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Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

140 N Indian Canyon Dr · Palm Springs, CA

Why you should go…

Opened in November 2023 on the site of the tribe's sacred hot mineral spring, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum anchors the 5.8-acre Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza in downtown Palm Springs. Galleries move from a 360-degree creation-story theater through exhibits on the Indian Canyons, handwoven baskets and ollas, artifacts up to 8,000 years old and first-person video narratives from tribal members. Outside, the Oasis Trail winds past native plants, a waterfall and a brook, and The Spa at Séc-he offers mineral baths. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm; adult admission is $10 with free parking off Andreas Road.

  • #native american
  • #cahuilla
  • #museum
  • #palm springs
  • #hot springs

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
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    Palm Springs

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    Official visitor info for Palm Springs, from desert resorts and Palm Canyon shopping to the aerial tramway.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    Iconic

    Palm Springs Art Museum

    $25–$50

    A large art museum in downtown Palm Springs with a collection spanning contemporary California, Native American, and modern European art.

    0.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Tours
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    Five Star Adventures Tours

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    Guided sightseeing tours past Palm Springs celebrity homes and midcentury modern architecture.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Tahquitz Canyon

    Under $25

    A 1.8-mile loop trail on Agua Caliente tribal land in Palm Springs that climbs to a seasonal 60-foot waterfall, with a visitor center and ranger-led hikes.

    1.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    Escape Room Palm Springs

    $25–$50

    Private, family-friendly escape rooms in Palm Springs with themes from bank heists to a wizard school.

    2.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Palm Springs Air Museum

    Under $25

    Living history museum with one of the world's largest flyable collections of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam era aircraft.

    2.4 mi awayMore like this