13 Landmarks to Visit in Greater Palm Springs

Things to Do

From mountain hikes to museums and ice skating, these landmarks to visit in Greater Palm Springs promise a full summer of wonder and delight.

by | Jun 10, 2025

Hiking atop the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY VISIT GREATER PALM SPRINGS

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Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Rise above the valley floor aboard the world’s largest rotating tramcar, ascending to cooler temperatures and stunning views in Mount San Jacinto State Park. Mountaintop dining and more than 50 miles of scenic hiking await.

Rancho Mirage Observatory

Marvel at the cosmos during guided stargazing sessions at this state-of-the-art observatory with telescopes that can magnify  celestial objects more than 500 times under clear night skies. 

Shields Date Garden

Treat yourself to a famous date shake, take a photo in the palm grove, and watch the cheekily named film, The Romance and Sex Life of the Date, created by founder Floyd Shields — it has looped in the Shields theater for decades. 

The Living Desert  Zoo and Gardens

Start your day with a visit to this conservation-focused zoo, home to wildlife from desert regions around the globe. Feed a giraffe, hop aboard a safari cart, or cool off at the new Oasis Splash Pad, with animal-themed fountains and a mini waterslide. 

  Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza

The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum and The Spa at Séc-he celebrate the heritage of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The museum contains artifacts dating back more than 8,000 years, while the spa taps an ancient hot mineral spring

Cabot’s Pueblo Museum

Of all the desert’s oddities, none is perhaps as quirky as this pueblo, constructed by homesteader Cabot Yerxa. Its 35 rooms are filled with Native American artifacts, art, and objects from his travels. 

Palm Springs Art Museum

Discover an extensive collection of contemporary art, classic Western pieces, and Native American artifacts in the region’s premier art institution. On view through Aug. 31, an exhibition from L.A.-based artist, archivist, and activist Guadalupe Rosales spotlights Chicano youth subcultures of 1990s Los Angeles.

Architecture and Design Center

Trace the evolution of midcentury modern architecture in a historic 1961 bank building — itself a fine example of the style. The center’s summer exhibition honors women who have played key roles in the development, promotion, and conservation of local architecture. 

Berger Foundation Iceplex

Skate where the Coachella Valley Firebirds train! Berger Foundation Iceplex offers public ice-skating sessions all summer. 

La Quinta Museum

Did you know the city of La Quinta was named after a hotel? Delve into the city’s storied past with exhibitions covering Indigenous culture, early pioneers, and Old Hollywood connections, all housed in a charming Spanish-style building

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.

photo courtesy visit greater palm springs

  BMW Performance Center West

Get behind the wheel of a BMW and test your skills on a world-class track with expert instructors guiding the ride. 

Coachella Valley History  Museum

Exhibits on local history, the date palm industry, and a peaceful Japanese Memorial Garden offer a glimpse into the Coachella Valley’s distinctive heritage. Visitors can also step inside a restored 1909 schoolhouse for a look at early classroom life. 

Palm Springs Air Museum

The museum contains more than 70 static and flying aircraft with five hangars dedicated to: the Pacific (Navy), the European (Army), the B-17, the Korean and Vietnam wars, and the F-117A. Check out the flight simulator for a hands-on taste of aviation history.

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