Palm Springs Parks and Gardens You Won’t Want to Miss

Let’s be honest—plenty of things come to mind when you think of Palm Springs. Between beautiful desert scenery, Old Hollywood haunts, and Mid-Century marvels, there’s no shortage of fun things to do. But what about slowing down and taking a moment to stop and literally smell the roses? Yep, Palm Springs is great for that, too! 

Let’s explore some of the must-visit parks and gardens in Palm Springs.

Beautiful Parks in Palm Springs

Whether you're after a spot for a picnic, a place to play sports, or just somewhere to unwind, these Palm Springs parks have you covered. 

Ruth Hardy Park

Nestled in the Movie Colony neighborhood, Ruth Hardy Park is a local favorite. Home to expansive green spaces, tennis courts, and scenic walking paths, the park offers a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for an afternoon picnic or a stroll. Tall palm trees provide ample shade, and the park’s well-manicured lawns make it an excellent spot to relax. 

Downtown Park

Located in the heart of Palm Springs, the aptly named Downtown Park is an urban oasis that blends with the city’s vibrant culture. With its views of the surrounding mountains and beautifully landscaped gardens, this park is ideal for those who want to take a break from shopping and dining downtown. Grab a coffee from a nearby café and enjoy the scenic beauty of the central green space at one of our favorite parks in Palm Springs.

Demuth Park

As the largest park in Palm Springs, Demuth Park offers a variety of recreational activities. From soccer fields to playgrounds and baseball diamonds, there's something here for every sports enthusiast. The park also features extensive walking trails, perfect for an early morning jog or a relaxing evening walk. For families, the large playground area is a big hit with kids, and the shaded picnic spots are ideal for a family outing. 

Desert Highland Park

Desert Highland Park is home to a community center, a playground, and sports fields, making it a hub for local gatherings. The scenic mountain backdrop adds a picturesque touch to this well-maintained park. 

Sunrise Park

Sunrise Park is a versatile green space featuring a large lawn area perfect for lounging or playing frisbee. Tennis courts and a swimming pool are also available, and the nearby public library and high school give the park a lively, community-centered feel. Its central location makes it a convenient and enjoyable spot for locals and visitors alike.

Picturesque Palm Springs Gardens 

Palm Springs’ gardens are a mix of natural desert beauty and thoughtful landscaping. Whether you're into plants or just looking for a quiet place to relax, these spots offer a simple, enjoyable escape. 

Moorten Botanical Garden

Step into the Moorten Botanical Garden, and you'll find yourself surrounded by a living museum of desert flora. This Palm Springs garden, founded by the Moorten family in 1938, showcases a stunning collection of cacti and succulents from around the world, interconnected by a series of intimate paths through various desert habitats. Don’t miss the “Cactarium,” a greenhouse filled with rare specimens. Moorten Botanical Garden is a serene escape, offering a unique glimpse into the beauty of desert plant life.

Sunnylands

Sunnylands, the historic Annenberg Estate, is more than just a garden—it's a cultural landmark. The gardens at Sunnylands are meticulously designed to reflect the desert landscape, featuring native plants, tranquil reflection pools, and modern sculptures. Visitors can take guided tours to learn more about the estate's history and role in diplomacy and the arts. These Palm Springs gardens offer a peaceful retreat, ideal for a relaxing afternoon in a beautifully curated environment.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Located just outside Palm Springs in nearby Palm Desert, this attraction features expansive gardens showcasing desert plants from around the globe alongside native wildlife exhibits. The gardens are themed by geographic region, allowing visitors to experience the diversity of desert ecosystems. 

The Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden

Art and nature blend seamlessly at the Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden, located at the Palm Springs Art Museum. This outdoor garden features a curated selection of contemporary sculptures, and the desert landscape offers a tranquil setting where visitors can enjoy art in the open air, surrounded by native plants and the majestic mountains. 

Shields Date Garden

Want to combine horticulture with history? This garden, part of a date farm that has been operational since 1924, offers visitors a chance to explore the lush date palms and learn about the cultivation of this sweet fruit. The garden’s walk, known as the "Romance and Sex Life of the Date," offers insight into the farming techniques used over the years. After your stroll, don’t forget to try the famous date shakes at the on-site café—a delicious treat that perfectly caps off your visit.

Discover the Natural Beauty of Palm Springs

Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, the parks and gardens in Palm Springs offer something for everyone. Ready to explore Palm Springs in person? Book your stay with ACME House Company and enjoy the best accommodations in town.

ABOUT ACME HOUSE COMPANY: ACME manages Luxury Vacation Rental Homes & Condos in Greater Palm Springs and the surrounding desert cities, catering to those looking to travel to the world-renowned destination for the season, week-long stays and extended weekends. Fabulous pool homes for when you and your peeps want some together time. Visit ACME's Website to explore more Palm Springs Vacation Rentals. 

Images courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs and Visit Palm Springs.

Published by Matthew Bruce
Tuesday, August 20, 2024