Palm Springs Attractions Near L.A.—Desert Hills Premium Outlets & More
Tourist Attractions Near Desert Hills Premium Outlets
The ever-popular Palm Springs draws visitors from all over the world!
Just a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, it offers breathtaking natural scenery and luxurious resort hotels.
The Desert Hills Premium Outlets are also close by, making it a great spot for shopping, too!
This time, let me share some top recommendations around Palm Springs!
1. What Is Palm Springs?
Palm Springs lies about 110 miles (roughly 177 kilometres) east of Los Angeles—around a two-hour drive.
The city enjoys a warm, arid climate year-round; from June through August (sometimes into September) average daytime highs top about 40 °C.
Even in winter the weather remains pleasant—average lows hover around 7 – 9 °C from December to February—making Palm Springs a renowned place to escape the cold.
2. A Brief History of Palm Springs
The area we now call Palm Springs was once inhabited by the Cahuilla people, who referred to it as Se-Khi, meaning “boiling water.”
During the cooler months they lived in Palm Canyon, where hot springs flow, and in the hot summer they moved up to higher elevations in Chino Canyon.
Palm Springs only began to gain worldwide fame as a resort in the early 1900s.
At the time, its warm, dry climate was thought to benefit people suffering from tuberculosis and other respiratory illnesses, so it became known as a place for recuperation.
By the 1930s it had become a favored getaway for Hollywood celebrities—far enough from Los Angeles to escape the press.
The 1963 completion of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway further boosted its appeal as a tourist destination.
Many stars built homes here—one famous example is “Elvis’ Honeymoon Hideaway,” where Elvis Presley spent his early married days.
Today Palm Springs remains a hugely popular spot that draws visitors from around the globe.
3. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
This is a large aerial tramway (ropeway) that carries you up Mount San Jacinto.
A ten-minute ride brings you to the Mountain Station at an elevation of about 2,595 meters (8,516 feet).
There you’ll find an observation deck, a restaurant, and hiking trails—perfect for soaking in the area’s natural beauty.
Our top pick is Peaks, a restaurant where you can enjoy delicious meals while taking in the stunning views!
From strawberry mojitos to steak and shrimp salad, you can savor dishes so good you’ll forget you’re dining on a mountaintop.
Check Instagram for more details!
4. Mount San Jacinto
Mount San Jacinto’s summit rises to 10,834 feet (about 3,302 metres).
If you start near the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Mountain Station (elevation ≈ 2,595 metres), you can enjoy pleasant hikes without tackling a strenuous ascent!
Unlike the panoramas from the observation deck or restaurant, this area treats you to a beautiful, distinctive landscape of towering pines such as Ponderosa pine—highly recommended.
When you ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, be sure to explore the Mount San Jacinto side as well!
5. Palm Springs Air Museum
Opened in 1996, this museum lets you view fighter planes and other aircraft that were actually used in World War II up close.
With more than 70 vintage aircraft—many still flight-worthy—and five spacious hangars, it’s an awe-inspiring collection.
It’s a valuable place to reflect on history and learn about the importance of war and peace.
The staff are exceptionally friendly and guide visitors with care, making the experience smooth and engaging—highly recommended!
6. Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel
This Palm Springs hotel is known for its expansive outdoor pool.
From the room’s balcony you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding mountains, palm trees, and the pool area!
A well-equipped fitness center and buffet-style restaurant make for an especially comfortable stay.
See Instagram for a closer look at the hotel!
7. Hidden Viewpoint: Coachella Valley Vista Point
This scenic spot sits along Highway 74 and is something of a well-kept secret.
From here you can admire the vast Coachella Valley from a closer vantage point than the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s observation deck.
Because there are no commercial developments or houses nearby, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a drive surrounded by desert and mountains—and soak up pure nature!
8. Lappert’s Super Premium Ice Cream
Opened in 1983 by Mr. Lappert, this shop crafts rich ice cream using only carefully selected ingredients.
It’s such a local favorite that it has been voted the “BEST ICE CREAM IN THE DESERT” three years in a row!
Under Palm Springs’ hot, dry skies, ice cream tastes even more amazing than usual!
If you love a quality scoop, don’t miss this highly recommended spot.
Check Instagram for more details!
9. Joshua Tree
Located about a 50-minute drive from Palm Springs, this area lets you see the uniquely shaped Joshua trees.
Despite the name, a Joshua tree isn’t a tree or cactus—it’s actually a member of the yucca family, familiar as a houseplant.
Gigantic boulders, scenic overlooks, and numerous hiking trails dot the landscape.
It’s one of the region’s best-known attractions, so when you visit Palm Springs be sure to add Joshua Tree to your itinerary!
10. Desert Hills Premium Outlets
This vast outlet mall sits about a 25-minute drive from Palm Springs.
With its enormous grounds and huge number of stores, you can easily spend an entire day shopping.
Beware that it gets extremely crowded during holiday-season sales!
Check Instagram for more details!
11. Conclusion
Just about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, Palm Springs is a true desert oasis!
Enjoy both its magnificent natural scenery and its relaxing resort hotels to the fullest.
For even more must-see spots, be sure to check out our Instagram!
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