The Best Travel Guide to Palm Springs, California

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Palm Springs

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North America United States Palm Springs, California

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Palm Springs, California

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The guide was updated: 2017-09-08

Palm trees provide a periphery of greens and browns as shadows run along the otherwise snow-capped contours of the mountain ranges. It is clear to visitors why Hollywood stars made Palm Springs their instant escape during the 1920s. The resort town has long remained a getaway for the upwardly mobile—garnering the nickname of “Hollywood's Hideaway”—and has since blossomed into an accessible vacation destination for those seeking lavish leisure among a host of natural and man-made attractions.

Facts

Population:	45,573
Currency:	$1 US = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	911
Newspapers:	The Desert Sun
Opening hours:	General opening hours for stores are 10am until 9pm.
Tourist information:	Palm Springs Visitors Center 2901 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs +1 760 778 8418

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Section in Palm Springs, California

With tourism at the heart of Palm Springs' economy, you know there will be plenty to do during your visit. Moderate winter temperatures draw over one million visitors to Palm Springs each year and make it a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding and sitting by the pool. Golf is also popular, with over 100 golf courses in the area.

Palm Springs Air Museum

A significant stop for aviation lovers, the Palm Springs Air Museum houses the largest collection of flyable World War II planes, as well as a theater, flight simulator, and a children's activity center. CNN Travel named it “One of the 14 best Air Museum’s in the world.”

Indian Canyons

The scenery here is simply amazing, and changes along with the seasons. Enjoy a 1-mile hiking trail, and once it is completed you can enjoy a lovely coffee in the sun.

Wet 'n' Wild

Wet 'n' Wild offers you the perfect way to spend a hot summer day, especially if you are here with your kids. Enjoy the many different slides - some are just for the kids and some are for the whole family. Simply put, you will have a great day.

Joshua Tree National Park

The United States' national park system includes more than rolling forests and mountain peaks. Joshua Tree National Park, named for the unusual-looking trees that grow here, is home to myriad diverse desert ecosystems.

Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert

Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert is a family-centered museum where children engage in interactive exhibits and programs that encourage them to explore and learn about the world around them. The Museum is a resource to the community through the development of special programs and collaborations with other organizations.

Moorten Botanical Gardens

A surprising 3,000 varieties of plant life inhabit the estate of the Moorten family, along with fossils, historical vestiges, and colorful minerals. Guided tours are offered, and many people even choose to hold their wedding ceremonies here.

Palm Springs Walk of Stars

Palm Springs has been a getaway for Hollywood's biggest stars since the 1920s. Some liked it so much they decided to call it home. See stars dedicated to these celebrities on sidewalks of Palm Canyon Drive, Tahquitz Canyon Way, and Museum Drive.

Palm Springs Art Museum

A large collection of art encompassing a variety of media in 28 galleries, a theater, two sculpture gardens, a cafe, and educational programs provide enjoyment for everyone. Its mission is to promote enjoyment, education, and involvement with visual art by collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting art.

Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

Learn about Palms Springs' first inhabitants, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla American Indians, through on- and off-site exhibits, lectures, and other activities. Find extensive collections of archaeological material, objects of material culture, art, crafts, documents, publications, photographs, and audiovisual media.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Wild animals from the desert environments of North America and Africa are represented on the 1200-acre Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. The Living Desert's mission is desert conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation.

Coachella Valley National Wildlife Refuge

See natural wonders you will find nowhere else, such as the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard and the Thousand Palm Oasis. Take yourself to the 20,000+ acres of desert wilderness, wildlife, and trails.

Spa Resort Casino

Spa Resort Casino is a 24-hour casino with the valley's only fully-enclosed, non-smoking slot room. It also features a full-service spa and salon, an entertainment lounge, and dining onsite. Test your luck at Spa Resort Casino.

Architecture

The work of notable architects of the mid-century modernist movement can be seen in all kinds of buildings in the Palm Springs area. Pick up a map of locations from the visitors center or take a guided tour: Palm Springs Modern Tours +1 760 318 6118 www.palmspringsmoderntours.com The Modern Tour +1 760 904 0904 www.themoderntour.com

Golf

Hit the links at any one of these beautiful Palms Springs golf courses: Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort 1885 Golf Club Drive +1 760 328 1005 www.tahquitzgolfresort.com Escena Golf Club 1100 Clubhouse View +1 760 778 2737 www.escenagolf.com Indian Canyons 1097 East Murray Canyon Drive +1 760 833 8700 www.indiancanyonsgolf.com

Biking

If biking is your preferred way to see the city, grab a free map from the Department of Community Services that outlines five different trails ranging from 3 to 13 miles.

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