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Palm Springs Visitor Center: Gateway to Desert Modernism

Start your Palm Springs adventure at this iconic mid-century modern visitor center, offering maps, guides, and local insights.

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The Palm Springs Visitor Center, housed in a striking mid-century modern building designed by Albert Frey and Robson Chambers, serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the Palm Springs area. Originally a gas station, it now offers comprehensive information, maps, and souvenirs.

A brief summary to Palm Springs Visitor Center

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Grab a free map detailing the region's mid-century modern gems to embark on a self-guided architecture tour.
  • Take advantage of the free parking and EV charging stations available at the visitor center.
  • Check the visitor center's calendar for upcoming events and activities in Palm Springs.
  • Visit the Palm Springs Welcome sign next to the visitor center for Instagram-worthy photos with mountain views.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Palm Springs, the visitor center is approximately a 3-mile walk north along Palm Canyon Drive. Follow Palm Canyon Drive north, enjoying the shops and restaurants along the way. The visitor center will be on your left, just past the intersection with Tramway Road. Note that the temperature can be very hot, so bring water and sun protection.

  • Public Transport

    SunLine Route 24 serves the Palm Springs Visitor Center. From various points in Palm Springs, take Route 24 to the stop at Palm Canyon Drive and Tramway Road. The visitor center is a short walk from the bus stop. A single ride fare is $1 for adults. Check the SunLine website or app for schedules and possible route changes.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Palm Springs. A taxi from downtown Palm Springs to the visitor center will cost approximately $15-$20, depending on traffic. Request a ride to 2901 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262. Note that prices may be higher during peak season or special events.

  • Driving

    From downtown Palm Springs, take North Palm Canyon Drive (Highway 111) north. The visitor center is located at 2901 N Palm Canyon Drive, on the left-hand side, just before Tramway Road. Free parking is available at the visitor center. Be aware of pedestrian traffic and speed limits along Palm Canyon Drive.

Unlock the Best of Palm Springs Visitor Center

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Discover more about Palm Springs Visitor Center

The Palm Springs Visitor Center is more than just a place to grab maps; it's an architectural icon that embodies the city's celebrated mid-century modern aesthetic. Designed by Albert Frey and Robson Chambers, the building originally opened in 1965 as a Tramway Gas Station, serving motorists heading to the nearby Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Its most distinctive feature is the soaring, wing-like hyperbolic paraboloid roof, constructed with steel I-beams and corrugated metal, which extends 95 feet from the building. Saved from demolition in the late 1990s, the building was purchased by the city and underwent extensive restoration. It reopened as the official visitor center in 2003 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015. Today, visitors can find information on accommodations, dining, attractions, and events, as well as browse a selection of gifts, maps, and souvenirs. The center also provides helpful services such as EV charging stations and bike repair stations. Located at the northern entrance to Palm Springs on Highway 111, the visitor center is backed by the dramatic San Jacinto Mountains. Its location makes it a natural first stop for those arriving in the city and a gateway to exploring the unique blend of natural beauty and modernist design that Palm Springs offers.

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