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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.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
Greater Palm Springs
Elvis and Priscilla Presley had stayed at the iconic 1960 Alexander Estate in 1966 and liked it so much that Elvis carried his new bride over the…
Greater Palm Springs
Adjacent to the airport, this museum has an exceptional collection of WWII aircraft and flight memorabilia, a movie theater and occasional flight…
Attractions
Top picks from our travel experts
Greater Palm Springs
A historic and sacred centerpiece for the Agua Caliente people, this canyon featured in the 1937 Frank Capra movie Lost Horizon. The visitor center has…
Greater Palm Springs
Crimson light bathes even pasty-faced hipsters with a healthy glow, as do the pretty crafted cocktails at this teensy tiki bar with blowfish lamps and…
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…
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…
Greater Palm Springs
Adjacent to the airport, this museum has an exceptional collection of WWII aircraft and flight memorabilia, a movie theater and occasional flight…
Greater Palm Springs
Streams flowing from the San Jacinto Mountains sustain rich plant varieties in oases around Palm Springs. Home to Native American communities for…
Greater Palm Springs
In business since 1924, this kooky roadside attraction is where you can watch the 15-minute documentary, Romance and Sex Life of the Date, try a date…
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,…
Greater Palm Springs
This intimate theater at the Palm Springs Art Museum has great acoustics and presents an eclectic schedule of films, lectures, theater, ballet and music…
Greater Palm Springs
Nobody does art that epitomizes Palm Springs cool like Shag (aka Josh Agle). His sleek, sly, saucy and smart pieces portray poolside party people,…
Greater Palm Springs
You can only catch a glimpse from the sidewalk of this glass, steel and stone masterpiece built by Richard Neutra but, oh, what a glimpse it is. Despite…
Greater Palm Springs
Trina makes form-flattering ‘California-chic’ fashions that are beautifully presented in her original flagship boutique housed in a low-slung 1960s Albert…
Greater Palm Springs
Hidden away in the back of the ornate 1920s El Paseo building, a large patio with olive trees leads to this starkly beautiful space. At its center is a…
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.
Read articleBest Neighborhoods
Whether you’re craving outdoor adventure, nightlife, or vintage shopping, Palm Springs has it all.
Read articleDay 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.
Read articleFree 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.
Read articleArticles
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Guidebooks
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