Activities Guide: Wander Palm Springs Canyon

Palm Springs offers a diverse range of distinctive activities, including a tramway providing breathtaking views and hiking trails, a botanical garden showcasing desert plants, an exquisite art museum, an aviation museum featuring displays from WWII to the present, ATV rentals, and a serene spa. Delve into the specifics of these fantastic top five picks for an unforgettable experience in Palm Springs.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Photo courtesy of Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

• Distance from Wander Palm Springs Canyon: 9.1 miles 

• Location: 1 Tramway Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262

• Hours: 10AM-8PM Monday-Friday; 8AM-8PM Saturday & Sunday 

• Phone: (760) 325-1391

• Website: https://pstramway.com/

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway boasts the world's largest rotating tram cars, traversing over two-and-a-half miles through Chino Canyon to a station at an elevation of 8,516 feet. During the ten-minute ascent, passengers enjoy slow rotations, capturing picturesque views of the valley floor below. The Mountain Station offers dining, a museum, observation decks, and over 50 miles of hiking trails in the scenic Mt. San Jacinto State Park.

Moorten Botanical Garden

Photo courtesy of Moorten Botanical Garden

Distance from Wander Palm Springs Canyon: 0.9 miles 

• Location: 1701 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264

• Phone: (760) 327-6555

• Website: http://www.moortenbotanicalgarden.com/

Opened in 1938, the Moorten Botanical Garden in Palm Springs is a historic landmark showcasing over 3,000 varieties of desert plants. Founded by the Moorten family, specialists in desert plants, the garden features a unique Cactarium with rare specimens and offers a living museum experience with crystals, fossils, and pioneer relics. Visitors can explore the nature trail, admire the Mediterranean-style Cactus Castle, and take home desert treasures from the on-site nursery.

Palm Springs Art Museum

Photo courtesy of Palm Springs Art Museum

• Distance from Wander Palm Springs Canyon: 2.7 miles

• Location: 101 N Museum Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

• Hours: 10AM-5PM Friday-Monday; 12PM-8PM Thursday; Closed Tuesday & Wednesday

• Phone: (760) 322-4800

Website: https://www.psmuseum.org/

Established in 1938 as the Palm Springs Desert Museum, the Palm Springs Art Museum has transformed into a world-class art institution with a focus on visual and performing arts. Accredited by the American Association of Museums, the museum boasts 28 galleries, sculpture gardens, an architecture and design center, classrooms, and a theater, contributing to the cultural richness of Palm Springs.

Tip: Make sure to visit the events page to discover upcoming happenings such as fashion shows, fundraisers, and family-friendly activities.

Palm Springs Air Museum

Photo courtesy of Palm Springs Air Museum

• Distance from Wander Palm Springs Canyon: 6.3 miles

• Location: 745 N Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262

• Hours: 10AM-5PM daily

• Phone: (760) 778-6262

Website: https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/

The Palm Springs Air Museum is a dynamic living history museum focused on educating the public about the vital role of Air Power in safeguarding American freedoms. Featuring aircraft from World War II to the present, the museum offers flyable and static displays, along with exhibits, artifacts, and docents who share their first-hand experiences. The museum is organized into themed hangars, each highlighting specific historical periods and wars, such as the Pacific Theater, European Theater, B-17 exhibits, Korea & Vietnam, and the F-117A Hangar, providing visitors with a comprehensive exploration of aviation history.

The Spa at Séc-he

Photo courtesy of The Spa at Séc-he

• Distance from Wander Palm Springs Canyon: 2.5 miles

• Location: 200 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262

• Hours: 8AM-7PM daily

• Phone: (866) 777-3243

• Website: https://thespaatseche.com/

Discover unparalleled relaxation at The Spa at Séc-he, a premier luxury day spa covering over 73,000 square feet. Immerse yourself in healing hot mineral baths within private soaking rooms, experience tranquility in magnesium-rich zero-sensory flotation suites, and enjoy the rejuvenating effects of heated quartz grains on a specialized treatment table. This oasis also features a salt cave offering halotherapy for respiratory and skin benefits, providing a comprehensive and soothing escape in the Coachella Valley.

OffRoad Rentals

Photo courtesy of OffRoad Rentals

• Distance from Wander Palm Springs Canyon: 6.3 miles

• Location: 59511 US Hwy 111 Palm Springs, CA

• Hours: 8AM-5PM

• Phone: (760) 325-0376

• Website: http://www.offroadrentals.com/

Off Road Rentals offers premier ATV rentals in a large private desert area. Operating year-round, the facility provides Honda ATVs, safety gear, and thorough instructions from a friendly and professional staff. Enjoy this convenient and fun option for riders of all levels, with no license required

Discover the vibrant allure of Palm Springs, California in style. For personalized recommendations on other must-see experiences, text your Wander Concierge today!