Palm Springs Air Museum, Palm Springs (must see)

Located just minutes from downtown Palm Springs, the Palm Springs Air Museum is a dynamic aviation museum and nonprofit living history center that brings the story of American air power to life. Established in 1994 by Harold Madison, Charles Mayer, and Bill Byrne, and fueled by the exceptional collection of WWII veteran and warbird enthusiast Robert Pond, the museum officially opened its doors on November 11, 1996. Since then, it has grown into one of the world’s premier destinations for aviation history, even earning a nod from CNN Travel as one of the top aviation museums globally.

Spanning 17 acres adjacent to Palm Springs International Airport, the museum features five themed, air-conditioned hangars, totaling 86,000 square feet of indoor space. These expansive hangars house over 75 aircraft and helicopters, many of which are in flyable condition-a rare feature among aviation museums. Unlike most traditional institutions, the Palm Springs Air Museum minimizes barriers like ropes and glass, offering visitors the unique chance to get up close and personal with legendary aircraft from World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and even the Global War on Terror.

More than just a static exhibit, the museum is a hub of ongoing activity. Guests can experience warbird rides, flight simulators, air demonstrations, and special talks by military and aviation experts. Many of the museum’s aircraft have appeared in films or flown in airshows across the country. In 2017, the museum opened a new hangar named after Major General Ken Miles, and in 2024, it broke ground on a new entrance and classroom space to support its growing educational mission.

The museum also boasts a resource center, engaging temporary and permanent exhibitions, and a library filled with historical documents and artifacts. Many of the docents are veterans who share firsthand stories, adding a deeply personal dimension to the experience.

Whether you're a lifelong aviation enthusiast, a student of history, or just a curious visitor, there’s always something new to explore at the Palm Springs Air Museum-a place where the engines still roar and the stories still fly.

Why You Should Visit:
Once you start exploring, you'll become engrossed with the numerous planes, but the real highlight is getting to tour the massive B-17 bomber.
You are able to tour it with a guide and see all the areas of the plane and hear some amazing stories about the brave men who crewed the B-17s.

Tip:
The Freedom Fighters Cafe they have inside the museum has a great menu and very friendly staff.