Best things to do in Palm Springs

The "happiest place on earth," Disneyland Park consists of eight themed "lands" and a number of backstage areas. As you explore the 34 hectares (85 acres), you'll encounter roller coasters and boat rides, indoor and outdoor games, live shows, award-winning eateries, and a range of eclectic shops. If you'd rather not walk everywhere, stop at all eight lands via the narrow-gauge railroad that circumnavigates the park. As you travel through the magical worlds dreamed up by Disney, look for hidden representations of Mickey Mouse inserted subtly into the attractions' design and environmental decor. Conceived and built under the direct supervision of Walt Disney, this amusement park boasts the largest cumulative attendance of any theme park in the world--having welcomed more than 650 million visitors since it opened in 1955. It also gave rise to its relative, Disney World, in Florida.

Spend a day of thrill-seeking adventure at Disney California Adventure Park. Located adjacent to Disneyland Resort, the theme park offers over 29 hectares (72 acres) of attractions and entertainment dedicated to the history and culture of California. Fly high above the California orange groves and Napa Valley in the simulated Soarin’ Over California ride, or tear down the rushing rapids of the Grizzly River Run. To wind down, grab an ice cream and stroll down the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, or take a relaxing ride on the Ferris wheel, enjoying views of the entire park. Discount tickets are available online if purchasing more than a one-day pass.

Inhabited for thousands of years by the Cahuilla tribe, Tahquitz Canyon remains part of the tribe's legacy and is now overseen by the tribe's Agua Caliente Band. Walk the 3.2 km (2 mi) hiking trail through the canyon to Tahquitz Falls. The falls collect in a shallow pool you can wade through. The water also feeds an oasis of palms and desert growth that lines the trail. If you hike to the falls, bring drinking water, sunscreen, and a towel to dry your feet after wading.

Escape the desert setting and visit San Jacinto Mountain, with its cool forest, wildlife, and nature trails. At 3,302 m (10,834 ft), the peak is significantly cooler than its surroundings and is a draw for hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, picnickers, and campers. You can take a large rotating aerial tram up the mountain or go by car. The tram passes through five different biomes, providing numerous photography opportunities. A restaurant and a gift shop are at the mountain station. You'll want to bring a camera, water, and warm comfortable clothes.

Home to one of the largest displays of World War II aviation history, Palm Springs Air Museum honors the many contributions that U.S. pilots and citizens made towards winning the war. The collection includes a B-17 Flying Fortress, a F-16 Falcon, a F4F Wildcat, and a variety of other antique warbirds. No ropes or barriers separate visitors from exhibits. In addition to the three main air-conditioned hangars displaying 29 aircraft, relevant artwork, and other artifacts, there is a simulation center, a theater, a research library, and an airstrip, where flight demonstrations take place occasionally. With knowledgeable staff and a variety of hands-on activities, this museum will offer you a glimpse into this significant event in world history.

Hike a riverbed to a palm oasis at , where the most popular trail runs through Andreas and Palm Canyon. At the end of the trail in Palm Canyon, lush greenery feeds off a desert stream. The boulders can make the trail challenging in places, but the reward is a cool, trickling brook and the shade of large palms. Remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, water, and sturdy hiking shoes. Purchase trail tickets for a reduced price at the visitor center near the Tram Road entrance.

Every Thursday night, Palm Canyon Drive transforms into a bustling outdoor street fair. During VillageFest, the street is closed to traffic and hosts all sorts of local vendors selling fresh produce, prepared foods, arts and crafts, flowers, and jewelry. Adding to the festive atmosphere, local restaurants and bars provide nearly endless choices for dinner. The event draws big crowds, which can mean long lines, but the reasonable prices, huge variety of options, and atmosphere bring people back again and again.

Located in a building that itself is a work of art, Palm Springs Art Museum boasts a collection by prominent modern and contemporary artists. Hidden in this desert oasis are the works of Pablo Picasso, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and many others. Contemporary design, painting, sculpture, and photography reside with Native American and Mesoamerican art. The two styles seamlessly blend and bring out the essence of the American Southwest as the meeting point of the two worlds, ancient and modern. Temporary exhibits boost the rich permanent collection. The museum offers very popular, expert guided tours. If you’re interested in taking part, you should make a telephone reservation ahead of time.

A bustling promenade offering shopping, dining, and entertainment, Downtown Disney District is an outdoor area within the sprawling Disney resort in Anaheim. Often called the resort's "shoppertainment center," the area lies between two theme parks and their hotels. Opened in 2001 as part of the resort's massive expansion, this entertainment district encourages extended stays in the popular Disney-themed entertainment complex. The district provides free parking for up to five hours, so you can take your time to enjoy a hearty meal and a few cocktails at an open-air cafe, shop at one of the largest Disney stores in the world, or explore a range of outdoor entertainment options, nightclubs, and movie theaters.