Location: Palm Desert
Top Things to do in Palm Desert
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The 10 Best Things to do in Palm Desert, California (CA)
Relax and sight-see in this southern Californian oasis. Located in the center of the Coachella Valley, Palm Desert is a vibrant city featuring top notch resorts, world class golfing, shopping, and entertainment that appeals to many types of consumers. Hike, bike or ride horseback through the desert trails. Or, soak in some culture with seasonal festivals, stylish art galleries, and a thriving music and nightlife scene.
Restaurants in Palm Desert
1. Coachella Valley Vista Point
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By sdbctb - Brooklyn, United States
This highway is very nice to drive to palm springs from San Diego or anywhere on the west coast, it takes you through the mountains with switchbacks on the roadway and scenic views, this view is the winner as far as i saw. you see the valley from up high with amazing views of mountains and valley as well as the picturesque view of the roadway the rest of the way down. almost like the pikes peak roadway. if your stomach is sensitive and get nauseated on the roadway though this is not for you.
2. El Paseo Shopping District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,016 reviews
A unique nine-block shopping district filled with over 200 delightful discoveries... Shops, restaurants, art and more! Experience this mile of adventures by hopping aboard our fun Yellow Courtesy Cart and go from one end to the other, finding treasures every step of the way. Don't miss all the special events like El Paseo Cruise Night (1st & 3rd Fridays, Nov through April), Holiday events and Santa each December, Jazz Concert Series (Jan-Apr), Fashion Week El Paseo (Mid-March), Pam Desert Food & Wine (mid-March) and so much more! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and online.
Reviewed By rodr345 - Edmonton, Canada
Best shopping in Palm Desert. Many high end outlets but also many more affordable options. El Paseo is a beautiful street especially at night when the tree lights are on. In addition to great shopping there are also many world class restaurants that are well worth a visit.
3. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,006 reviews
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a nonprofit, accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, ensuring the highest standards of all aspects of animal care, education, conservation, public service, and operations. The Zoo is active in conservation research, habitat protection, breeding programs and education initiatives around the world, as well as in its own community. The Zoo has been a top attraction in the Palm Springs area for nearly 50 years. The Living Desert is located at 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
Reviewed By LaurieStory - Santa Monica, United States
Lovely desert gardens, fabulous model train display (huge), lots of interesting animal chats, free tram around the park, and wide selection of animals in large natural enclosures. I could happily spend several days there. Lots of places to sit in the shade and have a snack, good bathroom facilities (and plenty of them), nice combo of sunny and shady pathways. Not to be missed!
4. McCallum Theatre for the Performing Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 307 reviews
A state-of-the-art performing arts center that presents a stunning variety of entertainment and cultural experiences from Broadway productions and opera to classical and rock music.
Reviewed By 305lindar - Altadena, United States
The McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert is a wonderful venue for a wide range of the performing arts with many noted performers. While there is limited handicap seating, it is the one place I opt for because of this special seating. There is free parking in a large lot right next to this beautiful theatre and the staff and ushers are most helpful and friendly. A wide range of concerts and events are offered each year, making this the place to definitely go to for leisure pleasure and enjoyment.
5. Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains rise from the desert floor, reaching an elevation of 10,834 feet at the summit of Mount San Jacinto. Providing a picturesque backdrop to local communities, the National Monument contributes to the Coachella Valley's lure as a popular resort and retirement community. It is also a desirable backcountry destination that can be accessed via trails from both the valley floor and the alpine village of Idyllwild. The Monument was created on October 24, 2000 and is a cooperative effort of the Bureau of Land Management, the US Forest Service, and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, state agencies and local governments. The Visitor Center has exhibits on desert wildlife and cultural history, provides information on the Monument hiking trails and vistas. The Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteers operate a gift shop and bookstore at the Visitor Center and also offer hikes, lectures, and host classroom programs and projects.
Reviewed By waynefromcali - Yucaipa, United States
The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto National Monument,California, is a beautiful mountain range full of green pinyon,redwood and pinyon trees.Lots of wild life,a great modern mountain road,stops on the way for food and gas.Start at the visitors center in Palm Desert and take about a one hour scenic drive to the mountain resort town of Idylwild and return or continue on the loop to Banning and the I-10 freeway-head east to return to Palm Desert. Along the way is Lake Hemet and Hurkey Creek Lake for a nice stop over.Needless to say theres plenty of photo ops along the way! . . . #santarosaandsanjacintonationalmonument #santarosa #sanjacinto #highway246 #highway74 #highway243 #mountainroads #californiadeserts #palmdesert #idylwild #photography #bringyourcamera #takesomepictures
6. Bump and Grind Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 320 reviews
Reviewed By Dandlightman
If you are looking for more of a challenging hike - at the entrance to the trail, take it to the left and it will loop you around. Pretty hard to get lost... If you happen to be sipping on a Starbucks while wearing lulu lemon, starting the trail to the right is likely the best fit for you. ???? Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, Dec-March you are likely to see some big horn sheep - while March-May you may see Chuckwallas (Big scary looking lizards).
7. Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 278 reviews
Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada
We went walking to see the statues. A pipe A pot and water Faye Sakorsky Sculpture Garden A pot and a waterfall All in white A waterfall Red Metal Rocks and water We had fun to see this arts. Worthwhile to srr!
8. Palm Desert Cross Hiking Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By cinarc587 - Palm Desert, United States
Good hike up the mountain. At sunset, you can see the cross light up. Great for photos. Dogs are welcome on the trail and people of all ages make the hike.
9. Art Smith Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By pdxtravellover100
You don’t need to drive far from Palm Desert for this hike. It’s easy to find. We were there during covid on a Saturday and the foot traffic wasn’t bad at all. We went about 4 miles round trip. Brought a lunch and stopped to eat with amazing views. I’d recommend for adults and teens, but not smaller children. It can get steep at times. We saw some bullhorn sheep which was pretty cool!
10. The Street Fair at College of the Desert
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 441 reviews
Located on the College of the Desert campus in Palm Desert CA this year round weekend event sponsors over 200 merchants offering a wide variety of unique gifts, gadgets, tools, clothing, outstanding food, original art, housewares, yard/patio furniture and décor and much much more.
Reviewed By dellesol - Cumberland, Canada
My beloved and I went here two Saturdays in a row. There is a lot to see - you have interesting demonstrations of kitchen appliances. You have fresh produce and also nuts and dried fruits. Clothing for men and women (no name brands except the odd golf stuff). It is free. It has a small food court area with a variety of yummy foods. My husband had a chicken gyro and it was HUGE. 9 Dollars for what could feed us both. I had a lovely, freshly prepared crepe with fresh fruit. It was divine. Only $5.50. There are picnic tables to sit and eat. Musicians performing - really nice vibe. You have so much to choose from: pashminas, to kitchen gadgets, to reclaimed golf balls (and if you golf like me - it is awesome to get a deal for a ball you will lose to the wilderness). There is golf clothing, metal art, framed art, jewelry, bbq sauce and strange but interesting items. Of course also, as cannabis is legal here in California, there are many stalls that offer lotions and potions with CBD. Lots to see ... No fee for attending. If you want close parking it is 4 dollars but there is a little trolley to take you to and from drop off points. Also, the bathrooms are on the perimeter and they are clean, clean, clean! Worth the trek to see what is available in the area.
