You’ve got the happy hour activities and where to dine sorted, but what about your day time activities in Palm Springs? What is there to see and do? After visiting Palm Springs twice before, I’ve managed to check off a few must-do items. Here are my top 5 activities in Great Palm Springs.
1. For adventure – Red Jeep Tour
A jeep tour, but what are you going to see? My initial thoughts too. Surely there wasn’t very much for us to visit on our trip to Palm Springs to warrant a jeep tour? I was so wrong and had one of the best experiences I’ve had on a vacation, and this is up there with my Safari in South Africa.
You have group tour options and also private individual trips with Red Jeep Tours. Collecting us from the Sands Hotel & Spa, we were greeted by our tour guide for the afternoon. I won’t go into all the details as Nick has written a full review for a post at a later date. In a nutshell, you head out to see the San Andreas Fault lines, learn about the history of the landscape and how it is ever changing, you also get to hop out the jeep and explore some of the most incredible rock formations and the Cahuilla Indian Village. My mind was absolutely blown on this tour, and so that is actually why it’s my top choice of activity! Plus our guide was one of the best tour guides.
Cost + Details
Public Tours (2 person minimum)
- Adults – $150 per person
- Children – $135 per person
Private Tours
- $200 per person (Minimum 4 guests)
- $1,000 per 7-passenger Jeep
2. For the views – Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
I’ve unfortunately not been able to do this yet, but it’s planned for when we return. The famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes you up to Chino Canyons to an elevation of 8,516 feet, on the way you’ll take in panoramic views in the rotating tram car. Once up you’ll be able to enjoy some magnificent hiking trails, so if you’re into walking and want to get snappy happy from the views, this is an excellent activity choice! Find out more here
Cost
Adults $29.95
Children (Ages 3 – 10) $17.95
Seniors (65+) $27.95
3. For something different – Smoketree Stables
Now, this was fun! I’m not a horse rider at all, and that doesn’t matter as long as you listen to instructors at the Smoketree Stables. We did the Murray Canyon haul ride that takes you through the Indian Canyons and Palm Groves. You follow along in a snake as you and your horse make your way around the beautiful canyon rocks. A nice slower paced activities, there is no trotting or cantering, the horses all gently walk along. In-between the line are instructors who will chat about different areas we’re visiting. My husband and I were right at the back so we didn’t actually get to hear much, and instead were just soaking in the views.
Definitely recommend this for getting to see the area in a different way. This was extremely well organised with excellent customer service.
Cost
Adults + Children $150.00
3. For a bit of fun – The Cabazon Dinosaurs
When I first heard about these pair of dinos back on my honeymoon in 2018, I couldn’t quite believe they existed! These giant dinosaurs, a Tyrannosaurus and Brachiosaurus are close to the outlets and have been in place since 1975. It’d be rude not to stop by! The best part too, is they get dressed up for the holidays as well. One of these dinosaurs is actually a shop, so you can go inside and buy some dinosaur merchandise. It’s not a day out activity, but if you’re heading to the nearby outlets, you should 100% tick this off! If you don’t believe me, check them out on instagram.
Cost
Admission to the Dinosaur Park
Adults $15 Ages 13-55
Children $13 Ages 3 – 12
Seniors & Military $11
4. For some relaxation – Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort and Spa
We all need to unwind when we’re on holiday, especially if you’re doing lots of activities! If something quiet and calm is what you’re looking for, then head to the Azure Palm Hot Springs! The spa is super close to Palm Springs and looks out at Mount San Jacinto and the Coachella Valley. It has hot springs of mineral water with healing, restorative minerals. I visited the day after my Ironman 70.3 and I loved the opportunity to visit the only place in Southern California with such incredible spring conditions.
Beyond the iconic springs you’ll find all the normal requirements from a spa, robes, swimming pool, beauty treatments and places to unwind and relax. If you need a day off during a jam-packed itinerary holiday, I’d highly suggest giving this place a visit.
Cost
Day Pass from $68
5. For a bit of history – Palm Spring Air Museum
Both Nick and I come from aviation backgrounds and so we both have a strong fascination and appreciation for air travel. Perhaps that’s why we enjoy exploring so much! One place we want to check off next time is the Palm Springs Air Museum. It plays host to some incredible aircraft in it’s two large hangars.
‘The Museum preserves, exhibits, and flies aircraft from World War Two, Korean War, Vietnam War and the Global War on Terror. A good portion of the aircraft in the collection are in flyable condition’.
This museum is open 7 days a week 10am-5pm – so plenty of opportunities to stop by and see some of most iconic American aircraft from a variety of decades.
Cost
Adults$22
Seniors, Veterans, Retired Military, Teenagers (13-17)$20
Family Pack$55Two adults, 1-3 teenagers (13-17)
Active Duty & immediate familyFreeImmediate family includes significant other + children
Kids 12 & Under*Free
Interesting in exploring more in Greater Palm Springs? You’re welcome to drop me an email annie@talesofanniebean.com as I know many do when looking for tips and travel advice, but if not, head to the official tourist board website.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.