Palm Springs is a famous travel destination known for its luxurious resorts, world-class golf courses, and stunning natural scenery. However, beyond the popular tourist attractions lies a trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From secret hiking trails to unique art installations, these off the beaten path tourist spots offer a different perspective of the desert city. In this article, we’ve put together a list of some of the best hidden gems in Palm Springs that you won’t find in the guidebooks.
There are many hidden gems in Palm Springs that are often overlooked by tourists. Here are some of the best off-the-beaten-path spots totally worth checking out:
Moorten Botanical Garden
The Moorten Botanical Garden is a family-owned botanical garden located in Palm Springs, California. It was founded in 1938 by Chester “Cactus Slim” Moorten and his wife, Patricia, and is now run by their son, Clark Moorten. The garden covers approximately 1 acre and features a diverse collection of desert plants from around the world, including cacti, succulents, and other desert flora.
One of the highlights of the garden is the Cactarium, a greenhouse filled with a variety of cacti and succulents from all over the world. Another popular attraction is the outdoor Garden Theatre, which hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, film screenings, and weddings.
Visitors can also take guided tours of the garden and learn about the different plants and their unique adaptations to desert life. The garden also has a gift shop that sells a variety of souvenirs, including cacti and succulent plants.
Address: 1701 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center
The Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center is a satellite location of the Palm Springs Art Museum, located in downtown Palm Springs, California, United States. It opened in November 2014, occupying a 1961 mid-century modern building that was originally a bank designed by renowned architect E. Stewart Williams. The building was renovated and adapted for reuse by Los Angeles-based firm Marmol Radziner.
The center’s exhibitions and programming focus on architecture and design, showcasing the work of notable architects, designers, and artists from Southern California and beyond. The permanent collection includes furniture, decorative arts, and architectural drawings and models. The center also hosts temporary exhibitions, lectures, and other educational events related to architecture and design.
The Architecture and Design Center is located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, surrounded by a variety of restaurants, shops, and other cultural attractions. It is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, with free admission on Thursdays from 4-8pm.
Address: 300 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Indian Canyons
Indian Canyons is a beautiful nature reserve located in Palm Springs, California. It is a popular destination for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The reserve is owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and is home to stunning canyons, palm trees, streams, and waterfalls.
There are several different trails to explore in Indian Canyons, each offering a unique and beautiful hiking experience. The Andreas Canyon Trail is a popular choice, taking hikers along a scenic route through the canyon, past streams and groves of California fan palms. The Murray Canyon Trail is another popular option, with a diverse range of landscapes including palm groves, rocky outcroppings, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
In addition to hiking, visitors to Indian Canyons can also enjoy guided tours, bird-watching, and picnicking. The reserve is also home to a trading post where visitors can purchase Native American arts and crafts, as well as other souvenirs.
Overall, Indian Canyons is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Palm Springs and is a great way to connect with the natural beauty and rich cultural history of the area.
Address: 38520 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Palm Springs Air Museum
The Palm Springs Air Museum is a museum dedicated to preserving, exhibiting, and educating people about the history of aviation. The museum is located in Palm Springs, California, and is situated on the site of the former Palm Springs Army Airfield.
The museum has an extensive collection of aircraft, many of which are still in flying condition. The collection includes both military and civilian aircraft, ranging from the World War II era to the present day. Some of the highlights of the museum’s collection include a B-17 Flying Fortress, a P-51 Mustang, a Spitfire, a Corsair, and a B-25 Mitchell.
In addition to the aircraft, the museum has exhibits on the history of aviation and the role that aircraft played in various wars and conflicts. There are also exhibits on the science of flight, including displays on aerodynamics, navigation, and communications.
The museum offers a variety of educational programs, including guided tours and lectures. It also hosts special events throughout the year, such as air shows, book signings, and film screenings. The Palm Springs Air Museum is a popular destination for aviation enthusiasts and anyone interested in the history of flight.
Address: Parking, lot 745 N Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is a unique historical attraction located in Desert Hot Springs, California, near Palm Springs. The museum is named after Cabot Yerxa, who built the original structure in the 1920s as his personal residence. The 5,000-square-foot Pueblo-style house constructed by hand over 24 years by Yerxa, an artist and adventurer.
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is a fascinating example of outsider architecture. The sprawling, multi-level building is made almost entirely of reclaimed materials, such as telephone poles, railroad ties, and car parts. The structure is a maze of rooms and corridors, with multiple levels and hidden nooks and crannies.
Today, Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is a popular tourist attraction, offering guided tours that provide a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of Cabot Yerxa. The museum’s exhibits showcase the unique artwork and artifacts that Yerxa collected during his travels throughout the Southwest, as well as the history of the local Cahuilla Indians.
