Offbeat Things to Do in Palm Springs (Plus Where to Stay Near the Action)

Palm Springs has an amazing retro architecture and year-round pleasant sunshine, with visitors coming to check out the fun all the time.

But beyond the iconic poolside lounging and a surprising number of offbeat attractions, you can also go out hunting for secluded hiking trails, or unexpected cultural finds, whatever you fancy, Palm Springs has got it all.

Check out this guide on offbeat and eccentric things to do in Palm Springs, and travellers who prefer someplace like Palm Springs rentals over the usual boring hotels, then this city is the perfect place for you!

Key Takeaways

• Exploring large-scale sculptures and the Backstreet Art District in Coachella Valley
• Uncover hidden, underrated hikes, canyons, waterfalls, and more outdoor adventures
• Experiencing the Retro culture and desert plant specimens of Palm Springs
• Cooling off the day with a luxurious stay in a private retreat

Desert Art You Won’t Find in a Museum 

Drive out toward the Coachella Valley, and you will stumble upon Desert X installations scattered across the open landscape. 

These large-scale sculptures and site-specific works change every couple of years, transforming empty lots and roadside stretches into open-air galleries. 

Closer to town, the Backstreet Art District hosts a rotating collection of murals, studios, and pop-up shows that feel refreshingly unpolished compared to the glossy resort scene. 

Hidden Hikes and Natural Wonders 

Most visitors head straight for the Palm Springs Museums, but the real gems sit farther off the main drag. The Painted Canyon trail near Mecca leads through narrow slot canyons layered in red and ochre sediment. 

Pushawalla Palms is another under-the-radar trek, winding through a palm oasis that feels worlds apart from the manicured lawns downtown. 

Both trails offer solitude that the more popular Indian Canyons routes cannot always guarantee. 

In such a dry oasis, nobody would think of a waterfall, but there is infact an underrated marvel just 5 minutes from Downtown Palm Springs.

Tahquitz Falls is an easy 2-mile hike, leading to a 60 ft waterfall. Along the way, you will find fun boulders, a stream running right under, and a sweeping view of the entire valley. You wouldn’t want to miss this!

Retro Culture and Atomic-Age Architecture 

Architecture enthusiasts will find Palm Springs irresistible. Self-guided driving tours pass landmarks like the Kaufmann Desert House and the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway, where the angular rooflines and floor-to-ceiling glass tell the story of a post-war design revolution. 

The Moorten Botanical Garden, a family-run “cactarium” since the 1930s, pairs desert plant specimens with folk-art installations and handmade signage that feels charmingly frozen in time. 

Outdoor Adventures

Sightseeing is one of the most memorable parts of any visit, and what better way to kick that off than by heading to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

A 14-minute ascent on this, starting from the desert right till the alpine forest, lets you gain a bird’s eye perspective over some amazing scenery. Be sure to carry a camera with you so you can take pics of the mesmerizing panoramic view of the beauty of the Coachella Valley and make all your friends on the socials very jealous.

Fun fact

There are over 100 golf courses in the Palm Springs area, attracting golf tournaments every year. These courses were designed by famous golfers and course designers.

Winding Down After a Day of Exploring 

After a full day of desert wandering and sightseeing, nothing compares to returning to a private retreat with space to stretch out. Properties featuring rentals with pool access let you cool off under the stars without competing for a lounge chair. Add a patio dinner with mountain views, and you have an evening that no hotel lobby can replicate. 

Planning Your Visit 

Palm Springs sits just two hours from Los Angeles, making it an easy weekend escape or a launchpad for longer Southern California road trips. The shoulder seasons of late fall and early spring offer mild temperatures and

thinner crowds, ideal for exploring the offbeat side of the desert without rushing through the highlights.

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