12 UNMISSABLE Things to Do in Palm Springs at Night (2025)

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Palm Springs isn’t just retro pools and modernist mansions. When the desert sun finally chills out, this gem in California transforms into this weird, wonderful mix of old-school Hollywood vibes and modern party energy. Think martinis in mid-century lounges one minute, stargazing in the desert the next.

Want the best things to do in Palm Springs at night? Whether you’re hitting up drag shows downtown or sipping craft cocktails where the Rat Pack once roamed, this desert playground keeps serving surprises after dark. And trust me, the nightlife here is way cooler than those 100-degree days!

• 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend this stargazing experience in Joshua Tree, just an hour from Palm Springs! They provide telescopes and expert astronomers for viewing galaxies and planets, plus you’ll relax in zero-gravity pods with hot drinks under the stars. This stargazing tour is absolutely a must-do on a Palm Springs itinerary in my opinion.

Best Things to Do in Palm Springs at Night (Updated 2025)

Are you ready to explore the most unique things to do in Palm Springs at nighttime? As mentioned earlier, there’s a wide range of exciting activities in Palm Springs after dark. Keep reading to find where to go in Palm Springs at night!

1. Shop and eat at VillageFest Thursday night market

VillageFest happens every single Thursday night on Palm Canyon Drive, and honestly, it’s way better than I expected. They shut down three blocks of downtown from 6pm to 10pm (October through May) for this massive street fair that’s basically Palm Springs’ weekly party.

I walked through rows of local artists selling everything from handmade jewelry to pottery – about 80% of the vendors are actually the artists themselves, which is pretty cool. The food scene is legit too, with fresh tamales, tri-tip sandwiches, and gourmet pizza from Livreri’s. You can actually make a solid dinner out of the fair food alone.

The energy here is infectious, with live music and street performers scattered throughout. What I love is that all the nearby shops stay open late (look for the “BOLT” signs), so you can hit Canyon Rose Boutique or grab ice cream at Lappert’s after browsing the market. Even Village Pub does $4 sliders just for Thursday nights.

Parking can be brutal – arrive early or be prepared to walk. But trust me, this is the perfect way to kick off any Palm Springs night.

2. Walk through Moorten Botanical Garden at night

Moorten Botanical Garden during their special evening events is absolutely magical. This family-run spot has been around since 1938, and while they’re normally open 10am-4pm daily (closed Wednesdays), their occasional nighttime programs transform this one-acre desert wonderland into something special.

For just $7 admission (kids $2), you can wander through over 3,000 varieties of desert plants from around the world. I’ve been here during both day and evening events, and there’s something almost mystical about seeing these towering cacti and palm groves under ambient lighting. The world’s first “cactarium” – their greenhouse with rare specimens – becomes even more dramatic at night.

The Moorten family still runs this place, and if you’re lucky enough to meet Clark Moorten, he’s got endless stories about the Hollywood stars his parents designed gardens for, including Frank Sinatra and Walt Disney. They even consulted on Disneyland’s Frontierland.

The paths wind past ancient California Fan Palms and unique rock formations. It’s intimate, peaceful, and totally different from the typical Palm Springs party scene. Check their website for special evening event dates – they don’t happen every night, but when they do, it’s worth the trip.

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3. Drink at rooftop bars with mountain views

4 Saints at the Kimpton Rowan is hands down the best rooftop experience in Palm Springs. Perched on the 7th floor, this Michelin-recommended spot gives you 270-degree views of the San Jacinto Mountains and the entire valley – it’s seriously next-level.

I’ve been up there for both sunset cocktails and late dinner, and the views never get old. Their date-infused old fashioneds are actually good (not just Instagram bait), and the food is solid Mediterranean-American fare. Yeah, it’s pricey – entrees run $30-45 – but you’re paying for those killer views and the fact that this is literally the highest dining spot in downtown.

The scene is stylish but not stuffy. You’ve got curved booths, a central bar, and outdoor terrace seating where you can actually feel the desert breeze. Service is professional, and they know their wine list.

4 Saints is open Wednesday through Sunday, 5pm-10pm. Make a reservation because this place fills up, especially on weekends. There’s also The Reef at Caliente Tropics Resort if you want more of a casual poolside vibe, but honestly, 4 Saints is where you want to be for a special night out.

4. Test your skills at Escape Room Palm Springs

Escape Room Palm Springs is way more fun than it sounds, and I say this as someone who’s usually skeptical of these places. They’ve got six different themed rooms, from bank heists to Titanic scenarios, and each one is genuinely challenging without being impossible.

