A Group Travel Guide to palm springs, california's Best Destinations

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

No trip to the desert is complete without experiencing the world’s largest rotating tram car at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. This engineering marvel whisks visitors two-and-a-half miles up the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon, transporting you from the desert floor to the pristine wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park in approximately 10 minutes. At the Mountain Station (elevation 8,516 feet), the temperature is typically 30-40 degrees cooler than the valley floor, making it a perfect escape during the hotter months.

For groups, the Tramway offers spectacular observation decks, two restaurants (Peaks Restaurant for fine dining and Pines Café for a cafeteria-style meal), and over 50 miles of hiking trails. Traveling here by charter bus is highly recommended, as the road up to the Valley Station is steep and parking lots can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays. Your Charter Bus Palm Springs driver can drop your group right at the Valley Station entrance, sparing your guests the shuttle ride from the lower parking lots. While your group ascends into the clouds, your bus will be parked and waiting for your return. Be sure to book group tickets in advance to ensure everyone rides the same tram car together.

Address: 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Located just a short drive down Highway 111 in Palm Desert, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a must-visit for school field trips, family reunions, and anyone interested in desert conservation. This unique zoo focuses specifically on the deserts of North America and Africa, featuring giraffes, mountain lions, cheetahs, and an incredible model train display that delights visitors of all ages. The grounds span over 1,000 acres, offering plenty of walking paths and interactive exhibits like giraffe feeding and the Australian Adventures area.

Group travel here is a breeze with Charter Bus Palm Springs. We regularly transport school groups and private parties to The Living Desert. The facility has a dedicated bus drop-off zone near the main entrance, allowing for organized unloading of students or guests. If you are visiting during the warmer months, having a climate-controlled charter bus waiting for you at the end of the day is a lifesaver. Your group can cool down immediately in reclining seats while heading to a group lunch at El Paseo or back to your resort. We recommend visiting in the morning when the animals are most active and the temperatures are mildest.

Address: 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Joshua Tree National Park

While technically just outside of the Coachella Valley, Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most popular day-trip destinations for groups staying in Palm Springs. The park is famous for its stark desert landscapes, massive boulder formations, and the iconic, twisty Joshua trees. It is an outdoor lover's paradise, perfect for hiking groups, photography clubs, and corporate team-building retreats looking for a change of scenery. Highlights include Skull Rock, Keys View (which offers a panoramic view of the Coachella Valley and San Andreas Fault), and the Cholla Cactus Garden.

Navigating Joshua Tree requires a reliable vehicle, as cell service is non-existent in most areas and the park covers nearly 800,000 acres. A private charter bus rental from Charter Bus Palm Springs is the safest way to explore the park as a group. The drivers are familiar with the park's roads and can take you directly to the best trailheads and viewpoints. With a bus, you also have ample undercarriage storage for hiking gear, coolers filled with water (essential in the desert!), and picnic supplies. We can arrange a pickup from your Palm Springs hotel, drive you through the West Entrance in Joshua Tree village, spend the day exploring, and return via the South Entrance near Indio for a full loop of the high and low deserts.

Address: 74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

Palm Springs Air Museum

For history buffs and educational groups, the Palm Springs Air Museum is one of the top attractions in the region. Located near the airport, this museum is home to one of the world's largest collections of flyable WWII aircraft, as well as planes from the Korea and Vietnam wars. The exhibits are housed in vast, air-conditioned hangars, making this a fantastic year-round destination regardless of the outside temperature. The museum offers docent-led tours, often guided by veterans who flew the aircraft, providing a deeply personal touch to the history.

The Palm Springs Air Museum is incredibly group-friendly, with wide open spaces and easy access for motorcoaches. When you rent a bus with Charter Bus Palm Springs, we can coordinate a seamless arrival. The museum frequently hosts private events, from military reunion galas to corporate dinners among the vintage planes. If you are planning a special event here, our shuttle services can transport your attendees from local hotels to the museum and back, ensuring everyone enjoys the evening comfortably without worrying about driving or navigation.

