern architecture and, since the early 1920s, many of the top visionaries have designed sleek, modern homes for the famous and infamous. Take a year-round guided tour, either by van or on Segway, to get an up close and personal account of designs by Albert Frey, Richard Neutra and William F. Cody. Or embark on your own "Mad Men"-style journey and take a self-guided tour of these masterpieces (don't forget to check out Elvis's Honeymoon Hideaway!). Simply pick up a map of Mid-Century Modern landmarks at the iconic Tramway Gas Station, an Albert Frey and Robson Chambers original, which now serves as the official Palm Springs Visitors Center.

Read the Complete List of the Top 10 Things to Do in Palm Springs


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