Greater Palm Springs travel

Woman standing in sunroom of car in Joshua Tree National Park

Greater Palm Springs

The Rat Pack is back, baby, or at least its hangout is. In the 1950s and '60s, Palm Springs, some 100 miles east of LA, was the swinging getaway of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and other Hollywood stars. Once the Rat Pack packed it in, Palm Springs surrendered to golfing retirees. However, in the mid-1990s, new generations discovered the city’s retro-chic vibe and elegant mid-century modern structures built by famous architects. Today, retirees and snowbirds mix comfortably with hipsters, hikers and a sizeable LGBTQI+ community on getaways from LA and from across the globe.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions

Sunnylands
Greater Palm Springs
Palm Springs has long been famous a celebrity playground, but few destinations in the valley better exemplify that pedigree than Sunnylands, the retreat…
Palm Springs Art Museum
Greater Palm Springs
Art fans should not miss this museum and its changing exhibitions drawn from a stellar collection of international modern and contemporary painting,…
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Greater Palm Springs
This rotating cable car climbs nearly 6000ft vertically and covers five different vegetation zones, from the Sonoran desert floor to pine-scented Mt San…
Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
Greater Palm Springs
This amazing animal park showcases desert plants and animals alongside exhibits on regional geology and Native American culture. Highlights include a walk…
Salvation Mountain
Greater Palm Springs
Salvation Mountain is a mighty strange sight indeed: a 100ft-high hill of hand-mixed adobe and straw slathered in paint and decorated with flowers,…
World's Biggest Dinosaurs
Greater Palm Springs
Driving along the I-10, about 20 miles west of Palm Springs, you may do a double take when glimpsing 'Dinny the Dinosaur' and 'Mr Rex' on the north side…
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum
Greater Palm Springs
Cabot Yerxa, a wealthy East Coaster who traded high society for desert solitude, hand-built this rambling 1913 adobe from reclaimed and found objects,…
Frank Sinatra Grave
Greater Palm Springs
Rat Packers should make the pilgrimage to Desert Memorial Park to pay their final respects to Frank Sinatra who died in 1998 at age 82. He was buried in…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Transportation

Walking is fine for downtown and its environs, but if you want to venture farther out in the Coachella Valley, a car is the way to go.

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Best Neighborhoods

Whether you’re craving outdoor adventure, nightlife, or vintage shopping, Palm Springs has it all.

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Day Trips

If you’re looking for road trips that take you to the mountains, beach and beyond, check out these day trips from Palm Springs.

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Free Things to Do

With its reputation for glamor and luxury, it might be surprising that there's anything to do for free in Palm Springs. Here's how to visit on a budget.

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