Palm Springs is not only about pool time, but let’s be honest, it’s our favorite pastime activity. Yet, from time to time, we like to stretch our legs and leave the safe harbor of our hotel. And no, we are not just going to another pool. Read on and see what else you can do in Palm Springs. Palm Springs Activities – What to do when you are not at the pool.
MOORTEN BOTANICAL GARDEN
No visit to Palm Springs is complete without a visit to the Moorten’s Botanical Garden.
Being home to cacti and other desert plants since 1938, Moorten is one of the most iconic gardens in the Golden State.
Patricia & Chester “Cactus Slim” Moorten, a silent film movie star, dwelled in Palm Springs and started out by collecting plants for their own garden, which would grow into a green museum.
Get lost in the garden, walk the succulent lined paths, rest on a bench, take pictures and just soak in the wondrous forms only nature can create.
Moorten Botanical Garden is open Sunday to Tuesday and Thursday to Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm; closed on Wednesday. Entrance fee: $4.
1701 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs
AERIAL TRAMWAY
Go high with the Aerial Tramway. The tram will let you soar over the Chino Canyon, exposing desert views like you have never seen it before. Up there, you can go for a hike in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter, enjoy some quite time, grab lunch at the Pine Cafe or dinner at the Peak Restaurant. Check opening hours on the official website.
SCOOTER RIDE
We think scooter rides are one of the coolest things to do in Palm Springs. Book one with Scoot Palm Springs and just cruise around. Palm Springs is packed with cool neighborhoods with lots of history. So how about a visit to the Movie Colony or find the honeymoon home of Elvis & Priscilla.
HIKING IN THE DESERT
Our first recommendation, at least in the summer, hit the trail early in the morning. Otherwise, the heat could get a bit too much if you are not used to it. And the light is just mesmerizing in the early hours. Palm Springs’ surrounding abounds with amazing hiking trails for every difficulty level. From visiting the largest fan palm oasis in Palm Canyon to chasing a waterfall in Tahquitz Canyon. Just make sure you take lots of water with you, put sunscreen on and wear layers. It the end, you are still in the desert.
PLAY TENNIS
Playing tennis in Palm Springs feels a little bit more glamorous than playing tennis in any other city. The spirit of the Golden Hollywood era is still present and swinging the rocket in white Lacoste dress or shirt just feels fancy. We recommend the Palm Springs Tennis Club and no matter if beginner or pro, we bet it will be fun.
PLAY “WHERE IS THAT DOOR GAME”.
Palm Springs is famous for its architecture and the colorful doors. The Pink Door might be the superstar, but there are plenty of other doors waiting to be discovered. The best way to explore the neighborhoods is by bike. This way you don’t miss out, and you can easily stop to take a picture. Most hotels will have complimentary bikes. While we don’t want to make your scavenger hunt too easy, we will give you a hint — most doors are in the Indian Canyon neighborhood.
**Do you know any other cool activities to do in Palm Springs, let us know on Instagram!
