From Robot Sculptures to Nudist Bridges, These Are the Most Unexpected Attractions in the Desert

Palm Springs is a vibe. It’s midcentury cool meets desert mystique with a side of pink flamingo flair—and if you think this town is only about pool parties and palm trees, think again. Tucked between mountain ranges and modernist architecture are some seriously unique experiences that deserve a spot on your Greater Palm Springs bucket list. Here’s your insider guide to the quirky, colorful, and totally unforgettable local gems hiding in plain sight.

 

Feed a Giraffe at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

At The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, hand-feeding a giraffe is more than just a photo op—it’s an unforgettable wildlife encounter. Step right up to the giraffe habitat, where you can feed these gentle giants and come eye-to-eye with their curious expressions and famously long tongues. It’s a favorite among visitors of all ages, and it’s easy to see why.

For $8 (members) or $10 (non-members), you’ll get a chance to interact with the world’s tallest mammals in a safe, hands-on setting—just don’t forget your camera! The experience is walk-up and perfect for families, making it one of the best things to do in Palm Desert.

Location: Palm Desert

 

Wander the Grounds at Sunnylands Center & Gardens

Palm Springs may be known for its vintage-glam hotels, but tucked away in Rancho Mirage is Sunnylands Center & Gardens, a modernist marvel that once hosted U.S. presidents and foreign dignitaries. What began as the winter estate of media moguls Walter and Leonore Annenberg is now a lush, 15-acre public garden filled with over 70 species of desert flora. The midcentury architecture is flawless, the reflecting pools are zen-inducing and the art exhibits inside the glass-walled center rotate seasonally. Whether you’re tracing history or just in need of a moment of peace, this free-to-enter garden retreat delivers a cultural oasis in the desert.

Location: Rancho Mirage

 

Step Into the World’s First “Cactarium” at Moorten Botanical Garden

Succulent lovers, meet your paradise. A living love letter to desert plants, Moorten Botanical Garden has been family-owned since 1938 and is packed with more than 3,000 species of cacti, succulents and other drought-tolerant wonders. The garden may only be one acre in size, but it’s bursting with visual gems—towering agaves, blooming aloes, ancient fossils and even gold mining relics. But the star of the show? The world’s first Cactarium, a greenhouse filled with rare and otherworldly desert specimens. It’s a living museum that’s weird, wild and 100% Palm Springs.

Location: Palm Springs

 

Find Joy at Happy Alley

What do you get when you combine a rainbow canopy of umbrellas, glow-in-the-dark murals and serious local pride? You get Happy Alley, a cheerful hidden gem in downtown Indio that delivers big on the feel-good factor. Tucked between Miles Avenue and Towne Street, this alleyway turned public art installation is a must for Instagrammers and mural-hunters alike. It’s bright, colorful and—true to its name—guaranteed to lift your spirits.

Local Insight: Want to explore more hidden gems in Indio? Check out this guide!

Location: Indio

 

Get Wacky at RoboLights

A visit to RoboLights is like stepping into a neon fever dream directed by Tim Burton and built by aliens on a recycling mission. Created by artist Kenny Irwin Jr. in his suburban backyard (yes, really), this ever-expanding wonderland of towering robots, psychedelic sculptures and lights is pure Palm Springs magic. Kenny began building his fantastical world as a child, and today his yard is packed to the brim with art made entirely from recycled materials—think old toilets, defunct electronics and retired Christmas decorations reimagined as robo-deer and glowing space creatures. Open seasonally and beloved by locals and celebs alike, RoboLights is chaotic brilliance at its best.

Location: Palm Springs

 

Experience Art in the Wild With Desert X

Forget stuffy galleries—Desert X brings world-class contemporary art right into the Coachella Valley landscape. Every two years (this year’s edition runs March 8-May 11), this ambitious, open-air exhibition features massive, site-specific installations from global artists, exploring themes like climate change, Indigenous identity and the passage of time. Each piece is designed to spark conversation and blend into the natural surroundings, often requiring visitors to go off-road for the full experience. Bonus: It’s free, inclusive and entirely outdoors.

Location: Greater Palm Springs

 

Sip a Signature Date Shake at Shields Date Garden

For a true taste of Palm Springs, visit Shields Date Garden in Indio and grab a creamy date shake at the counter. This family-owned farm has grown dates since the 1920s and shares the full journey from palm tree to plate. Catch the quirky film “The Romance and Sex Life of the Date” in the on-site theater for a fun lesson. Then stroll the peaceful garden trail behind the shop, surrounded by towering palms and lush desert beauty. But don’t leave without that shake—it’s practically a rite of passage.

Location: Indio

 

Embark on a Palm Springs Windmill Tour

Wind power takes center stage at Palm Springs Windmill Tours, where guests ride electric carts through a private wind farm. This one-hour tour explores the history of renewable energy in the Coachella Valley, starting with the 1980s “Wind Rush.” You’ll see today’s sleek, 400-foot turbines up close and learn exactly how they generate power from the desert breeze. Expert guides lead the way, sharing insights, snapping photos, and giving you brag-worthy knowledge to take home.

Location: Palm Springs

 

Hike the Ladder Canyon Trail and Painted Canyon Trail

Ready to work off that date shake? Take on the Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon Trail near Thermal—a 4.4-mile loop filled with slot canyons and rocky climbs. Named for the ladders bolted into the rocks, the trail offers a fun scramble and requires plenty of water. The views are surreal, with desert scenery that stuns at every turn and makes the effort totally worth it. Best hiked from October to April, it’s perfect for adventurous spirits wanting a fresh take on the desert.

Location: Thermal

 

Drive Under the Infamous Nudist Bridge

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself doing a double take on North Indian Canyon Drive. Above your head, spanning the road, is the notorious Lee R. Baxandall Bridge—also known as the Naked Bridge, or more cheekily, The Bridge of Thighs. Built in 2003, this modest-looking pedestrian overpass connects two sides of the street, protecting both naturists crossing above and distracted drivers passing below. Consider it the most polite piece of civic infrastructure ever to grace the Coachella Valley.

Location: Palm Springs

Palm Springs may be famous for its sunshine and style, but it’s the surprises hiding in plain sight—robot art, date gardens and naked bridges included—that make this desert escape truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re feeding giraffes or wandering through a cactus garden, Palm Springs always offers something unexpected around every corner. You might find yourself pondering an art installation beneath a windmill’s shadow or snapping photos of the surreal desert beauty. One thing’s certain—this wild, whimsical wonderland always gives you more to explore, no matter how many times you visit.