Palm Springs is a fantastic vacation destination for any traveler who is craving some much-needed sunshine and fun. While Palm Springs is definitely packed with well-known attractions to check out while you’re here, it might end up being the lesser-known experiences that stick out in your mind most when you return home. To that end, the following are 10 hidden gems in Palm Springs for your next vacation when you’re looking for something truly memorable to add to your itinerary.
Moorten Botanical Garden & Cactarium
While the Moorten Botanical Garden is only an acre large, when you visit, you’ll find more than 3,000 species of cacti and desert plants on-site! It’s a destination that’s designed to inspire, whether you’re looking to encounter gold mining relics and fossils or you’re all about rare specimens waiting to be discovered in the greenhouse. Head over to 1701 S Palm Canyons Drive to enjoy time in this beautiful and educational space that you’re not going to want to miss while you’re in town.
Sunnylands Center & Gardens
In nearby Rancho Mirage, you’ll have an opportunity to visit the Sunnyland Center & Gardens at 37977 Bob Hope Drive. Once functioning as the winter estate of media moguls Walter and Leonore Annenberg, Sunnylands is now open to the public and free to tour. When you do, you’ll find you can stroll acre upon acre of gorgeous terrain hosting reflecting pools, desert flora, and rotating art exhibits, too.
Ruddy’s General Store Museum
History buffs heading to Palm Springs searching for a hidden gem to explore won’t want to overlook Ruddy’s General Store Museum. Located at 221 S Palm Canyon Drive, Ruddy’s General Store Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 3:30 pm and on Sundays from noon until 3:00 pm. Stepping inside is a chance to step back into the 1930s as you explore a space that hosts everything from vintage packaging and products to an antique cash register, too. Every detail here is original, so don’t be surprised when you end up lingering for longer than you originally planned.
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum
Just 10 miles from the heart of Palm Springs via Palm Drive, those looking for a hidden gem attraction will find it in the form of Cabot’s Pueblo Museum in Desert Hot Springs. This hand-built pueblo is truly fascinating, and tells a story of homestead Cabo Yerxa. The influences are a unique blend of Spanish, Indigenous, and Swiss, making it a one-of-a-kind artistic landmark that really stands out in a crowd.
Palm Springs Walk of Stars
Many visitors heading to Palm Springs on vacation might be surprised to learn that the city has its very own Walk of Stars. Built into Palm Canyon Drive, this stretch of sidewalk honors Palm Springs’ own celebrity lineup with golden palm stars numbering well over 400. The tributes paid here honor everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Frank Sinatra, and are a great backdrop for a memorable photo with family and friends.
Indian Canyons
The landscapes that surround Palm Springs are breathtaking, and when you head to Indian Canyons, every trek is a chance to embrace a new, hidden gem experience. Just minutes from downtown, Indian Canyons is packed with hidden-away waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and palm-laden oases as well.
PS Air Bar
Palm Springs is a place where you’re never far from an upscale dining opportunity. However, when you’re looking for something quirkier, heading over to PS Air Bar is always a great option. This speakeasy-style bar and restaurant is located at 2080 N Palm Canyon Drive and is built right into a vintage airplane cabin. Wait staff wear flight attendant uniforms, and you’ll settle into your airplane seats to enjoy your themed drinks and fare.
Volkswagen Spider Sculpture
If unique art is what you’re after during your next Palm Springs getaway, you’ll want to take time to check out the Volkswagen spider sculpture while you’re here. Sitting at 6545 Garnet Avenue in nearby Desert Hot Springs, this giant-inspired work of art showcases a full vintage Volkswagen Beetle as its body. It’s an outdoor art installation that you can either drive by or stop at for photos if you want to capture the one-of-a-kind moment at a slower pace.
Take an Architecture Tour
Palm Springs is a city that’s earned a reputation for excellence around its collection of mid-century modern architecture. A fun way to set your sights on some true hidden gems in town is to book an architecture tour with a local company like Palm Springs Mod Squad. Depending on the tour you book, you might even have the opportunity to go inside a few select homes, seeing these accommodations in a brand-new light.
Dine at Boozehounds
If you’re spending time in Palm Springs with your favorite furry friend, dining at Boozehounds is sure to please. Located at 2080 N Palm Canyon Drive, this restaurant is designed specifically to cater to people and pets alike! The space is comfortable and inviting, and in addition to great California fare for people, they have a full dog menu to browse.
Book Your Stay in Palm Springs Today
No matter when travel plans bring you to Palm Springs, Ryson Vacations has the home-away-from-home you need to settle into comfort and style. Reach out today to learn more about our inviting collection of rental properties available, and how we can help you tailor the details of your stay that matter most.
