Ride the world's largest rotating tram cars from the desert floor up to Mount San Jacinto State Park, where it's often 30-40° cooler than town. Grab a drink or dinner at the top and take in sweeping views of the valley. Bring a layer!

pstramway.com

Lush palm oases, streams and canyon trails on the ancestral lands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The easy 1-mile Andreas Canyon loop is perfect for a morning walk. Go early to beat the heat.

indian-canyons.com

Palm Springs is famous for its Desert Modernism: butterfly roofs, breeze blocks, and those iconic colorful front doors. Take a self-guided drive through neighborhoods like Vista Las Palmas and Twin Palms, or download an audio tour to go at your own pace. Start at the Visitor Center, housed in a converted 1965 gas station.

Modern Tours Palm Springs · Palm Springs Modernism app

A downtown gem with modern and contemporary art, Western and Native American art, and architecture and design exhibits. Tickets also get you into the Architecture and Design Center a few blocks away.

psmuseum.org

Greater Palm Springs has more than 100 golf courses, framed by palm trees and dramatic mountain views. Heads up: many local courses close for a few weeks in October to reseed for winter, so check what's open before you plan a round. Tee Times USA lets you compare live tee times across about two dozen area courses.