Things To Do Outdoors In Palm Springs California

Despite the scorching summer heat, Palm Springs is geared up for al-fresco enjoyment. Besides desert scenery, hot springs and golf, you’ll find outdoor markets, street parties, rooftop bars and more. Check out these top tips from Culture Trip local insiders – just remember to pack your water bottle and sunscreen.

1. Sugar High Rooftop Lounge

Bar, Cocktails

Sugar High Rooftop Lounge – a hidden gem downtown in Azucar restaurant at Las Serenas Villas – is a great spot to catch the perfect California sunset and gaze out over the Palm Springs skyline with a sundowner or two. Come here for a romantic evening away from the main tourist beat. An outdoor fireplace, first-rate service and cocktails to die for all make this an atmospheric stop-off. Recommended by local insider Jennifer Weil

2. Palm Springs Vintage Market

Market

The Palm Springs Vintage Market takes place every first Sunday of the month (except in summer, when it’s simply too hot). Come prepared to rummage for retro and vintage bargains with prices to suit all budgets. There’s also live music and a selection of food trucks so you can spend a morning here, then stay for lunch. Admission is a very reasonable $5 at the door, dropping to $3 with email sign-up. Recommended by local insider Jennifer Weil

3. Smoke Tree Stables

Natural Feature

What finer way to explore the Great American West than on horseback, when you can ride into the remote desert to enjoy the scenery and canyon landscapes that lie just outside Palm Springs. Smoke Tree Stables is a fantastic starting point, with both group and private guided rides on offer, plus several trail ride packages that include picnics, barbecues and other events on your way around. Enjoy the views en route, and keep your eyes peeled for desert wildlife. Recommended by local insider Lauren Malestic

5. Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort

Sports Center

If there’s one thing Palm Springs isn’t short of, it’s golf resorts. There are several purpose-built courses in and around the city, but if you only have time to visit one, make it Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort in the San Jacinto mountains. Your round will be accompanied by stunning views over Mount San Jacinto itself, as well as red-gold panoramas of the surrounding desert. It gets warm out there, so head to the clubhouse for the 19th hole, where 12 types of beer are on tap. Recommended by local insider Lauren Malestic

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.