At $39 per person, it’s actually a decent deal for an hour of entertainment. The rooms are private – no awkward strangers – and they accommodate 2-10 people depending on the theme. I tried the Vampire’s Lair and it was the perfect mix of puzzles and story. The game masters (shout out to Nik Nak and Tyler who get raved about in reviews) give just enough hints to keep you moving without spoiling the fun.

What impressed me is the production value – these aren’t just rooms with random clues thrown around. They’ve got real storylines, quality props, and some genuine “wow” moments. The Jack the Ripper room is supposed to be their toughest, designed for experienced players.

They’re open 10am-10pm daily and strongly recommend reservations. Located on North Palm Canyon Drive, it’s easy to hit this before or after dinner downtown. Perfect for groups, date nights, or when you want to do something different in the desert heat.

5. Watch movies under the stars at outdoor screenings

Sunnylands Center & Gardens hosts “Films in the Gardens” on three consecutive Friday evenings in both fall and spring, and it’s honestly one of Palm Springs’ best-kept secrets. Admission is totally free, no reservations needed – just show up with a blanket and enjoy the show.

I caught The Wizard of Oz there last year, and watching Judy Garland belt out “Over the Rainbow” under actual stars was pretty magical. They usually do themed screenings – recent seasons featured movie musicals like Mary Poppins and Mamma Mia! The films start at 7:30pm, and the setting in Sunnylands’ gorgeous gardens makes even movies you’ve seen a dozen times feel special.

The Palm Springs Cultural Center also does outdoor screenings throughout the year, though their schedule varies. Both venues encourage you to bring lawn chairs, small picnics, and basically make a whole evening of it. Just no large coolers, alcohol, or pets.

Joshua Tree National Park does their annual Night Sky Festival too, usually in late fall, which combines stargazing with outdoor films. It’s about an hour drive, but if you’re up for the adventure, it’s an incredible desert experience.

Check Sunnylands’ website for current screening schedules – they announce dates closer to each season.

6. Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway after dark

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway after sunset is absolutely incredible. This rotating tram car takes you 8,516 feet up into the San Jacinto Mountains in about 10 minutes, and watching the city lights spread out below you as you ascend is genuinely breathtaking.

Right now tickets are $29.95 for adults ($17.95 for kids), and they run until 8pm most nights (last tram down at 9:30pm). During summer, Friday and Saturday they stay open until 9pm. The 10-minute ride up gives you 360-degree views as the car slowly rotates – you’ll see the windmill farms, the valley, and distant mountains all lit up.

At the top, there’s a restaurant, gift shop, and multiple observation decks. I grabbed dinner at Peaks Restaurant and watched the sun set over the desert – the temperature drop from valley to mountain is usually 30-40 degrees, so bring a jacket even if it’s blazing hot down below.

The tram has been running since 1963 and it’s still the world’s largest rotating tramcar. There’s $15 parking at the base (free for locals with ID), and honestly, this is one of those touristy things that’s actually worth doing. The night views alone make it special.

7. Eat at Palm Springs’ top restaurants

Palm Springs has some seriously good restaurants that come alive after dark. Le Vallauris is probably the most special – this French restaurant in a 1927 historic building has been the gold standard since 1973. I had dinner on their famous patio under giant ficus trees strung with lights, and it honestly felt like dining in the south of France.

Chef Jean-Paul Lair has been there over 25 years, and it shows. The prix fixe menu at $56 for three courses is actually a steal for this level of cooking. Their Grand Marnier soufflé is legendary, and the wine list has won Wine Spectator awards since 2004. Just know there’s no self-parking – you’ll need to use valet.

For something more modern, Trio Restaurant has great energy and solid food. The dining scene here really picks up after sunset when the desert cools down and the restaurants light up their patios.

What I love about Palm Springs dining is the variety – you can do fine French at Le Vallauris, hit a trendy spot like Trio, or find great Italian and American places scattered throughout downtown. Most places stay open late, and many have those coveted outdoor patios that make desert dining so special.

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8. Hike Indian Canyons trails under the stars

Indian Canyons technically closes at 5pm (last entry at 4pm), but the trails and the idea of hiking under desert stars is what makes this special. These ancient palm groves managed by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians are seriously magical, and the moonlight hikes they occasionally offer are unforgettable.

During regular daytime visits ($12.50 adults, $6 kids), you can explore Palm Canyon with over 2,500 adult palms, Andreas Canyon with its mountain-fed creek, and Murray Canyon that leads to the Seven Sisters Waterfall. The contrast between the lush palm oases and rugged desert landscape is mind-blowing.

I hiked the Palm Canyon Trail during late afternoon once and stayed to watch the sunset – the way the light hits those towering palms and rock formations is incredible. The Victor Trail gives you ridge views overlooking the entire canyon system.

