Top Things to Do in Palm Springs

Explore Downtown Palm Springs & the Design District from our Hotel Just Minutes Away

A short stroll from the Movie Colony Hotel brings you to the center of downtown and the Palm Springs Design District. Experience everything from shopping hip haute couture to feasting on the best local cuisine. Sample fresh finds at the farmer's market. Discover interior design and home decor mavens on practically every corner, or check out the city's local concerts, live theater, jazz bars, comedy clubs, dinner shows, and drag parties celebrating the Palm Springs culture. The Movie Colony Hotel places you close to all the special events, festivals, and holiday happenings in the bustling downtown and Design District.

Hours

Vary by merchant

Prices

Vary by merchant

Events

• VillageFest
• Certified Farmers' Market
• Memorial Day Flower Drop

Activities

• Dining
• Art Galleries
• Theater
• Shopping
• Live Music
• Nightclubs

What types of stores are in downtown Palm Springs?

Retail stores are in no short supply in downtown Palm Springs. Discover fine apparel at Bamboo Ecowear, Celebrity Seconds, and Madison's Boutique. For footwear, head to Clog Wild and Shoe La La. Uncover stellar antiques at Palm Canyon Galleria, Bon Vivant, and Dwight Pollen Collection. As for furniture and decor, you'll want to visit Christie & Co, Home As Art, and Vintage Oasis.

What are some of the best places to eat in downtown Palm Springs?

Downtown Palm Springs is dining central. For fine French, Le Vallauris and Pomme Frite will having you intoning "c'est magnifique." Savor authentic Italian at Aldente Pasta and Mama Lina's. Go the Japanese cuisine route at Happy Sushi and Sapporo Palms. Mexican is on the menu at La Casita and Mariposa. And classic American fare abounds at Dale's Lost Highway and Jake's Ready-To-Eat.

• https://www.palmsprings.com/palm-canyon-drive/
• https://www.visitpalmsprings.com/shop

Soar Over the San Jacinto Mountains on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which is the largest rotating tram car on the planet, will take you nearly three miles over the amazing Chino Canyon cliffs to see the impressive San Jacinto Mountain landscape. In ten minutes, you will arrive at Mt. San Jacinto State Park, just slightly more than 8,500 feet above terra firma, where you can take in the views on the observation decks and browse the natural history museum. Dine on fine or casual cuisine, and explore the park via hiking trails nearby. Access the high-rising views of this iconic Palm Springs landmark just 15 minutes from the Movie Colony Hotel.

Hours

First tram up 10:00 a.m. on Monday through Friday, and 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. Last tram up 8:00 p.m., last tram down 9:45 p.m.

Prices

Adults: $25.95. Seniors (65+): $23.95. Children (ages 3-10): $16.95.

Events

• Palm Springs Restaurant Week
• Easter Sunrise Service
• Snow Guessing Contest

Activities

• Tram Ride
• Museum
• Gift Shop
• Observation Decks
• Films
• Restaurants

Is there a place to eat at Mt. San Jacinto State Park?

A quality culinary experience is yours at Peaks Restaurant. Savor everything from poultry and dry-aged meats to fresh seafood and pasta. Meanwhile, over at the Pines Café, you'll find such classic lunch items as pizza, salads, and sandwiches. For dinner, St. Louis BBQ pork ribs and vegetarian lasagna head the menu. You can also pop into the Lookout Lounge for a cocktail and tasty appetizers.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance to ride the tram?

You can either buy tickets when you arrive or purchase them 24 hours in advance on the website (see link below). When you buy online, you'll get a specific time for your tram ride. Credit cards accepted include MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express. If you have trouble printing your tickets, bring your confirmation number with you or download them to your Smartphone.

• https://www.pstramway.com/dining/
• https://www.pstramway.com/tickets/

Explore Modern Exhibits at the Palm Springs Art Museum, Walking Distance from the Hotel

An enlightening cultural and artistic experience is less than a mile from the Movie Colony Hotel. Immerse yourself in modern and contemporary artwork from around the globe at the eclectic Palm Springs Art Museum. Located in downtown Palm Springs a 15-minute walk from the hotel, the museum boasts a major collection of paintings, sculpture, photography, glass pieces, Mesoamerican artifacts, and Western and Native American art. Marvel at the works Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Andy Warhol, and Ansel Adams. Learn about the artists and the museum's 150,000-square-foot complex on a guided tour, explore the outdoor sculpture gardens, and shop for gifts in the Museum Store. Stop for American and Continental cuisine at the Muse Café.