In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is also a popular venue for events and weddings. The museum offers a picturesque outdoor setting, with a beautiful garden and views of the surrounding mountains.
Address: 67616 Desert View Ave, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
Robolights
Robolights is a unique and quirky art installation and sculpture garden located in Palm Springs, California. It was created by artist Kenny Irwin Jr., who has been adding to and modifying the installation since 1986.
Robolights features an extensive collection of unique and whimsical sculptures, all made from recycled materials such as old Christmas lights, car parts, and electronic devices. The sculptures are often large and elaborate, ranging from towering robots to surreal, otherworldly landscapes.
The installation is open to the public during the holiday season and attracts thousands of visitors each year. It has been featured in numerous publications and TV shows, and has become a beloved and iconic part of the Palm Springs art scene. Despite its popularity, however, the installation has faced some controversy over the years due to its unconventional nature and occasionally provocative themes.
Address: 1077 E Granvia Valmonte, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Sunnylands Center and Gardens
Sunnylands Center and Gardens is a historic 200-acre estate located in Rancho Mirage, California, just a few miles southeast of Palm Springs. The property, also known as the Annenberg Estate, was originally built for Walter and Leonore Annenberg, who were media moguls and philanthropists. Designed by the noted architect A. Quincy Jones, the estate was completed in 1966.
Sunnylands has a rich history of hosting world leaders and celebrities, including U.S. presidents, British prime ministers, and Hollywood royalty.
Today, Sunnylands is open to the public and serves as a cultural and educational center. The estate features a beautiful 9-acre garden, which includes a variety of native and exotic plant species, as well as several lakes and water features. The visitor center offers a variety of exhibits and programs, including tours of the historic estate, lectures, and cultural events.
In addition to the visitor center, Sunnylands also includes a conference center and several guest cottages, which are used to host high-level meetings and retreats. The estate is a popular destination for visitors from around the world, who come to explore its rich history and beautiful gardens.
Address: 37977 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Desert X
Desert X is an art exhibition held in the Coachella Valley area of California’s Mojave Desert. It takes place every two years, and the works on display are scattered throughout the valley, making it a kind of “scavenger hunt” for art lovers.
The exhibition features site-specific installations and sculptures created by artists from all over the world. The works explore themes related to the environment, social issues, and the cultural history of the region. Some works are visible from a distance, while others require visitors to get up close and interact with them.
Desert X was first held in 2017 and has since become a popular event for locals and tourists alike. It offers a unique opportunity to experience contemporary art in the stunning landscape of the desert, while also encouraging visitors to explore the area and learn more about its history and ecology.
Address: W8F6+56, Palm Springs, CA 92282
Salton Sea
Located about an hour’s drive from Palm Springs, this is a saline lake that has been described as an “accidental sea”. It’s a unique and eerie spot with abandoned buildings and an interesting history.
The Salton Sea is not a typical tourist attraction, as it is a large and shallow saltwater lake located in the desert of Southern California, and it is not known for its recreational activities or amenities. However, some people may find the area interesting to visit due to its unique natural and historical features.
The Salton Sea formed in 1905 when the Colorado River breached an irrigation canal and flooded the Salton Sink. The lake covers an area of about 376 square miles and is located 236 feet below sea level, making it the largest lake in California and one of the lowest places in the United States. The Salton Sea was once a popular destination for fishing and boating, but its popularity has declined due to the lake’s high salinity levels, which have resulted in massive fish die-offs and unpleasant odors.
Things to do in Salton Sea
- The Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to a variety of birds, fish, and other wildlife. Visitors can hike or drive through the refuge to see the wildlife and learn about the area’s ecology.
- The International Banana Museum, a quirky roadside attraction that features a collection of banana-themed items, including toys, books, and food items.
- The Salton Sea History Museum, which explores the history of the area and its ecological challenges.
- The Salvation Mountain, a colorful and unique art installation created by the late artist Leonard Knight. The mountain is made of adobe clay and features colorful paintings and religious messages.
Palm Springs is a dynamic and diverse destination, brimming with captivating attractions off the beaten path. Immerse yourself in the vibrant hues and whimsical ambiance of the Moorten Botanical Garden or delve into the world of architectural brilliance at the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center. For nature enthusiasts, Indian Canyons offers breathtaking landscapes to explore. Step into the past at Cabot’s Pueblo Museum, where you’ll discover a fascinating glimpse into history. Enjoy the unconventional and extraordinary Robolights art installation. Take a peek into the lives of America’s elite at Sunnylands Center and Gardens, or satisfy your artistic cravings at Desert X, a haven for contemporary art aficionados. The enigmatic beauty and historical significance of the Salton Sea provide a unique outdoor experience. With its hidden treasures awaiting intrepid travelers, Palm Springs promises an unforgettable journey of discovery.