Dine, explore, and unwind in elevated elegance with views that steal the show.
Greater Palm Springs isn’t just a destination—it’s a state of mind. Wrapped in golden light and framed by mountain silhouettes, this Southern California haven is where barefoot luxury meets raw natural beauty. Think: designer villas tucked into palm-lined canyons, open-air art installations, sleek spas, and soul-stirring desert adventures. Whether you’re craving serenity or a taste of the extraordinary, this sun-soaked oasis serves it up with effortless style and a touch of magic only the desert can deliver.
Enjoy Exceptional Views from a Hot Air Balloon
There’s something undeniably cinematic about drifting above the desert at dawn, champagne flute in hand, as the landscape unfurls in golden light. In Greater Palm Springs, hot air ballooning is more than an activity—it’s a dreamy desert ritual. From September to May, these early-morning flights offer a rare, bird’s-eye view of the Coachella Valley’s striking contrasts: rugged mountain ridges, geometric farms, glittering resorts, and sun-washed sands. The experience often begins with a light continental breakfast, and for special occasions—like weddings—custom flights can be arranged beneath those iconic, candy-colored aerostats towering eight stories high. It’s the kind of adventure that makes a getaway unforgettable.
Stay in an Iconic Vacation Home
No trip to Greater Palm Springs is complete without checking into one of its glamorously appointed vacation homes—think private pools, padel courts, mountain views, and a generous dose of mid-century flair. This desert enclave has long been a playground for icons, and now you can stay in homes once graced by legends like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.
For those seeking a show-stopping stay, Desert Luxury Estates curates properties like La Paz Estate in Palm Desert—an eight-bedroom, six-bath stunner built for unforgettable gatherings, weddings, or multi-generational escapes. Meanwhile, Modern Mesa in Palm Springs is a sleek, three-bedroom retreat designed for intimate getaways, sleeping up to six in modern comfort.
Want to live like an old-Hollywood local? Browse Movie Colony homes on Airbnb for a dose of star-studded nostalgia. Or explore Vacation Palm Springs, with everything from hillside Tahquitz villas to stylish Palm Desert sanctuaries. For those who prioritize seclusion with serious wow factor, Private Villa Management offers exclusive properties with pools, views, and that effortless indoor-outdoor living Southern California does so well.
Get Your Adrenaline Fix
For an unforgettable way to explore the desert, start with two wheels and a sense of adventure. Big Wheel Tours offers some of the most memorable cycling experiences in Greater Palm Springs—perfectly blending fitness, fun, and breathtaking scenery. From curated city rides to jaw-dropping canyon routes, these guided tours are anything but ordinary.
One standout? The Indian Canyon Bike & Hike Tour, which combines light cycling with a walk through one of the region’s most stunning natural preserves. You’ll cruise through storied neighborhoods like Canyon Country Club, before venturing into the raw beauty of the valley—all in a compact, ten-mile loop that’s big on views and character.
Feeling bold? Opt for the Earthquake Canyon Express Bicycle Tour, a 20-mile journey through the heart of the San Andreas Fault zone. The paved path winds through dramatic desert landscapes before descending into the Coachella Valley’s lesser-known grape-growing region near Mecca—offering a geologic and visual feast.
And if cycling isn’t your speed, Big Wheel Tours also offers guided hiking adventures and off-road Jeep or SUV tours, giving visitors every excuse to get up close with the desert’s dramatic terrain. Custom tour options are available, too—so your Palm Springs adventure can be as relaxed or rugged as you like.
Admire Iconic Homes
Start your day the chic way—with a self-guided spin through Palm Springs’ most iconic neighborhoods, courtesy of Modern Tours Palm Springs. Their two-hour Celebrity MEGA Tour is a must for design lovers and pop culture buffs alike, winding past legendary homes once owned by Rat Pack royalty, Leonardo DiCaprio, U.S. presidents, and more. Many were dreamt up by visionary architects like William Krisel, blending midcentury flair with desert cool.
