You can get tickets day of at the tramway. Do not go to the visitors center to get tickets go directly to tram entrance at base of mountain. Restaurant at the top is a great place to stop and enjoy the view. Potentially cold weather up there.
A short drive south of Palm Springs. You can drive through and hike as little or as much as you like. Beautiful Murray Canyon Trail is a don't miss easy one of a kind Palm Tree Oasis trail with running water in the middle of the desert! Be ready to be one with nature and take a moment to reflect in this magical place.