8 Fun Outdoor Activities in Palm Springs

With its warm climate and stunning desert landscape, there are plenty of great outdoor activities in Palm Springs. From exploring the wildlife of Joshua Tree to peering down on California from a hot air balloon, there are plenty of ways to see our beautiful countryside!

To discover more outdoor experiences and things to do in Palm Springs, take advantage of our Free Palm Springs Vacation Guide!

8 of the Best Outdoor Activities in Palm Springs

1 Tour Joshua Tree National Park

Take a tour of this iconic park and explore its unique rock formations, cacti, and wildlife. Joshua Tree is a park that marries the Mojave and Colorado deserts, creating a rich history since 8000 BCE.

The nearly 800,000-acre park is bigger than the state of Rhode Island and is a great place to see its namesake tree, the Yucca brevifolia (Joshua Tree). Book a sightseeing tour to see the best parts of the park.

2 Horse-ride through the Desert

Enjoy the beauty of the desert on horseback with a guided tour. See the sights of the desert, such as a crystal clear lake, and take in some incredible views of the San Jacinto Mountains.

Knob Hill Ranch offers horseback riding and trail rides into Joshua Tree National Park.

3 See the Sights from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Take an aerial tram ride up to Mount San Jacinto for some breathtaking views of the area. The tramway is the world’s largest rotating tramcar that gives out a beautiful view of the Chino Canyon cliffs and has great amenities such as the natural history museum.

4 Explore Indian Canyons

Hike through Palm, Andreas, or Murray Canyon when you visit the Indian Canyons. Each canyon caters to different skill levels and offers different views, wildlife, and adventures!

5 Go Stargazing

Joshua tree National Park is between 3,000 – 6,000 feet above sea level, and the lack of nearby cities means it is one of the best places to see the stars, as our ancestors saw them at night. A Dark Sky Park, the best area to see the galaxy is on the east side.

6 Play Pickleball

Pickleball is the new sport taking over America, played with a paddle, net, and on a badminton-sized court. Palm Springs is home to 24 private and public pickleball courts. Whether you are a new player looking to learn the sport or a seasoned vet looking to play in a tournament, there are plenty of opportunities to play the fastest-growing sport in America.

7 Rent an ATV

Get off-road with an ATV or scooter rental and explore some hidden gems around town that you wouldn’t be able to access otherwise! Palm Springs is home to some of the best off-road trails in the USA, with plenty of unique views and fun to be had.

8 Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Float above the desert landscape with a hot air balloon ride for an unforgettable experience! You can choose from several companies to book a hot air balloon ride!

Find more activities here!

The Best Place to Stay in Palm Springs, CA

No matter what time of year you decide to visit Palm Springs, you’re sure to have a memorable vacation. When you’re looking for a top-notch place to stay during your time in Palm Springs, look no further than Vacanza Stays. We embody the perfect combination of down-to-earth and luxury. Our homes are conveniently located around the Greater Palm Springs area, keeping you close to the area’s best golf courses, parks, shops, and restaurants. Enjoy your own jacuzzi, beautiful outdoor fireplace, and BBQ! Don’t forget to enjoy your stay at our homes with access to community pools, spas, and more. Go ahead—book your vacation with Vacanza Stays today!