Attractions and Places To See around Desert Hot Springs - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Desert Hot Springs include a unique blend of natural therapeutic hot springs and cultural landmarks. This region is known for its distinct hot and cold mineral waters emerging side-by-side, set against the backdrop of the San Bernardino Mountains. Visitors can explore a variety of outdoor activities and historical sites. The area offers a diverse experience for those seeking wellness and cultural insights.
Best attractions and places to see around Desert Hot Springs
- The most popular attractions is Forever Marilyn, a man-made monument that is a 26-foot-tall sculpture of Marilyn Monroe. This iconic landmark captures the essence of old Hollywood glamour and is a popular photo spot.
- Another must-see spot is Downtown Palm Canyon Drive, a settlement featuring a shopping street with many boutiques and restaurants. This stretch is considered the 'Main Street' in Palm Springs, offering a vibrant atmosphere.
- Visitors also love PS I Love You Sculpture, a man-made monument designed for interactive photo opportunities. This art piece allows visitors to become part of its message, mirroring the city’s popular hashtag.
- Desert Hot Springs is known for its natural hot springs, unique museums, and diverse outdoor activities. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from wellness retreats to historical sites.
- The attractions around Desert Hot Springs are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 20 upvotes and 15 photos.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
Forever Marilyn
Highlight • Monument
"Forever Marilyn" is back in Palm Springs! Her new home is at the corner of Museum Way and Belardo Road. Seward Johnson's 26-foot-tall sculpture was a tourist phenomenon during its first appearance in Palm Springs (2012–2014). Marilyn Monroe has a rich history with Palm Springs, beginning in 1949 when she was discovered at Charlie Farrell's Racquet Club by William Morris talent agent Johnny Hyde.
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PS I Love You Sculpture
Highlight • Monument
Palm Springs has recently added a new Instagrammable stop in the downtown area, and unlike other selfies, you help complete its message. Mirroring the city’s popular hashtag, #PSILOVEYOU, you get to be the letter ‘I’. They even have the spot marked for you to step on.
The “Love Letters” art piece stands 6 feet tall, spans 18 feet, and is anchored by two 850-pound platforms — one supports the letters PS, and the second has a heart next to the letter “u”. The lettering and heart are in bold red which makes it easily standout where it currently sits in the plaza area adjacent to the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs hotel.
palmspringslife.com/selfie-palm-springs
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Downtown Palm Canyon Drive
Highlight • Settlement
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Palm Springs Art Museum
Highlight • Monument
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Whitewater Preserve
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Tips from the Community
The Palm Springs Art Museum, itself a work of art designed by mid-century master architect E. Stewart Williams, is located on North Museum Way in downtown and is the unmissable crown jewel of Palm Springs' passion for the arts.
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The Forever Marilyn Statue in Palm Springs is an iconic landmark that captures the essence of old Hollywood glamour. Created by artist Seward Johnson, the 1,000-foot-tall statue depicts Marilyn Monroe in her famous pose from the 1955 film The Seven Year Itch. The statue is a must-see in the heart of Palm Springs and a popular photo spot.
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The Palm Springs Art Museum is in downtown Palm Springs, California, and houses a diverse collection of art, including contemporary works, modern pieces, Native American artifacts, and Western art. The museum also features rotating exhibitions, a sculpture garden, and educational programs. There is a theater for performances and events, as well as a café and a store.
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Welcome home! "Forever Marilyn" is back in Palm Springs! Her new home is at the corner of Museum Way and Belardo Road. Seward Johnson's 26-foot-tall sculpture was a tourist phenomenon during its first appearance in Palm Springs (2012–2014). Marilyn Monroe has a rich history with Palm Springs, beginning in 1949 when she was discovered at Charlie Farrell's Racquet Club by William Morris talent agent Johnny Hyde.
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The museum is absolutely worth a visit! It's diverse, yet you can still skip things if you don't want to see much more.
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Forever Marilyn is a giant statue of Marilyn Monroe designed by Seward Johnson. The statue is a representation of the image of Monroe from Billy Wilder's 1955 film The Seven Year Itch. Created in 2011, the statue has been installed in various locations in the United States as well as Australia. from: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forever_Marilyn
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The Palm Springs Art Museum is an indoor outdoor museum. It's a museum that holds a variety of mediums like glass work, photography, architecture, and Native American and Western art. It's also located right near the base of the Cactus to Clouds hike.
