The best things to do in Palm Springs

20 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Entertainment · 20 places · showing the latest additions first

Open since 1938, Moorten Botanical Garden is a living desert museum where 3,000-plus species, glittering rocks, fossils, and the world’s…

1701 S Palm Canyon Dr

Open since 1938, Moorten Botanical Garden is a living desert museum where 3,000-plus species, glittering rocks, fossils, and the world’s first Cactarium make for an oddly soothing wander. Bonus for locals, the on-site nursery lets you bring home a well-behaved spiky souvenir.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, September 13, 2026

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Desert Princess Resort & Club keeps it local with an immaculately groomed 27-hole championship layout designed by David Rainville, wide…

28555 Landau Blvd (Cathedral City)

Desert Princess Resort & Club keeps it local with an immaculately groomed 27-hole championship layout designed by David Rainville, wide forgiving fairways, Tifdwarf Bermuda greens, and San Jacinto views, plus instruction and on-site dining when you want a round that feels both challenging and actually fun.

From the Cathedral City newsletter, September 12, 2026

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Victoria Club

Entertainment

Riverside’s Victoria Club has been doing it since 1903, quietly nailing the balance of play and unwind: an 18-hole course that stays…

2521 Arroyo Dr (Riverside)

Riverside’s Victoria Club has been doing it since 1903, quietly nailing the balance of play and unwind: an 18-hole course that stays interesting, tennis and pickleball, a proper pool scene, and legit dining for the post-match debrief. If you’ve been club-curious, this week’s a good time to peek via a tour.

From the Moreno Valley newsletter, August 20, 2026

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If you want early tee times, a golfer-friendly layout, and a solid practice setup, Jurupa Hills Country Club keeps things fun without the…

6161 Moraga Ave (Riverside)

If you want early tee times, a golfer-friendly layout, and a solid practice setup, Jurupa Hills Country Club keeps things fun without the fuss. Lessons, a driving range, men’s and women’s clubs, and a clubhouse with a full bar... it’s an easy local go-to when you need a golf day.

From the Redlands newsletter, September 12, 2026

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Now open to the public, Canyon Crest Country Club pairs a championship 18-hole course with panoramic San Bernardino Mountains views and a…

975 Country Club Dr (Riverside)

Now open to the public, Canyon Crest Country Club pairs a championship 18-hole course with panoramic San Bernardino Mountains views and a clubhouse restaurant, The Overlook Bar & Grill. Grab a tee time, then linger for a bite while the fairways make your short game feel optimistic again.

From the Moreno Valley newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Indian Hills Golf Club / Weddings and Events keeps it classic with a par-70 layout over rolling hills and city and mountain views, plus the…

5700 Club House Dr (Riverside)

Indian Hills Golf Club / Weddings and Events keeps it classic with a par-70 layout over rolling hills and city and mountain views, plus the 19th Pub and Grille for post-birdie bragging. Locals love the community vibe, lessons to fix the slice, and a legit event center.

From the Corona newsletter, August 22, 2026

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Whether you need a low-key date night or a family hang, Van Buren Drive-In Theatre and Swap Meet lines up big-screen picks like Insidious:…

3035 Van Buren Boulevard (Riverside)

Whether you need a low-key date night or a family hang, Van Buren Drive-In Theatre and Swap Meet lines up big-screen picks like Insidious: Out of the Further and Spider-Man: Brand New Day under the Inland sky. Browse the Swap Meet for unexpected finds, then settle in for back-to-back flicks under the stars.

From the Perris newsletter, August 28, 2026

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Riverside Art Museum is stacking timely shows and hands-on creativity, from We The People: Chicano Art in the U.S.A. and California…

3425 Mission Inn Avenue (Riverside)

A. and California Collectives to zine workshops that dust off your inner maker. Perfect Redlands reset when you need fresh visuals and a little spark.

From the Riverside newsletter, September 16, 2026

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Seven Lakes Golf & Country Club is that polished Palm Springs membership spot where you can chase birdies, then stick around for a social…

4100 E 7 Lakes Dr

Seven Lakes Golf & Country Club is that polished Palm Springs membership spot where you can chase birdies, then stick around for a social calendar packed with activities. If your week needs a lift, consider this your sign to explore a Golf or Social Membership this week.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, September 18, 2026

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Swap your usual hang for a neon-bright round at GLO Mini Golf, where indoor mini golf, arcade games, immersive escape rooms, virtual…

1299 Tyler St Ste E106 (Riverside)

Swap your usual hang for a neon-bright round at GLO Mini Golf, where indoor mini golf, arcade games, immersive escape rooms, virtual reality, and console gaming all live under one roof. Easy pick for a spontaneous weeknight laugh with friends or a kids’ party that plans itself.

