Make the Most of Coachella and Stagecoach With Active Hikes, Vintage Shopping andĀ Horseback Riding
Your fits are locked in, the Airbnb is booked and the group chat is buzzingāfestival weekend is officially on the horizon. But hereās a pro tip: the fun doesnāt have to start and end with the music. Whether youāre rolling in a day early to beat traffic or sticking around after the last set (because… why not?), Greater Palm Springs has plenty of attractions and activities to keep the vibes going. And even on festival days, thereās still a whole sun-drenched morning to play with before Post Malone, Lady Gaga or Zach Bryan hit the stage. From chill hangs to bucket list adventures, here are 11 of the best Palm Springs experiences to make the most of your time in the desertābefore or after the music drops.Ā
Explore Old Town La Quinta
Letās be real: sometimes, you need a break from the festival madnessāand Old Town La Quinta is here to deliver. This charming little desert enclave is home to a mix of must-visit boutiques and crave-worthy eateries, making it the perfect place to refuel and refresh. Start your visit at RD RNNR, where farm-fresh American fare is served with a side of laid-back vibes. If brunch is your love language, Yes Please has you covered with all-day huevos, French toast brĆ»lĆ©e and mimosa kits thatāll bring you back to life. Craving something a little stronger? TQLAS Agave Bar & Grill is slinging some of the best margaritas and tequila flights in the desert. But no trip to Old Town La Quinta is complete without a little shoppingāCoco Rose is your go-to for breezy boho-chic, Elizabeth & Prince is chock-full of sleek city-meets-desert essentials and Mimi & Rae is where effortless California style gets a sophisticated twist. No matter what youāre in the mood for, Old Town La Quinta is the ultimate pre- or post-festival pitstop.
Location: La Quinta
Take a Dip in the PLUNGE at the Renker Pool at La Quinta ResortĀ & Club
Whatās a trip to Palm Springs without a pool day? PLUNGE at Renker Pool is the newest adults-only oasis, and itās redefining the resort pool experience. Think: infinity-style pools, a sleek sun-drenched bar, and ultra-chic cabanas where you can sip rosĆ© and cool off under the fans. Whether youāre looking to relax in style or turn up poolside, this is where you want to be. Kick back, soak up the desert sun, and let the festival FOMO melt away.
Location: La Quinta
Sip Coffee + Pet Cats at Frisky Business Cat Cafe
If your perfect post-festival cure involves caffeine and cuddles, then Frisky Business Cat Cafe in Palm Springs is the spot for you. This place is part hip coffeehouse, part feline sanctuary and 100% adorable. Kick back with a specialty brew from Lamill Coffee, nibble on Aspen Millsā famous baked goods and, if youāre feeling social, step into the cat lounge where adoptable fur babies are waiting for their forever homes. Not a cat person? No problemāthe main coffee shop is cat-free, so you can sip your matcha in peace. Whether youāre here for the coffee, the cats or just a little downtime, Frisky Business is a purr-fect escape from festival chaos.
Location: Palm Springs
Go Thrifting at Market Market
Vintage lovers, rejoice! Market Market is 40,000 square feet of pure thrifting bliss, packed with hand-picked vintage fashion, retro furniture and repurposed treasures. This isnāt your average second-hand storeāitās a curated experience where mid-century modern meets Palm Springs cool. From rare accessories to one-of-a-kind home decor, thereās something for everyone. Bonus points: theyāve got free coffee and a dog-friendly policy, so feel free to sip and shop with your pup in tow. Whether youāre hunting for a unique festival fit or a statement piece for your space, Market Market is the ultimate treasure trove.
Location: Palm Springs
Discover Wild Art at Desert X 2025
Art lovers, prepare to be wowed. Desert X is back, and this yearās lineup of large-scale outdoor installations is as mind-blowing as ever. Sprawled across Greater Palm Springs, these site-specific artworks dive into themes of resilience, Indigenous history and contemporary cultureāall while blending seamlessly into the desert landscape. The best part? Itās free, open to all and will have you exploring hidden corners of the Coachella Valley you never knew existed. It doesnāt matter if youāre a seasoned art buff or just looking for a cool Instagram backdrop, Desert X is an unmissable experience.
Location: Across Greater Palm Springs
Take a Surf Lesson at Palm Springs Surf Club
Yes, you can actually surf in Palm Springs! The Palm Springs Surf Club is making waves (literally) with its state-of-the-art wave pool that caters to both total newbies and surfing pros. Book a private session, round up some friends and ride the perfect, man-made swell. Not into surfing? No worriesāthereās also a lazy river, waterslides and poolside cocktails at the Island Bar.Ā
Local Insight: Private sessions book out weeks in advance, so plan ahead if you want to shred.
Location: Palm Springs
Horseback Riding with Smoke Tree Stables
For a little break from the bass drops, saddle up at Smoke Tree Stables and take in the breathtaking scenery of Andreas and Murray Canyons. These guided horseback rides meander through lush palm groves, along babbling streams and across rolling desert terrain. Whether youāre a total beginner or fancy yourself a cowboy, this is one of the most scenic (and relaxing) ways to explore Greater Palm Springs. Rides are available throughout the day, and trust usāitās worth trading your festival boots for a pair of stirrups.
Location: Palm Springs
Grab a Date Shake at Shields Date Garden
Palm Springsā most iconic treat? The legendary date shake at Shields Date Garden. This old-school roadside stop has been serving up creamy, caramel-like shakes for nearly a century, and theyāre just as delicious today as they were back then. While youāre here, wander the lush gardens, check out the vintage movie theater and learn a little about the history of dates. Itās a sweet and satisfying pit stop thatāll keep you cool in the desert heat.
Location: Indio
Explore Ladder Canyon Trail and Painted Canyon Trail
If youāre up for a little adventure, head to the Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon Trail in Thermal. This 4.4-mile loop is a mix of stunning slot canyons, rugged rock formations and, yes, actual ladders youāll need to climb. Itās moderately challenging, so bring plenty of water, wear good shoes and go early to beat the heat. The payoff? Jaw-dropping desert views and some of the best hiking in the Coachella Valley.
Location: Thermal
Immerse Yourself in a Sound Bath at the Integratron
Need a serious reset? Integratron is here to help. This dome-shaped structure in the middle of the desert is famous for its sound bathsāa 60-minute, otherworldly experience that uses quartz crystal singing bowls to realign your energy, calm your mind and basically make you feel like you just took a two-week vacation. Public and private sessions book up fast, so plan ahead if you want in on this mystical, must-do moment.
Location: Landers
Rejuvenate at The Spa at SĆ©c-he
Turn your Palm Springs getaway into a full-on wellness retreat with a visit to The Spa at SĆ©c-he. Built around a 12,000-year-old mineral hot spring, this ultra-luxe oasis offers everything from soak-worthy mineral baths to top-tier massages and facials. Opt for the Relaxing Desert Rain Massageāitās infused with sage and lavender to leave you feeling brand-new. After your treatment, explore the spaās float pod suites, tranquility garden, and acoustic wellness lounge. Because letās be honest: you deserve it.
Location: Palm Springs
