Are you ready to find fun activities for adults in Palm Springs?
Palm Springs is more than just relaxing by the pool and playing golf. This desert oasis has quirky fun, strange attractions, and unique experiences that many visitors miss.
With 7 years of hosting at Apek Rentals and our local know-how, we have everything you need to create the best guide for you to enjoy.
Table of Contents
Quirky Attractions and Art Experiences
1. Experience the Wild World of Robolights
Step into a surreal wonderland at Robolights, where artist Kenny Irwin Jr. has transformed his property into an incredible outdoor art installation made entirely from recycled materials. This bizarre and beautiful creation features thousands of salvaged items turned into glowing sculptures.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Price Level: Free tours available
Location: 1077 E Granvia Valmonte, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Our Review: Robolights is one of those places that genuinely surprises you. From what we’ve experienced and what visitors often tell us, it’s equal parts quirky and impressive, with something new to notice around every corner. If you like unusual art and photo stops that feel truly one-of-a-kind, this is a must.
We recommend going earlier in the day for a more comfortable visit and giving yourself extra time, most guests end up staying longer than they expect. The fact that you can visit without spending much makes it an easy yes.
Learn more about Robolights
2. Get Your Aura Reading at Soulglow Aura Studio
For a truly unique spiritual experience, visit Soulglow Aura Studio for an aura reading using a special biofeedback camera. This fascinating process captures an image of your aura and provides an interpretation of the colors and their meanings.
You’ll receive a personalized reading along with your aura photograph as a one-of-a-kind souvenir. It’s a perfect activity for couples or friends looking for something completely different from the typical Palm Springs experience.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Price Level: Mid-range spiritual experience
Location: 475 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Opening Hours: Friday-Saturday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Learn more about Soulglow Aura Studio
3. Take Flight at PS Air Bar
PS Air Bar offers one of the most unique drinking experiences in Palm Springs. This airplane-themed cocktail bar is completely decked out to look like you’re dining inside an actual aircraft.
Rating: 4.4/5 stars
Price Level: Moderate cocktail bar
Location: 611 S Palm Canyon Dr Suite 21, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Opening Hours: Friday-Saturday 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Our Review: PS Air Bar is the kind of place guests talk about after the trip because it’s more than “just drinks.” From what we’ve experienced and what visitors often mention, the fun is in the details, real airplane seating, playful ice cubes, flight-attendant service, and a full cabin-style setup that makes it feel like a mini escape. It’s perfect for a date night or a group that wants a memorable start to the evening.
Learn more about PS Air Bar
4. Explore the Unique Moorten Botanical Garden
The Moorten Botanical Garden houses over 3,000 varieties of desert plants in what they call “The World’s First Cactarium.” This family-owned garden showcases an incredible collection of cacti and desert plants from around the world.
Rating: 4.6/5 stars
Price Level: Budget-friendly admission
Location: 1701 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Opening Hours: Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
Learn more about Moorten Botanical Garden
Adventurous Outdoor Experiences
5. Take a San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour
Explore one of the world’s most famous geological features on a San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour. This unique adventure takes you to where the Pacific and North American plates meet, creating ongoing earthquake activity.
Price Level: Mid-range outdoor adventure
Tour Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Highlights: Desert oasis, rock formations, geological education
Our Review: This Jeep tour is one of the most worthwhile “only in the desert” experiences we recommend. From what we’ve seen and what guests usually say afterward, it’s the mix that makes it special: a fun off-road ride, dramatic rock formations, and guides who explain the fault in a way that actually sticks.
It feels adventurous, but you’re also getting a behind-the-scenes look at why this landscape is so unique.
6. Hike to the Surprising Tahquitz Falls
Most people don’t expect to find a waterfall in the desert, but Tahquitz Falls offers exactly that. This relatively easy 2-mile hike leads to a 60-foot waterfall hidden in the mountains just minutes from downtown Palm Springs.
Rating: 4.6/5 stars
Price Level: $15 day-hike ticket
Location: 500 W Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Opening Hours: Daily 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Our Review: Tahquitz Falls is one of those “wow, there’s a waterfall in the desert?” moments that guests love.
From what we’ve seen, the hike is approachable for most people, and the payoff feels big for the effort: A hidden waterfall just minutes from downtown with great photo spots along the way. It’s a perfect choice if you want a nature break that doesn’t take up your whole day.
Learn more about Tahquitz Falls Trail
Photo by: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=10573652664720837987
Unique Food and Drink Experiences
7. Dine with Your Dog at Boozehounds
Boozehounds bills itself as a place “where dogs bring their humans,” offering a unique dining experience that caters to both you and your furry friend. The restaurant features a separate dog menu with items like beef and spinach bites alongside sophisticated California cuisine for humans.
Rating: 4.4/5 stars
Price Level: Moderate dining
Location: 2080 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Our Review: Boozehounds is a standout if you’re traveling with a dog and don’t want to settle for basic patio dining. From what we’ve seen and what guests often mention, it’s the little touches that make it feel special, a real dog menu, a welcoming vibe, and food that still feels like a proper Palm Springs meal for humans too.
It’s an easy win for brunch, dinner, or a casual hang where your pup is genuinely included.
Learn more about Boozehounds
8. Try Famous Date Shakes
The Palm Springs area produces 95% of America’s dates, making date shakes a local specialty you can’t find anywhere else. These creamy milkshakes blend sweet Medjool dates with vanilla ice cream for a unique desert treat.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars (Shields Date Garden)
Price Level: Inexpensive treat
Location: 80-225 CA-111, Indio, CA 92201 (Shields Date Garden)
Opening Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Learn more about Shields Date Garden
9. Experience Plant-Based Perfection at Chef Tanya’s Kitchen
Chef Tanya’s Kitchen serves up plant-based cuisine so delicious that even dedicated meat-eaters are amazed. Their pastrami sandwich tastes remarkably like the real thing, while their fresh salads and bowls offer lighter options.
