Cool Things to Do on Hot Summer Days

Photo Courtesy: Palm Springs Surf Club

Summer in the desert is all about discovering creative ways to stay cool. And while lounging under the misters is always a good option, Palm Springs offers countless ways to keep cool while exploring the area’s art, culture, natural beauty, and uniquely LGBTQ+ spirit. From world-class museums and mountain escapes to surf sessions, drag tours, and film festivals, here are some of our favorite things to do in Palm Springs when the temperatures rise.

Head Indoors: Museums, Art, and Culture

If you’re a fan of modern art, architecture, photography, and design, the Palm Springs Art Museum is always worth a visit. During the summer 2026 season, don’t miss A Queer Arcana: Art, Magic, and Spirit, a temporary exhibition exploring the influence of spirituality and mysticism in queer art and culture. PSAM is open Thursday-Sunday; free admission on Thursdays from 5pm-8pm.

Just a short distance away, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum⁠ offers a powerful look at the history, culture, and continuing presence of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in the Coachella Valley. This beautifully designed space in the heart of downtown houses immersive exhibits, Native art, and artifacts. Open Tuesday-Sunday.

Need another excuse to spend a few hours in the air conditioning? Palm Springs is also a serious film town. Festivals like the Palm Springs International ShortFest, Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival, and Cinema Diverse bring outstanding independent, international, and LGBTQ+ films to local theaters, alongside regular special screenings and filmmaker events. Check the links above, Festival Theaters or the Cultural Center to see what’s playing during your visit.

For an indoor activity that a little less high-brow and a lot more cathartic, gather a few friends for an afternoon at the Palm Canyon Axe Club. Experience the thrill of throwing real axes at targets, or visit the Rage Room where you can “smash, bash, and trash” a variety of objects. How ax-citing is that?!

Head Uphill: Cooler Air in the Mountains

Few Palm Springs experiences feel as surreal as stepping aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway on a hot desert afternoon and emerging just ten minutes later on a cool mountaintop. Temperatures at the Mountain Station are often 20 to 30 degrees cooler than downtown, a contrast that can feel downright luxurious in summer. Explore the observation decks, small natural history exhibits, and restaurants, or venture into Mt. San Jacinto State Park where more than 50 miles of hiking trails await. An easy 10-minute drive from Descanso, the Tramway is open every day of the week with extended evening hours in summer.

If you’re up for a longer mountain escape, the charming mile-high town of Idyllwild⁠ makes a wonderful day trip. The 70-minute drive winds past spectacular vista points as you climb deep into the San Jacinto Mountains. Once you arrive, you’ll find an artsy mountain village lined with galleries, antique stores, cafés, and tasting rooms. If you’re up for a hike, there’s also some beautiful, wooded trails here. Temperatures in Idyllwild are usually 10 to 20 degrees cooler than Palm Springs.

Make a Splash: Surfing and Pool Parties

Of course, sometimes the best answer to a hot day is water. The Palm Springs Surf Club⁠ brings surf culture to the desert with a wave pool, surfing lessons, a lazy river, and plenty of room to relax. On Saturday nights during the summer months the club transforms into a 21+ pool party with live DJ entertainment. Open daily.

For Summer’s buzziest pool party, Splash House⁠ attracts thousands of revelers to multiple resorts over two different weekends in August. World-class DJs spin pulsing house and disco from poolside stages from noon until sundown, and the lively dance party continues into the evening on the tarmac of the Palm Springs Air Museum. Pool passes and After Hours passes are available on the Splash House website.

We also suggest checking local calendars such as Gay Desert Guide⁠ for smaller, seasonal pool parties and gatherings happening throughout Greater Palm Springs.

Uniquely Palm Springs

For a very Palm Springs experience, book an air-conditioned bus tour with the legendary ladies of Drag & Fly Tours⁠. Way more than just another sightseeing tour, the hilarious drag queens blend storytelling, music, video, and local history into a lively exploration of the city aboard their glamorous mobile theater. And yes, you’re welcome to bring your own beverages.

On Thursdays, once the sun starts dropping behind the mountains you’ll want to head downtown for VillageFest. Centered on Palm Canyon Drive near Tahquitz Canyon Way, this weekly event closes off several city blocks to car traffic and transforms into a lively, open-air marketplace featuring over 180 artisans and food stalls. Hours shift seasonally and run from 7pm-10pm during the warmer summer months.

No matter how you choose to cool off, the pool at Descanso will be waiting when you return, always ready for one more swim!