Tired of the usual Santa Clarita routine? Take a detour and discover Palm Springs – a vibrant desert escape just a few hours away, brimming with natural beauty, unique culture, and laid-back vibes. 

From sunrise hikes and peaceful yoga sessions to thought-provoking museums and soaring views, Palm Springs makes an ideal off-the-beaten-path getaway.

This feature marks the 113th entry in the KHTS series spotlighting unexpected destinations for Santa Clarita residents. This time, we journey into the heart of the desert.

Sunrise Hikes & Desert Mornings

Early mornings in Palm Springs offer a special kind of magic. As the sun peeks over the horizon, soft amber and pink hues wash over the desert, creating a perfect backdrop for peaceful outdoor adventures.

Tahquitz Canyon

Take a short yet scenic hike through Tahquitz Canyon, where ancient rock formations, seasonal waterfalls, and deep Native American roots await. It’s a quick immersion into the area’s natural and cultural history.

Indian Canyons

Explore the lush trails of Andreas, Murray, and Palm Canyons. These paths wind through palm oases and quiet streambeds, offering a cool and immersive experience in the heart of the desert ecosystem.

Desert Zen: Morning Yoga & Meditation

For a grounded start to your day, outdoor yoga in Palm Springs blends mindful movement with a serene desert backdrop. Framed by mountains and whispering palms, these sessions invite calm, clarity, and connection.

• Power Yoga Palm Springs

  Engage in dynamic breathwork and intentional movement designed to awaken body and mind. A peaceful yet energizing way to start the day.

• Urban Yoga at Ruth Hardy Park

  Open to all levels, beginners, families, and kids included. These friendly outdoor classes meet Saturday through Tuesday at 8:45 a.m. It’s community-driven wellness in the open air.

Discover Desert Culture: Museums

Palm Springs isn’t just about nature—its museums are rich with history, creativity, and immersive storytelling.

Palm Springs Air Museum

Courtesy of Greater Palm Springs

Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this living history museum showcases flyable aircraft from WWII through modern conflicts. With veteran docents, hands-on exhibits, and an extensive collection of artifacts, it’s a moving tribute to American aviation and service.

Palm Springs Art Museum

Currently featuring a rare U.S. exhibition of Howard Smith, a groundbreaking Black American artist whose post-war modernist textiles and ceramics became iconic in Scandinavian design.
Other highlights include Meditations in Glass, a curated blend of contemporary glass art by both occasional and career-spanning glass artists, offering a luminous and thought-provoking visual experience.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Leave the desert floor behind and ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tramcar. Soaring over 2.5 miles, the tram whisks you up to the cool alpine forests of Mt. San Jacinto State Park, offering panoramic views of the valley below. At the top, enjoy hiking trails, dining, and fresh mountain air—just minutes away from the desert heat.

Courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Palm Springs offers Santa Clarita locals a perfect blend of nature, wellness, culture, and adventure all within easy reach. Whether you’re craving quiet mornings or an inspiring escape, this desert destination delivers the unexpected.

Click here to view last week’s destination – California State Railroad Museum

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