The Best Places to Go in Palm Springs
Unique Adventures, Hidden Gems & Desert Charm
Explore the Best Places to Go in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a desert playground offering a rich mix of art, history, nature, and surprise finds. This guide reveals the best places to go in Palm Springs—featuring fresh picks that stand apart from typical summer spots. Stay steps away from your next adventure with Coachella Valley Getaways.
1. Tour the San Gorgonio Wind Farms
Just east of Palm Springs, the towering San Gorgonio Wind Farms span miles of hills visible from the city. Book a guided eco-tour to learn about renewable energy and get up close to massive turbines. It's a photographer's dream and a testament to clean tech.
🔗 Base your stay near here in one of our spacious desert-view rentals.
2. Float Over the Desert in a Hot Air Balloon
Experience sunrise like never before on a hot air balloon ride over the Coachella Valley. Gently drifting high above palm groves, golf courses, and mountain ranges—it's serene, scenic, and unforgettable.
Tours often end with a champagne toast and are popular wedding or anniversary gifts.
🔗 Celebrate with a stay in our romantic getaway homes.
3. Relax at Natural Hot Springs Near Desert Hot Springs
North of Palm Springs sits Desert Hot Springs, home to natural geothermal springs and spas. Spend a morning soaking in mineral-rich waters in desert-view tubs. Facilities range from techy modern spas to rustic boutique hideaways.
🔗 Combine this with a stay at one of our home rentals near wellness retreats.
4. Wander Through Historic El Paseo Gardens
Just south in Palm Desert, El Paseo Gardens is a lush, free botanical retreat tucked within the upscale El Paseo shopping district. It’s a perfect, peaceful break from browsing galleries and boutiques.
Look for wildflower blooms and shaded benches among palm and citrus trees.
🔗 Stay in one of our elegant homes nearby and explore at your leisure.
5. Play an 18-Hole Round of Golf
Looking to swing or chip? Palm Springs is a top golf destination with courses set against dramatic backdrops:
Indian Canyons Golf Resort
Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort
Desert Willow Golf Resort
These courses offer full-day play or twilight specials—great for escaping desert highs.
🔗 Book your stay near any course with one of our golf-friendly vacation rentals.
6. Visit the Sunnylands Center & Gardens
The Sunnylands Center & Gardens is a lush, free cultural destination with formal gardens, art exhibitions, and walking paths. Once home to diplomats and presidents, the site radiates mid-century grandeur.
Self-guided tours explain the estate’s design and landscape
Check the online calendar for public programs and exhibitions
🔗 Many of our luxury properties are just a short drive away.
7. Stargaze in Joshua Tree Night Skies
While Joshua Tree was already mentioned previously, we've now replaced that with a focus on its famous night sky:
Head out at dusk to one of the dark sky areas—perfect for stargazing and astrophotography. Bring a telescope or just watch constellations, satellites, and maybe even the Milky Way unfold overhead.
Local outfitters offer guided stargazing tours that include astronomy education and warm drinks.
🔗 Stay close by booking a desert-side rental ideal for early wakeups.
8. Enjoy a Desert Spa Day in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is known for its history of celebrity wellness—but there are modern interpretations everywhere:
Two Bunch Palms and Sparrows Lodge for holistic spa escapes
Aveda Experience Center for desert-inspired wellness treatments
Treatments include thermal mineral baths, desert clay wraps, and aromatherapy massages.
🔗 Relax afterward in one of our peaceful, spa-ready vacation homes.
9. Discover Street Art in the Tennis Club Neighborhood
Wander the pastel streets of the Tennis Club neighborhood and uncover vibrant murals celebrating desert culture, local artists, and mid-century style. It’s a colorful, Instagram-ready slice of authentic Palm Springs.
New pieces appear each year—check local art maps for the latest.
🔗 Stay on a street selfie-worthy block in one of our stylish modern rentals.
10. Stay Close to Adventure With Coachella Valley Getaways
Explore these fresh picks while enjoying a fantastic home base. At Coachella Valley Getaways, we offer:
Desert-view homes near wind farms and hot springs
Golfers’ retreats with easy course access
Spa-friendly properties ideal for wellness lovers
Artful rentals in vibrant neighborhoods
Each property is professionally managed, fully equipped, and perfect for your custom desert escape.
Book Your Palm Springs Experience Today
From soaring over the desert in a hot air balloon to nurturing your spirit in spa waters and exploring artful streets, these are the best places to go in Palm Springs—without repeating summer attractions. Maximize your trip with the convenience and charm of a Coachella Valley Getaways home.
👉 Browse our full rental collection or contact us today to begin planning your desert adventure.