The canyons have over 60 miles of trails total, from easy walks to challenging climbs. Check their website for special programs – they sometimes do ranger-led night hikes or cultural programs that let you experience this ancestral homeland after dark. Even if you can’t get on an official night hike, visiting late in the day gives you a taste of the desert’s evening magic.

9. Try your luck at Agua Caliente Casino

Agua Caliente Casino in downtown Palm Springs is open 24/7, and honestly, it’s got way more energy than I expected. This isn’t some sad slots-only place – they’ve got over 1,000 slot machines, table games, poker, and a high-limit salon for serious players.

The Cascade Lounge is actually pretty fun, with live music and DJs most nights. It’s right off the casino floor, so you can bounce between gaming and drinks easily. The Center Bar is open 24 hours and has that classic casino energy with TVs, bar games, and solid cocktails.

For food, The Steakhouse has won awards and actually lives up to the hype. Their Sunday brunch is supposed to be incredible. 360 Sports is perfect if you want to catch a game while you play. What surprised me is how much non-gaming stuff they have – concerts, comedy shows, and special events happen regularly. They do promotions like Range Rover giveaways and Rolex sweepstakes that get pretty crazy.

The casino embraces that authentic Palm Springs vibe – luxury but laid-back. Whether you’re into serious gambling or just want to try your luck for an hour, it’s got that classic desert casino energy that makes it worth checking out.

10. Join Palm Springs Astronomical Society star parties

The Palm Springs area has incredible stargazing opportunities, though specific Palm Springs Astronomical Society events aren’t heavily advertised. What you can count on is the Rancho Mirage Observatory at the library, which hosts free public stargazing nights twice a week with astronomer-led sessions.

Their 27.5-inch research-grade telescope is legit, and the guides know their stuff. You’ll get hands-on time viewing planets, star clusters, and nebulae while learning about constellations like Orion and Ursa Major. The outdoor observation deck gives you stunning desert sky views.

For more organized star parties, Joshua Tree National Park (about an hour away) is an International Dark Sky Park with incredible night sky programs. They do their annual Night Sky Festival in late fall with telescope stations, astronomy talks, and guided stargazing. You can also book with Sky Watchers, who do professional guided tours in the Coachella Valley Preserve. They bring telescopes and combine scientific facts with cultural star stories – it’s like having your own personal planetarium under the actual stars.

The best months for stargazing are mid-March through mid-October when temperatures are comfortable. Aim for moonless nights for maximum Milky Way visibility, and always check for meteor shower peaks throughout the year.

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11. Visit Palm Springs Art Museum evening events

Palm Springs Art Museum does free admission every Thursday from 5pm-8pm, and it’s honestly one of the best deals in town. This isn’t just a quick walk-through – we’re talking about 150,000 square feet of art in a seriously impressive building.

Thursday nights have a totally different energy than daytime visits. They sometimes do special programming like live music, artist talks, or film screenings in the Annenberg Theater. I went during a contemporary art exhibition and ended up staying for hours, especially with the outdoor areas and multiple levels to explore.

The permanent collection is solid – modern and contemporary art, plus traditional art of the Americas. Recent exhibitions have featured everyone from David Hockney to local desert artists. The building itself is architecturally significant, so even the spaces are worth seeing.

What’s cool is you can easily combine this with VillageFest on Thursday nights – the museum is just a few blocks from Palm Canyon Drive, so you can do art first, then hit the street fair for dinner. Regular admission is around $15, but those free Thursday evenings make it accessible to everyone. They also do special events like their annual Art Party and other fundraising galas that turn the museum into a proper party venue.

12. Bike through Palm Springs neighborhoods at night

Biking through Palm Springs after dark is genuinely awesome – the temperature drops, the city lights come on, and you get to cruise past all those iconic mid-century modern homes and palm-lined streets at a perfect pace.

Bike Palm Springs on South Indian Canyon Drive rents everything from basic cruisers ($35/day) to electric bikes ($60/day). The RAD Runner e-bikes are super popular and make covering ground effortless. They include helmets, locks, maps, and even LED lights for night riding – safety first.

The neighborhoods around Palm Canyon Drive are perfect for evening rides. You can cruise through the Movie Colony area where all the old Hollywood stars lived, check out the colorful front doors and desert landscaping, then hit downtown for drinks or dinner. Big Wheel Tours also does rentals and has premium road bikes if you’re more serious about cycling. Both shops know the best routes and can point you toward the safest, most scenic streets.

What I love about night biking here is how the desert air feels after a hot day, and you get to see Palm Springs from a different perspective – not just rushing from air-conditioned car to air-conditioned restaurant. The flat streets and bike-friendly layout make it easy even for casual riders.