10 fun things to do in palm springs

From your friends at The Marley palm springs

 

  1. Go thrifting

    Our friends from the Bay Area loving hitting the thrift stores down here—not only because there’s plenty of retro goodness, but because the stuff HASN’T BEEN PICKED OVER. Who knows, you might find the orange kaftan of your dreams.

  2. Shop for vintage furniture

    Palm Springs is a candy store for those who love mid century and collectibles. And the center of the action is the design district along North Palm Canyon Drive. Just set off on foot, and go door-to-door. But be sure to also check out Cathedral City’s Perez Road art and design district for great deals off the beaten path.

  3. Have a martini at Melvyn’s

    So the food is just okay. But swing by Melvyn’s for a drink at the bar—if only to get a feel for the glory days of Palm Springs and rub shoulders with the ghosts of old Hollywood (Sinatra, Dean Martin etc. were regulars). But hey, dress accordingly. No t-shirts and shorts.

  4. Take the tram

    Touristy for sure. But also recommended. How else are you gonna ascend from the desert floor to an alpine forest 8,000 feet about sea level in only 12 minutes (oh, yeah, peyote maybe). You’ll stop at the architectural significant Mountain Station, and have the chance to enjoy more than 50 miles of hiking trails. During summer months, it can be 100 degrees at the base and 68 when you reach the top.

  5. Ride ATVs

    Serious fun for all ages (over 6), just north of downtown Palm Springs. Pay the man, watch a 70s era safety video that feels like an out-take from The Hills Have Eyes, and start carving up some desert terrain. Sandy areas, gentle grades, hills, dips, and steep grades available. No prior experience required.

  6. Hike Indian Canyon

    For a small entrance fee, you can hike a series of canyons within the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. Along the way, you’ll encounter the world’s largest California Fan Palm oasis, along with natural springs, interesting rock formations and over 150 different species of plants. Choose from either a 2-mile or 7-mile loop.

  7. Hit the spa at Two Bunch Palms

    While there are lots of great spa options in the Palm Springs area, why not choose the 600 year old natural spring featured in Robert Altman’s The Player. A huge variety of different treatments available. And just 20 minutes away in Desert Hot Springs.

  8. Take a Red Jeep Tour

    At first glance, these open-air Jeep tours might seem like just another dull diversion cooked up for the tourist crowd. But pass them up and you’ll miss the chance to get out in the great wide open with seasoned guides who’ll share their knowledge of desert geology, wildlife and more. Try the San Andreas Fault Sunset Tour. Lots of flora. Lots of fauna. Lots of fun.

  9. Bike around downtown

    One the best ways to get a feel for Palm Springs architecture is on two wheels. Ride around the various neighborhoods, stop for coffee, and explore at your own pace. You can usually rent by the half-day, day or week—and choose from cruisers, mountain bikes, road bikes, tandems, even hybrids. Choose the electric option, and you’ll barely have to pedal.

  10. Go dancing at The Nest

    This place is a wild sociology experiment that has to be seen to be believed. Imagine lots of older ladies in leopard print plus a legion of Larry Dallas lookalikes (30-years on) and you’ll have a good sense of the clientele.You can’t help but have fun.