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The Palm Springs Air Museum allows visitors to experience firsthand the sacrifice our flyers made in preserving the freedom we take for granted. It’s a worthwhile stop on your next getaway and the perfect opportunity to pay homage to those heroes. The museum is home to one of the nation’s largest collections of World War II flying aircraft displayed in modern, climate-controlled hangars. Here’s a guide to planning your visit to the Palm Springs Air Museum.
Aircraft Exhibits Hangars
Over 30 fighters and bombers are in the collection, including a P-51 Mustang, a Lockheed Shooting Star, a Spitfire, and even the famous F-14 Tomcat, many of which are available for special events where visitors can take a seat in the cockpit for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Aircraft Collection: One of the world’s largest collections of flyable WWII, Korean, Vietnam, and War on Terror aircraft, including the B-17G “Miss Angela” (tourable), Grumman F7F Tigercat, and Douglas DC-3 Skytrain.
Flight simulators
The onsite flight simulator offers a fantastic opportunity for those who want the excitement of flying without the fear of heights. You can experience sitting in the cockpit of a P-51, either on a mission over war-torn France or engaging in a dogfight with the German Luftwaffe. Be sure to call ahead for details, so you can grab your flight cap and be ready for the next adventure.
Palm Springs Air Museum Group Tours
Many veterans volunteer their time to lead group tours, and while the guide adds a few dollars to the admission cost, the knowledge gained is priceless. Where else can you get firsthand accounts of what happened through the eyes of real-life war heroes? Be sure not to miss the Buddy Rodgers Theater, which shows daily military documentaries, or the extensive library that houses over 8,000 volumes primarily related to aviation and military history.
Artifacts, Memorabilia, and Library
As you wander through the museum, visitors will find themselves surrounded by thousands of artifacts, memorabilia, and various uniforms from World War II, along with a vast collection of original and sporadic combat photography, artworks, and murals—a 12,700-volume research library above the main lobby for deeper exploration of aviation and military history.
Children’s Activities
The Palm Springs Air Museum is an excellent destination for families, offering programs specifically designed for children to explore and engage in hands-on activities. Additionally, the museum’s hangar can be rented for birthday parties, providing a unique aviation-themed experience. Best of all, the guest of honor attends for free!
Palm Springs Air Museum Gift Shop
The museum gift shop offers a unique opportunity to bring a souvenir home. Many rare and unusual items related to World War II are for sale, including navigation charts, airplane accessories, and pilot merchandise. Even some unique wall clocks feature nose art from World War II fighter planes.
Hours and Admission
The museum is open seven days a week, except on major holidays, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Allow at least two solid hours for touring the museum, as there is much to take in. Check with the museum, as many promotions are offered to support our men and women in uniform, where admission is often free. Tickets can be purchased online or in person and are not date-specific. Address: Palm Springs Air Museum 745 North Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, California.
Nearby Points of Interest
Palm Springs is a popular tourist destination, making the museum a stop on your next trip. If you decide to stay overnight to explore some of the area’s other unique experiences, plenty of accommodations are available to suit every budget in nearby Palm Springs.
Ride the Palm Springs Rotating Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, located in Palm Springs, California, is the world’s largest rotating tramway system. It offers a stunning 10-minute ride from Valley Station to Mountain Station. Opened in September 1963, the tramway features rotating cars that can hold up to 80 passengers. It is one of only four such systems in the world, with the others located in Cape Town, South Africa; Titlis, Switzerland; and Courmayeur, Italy.
The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, Palm Desert, California
Home to over 500 animals representing more than 150 species, including endangered species such as the peninsular bighorn sheep, Mexican gray wolf, Arabian oryx, and Grevy’s zebra. The Botanical Gardens feature over 1,600 plant species across 10 desert ecosystems, including cacti, succulents, and palms.
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum, Desert Hot Springs
This historic house museum is a unique and top attraction in the Coachella Valley, highlighting the legacy of Cabot Yerxa, who was an adventurer, artist, and human rights activist. The Hopi-inspired pueblo, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showcases Yerxa’s creativity and his commitment to preserving Native American culture and desert history.