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5 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do in Palm Springs – An Insider’s Guide
Palm Springs is the premiere desert destination in the United States, clocking in more than 300 days of sunshine per year. A glamorous desert escape for California A-Listers since the 1920s, it’s since added world-class golf courses, sublime shopping strips, and top-notch restaurants to its roster of attractions, all while retaining its classic charm. Travelers can fly directly into Palm Springs International Airport or opt for the two-hour drive from Los Angeles or San Diego.
While desert locales are typically about getting in touch with nature, Palm Springs is slightly different. Sure, there are plenty of outdoor activities, from tennis and hiking to golf at beautiful courses like the Desert Willow Golf Club, but there’s also plenty of culture here too. Fantastic museums, art tours, botanical gardens and more grace every must-do list. But there are a few other things that even repeat visitors may not know about in our guide to Palm Springs.
Here is an insider's guide, five things you didn’t know you could do in Palm Springs:
1. Shop 'til you drop
Known as the historic heart of Palm Springs, Palm Canyon Drive is home to the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, which honors notable residents past and present. On this palm tree-lined downtown street, you can also find charming vintage boutiques, small art galleries, and trendy cafes to stop in for a much-needed iced coffee. To help ensure you keep your desert chic look up to date, KEY can organize one of Palm Springs’ best local stylists to create a customized shopping itinerary which gives you a personal and practical perspective of the best local boutiques for all your fashion needs.
But before you start shopping, venture off North Palm Canyon Drive into the Old Las Palmas neighborhood to marvel at the properties’ various architectural styles. Many of these stately Spanish colonials and mid-century moderns (famous to Palm Springs) dating back to the 1920s are a second home for celebrities.
2: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
One of the must-do activities in Palm Springs is the ascent to Mount San Jacinto from the floor of the valley on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. A 2.5-mile (or 10-minute) tram ride up past Chino Canyon guarantees stunning mountain views. Once you’re at the top, they get even better, but it also gets colder. At more than 8,500 feet above sea level, the temperatures drop, so be sure to dress accordingly.
At the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, there are a variety of things to explore, including around 50 miles of hiking trails. There’s also a natural history museum as well as several observation decks from which to take in the scenery. Peak’s Restaurant has panoramic views over the valley and makes for a perfect spot to sip on a glass of California red or alcohol-infused coffee.
3: Wine and dine in the desert
Palm Springs is known for its exceptional and stylish restaurant scene celebrating California cuisine and produce. But before your dinner reservation is ready, allow KEY to organize a private wine tasting with a professional sommelier for you and a group of friends at your luxury home away from home. Choose between French or Italian for a range of fine selected bottles, or opt for “Bubbles” before you head downtown for a delicious dinner.
Book a table at Mr. Lyons, where they’ve been perfecting the classic steakhouse for more than 45 years. Enjoy steak frites where Sinatra sat or go for one of this upscale spot’s newer vegetable-forward dishes. And on your way out, stop into its speakeasy Seymour’s for a nightcap or two.
4: Local art for all
If the sunshine and weather get a bit too warm for a round of golf, cool off in one of Palm Springs’ incredible museums or galleries. The Palm Springs Art Museum has a large and impressive permanent collection of artwork championing modern California artists. And if you’re looking to add to your personal collection, there’s no shortage of noteworthy galleries in Palm Springs. Peruse the Stewart Galleries or the Rubine Red Gallery for pieces small and large.
From March to May, Desert X takes up residency in the arid landscape of nearby Coachella Valley. Contemporary artists from around the globe come to display a personal and practical perspective on how we live in our world today. And if you’re after tickets to a certain famous music festival held in Coachella Valley each April, KEY is happy to answer any and all ticket queries.
5: Explore ancient lands
Venture to canyons and Native American villages on a private jeep eco-tour through this slice of the Golden State. Guests can choose between the San Andreas Fault Tour or the Indian Canyons Tour. On the former, guests get off-road to explore the famed tectonic fault line with an expert. You’ll also tour a recreation of a Cahuilla American Indian Village.
On the Indian Canyon tour, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Cahuilla tribe. On a guided nature walk, you’ll visit the tribe’s ancestral home and hear stories detailing Native American life and history in this California region. Whatever you decide, you’re in for a fascinating desert adventure.
