Planning for your family reunion in greater palm springs California? Here are the top places and destinations to include in your things to do in greater palm springs California
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Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (Greater Palm Springs)
Experience breathtaking views and cooler temperatures aboard rotating tramcars that ascend 8,500 feet to Mount San Jacinto State Park. The tramway offers spectacular desert and mountain vistas, hiking trails, and dining facilities at the mountain station. Perfect for families seeking unique experiences, the tram provides accessibility options, educational exhibits, and opportunities to escape desert heat. The mountain station includes nature trails, visitor center, and panoramic viewing areas showcasing the Coachella Valley.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Adult tickets are $29.95 and groups of 15 or more receive a 15 percent discount when booked at least 2 weeks in advance through the group coordinator. The valley station and tram cars are ADA accessible with wheelchair tie-downs available on request and accessible restrooms at both stations. Arrive before 9 AM on weekends as the parking lot holds only 400 cars and wait times for the tram can exceed 90 minutes by midday during winter high season.
Website: pstramway.com
Joshua Tree National Park (Greater Palm Springs)
Explore unique desert landscapes featuring iconic Joshua trees, rock formations, and diverse ecosystems where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. The park offers hiking trails, rock climbing, and stargazing opportunities perfect for outdoor-loving families. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, the park provides visitor centers, camping facilities, and educational programs about desert ecology. The park includes accessible trails, scenic drives, and some of the best night sky viewing in Southern California.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Entry is $30 per vehicle valid for 7 days and the park has no food or gas stations inside so fill up in Palm Springs or Twentynine Palms before entering. Groups of 8 or more vehicles should use the Cottonwood entrance off I-10 to avoid the congested West Entrance which backs up for 45 minutes on winter weekends. The Bajada Nature Trail and Cap Rock Trail are ADA accessible with packed surfaces and minimal grade changes suitable for wheelchairs.
Website: nps.gov/jotr
Palm Springs Air Museum (Greater Palm Springs)
Discover aviation history through vintage aircraft, interactive exhibits, and educational programs featuring World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War aircraft. The museum offers guided tours, flight simulators, and special events perfect for history-minded families. Perfect for aviation enthusiasts, the facility includes restored aircraft, pilot interviews, and hands-on exhibits about military aviation history. The museum provides educational programs for all ages and opportunities to learn about the role of aviation in American military history.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Adult admission is $19.50 and group rates of $16 per person apply for parties of 15 or more with reservations made at least 10 days in advance. The museum hangars are fully ADA accessible with smooth concrete floors and wheelchair-accessible viewing platforms for the aircraft cockpits. Free parking is available in the museum lot with space for over 200 vehicles and 4 designated bus parking spots for charter groups.
Website: palmspringsairmuseum.org
Indian Canyons (Greater Palm Springs)
Hike through palm oases and desert canyons on ancestral lands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians featuring natural springs, hiking trails, and cultural sites. The canyons offer guided tours, educational programs, and opportunities to learn about Native American culture and desert ecology. Perfect for families seeking natural beauty and cultural education, the area includes accessible trails, picnic areas, and visitor facilities. The canyons provide insights into indigenous history while showcasing stunning desert landscapes and wildlife.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Adult admission is $9 and the hiking area is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM October through June with shortened summer hours due to extreme heat above 110F. Groups of 12 or more receive $2 off per person and guided ranger walks cost an additional $5 per person with 1 week advance notice required. The first half mile of Palm Canyon Trail is ADA accessible on a packed dirt surface but beyond that point the terrain becomes rocky and unsuitable for wheelchairs.
Website: indian-canyons.com
Ken O.
Founder of AmazingReunion and veteran reunion organizer who has coordinated 50+ family gatherings across the US.