Top 10 Things to See and Do in and Around Palm Springs, Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs has long been on my list of places to visit, primarily because I’ve been wanting to go to Joshua Tree National Park and have a certain penchant for midcentury architecture all things old Hollywood. In fact, Palm Springs has been where celebrities have gone to retreat for decades thanks to the so-called “2-hour rule” that once required actors under contract to stay within a certain radius of Hollywood. You truly get a sense of why the moment you step down the stairs of the airplane and are greeted by warm desert air and cheerful palm trees. You can’t help but feel relaxed and happy.

And while certain aspects of the city seem to be frozen in time, I found that there’s a wealth of vibrant offerings that present day travelers can take advantage of, so much that I’m already planning my next trip back. So whether you’re a sun worshiper, outdoor explorer or design guru, here’s a few recommendations on what to see and do in and around Palm Springs.

For a fun introduction to Palm Springs head to Palm Canyon Drive in the heart of downtown where you’ll find tons of al fresco dining, boutique shopping and hints of the city’s Hollywood history. Look down and follow the Walk of Stars along the sidewalk (fittingly adorned with a golden palm tree) honoring actors, musicians, architects, presidents and other notable figures with ties to Palm Springs. You’ll also find statues like that of entertainer and former mayor Sony Bono and actress Lucille Ball who once resided in the city, a colorful mural paying homage to Marilyn Monroe and other places that famous faces frequented decades ago that continue to operate today. And if you can’t get enough, many companies offer themed tours to celebrity neighborhoods and hang out spots around the Palm Springs area. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).