Palm Springs, California is one of the best winter getaways in all of America. There's nothing like the beautiful mountain views, fresh air, and hot desert sun - all while your family and friends are freezing back home. There are so many fun and quirky things to do in Palm Springs whether you're coming for the week or just looking to spend the day.
I've visited Palm Springs quite a few times over the years and always enjoy coming back! People are generally quite friendly and traffic is never too horrible (at least compared to Los Angeles). Plus I find that I'm always learning something new or finding a fun new experience!
I'm happy to share some new fun and quirky things to do in Palm Springs!
1. Go For A Mid-Century Walk!
Wait, what? A walk? Yes! The desert sun and mountain views will make you want to spend time outdoors. One of the best places to enjoy a leisurely stroll is through one of the awesome mid-century neighborhoods in Palm Springs and gawk at the colorful and quirky homes! They are so fun to look at - each with their own unique designs and color schemes.
I try to dedicate at least one day in Palm Springs for taking one of these architecture walks. There are paid walking tours you can sign up for but you don't need to pay for anything to go for a walk on your own!
These owners are used to having people take photos of their home but please be respectful and stay off private property. (No photoshoots at their front door!)
2. Visit With A Veteran At The Air Museum
One of my favorite things to do in Palm Springs is stopping by the Palm Springs Air Museum. The museum which consists of several hangars full of vintage and military planes is run by volunteers. Many of these volunteers are military veterans who have great stories and fun personalities! Who better to talk about the planes than the people that actually have used them?
The best part of visiting the Palm Springs Air Museum is watching airplanes take off and land from the nearby Palm Springs Airport. The runway is literally on the other side of the museum's property. It's really fun to watch planes of all sizes soar across the mountain backdrop.
3. Pop In To Ruddy's General Store!
Many locals don't even know about Ruddy's General Store in downtown Palm Springs. It's located on Palm Canyon but a bit off the beaten path. (Look for the Palm Springs Historical Society and you'll find it.) It's not exactly a real General Store but set up to look like one. It's a really cool time capsule that was once a private collection!
Inside you'll see all sorts of vintage containers and product boxes as well as things you might have typically found in an old General Store back in the day. It's a great place to take some cool photos and determine if you're "old" or not. (You're old if you spot something from your childhood! For me - it was the old Saltine's cracker tin!)
4. See The First All-Metal House
The Aluminaire House is definitely on my list of unusual things to do in Palm Springs. The modernist architectural icon is displayed outside the Palm Springs Art Museum. Designed in 1931 by architects A. Lawrence Kocher and Albert Frey, it was the first all-metal house built in the United States, constructed primarily of aluminum and glass as an experiment in affordable, prefabricated modern housing.
The three-story structure, originally shown in New York and heralded as a pioneering example of the International Style, has been reconstructed on the museum’s grounds as part of its permanent collection, celebrating both early modernism and Frey’s architectural legacy in the desert.
5. Stand Underneath Marilyn Monroe
No visit to Palm Springs, California is complete without a photo at the iconic Forever Marilyn statue!
The a huge, eye-catching public sculpture in downtown Palm Springs created by artist Seward Johnson Jr. It stands about 26 feet tall and is made of painted steel and aluminum. It depicts Marilyn Monroe in her iconic pose from the 1955 film The Seven Year Itch — her white dress dramatically billowing up over a subway grate.
Since its return to Palm Springs in 2021, the statue has become a popular landmark and selfie spot near the Palm Springs Art Museum,. reflecting the city’s Hollywood heritage and playful spirit.
6. See Snow!
Okay well I can't promise that you'll actually see snow but there's a chance to do just that by taking a ride on the Palm Springs Ariel Tramway. You hop on a tram (it's large enough to hold about 40 people) that takes you near the top of San Jacinto Peak. It's the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world!
During the winter months it's totally possible to have snow waiting for you at the top! During one of my visits - there was actually a lot of snow! It was fun watching people from out west see snow for the first time. You can hike or dine at the top and make an entire day of it. Make sure to bring the proper attire and good hiking shoes if you plan to do any of the trails.
The craziest part is looking back down the mountain knowing it's likely 70 or 80 degrees while you're playing in the snow!
7. Drive By Frank Sinatra's House
Many celebrities have called Palm Springs home over the years. As the desert is a fairly easy drive from Los Angeles - famous faces like Frank Sinatra, Barry Manilow, Judy Garland, Liberace, Dinah Shore, Dean Martin, and Bob Hope had weekend or winter homes here.
Frank's Twin Palms Estate is certainly one of the most popular homes to see if you're spending a day in Palm Springs. Though it's not open for tours - most people take a peek over the gate. If you've got a big bank account, you can even rent the house during your stay.
Speaking of famous folks - there's a self-guided driving tour you take to see the former homes of many Hollywood legends who escaped to Palm Springs for their winter getaways. Many of the notable names are stars of yesteryear - Jack Benny, Liberace, Elvis, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Dinah Shore, and others. You can find both maps at the Palm Springs Visitors Center.
8. Take A Picture With Sony Bono and See The Stars!
Downtown Palm Springs is extremely walkable and loaded with unique boutiques and fabulous dining options for lunch or dinner. While you're exploring, be sure to look down at the Palm Springs Walk of Fame that honors more than 400 celebrities.
Sonny Bono (of Sonny of Cher fame) was Mayor of Palm Springs from 1988 to 1992. A statue honoring the famous Mayor sits near Mercado Plaza on Palm Canyon Drive.
9. Get Up Close To Wind Turbines
There are nearly 700 wind turbines that are impossible to miss as you approach Palm Springs! I'll admit that I'm not the biggest fan of the seeing these things that screw up beautiful landscapes. However, these are perfectly placed in the desert and look really cool as you approach town.
If you spend a day in Palm Springs and want a fun photo opportunity - there are a handful of places where you can get up close to these gigantic things!
10. Admire Giraffes at Living Desert Zoo!
There are so many great animals for viewing at the Living Desert Zoo but who doesn't love giraffes? The zoo (though not in Palm Springs proper) is worth the short drive for what seems like a safari! They have an amazing setting to roam freely and you can even feed them!
Again, the beautiful mountain backdrop makes watching these beautiful animals even more awesome as it feels like you're on an African safari - not in the middle of the California desert.