Hours

Friday - Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday: noon to 8:00 p.m. Closed Wednesday.

Prices

Adults: $14. Seniors (62+): $11. Students: $6. Youth (under 18) & Active Military: Free. Every Thursday evening from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. and every second Sunday of each month is free.

Events

• Art Party
• Day of the Dead
• Meet the Museum

Activities

• Exhibitions
• Talks
• Museum Store
• Tours
• Kids' Programs
• Café

What will I see on a tour of the Palm Springs Art Museum?

During the one-hour guided tour of the Palm Springs Art Museum, the focus is the Permanent Collection, including exhibits like Contemporary Glass, Photography, and Native American and Art of the West. The tours, which are included in the museum admission price, are offered Friday through Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. and Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Is there a store in the art museum and what does it sell?

You'll be able to buy everything from custom jewelry and home décor to clothing and toys. There's even a whole section devoted to exhibition catalogs and architecture books. The Museum Store is open during the same hours as the museum proper.

• https://www.psmuseum.org/museum-store

Hit the Links at Beautiful Escena Golf Club, Located Ten Minutes from the Hotel

The Movie Colony Hotel is just a ten-minute drive from the beautiful Escena Golf Club, an 18-hole Nicklaus-designed course. This championship club offers a challenging palm tree-lined course stretching nearly 7,200 yards set against stunning scenes of the Coachella Valley, including the San Jacinto Mountains. Before your round hit a bucket of balls on the driving range or grab a bite and a drink at the Escena Lounge & Grill. Visit the pro shop pickup new gear or arrange to join a golf clinic and up your game.

Hours

Escena Golf Club is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Prices

Vary by season and tee time.

Events

• Tournaments
• Corporate Outings
• Weddings

Activities

• Golf
• Putting Green
• Lessons
• Driving Range
• Pro Shop
• Dining

Can I rent golf clubs?

Escena Golf Club offers premium Cleveland clubs for rent complete with a driver, 3-wood, 5-wood, 3-hybrid, 4-iron through pitching wedge, sand wedge and a putter. There are clubs for men and women as well as for right- and left-handed golfers for $60 during peak season.

What kind of food does the Escena Lounge & Grill serve?

Lunch and dinner menus at Escena Golf Club feature an array of palate-pleasing dishes in the California fusion vein, everything from beef and chicken to fish and salads. And if you've got an early tee time, stop in for their classic breakfast items. Specialty cocktails are poured daily in the lounge, which boasts delicious appetizers and several cozy fireplaces.

• https://escenagolf.com/golf/rental-clubs/
• https://escenagolf.com/golf/tee-times/

Hike the Scenic Trails of Palm & Tahquitz Canyons in the Beautiful Cahuilla Indians Reservation

From the Movie Colony Hotel in Palm Springs, you're just a ten-minute drive the scenic and culturally diverse Tahquitz Canyon trail, located in the Agua Caliente Band of the Cahuilla Indians Reservation. The challenging trail takes you into the canyon where you'll end up at a gorgeous 60-foot waterfall. While the trail is only one mile, its full of rocky terrain and steps, making for an exciting and invigorating hike - with the reward of beautiful vistas. You'll have your choice of self-guided hikes between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and ranger-led interpretive hikes, which take place every two hours from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m and are included free with admission.

Hours

Open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily from October 1 through July 6 & 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekends during the rest of the year

Prices

Adults: $12.50. Children (12 & under): $6.00. United States Military (with ID): Free

Events

• Group Tours & Education

Activities

• Ranger-Led Hikes
• Visitor Center
• Photography
• Self-Guided Hikes
• Waterfall
• Bird Watching

What are some tips for hiking Tahquitz Canyon?

Before you hike the trail, there are definitely some tips to keep in mind. Tahquitz Canyon has a tiny amount of shade and it will be hot. You'll want to make sure to have a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water as there are no water fountains at the canyon. In addition, good hiking or athletic shoes are a must. For your safety, footwear with leather soles or high heels, as well as flip flops, are not recommended.

The following rules are strictly enforced so please follow them. You must always stay on Tahquitz Canyon Trail. Climbing on the rocks and climbing above Tahquitz Falls is prohibited. In addition, you're not allowed to swim, smoke or litter. No alcoholic beverages or pets are permitted, either. And if you're considering taking photographs for commercial purposes, you'll need to get a permit.

• http://www.tahquitzcanyon.com/