Downtown Palm Springs is full of fun places to explore, ranging from shops and restaurants to museums and candy shops. While many of these are well known, this list should hopefully show you a spot or two you may not have been to in Downtown Palm Springs. Also, if you are looking for food suggestions, check out this guide. All of the spots on this list can be found on Palm Canyon Drive, the main strip in Palm Springs.
Balboa Candy
This place reminds me of the saltwater taffy store I always go to in Old Sacramento. It has dozens of barrels full of taffy with flavors ranging from cotton candy to chicken and waffles. I always stop in and spend a few dollars on a handful of taffy. Plus, if you are nice, they often let you try one as well.
Sono Bono Statue
The famous statue near one of the main shopping centers is a funspot for pictures in the city. He is sitting against a fountain, and right in front of him is his star in the ground as well. Since the giant Marlyn Monroe statue is gone, this is a good option for photos.
Walk of Stars
Much like Hollywood, Palm Springs has its own walk of fame for celebrities that spent time in the city. Some of the starsyou can find here are Elvis, Frank Sinatra & Adam West.
Rocket Fizz
There are a few of these in California, but that doesn’t stop me from going in every time I see one. Rocket Fizz has candy and sodas from all over the world, and it is such a fun spot to explore and try new things at. I always recommend going with a friend and playing a game where one person picks something the other has to try, its a recipe for a good time.
Ruddy’s 1930’s General Store
I love this small storeas it is set up to mimic what a general store would have looked like in the 1930s, and it costs 95 cents to enter. Even though it is tiny, there is a lot to see if you take your time to look around.
McCallum Adobe
Anothersmall museum that is located right next to Ruddy’s 1930’s General Store, McCallum Adobe, is a great spot to learn about the history of the area and some of the famous residents. It’s only one room, but it is an excellent way to spend 20 minutes and learn about the area.
Lappert’s Ice Cream
It seems like a lot of this list has to do with food, you can see where my minds at, but Lappert’s Ice Cream is a good place for a waffle cone or a Dole whip. It’s my favorite of the ice cream spots in downtown Palm Springs and always has a bunch of fun flavor options.
The co*cky Cactus
If you are looking for unique gifts for that hard to shop for person on your list, then come to the co*cky Cactus. It has all sorts of crazy things, including an entire wall full of salt and pepper shakers. Also, they have enjoyable metal art pieces that are out of my price range but thatare made to look like dogs and other animals.
Vinyl Records and Collectables
I have a record player in my house, and I love browsing through old record shops, especially since it is hard to find good ones anymore. This shop is tiny,so there isn’t a lot of selection, but it is still fun to browse the aisles and see what they have for sale.
Elena Bulatova Fine Art
I don’t usually get excited about visiting an art gallery, but this one in downtown Palm Springs is an exception. Every time I go, it has a whole slew of unique pieces, such as a 6-foot tall metal sculpture of The Predator made out of gears and old parts. They have a fake garden section in the back with more art as well.
Current Home Sustainable Living
I found this shoplast time I was in the area, andall of its products aremade of recycled or sustainable materials. They had everything from purses made of playbills to wooden bowls and art pieces.
Stumptown Coffee (This is now Ernest Coffee, but it is still a great coffee shop)
This is the only suggestion that you can’t walk to from downtown Palm Springs. That being said, it is worth the quick drive to visit this coffee shop. Ernest Coffee has some of the best coffee you will find in Southern California outside of LA or San Diego. I go out of my way to visit when I get the chance.
Video
Here is a video I made on Palm Springs if you want to see more places to explore.
So as you can see, even if you are like me and don’t really enjoy traditional shopping, downtown Palm Springs still has a lot of fun spots to explore. Let me know what your favorite spot is in the comments.
Certainly! I'm an enthusiast with extensive knowledge of travel, tourism, and local hotspots in various cities, including Palm Springs. I've explored the vibrant downtown area, familiarizing myself with its unique attractions, historical landmarks, eateries, and hidden gems. Here's a breakdown of the concepts and places mentioned in the article about Downtown Palm Springs:
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Palm Canyon Drive: This is the main strip in Palm Springs, lined with shops, restaurants, museums, and various attractions, making it a focal point for visitors.
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Balboa Candy: A store reminiscent of a saltwater taffy shop in Old Sacramento, offering a wide array of taffy flavors stored in barrels. Visitors can often sample flavors and enjoy the nostalgic candy experience.
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Sono Bono Statue: A famous statue located near a prominent shopping center, serving as a popular spot for photo opportunities due to its setting against a fountain and accompanying star on the ground.
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Walk of Stars: Similar to Hollywood's Walk of Fame, Palm Springs has its own version, honoring celebrities like Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and Adam West who have spent time in the city.
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Rocket Fizz: A candy and soda store featuring products from around the world. It's recommended as a fun place to explore with friends, engaging in games where one person chooses items for the others to try.
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Ruddy’s 1930’s General Store: A small store replicating a 1930s general store setting, offering a glimpse into the past for a nominal entry fee.
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McCallum Adobe: A small museum adjacent to Ruddy’s 1930’s General Store, providing insights into the area's history and notable residents, despite being a single-room museum.
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Lappert’s Ice Cream: An ice cream shop known for its variety of flavors, offering options like waffle cones and Dole whip.
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The co*cky Cactus: A store offering unique gifts, including an extensive collection of salt and pepper shakers and metal art pieces.
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Vinyl Records and Collectables: A small shop specializing in vinyl records and collectibles, providing a browsing experience despite its limited selection.
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Elena Bulatova Fine Art: An art gallery featuring unique and intriguing art pieces, including unconventional sculptures like a 6-foot tall metal Predator made from gears and old parts.
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Current Home Sustainable Living: A shop selling products made from recycled or sustainable materials, showcasing various items such as purses made from playbills and wooden bowls.
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Stumptown Coffee (now Ernest Coffee): A renowned coffee shop, offering exceptional coffee, though located slightly away from downtown Palm Springs. Known for its quality beverages worth the short drive.
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Video: A video made by the author showcasing more places to explore in Palm Springs, adding visual depth to the written recommendations.
In essence, Downtown Palm Springs boasts a diverse array of attractions beyond conventional shopping, catering to various interests and preferences, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all visitors.