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Easy ride up Whitewater Canyon Road to the Preserve. There you will find a nicely kept picnic area where you can day camp, hike or soak in the nice swimming hole. The canyon has a robust population of bighorn sheep, deer, and bear!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features and outdoor activities can I enjoy near Desert Hot Springs?
Desert Hot Springs is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. You can explore Mission Creek Preserve, part of the Sand to Snow National Monument, offering trails, a creek, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Another excellent option is Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, known for its diverse riparian habitat. For hiking, consider trails like the Whitewater Canyon View Loop or the Mission Creek Preserve Trail. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking around Desert Hot Springs guide. The region also offers various golf courses.
What historical and cultural sites can I visit in Desert Hot Springs?
Desert Hot Springs boasts unique historical and cultural landmarks. Don't miss Cabot's Pueblo Museum, a Hopi-inspired pueblo hand-built by pioneer Cabot Yerxa, offering a glimpse into the area's Native and settler history. Another significant site is the Pil-o-Rox Rock House, one of the city's first homes, now a museum for the Historical Society. Nearby, you can also visit the Palm Springs Art Museum, which showcases a variety of art forms.
What makes Desert Hot Springs unique for wellness and relaxation?
Desert Hot Springs is renowned as 'California's Spa City' due to its natural therapeutic hot springs. It's one of the few places globally where both hot and cold mineral waters emerge side-by-side, celebrated for their healing properties and high mineral content. Numerous resorts and boutique spas, such as Two Bunch Palms, Azure Palm Hot Springs, and The Spring Resort & Spa, tap into this underground aquifer, offering diverse soaking experiences and spa treatments.
Can I experience the mineral hot springs without an overnight stay?
Yes, many establishments in Desert Hot Springs offer day passes for visitors who wish to enjoy the mineral soaks and spa facilities without an overnight stay. Popular options include Miracle Springs Resort & Spa and Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel, among others, providing a flexible way to experience the healing waters.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Desert Hot Springs?
Absolutely! For a fun photo opportunity, visit the iconic Forever Marilyn sculpture, a 26-foot-tall statue of Marilyn Monroe. Another interactive art piece is the PS I Love You Sculpture, where you can become part of the message. The nearby Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers a thrilling ride with panoramic views, which can be exciting for families.
What is the best time of year to visit Desert Hot Springs for outdoor activities?
The cooler months, typically from late fall through spring (October to April), are ideal for outdoor activities in Desert Hot Springs. During this period, temperatures are more moderate, making hiking, cycling, and exploring the preserves much more comfortable. Spring also brings wildflowers to areas like Mission Creek Preserve.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions in the area?
Yes, several attractions in the Desert Hot Springs area are wheelchair-accessible. These include the Forever Marilyn sculpture, the PS I Love You Sculpture, and Downtown Palm Canyon Drive with its shops and restaurants. The Palm Springs Art Museum is also designed to be accessible.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints near Desert Hot Springs?
The region offers several scenic viewpoints. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway provides breathtaking panoramic views as it ascends to near the top of San Jacinto Peak. Additionally, trails within Mission Creek Preserve and Big Morongo Canyon Preserve offer picturesque vistas of the desert landscape, eroded hills, and the San Bernardino Mountains.
Are there specific routes for road cycling or running near Desert Hot Springs attractions?
Yes, there are various routes for road cycling and running. For road cycling, you can find routes like the Demuth Park - With Golf Resort – Palm Springs Art Museum loop. Runners can explore trails such as the Whitewater River & Red Dome via PCT or the Skyline Trail. You can discover more options and detailed route information in the Road Cycling Routes around Desert Hot Springs guide and the Running Trails around Desert Hot Springs guide.
What unique things can I do near Desert Hot Springs that are different from Palm Springs?
While Palm Springs offers its own charm, Desert Hot Springs stands out with its focus on natural mineral hot springs and unique historical sites. The primary draw is the therapeutic hot springs experience at various spas, which is the city's defining feature. Additionally, exploring Cabot's Pueblo Museum and the Pil-o-Rox Rock House provides a distinct historical and architectural perspective unique to Desert Hot Springs.
Where can I experience wildlife spotting near Desert Hot Springs?
For wildlife spotting, head to Mission Creek Preserve and Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. These preserves are known for their diverse ecosystems and are home to various desert birds, bighorn sheep, and other local wildlife. Spring is often a good time to see more activity and wildflowers.
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