Prefer to let someone else take the wheel? Palm Springs Mod Squad Tours delivers a stylish mix of storytelling and architecture, including the ultra-fab Martini & MCM Architecture Tour, where you’ll pass the former homes of Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and Marilyn Monroe—cocktail vibes included.
For serious design enthusiasts, Five Star Adventure Tours adds even more sparkle with homes by architectural luminaries like Donald Wexler and Richard Kauffman. Whether you’re drawn by the stories, the lines, or the legacy, these tours offer a front-row seat to the glamorous heart of Palm Springs.
Explore on Horseback
Craving a dose of old-school adventure with a touch of desert charm? Head to Smoke Tree Stables, where you can swap wheels for hooves and explore Greater Palm Springs on horseback. Tucked beneath a canopy of swaying palms, this serene spot offers guided trail rides through picture-perfect desert paths, ideal for families, couples, or solo riders looking to unplug in nature.
Feeling bold? Book a private riding lesson or celebrate a special occasion—birthday rides here come with stunning views and unforgettable moments. After the ride, guests are invited to connect with their four-legged companions, learning how to brush, bond, and care for the horses. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a curious first-timer, Smoke Tree Stables delivers a soulful, sun-drenched experience straight out of a Western daydream.
Where to Go Stargazing in and Around Greater Palm Springs
When the sun dips below the mountains and the desert air cools, Greater Palm Springs reveals one of its most magical secrets: an ink-black sky glittering with stars. For those chasing celestial wonder, the Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory is a standout. With public telescope nights, observatory tours, and expert-led stargazing sessions, it offers an immersive peek into the cosmos—no astrophysics degree required.
Prefer a more rugged escape? Skip the crowds at Joshua Tree and head to the Coachella Valley Preserve, a closer (and quieter) spot that still delivers wide-open skies perfect for constellation-spotting. Or, make a late afternoon escape to Idyllwild, a charming mountain town just above the valley floor. After a cozy dinner in town, step outside and look up—this high-altitude hideaway offers some of the clearest stargazing in Southern California, minus the desert heat.
Feed a Giraffe at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Part modern zoo, part desert botanical wonderland, The Living Desert is anything but ordinary. This dynamic wildlife park in Greater Palm Springs invites visitors into immersive, up-close moments with some of the world’s most extraordinary animals—starting with a charming giraffe who’s more than happy to share a snack (or a selfie).
Don’t miss the awe-inspiring Rhino Savanna, a state-of-the-art habitat just steps from the entrance. This expansive, multi-species environment is home to 12 African animals, but its stars are the majestic black rhinos, Nia and Jaali. Standing just feet away from these powerful creatures is a rare and humbling experience—equal parts thrilling and educational.
Whether you’re traveling with kids, animal lovers, or just your curiosity, The Living Desert blends conservation, innovation, and desert beauty into one unforgettable visit.
Ride the World’s Largest Tramcar at The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
For a truly elevated escape—literally—hop aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tramcar, for a breathtaking two-and-a-half-mile journey into the wild heart of Mount San Jacinto State Park. As you ascend, the desert floor gives way to soaring pines, crisp alpine air, and panoramic views that feel worlds away from the valley below.
Once at the top, spend the afternoon exploring: hike along scenic trails, join a guided nature walk, or in winter, try your hand at cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Feeling bold? There’s even snow camping for the adventurous few. When it’s time to unwind, head to Peaks Restaurant or the casual Pines Café—both offer sweeping vistas and satisfying mountain fare.
Whether you’re seeking solitude, snow, or just a cool breeze with a killer view, this alpine national monument delivers magic in every season.
For latest travel news and updates, food and drink journeys, restaurant features, and more, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram. Read more on Travel and Food Network
Related Coverage
Discovering Those Eastern Sierra Wonders: Road Trip Routes to Mammoth Lakes
9 New Michelin-Starred Restaurants in California to Bookmark for Your Next Visit