From the Riverside newsletter, September 22, 2026

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When you need an easy win with the crew, Castle Park Golf & Games nails it with four whimsical 18-hole mini-golf courses, over 20 rides, a…

3500 Polk St (Riverside)

When you need an easy win with the crew, Castle Park Golf & Games nails it with four whimsical 18-hole mini-golf courses, over 20 rides, a brand-new arcade, and Buccaneer Cove to cool off, making it the kind of low-planning, high-smile afternoon Redlands folks actually repeat.

From the Redlands newsletter, August 12, 2026

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Whether you're craving a laid-back round with beautiful desert vistas or a course that sneaks in just enough challenge to keep things fun,…

301 N Belardo Rd

Whether you're craving a laid-back round with beautiful desert vistas or a course that sneaks in just enough challenge to keep things fun, The O'Donnell Golf Club is a private, members-only spot in downtown Palm Springs now accepting golf and social applications. Bob Hope played here for over forty years...

From the Palm Springs newsletter, August 26, 2026

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Escena Golf Club

Entertainment

Nicklaus Design vibes, mountain views that photobomb your backswing and a Mid Century Modern clubhouse make Escena Golf Club the rare local…

1100 Clubhouse View Dr

Nicklaus Design vibes, mountain views that photobomb your backswing and a Mid Century Modern clubhouse make Escena Golf Club the rare local hang to hit this week, where you can play a public round then linger at Escena Grill for California cuisine and patio time. Also, it was voted Best Public Course in Palm Springs.

From the Cathedral City newsletter, August 20, 2026

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Camelot Theatres

Entertainment

Make Camelot Theatres your midweek reset, with art, foreign and indie films plus curated series like the Elizabeth Taylor Retrospective,…

2300 E Baristo Rd

Make Camelot Theatres your midweek reset, with art, foreign and indie films plus curated series like the Elizabeth Taylor Retrospective, Baby Boomer Blockbusters and Musical Matinees. It scratches the classic-cinema itch, finds you something new, and lets popcorn completely qualify as dinner.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, August 10, 2026

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Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.

4031 Flat Rock Rd (Riverside)

Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.

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Whether your queue is stale or you just want something different, Festival Theaters Palm Springs keeps it lively with an eclectic lineup…

789 E Tahquitz Canyon Way

Whether your queue is stale or you just want something different, Festival Theaters Palm Springs keeps it lively with an eclectic lineup from offbeat indies to culty crowd-pleasers like Coyote Vs. Acme and The Dog Stars, plus plenty of showtimes that fit around actual local schedules.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, September 4, 2026

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Forever Marilyn

Entertainment

Give yourself a quick hit of hometown nostalgia with Forever Marilyn, the 26-foot Seward Johnson sculpture inspired by Bernard of…

Museum Wy

Give yourself a quick hit of hometown nostalgia with Forever Marilyn, the 26-foot Seward Johnson sculpture inspired by Bernard of Hollywood’s iconic The Seven Year Itch photo.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, August 27, 2026

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Whether you’re running errands or dodging the heat, the "Woman In Glasses" Mural delivers a punchy color blast and local attitude. Created…

2481 N Palm Canyon Dr

Whether you’re running errands or dodging the heat, the "Woman In Glasses" Mural delivers a punchy color blast and local attitude. Created by LA street artists James Haunt and Zes MSK, it’s a two-minute detour that makes your day feel 20% brighter.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, August 18, 2026

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Whether you're hunting a one-of-a-kind piece or just need a creative reset, Backstreet Art District lines up working studios and galleries…

2600 Cherokee Way

Whether you're hunting a one-of-a-kind piece or just need a creative reset, Backstreet Art District lines up working studios and galleries with paintings, ceramics, photography, mixed media, jewelry and more. Pop in, chat with artists, and find something that actually vibes with your home this week.

From the Cathedral City newsletter, August 14, 2026

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Need a golf win this week? With 27 holes across three rotating nines, Desert Princess Country Club mixes Lagos, Vista and Cielo layouts…

28555 Landau Blvd (Cathedral City)

Need a golf win this week? S. Golf School plus private instruction, clinics and custom club fitting can quickly tune up your game.

From the Cathedral City newsletter, August 26, 2026

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