Rating: 4.8/5 stars
Price Level: Moderate pricing
Location: 706 S Eugene Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Opening Hours: Monday-Wednesday, Friday-Sunday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed Thursdays)
Our Review: Chef Tanya’s Kitchen is one of those rare spots where the “plant-based” label isn’t the main story; the flavor is.
From what we’ve experienced and what guests love to report back, it wins over everyone, including meat-eaters, with sandwiches and bowls that feel hearty, satisfying, and anything but “diet food.” It’s a great choice when you want something delicious that still leaves you feeling good afterward.
Learn more about Chef Tanya’s Kitchen
Entertainment and Cultural Experiences
10. Catch a Drag Show
Palm Springs has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, and experiencing a drag show is an essential part of the city’s culture. Toucans Tiki Lounge offers evening performances in an intimate tropical setting, perfect for a fun night out.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Price Level: Inexpensive entertainment
Location: 2100 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Opening Hours: Monday 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM, Tuesday-Wednesday 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Thursday-Saturday 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Sunday 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Our Review: A drag show is one of those classic Palm Springs nights that guests remember long after the trip.
According to what visitors often say, Toucans delivers a fun, high-energy experience in a smaller, tropical-style space that feels lively without being overwhelming. It’s a great pick if you want to tap into the city’s LGBTQ+ culture and add a “we’re really out tonight” moment to your itinerary.
Learn more about Toucans Tiki Lounge
11. Explore Mid-Century Modern Architecture
Palm Springs has one of the world’s largest concentrations of preserved mid-century modern architecture. Take a self-guided architecture tour to see iconic homes like the Kaufmann Residence and celebrity estates.
Insider Tip: During Modernism Week in February, you can actually go inside some of these architectural marvels. The Palm Springs Mod Squad offers guided tours that include homes of old Hollywood stars like Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe.
12. Visit the Colorful Pink Cabana Restaurant
Dine at the Instagram-famous Pink Cabana at Sands Hotel & Spa in nearby Indian Wells. This all-pink restaurant creates a vibrant, retro atmosphere that’s perfect for special occasions or just treating yourself to something extraordinary.
Rating: 4.3/5 stars
Price Level: Upscale dining
Location: 44-985 Province Wy, Indian Wells, CA 92210
Contact: (760) 321-3772
Opening Hours: Monday-Wednesday 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, Thursday-Sunday 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Our Review: Pink Cabana is a great pick when you want your meal to feel like an event.
From what we’ve seen and what guests often mention, the vibe is the main attraction, bold, retro, and photo-ready, but it still delivers as a proper upscale lunch or brunch spot. It’s especially fun for birthdays, girls’ trips, or anyone who wants a “treat yourself” moment outside the usual Palm Springs routine.
Learn more about Pink Cabana at Sands Hotel & Spa
Your Ready-Made Palm Springs Plan
We put together a simple, can’t-miss itinerary using the exact spots from this guide to help you experience a unique day in Palm Springs:
Tips and Tricks for Your Unusual Palm Springs Adventure
Making the most of these unique experiences requires some insider knowledge. Here are our top tips for adults seeking unusual things to do in Palm Springs:
Plan for Desert Weather: Even unusual indoor activities can involve outdoor walking. Always carry water, wear sunscreen, and dress in layers since desert temperatures change dramatically from day to night.
Book Advance Reservations: Popular, unique experiences like aura readings and specialty restaurant reservations fill up quickly, especially during high season from January to April and during events like Modernism Week and Coachella.
Embrace the Local Pace: Palm Springs operates on “desert time” – a more relaxed approach to scheduling. Build buffer time between activities and don’t pack your itinerary too tightly.
Choose the Right Base: Staying at an APEK Rentals property puts you in the perfect position to explore these unusual attractions.
Mix Day and Night Activities: Some of the most unusual Palm Springs experiences happen after dark, from stargazing to evening drag shows. Balance your daytime adventures with nighttime entertainment.
Explore Beyond City Limits: Many unusual attractions lie just outside Palm Springs proper. Consider day trips to Joshua Tree National Park or the quirky town of Pioneertown for even more unique experiences.
For more inspiration on planning your perfect desert getaway, check out our guide to Palm Springs neighborhoods to choose the best area for your stay.
Conclusion
Palm Springs offers far more than the typical resort town experience. From mystical aura readings to dining inside airplane-themed bars, these unusual activities showcase the city’s quirky, creative spirit that has attracted artists, celebrities, and free-thinking individuals for decades.
Ready to discover the unusual side of Palm Springs? Book your stay with us to make the best out of your trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Palm Springs for unusual activities?
The best time for unusual things is during the shoulder seasons of fall (October-November) and spring (March-May). The weather is perfect for outdoor adventures, many unique attractions have regular hours, and you’ll avoid the intense desert heat while still enjoying plenty of sunshine.
How do I get around Palm Springs to visit these unusual attractions?
Many unusual attractions are scattered throughout the greater Palm Springs area, so having a car is essential.
Are these unusual Palm Springs activities family-friendly?
While this guide focuses on unusual things to do in Palm Springs that adults love, several activities work well for families.
Can I visit multiple unusual attractions in one day?
Yes, many of these unusual experiences can be combined effectively.