Address: 745 N Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Indian Canyons

Long before Palm Springs was a Hollywood playground, it was the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Today, the Indian Canyons offer some of the most beautiful hiking and nature walks in Southern California. The canyons—Palm Canyon, Andreas Canyon, and Murray Canyon—feature stunning natural palm oases, contrasting sharply with the arid rocky gorges surrounding them. The easy 1-mile loop at Andreas Canyon is perfect for groups of varying fitness levels, while Palm Canyon offers more extensive trails.

Parking at Indian Canyons can be limited, especially at the trailheads on busy weekends. By booking a minibus or charter bus with Charter Bus Palm Springs, you streamline the entry process. Your driver can drop your group off right at the Trading Post for Palm Canyon or the trailhead for Andreas Canyon. After your hike, there is nothing better than stepping into a cool, air-conditioned bus rather than a hot car that has been baking in the sun. It’s an ideal way to experience the natural beauty of the desert with the comfort of modern transportation.

Address: 38520 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264

Sunnylands Center & Gardens

Often referred to as the "Camp David of the West," Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage is a historic estate that has hosted U.S. Presidents, royalty, and world leaders. The 200-acre estate features a stunning mid-century modern home designed by A. Quincy Jones, surrounded by a private golf course and eleven lakes. For the public, the Sunnylands Center & Gardens offers a glimpse into this history with art exhibitions, a cafe, and nine acres of desert gardens that are free to explore. Guided tours of the historic house require tickets purchased well in advance, but the gardens are open to the public without reservations.

Sunnylands is a sophisticated destination perfect for architectural tours, senior groups, and cultural outings. Charter Bus Palm Springs can provide elegant transportation to match the venue's vibe. Our sleek charter buses offer a comfortable ride down Bob Hope Drive directly to the Center's designated bus drop-off area. If you are organizing a large group tour of the gardens or attending a special lecture, a private shuttle ensures your group arrives promptly and together, respecting the estate's schedule and atmosphere.

Address: 37977 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

Palm Springs Art Museum

Located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, the Palm Springs Art Museum acts as a cultural anchor for the community. The museum boasts a sophisticated collection of modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design, as well as glass art and photography. It also houses the Annenberg Theater, making it a hub for performing arts. Just steps away from the famous "Forever Marilyn" statue, it is perfectly situated for a day of culture followed by dining and shopping along Palm Canyon Drive.

Downtown Palm Springs can be congested, and finding parking for multiple vehicles is often a hassle. With a charter bus rental, your group can be dropped off curbside on Museum Drive. While your group explores the galleries or attends a performance, your driver will handle the parking logistics. This allows you to easily transition from a museum tour to a group dinner at a nearby restaurant like Spencer's or Lulu California Bistro without the need to move cars or pay for multiple parking structures.

Address: 101 Museum Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Moorten Botanical Garden

For a quirky and uniquely "Palm Springs" experience, the Moorten Botanical Garden is a hidden gem established in 1938. This family-owned living museum showcases thousands of cacti and other desert plants from around the world. The highlight is the "Cactarium," a greenhouse filled with rare and extraordinary specimens. It is a favorite spot for wedding photos, garden clubs, and plant enthusiasts. The intimate nature of the garden makes it a charming stop for smaller groups.

Because the Moorten Botanical Garden is located on South Palm Canyon Drive in a residential-adjacent area, parking is very limited and mostly street-based. A minibus rental from Charter Bus Palm Springs is the perfect solution for visiting this attraction. A compact shuttle bus can easily navigate the area, drop your group at the gate, and return for pickup once you have finished your tour. It eliminates the stress of finding street parking and keeps your group safe from traffic.

Address: 1701 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264

Book Your Palm Springs Group Transportation Today!

Ready to explore the oasis? Whether you are planning a hike through Indian Canyons, a tour of mid-century modern homes, or a large-scale event for Coachella or Stagecoach, Charter Bus Palm Springs has the fleet and the expertise to get you there. We offer everything from 18-passenger minibuses for intimate gatherings to 56-passenger motorcoaches for large conventions.

Don’t let transportation logistics overshadow your desert getaway. Our reservation specialists are available 24/7 to answer your questions, provide custom itineraries, and offer a free, no-obligation quote. Call us today at 951-618-7440 to secure your bus rental and experience Palm Springs the way it was meant to be seen—in total comfort and style.