Palm Springs: Where Flamingos, Gondolas, and Desert Gardens Meet

Hike through hidden desert oases

For a breathtaking blend of desert drama and natural serenity, head to Indian Canyons, home to some of the most lush and scenic trails in the area. Andreas Canyon offers a surprisingly green palm oasis alongside a babbling creek, while Palm Canyon wows with its expansive fan palm groves—some of the largest in North America. If you’re short on time, Tahquitz Canyon delivers with a relatively short hike that ends at a stunning seasonal 60-foot waterfall.

Taste the sweet life at a historic date farm

No trip to the Coachella Valley is complete without a stop at Shield’s Date Garden in Indio. This family-owned farm has been growing dates since 1924 and is famous for its deliciously creamy date milkshakes—yes, they’re as indulgent as they sound. You can take a self-guided tour through their date palms, explore their whimsical “Romance and Sex Life of the Date” video exhibit, and grab a bite at their charming garden café.

Explore clean energy giants up close

The towering white turbines you see spinning in the distance aren’t just for show. Book a tour with Palm Springs Windmill Tours to get up close to these engineering marvels and learn how this desert city leads the way in renewable energy. It’s both a lesson in sustainability and an awe-inspiring photo op.

Shop in desert-chic comfort

Palm Springs knows how to do luxury in style—even under the blazing sun. The Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert is an upscale outdoor shopping haven, with tree-lined paths, shaded seating, and cooling misters to keep you comfortable as you browse designer stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., and Gucci. For something more artsy and eclectic, head to the Palm Springs Design District, where mid-century modern vibes meet boutique fashion and art.

Relax with spa treatments like nowhere else

Just 20 minutes outside Palm Springs in Desert Hot Springs, you’ll find wellness sanctuaries like Two Bunch Palms and Azure Palm Hot Springs. These world-renowned spas feature naturally heated mineral pools, eucalyptus steam rooms, and massage experiences that seem to melt the stress right out of your bones—all while you gaze out at the desert mountains.

Take a boat ride inside a hotel (yes, with flamingos)

Yes, you read that right: there’s a boat ride inside a hotel. At the stunning JW Marriott Desert Springs, you can hop aboard an air-conditioned electric boat that floats through the resort’s interior canals—past waterfalls, tropical plants, and even real flamingos on the lawn. It’s a surreal, only-in-Palm-Springs experience that feels part Vegas, part Venice, all desert magic.

Say hello to Marilyn Monroe (larger-than-life)

In downtown Palm Springs, you can’t miss the 26-foot-tall “Forever Marilyn” statue, a playful tribute to the Hollywood icon who spent plenty of time in the area. For true film buffs, take a guided walking tour with the Palm Springs Historical Society to learn about Marilyn’s desert days and the many celebrities who once called Palm Springs their playground.

Wander through a world of desert flora

For a peaceful, educational stroll, stop by the Moorten Botanical Garden. This one-acre “living museum” is filled with rare cacti, succulents, and desert plants from across the globe. The vintage charm, complete with a rustic “Cactarium,” makes it a photogenic and serene break from the heat.

Ride into the clouds—and the snow!

Escape the desert heat in the most dramatic way possible: take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to Mount San Jacinto State Park, where the air is cool and the alpine forests feel like another world. In winter, you’ll find snow-covered trails; in summer, you can still play in the remaining patches while enjoying panoramic views of the Coachella Valley below. The rotating tramcar makes the journey up just as thrilling as the destination.

Maracas Mexican Cantina & Grill: Lively and colorful, Maracas is the perfect spot for tacos, margaritas, and people-watching on Palm Canyon Drive. The patio is always buzzing, and the portions are generous—come hungry!

Peninsula Pastries Palm Springs: A hidden gem for pastry lovers, Peninsula Pastries brings authentic French baking to the desert with buttery croissants, flaky tarts, and daily-made baguettes. Get there early—this place sells out fast!

Shield’s Date Garden: Home of the famous date shake, Shield’s is part old-school roadside stop, part working date farm. You can tour the gardens, learn about date cultivation, and sip the creamiest date shake you'll ever taste.

Café La Jefa: A modern, woman- and Latina-owned café serving bold coffee, health-conscious bites, and desert vibes in a super-chic setting. Café La Jefa is perfect for your morning latte or a quick brunch break.

Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs: More than just a resort, Margaritaville offers laid-back tropical dining and drinks poolside or at their on-site restaurants. Sip a frozen margarita, kick back with live music, and soak up that carefree island-desert energy.