Enjoy the view from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway — Photo courtesy of Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The fall months are an exciting time in Palm Springs — and not just because the temperatures are finally falling from the triple digits that dominate the summer months. While the cooler weather is a definite plus, fall is also welcomed every year because it marks the start of the busy season, when the desert lights up with a flurry of events, activities and fun from fall through winter and into spring.
Many of Palm Springs’ local attractions are also returning to their regular schedules in September and October, while some are even kicking off the season with events that visitors won’t want to miss. Whether you enjoy nature and wildlife or historical planes and architecture, there’s plenty to experience in Palm Springs as the desert heats up for busy season.
No matter what inspires you to travel, you’ll find plenty to enjoy this season in Palm Springs:
Wet 'n' Wild
As summer comes to an end, one of the desert’s most popular attractions for beating the desert heat, Wet ’n Wild Water Park, reduces its hours of operation to Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This applies during September and part of October.
The final day this year to zip down the park’s water slides, catch some surf in the wave pool and chill out in the lazy river will be Sunday, Oct. 12.
The Flowrider at Wet 'n Wild Palm Springs — Photo courtesy of Wet 'n' Wild Palm Springs
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
As one attraction closes, though, plenty of others open. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, for example, just reopened on Sept. 20, following its annual maintenance closure. Cable cars up the mountain now start at 10 a.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends, with the last tram up at 8 p.m.
Sunnylands Center and Gardens
Also welcoming guests again this month after a summer closure is the historic Sunnylands Center and Gardens, which was closed in July and August.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
The desert’s favorite zoo, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, will also return to its extended hours on Wednesday, Oct. 1, when the park will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (During summer and through Sept. 30, the zoo is only open from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
The zoo will also kick off the season with its La Gran Fiesta party on Saturday, Oct. 11, which celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with music, dancing and food.
Indian Canyons
If outdoor adventure is calling your name, keep in mind that the Indian Canyons will remain on a limited schedule through the end of September, open only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In October, though, the hiking trails will be open daily.
Palm Springs Air Museum
Finally, visitors can kick the season off right with historic planes, award-winning chili and an eye-pleasing collection of classic cars as the Palm Springs Air Museum hosts its annual Car Show and Chili Cook Off on Saturday, Oct. 25.