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Palm Springs
Photo: Patrick Pelster · CC BY-SA 3.0

3 Days · in Palm Springs

3 Days in Palm Springs: Tram, Canyons & Culture

Three days lets you see Palm Springs' main sides at a comfortable pace. The first day covers the Aerial Tramway and the Uptown Design District, the second the Indian Canyons and South Palm Springs, and the third downtown, with the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, the Spa at Séc-he and the Palm Springs Art Museum.

3 days
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Day 01

The Aerial Tramway & the Uptown Design District

Mountain air in the morning, design shops and a great dinner.

  1. Morning

    Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

    Ride one of the first rotating tram cars of the day up to the Mountain Station, about 8,500 feet above sea level.

  2. Late Morning

    Mount San Jacinto State Park

    Walk the Desert View Trail for views over the valley, or take a longer trail through the pines.

  3. Lunch

    Mountain Station

    Have lunch at the top of the tram, with views down to the desert.

  4. Afternoon

    Uptown Design District

    Browse vintage furniture, design shops and galleries along North Palm Canyon Drive.

  5. Late Afternoon

    Your hotel pool

    Cool off by the pool as the mountains turn pink.

  6. Evening

    Workshop Kitchen + Bar

    Have dinner at this Michelin-recommended restaurant in the Uptown Design District.

Day 02

The Indian Canyons & South Palm Springs

Palm oases, cacti and an evening of old Palm Springs glamour.

  1. Morning

    Palm Canyon

    Arrive at the Indian Canyons at opening time and hike into the palm oasis of Palm Canyon.

  2. Late Morning

    Andreas Canyon

    Walk the shaded loop along the stream and past the rock formations.

  3. Lunch

    Downtown

    Grab a burger at Tyler's or a sandwich at Sherman's Deli & Bakery.

  4. Afternoon

    Moorten Botanical Garden

    See giant cacti and the cactarium at this family-run garden.

  5. Late Afternoon

    Pool time

    Rest by the pool during the hottest part of the day.

  6. Evening

    Melvyn's

    Have dinner and a martini at the Ingleside Inn's classic restaurant and piano lounge.

Day 03

Downtown, Agua Caliente Culture & Art

The tribe's story, a hot spring soak, modern art and a street fair.

  1. Morning

    Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

    Learn the story of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians at the museum, open Tuesday to Sunday.

  2. Late Morning

    The Spa at Séc-he

    Soak in the mineral pools fed by the Agua Caliente hot spring, booked in advance.

  3. Lunch

    Juniper Table

    Have a relaxed lunch at the Kimpton Rowan.

  4. Afternoon

    Palm Springs Art Museum

    Explore modern art, glass and design, then photograph Forever Marilyn nearby.

  5. Late Afternoon

    Architecture and Design Center

    See a design exhibition in Stewart Williams' former savings and loan building.

  6. Evening

    VillageFest or Bar Cecil

    On Thursdays, stroll VillageFest on Palm Canyon Drive; on other nights, book dinner at Bar Cecil.