FLY HIGH AT THE PALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM
The Palm Springs Air Museum offers an up close and personal look at aircraft used to defend the United States. You’ll see full planes as well as exhibits reaching from World War II through the Global War on Terror and if you’re up for it, you can even take a ride. Dedicated to preserving the history of the aircraft and service members that have used aerial combat to defend our freedoms, if you’re stationed at 29 Palms, or don’t mind a day trip from San Diego, the Palm Springs Air Museum is an experience you don’t want to miss.
The History of the Palm Springs Air Museum
Creating the Palm Springs Air Museum began in 1993 when four passionate, well-connected men came together to preserve WWII warplanes in Palm Springs.
The museum took the next couple of years to organize and make things official with local officials before breaking ground on construction in February 1996.
In the same year, on Veterans Day, PSAM opened two hangers featuring 14 vintage aircraft to the public but they weren’t done there.
By 1999, a third hangar was opened to feature a B-17 bomber and a fourth hangar grew the museum further in 2017, showcasing aircraft from the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
In April 2022, the James R. Houston Pavilion opened up to showcase the F-117A Nighthawk, bringing a more modern experience for visitors.
Today, you’ll find more than 70 aircraft on the property along with other attractions, including a library, theater, café, and gift shop.
Finally, the Palm Springs Air Museum continues to grow as it's in the middle of remodeling the front of the property which will help entering and exiting guests while also providing space for a 200-seat classroom.
Exhibits, history, speakers, special events, and even the chance to fly all await you at the Palm Springs Air Museum.
Palm Springs Air Museum Events You Don’t Want to Miss
When visiting the museum, you’ll want to take at least three hours or more to experience everything it has to offer.
Keep in mind this isn’t allotting for the many events at Palm Springs Air Museum, which take place weekly, quarterly, and yearly.
From fundraising to honoring our Veterans to providing guests with an opportunity to fly in the many warplanes available and more, here are some events to keep an eye out for when planning your visit:
Open Cockpit Saturdays
On Saturdays, guests can enjoy the feeling of what it would be like to be inside of an actual warplane.
From 1000 to 1200, a different aircraft maintained by the museum is open for the public to enjoy.
In addition to taking a shot at the controls and your own photo op, volunteers are available to tell you about the specs and history of the plane available that weekend.
The Palm Springs Air Museum Gala
From keeping the history of aviation in America alive to maintaining warplanes and more, the Palm Springs Air Museum has plenty of projects at hand.
Each year, the Palm Springs Air Museum Gala helps fund these projects while also shining a light on people within the aviation world who have made an impact.
This annual black-tie event is a festive one filled with delicious food, tasty drinks, and plenty of dancing.
Memorial Day Flower Drop
The Palm Springs Air Museum flower drop each Memorial Day is a solemn event reflecting on the ultimate sacrifice fallen Veterans have made for our freedoms.
There is a memorial service followed by a fly-by with a vintage aircraft where 3,000 red and white carnations are dropped in memory of the fallen.
There are events all day long, including flight exhibitions. The ceremony and flower drop take place at 1300.
Annual Events
There are many different events held throughout the year at the museum providing plenty of fun that even goes beyond the hobby of aviation.
The Props and Hops Craft Beer Festival has great local craft brews, mouthwatering vendors cooking up delicious fare, local musicians, and of course, flight exhibitions.
PSAM’s Annual Chili Cook-Off and Car Show is a great way to see who can throw down the best recipe while also admiring stunning automobiles.
SNOWTOPIA! brings Santa and 60 tons of real snow to create a winter event in December unlike any other.
Plus, you can make smores, enjoy food trucks, take photos, and even ride the holiday train.
Warbird Rides
If you’re really wanting to get in on the action, the Palm Springs Air Museum has the perfect opportunity to see how the warplanes fly first-hand.
Warbird Rides take you up in the sky for around 20 to 30 minutes with the entire event lasting an hour.
There are several aircraft available, including the C-47 Skytrain, PT-17 Stearman, T-6 Texan, T-28 Trojan, P-51 Mustang, and Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star.
This is something you’ll definitely want to plan ahead as pricing and availability along with the maximum capacity of each ride will vary by plane.
Furthermore, during some seasons, not all planes may be available to ride. Again, it’s best to check ahead.
Planning Your Visit to the Palm Springs Air Museum
It doesn’t matter if it’s your first or fiftieth time at the museum, you’ll always find something exciting to do.
Visiting the air-conditioned hangers is unlike any other. Guests are invited to be respectful but get up close to each exhibit as there are no ropes preventing you.
Activities are always taking place and the museum is also ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant, easily accessible, and there are even a limited amount of wheelchairs available first come, first served basis.
PSAM is also a Blue Star Museum and is located only about an hour away from Twentynine Palms (MCAGCC).
Before making the trip, here are some important things you should know about PSAM:
You can purchase tickets online and since there are no reservations, you’re guaranteed a spot. Just be sure to have your receipt ready on your phone or printed when you arrive so that the tickets can be honored.
Furthermore, your tickets aren’t date-specific and they can also be purchased at the door.
Don’t feel the need to keep your pet away either. If they’re friendly, they are welcome.
Admission Fee:
- Free for ages 12 and under with the purchase of an adult admission
- Free for active duty service members, their significant other, and children
- Free for Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Members
- $22 for ages 13 to 17 and 65+; Veterans and retired military; Veterans or retired members of allied militaries
- $24 for ages 18 to 64
- $65 for Family Pack 1 (two adults and one teenager (13 to 17)
- $80 for Family Pack 2 (two adults and two teenagers (13 to 17)
- $95 for Family Pack 3 (two adults and three teenagers (13 to 17)
Address: Air Museum, 745 N Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Parking: Free onsite parking is available.
Hours:
- Everyday* - 1000 to 1700
*The Palm Springs Air Museum is closed on the day of its gala, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
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