Palm Desert

Travel Guide

Palm Desert
Palm Desert
Palm Desert
Palm Desert
Palm Desert

A lush oasis in the middle of the parched Coachella Valley, this city makes a great base to explore an incredible area of the world.

Come to Palm Desert to get away from your hectic life. Drive a jeep across a lunar-like landscape, visit unusual animals in the zoo or relax indulgently at the spa.

Spend days in the glorious sunshine enjoying one of the many outdoor activities. Bring the whole family along for a day at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. The unusual collection of animals includes hedgehogs, leopards and coyotes. Feed a giraffe, visit the butterfly house or take an exciting night safari around the park.

Hike up the Bump and Grind Trail to get a view over the city or take panoramic photos on a hot air balloon at dawn. Ride a horse into the sunset on a tour along the Hopalong Cassidy Trail or play a round at Desert Willow Golf Resort.

Soar like a bird on a biplane flight taking you over the spectacular Santa Rosa Mountains and San Jacinto Mountain range.

Take a four-wheel drive tour to the legendary San Andreas Fault. Twisting rock formations make up this unique geological landmark. Greenery surrounds a desert spring. Learn about the history of the Native American Cahuilla tribe, who once lived off the plants and animals of this dry region.

Back in town enjoy shopping at the El Paseo Shopping District and head to the markets at the outdoor College of the Desert Street Fair. The Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert features exciting collections and an interesting sculpture garden. In Civic Centre Park, find the Desert Holocaust Memorial. Bring your children to this moving site but be sure to explain that this is not an area for play.

If your kids need to burn some energy then spend a day at the Palm Desert Aquatic Centre. This fun water park has slides, a swimming pool and a splash park for young children. The kids will also enjoy a visit to the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, which has fun interactive displays. Watch them find their way out of a rope maze, learn how to tie a sailing knot and get involved with the nuts and bolts of building.

Palm Desert is a lush green city in a striking desert location.

Where to stay in Palm Desert

Default Image

South Palm Desert

If you're spending some time in South Palm Desert, El Paseo Shopping District and The Gardens on El Paseo are top sights worth seeing.

South Palm Desert
Default Image

Cahuilla Hills

While there might not be top attractions in Cahuilla Hills, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and El Paseo Shopping District.

Cahuilla Hills
Default Image

El Paseo Village

While visiting El Paseo Village, you might make a stop by sights like El Paseo Shopping District and The Gardens on El Paseo.

El Paseo Village
Default Image

Bighorn

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Bighorn and surrounding area, you can visit Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and El Paseo Shopping District.

Bighorn
Default Image

Silver Spur Ranch

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Silver Spur Ranch and surrounding area, you can visit Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and El Paseo Shopping District.

Silver Spur Ranch
Default Image

Park Palms

When in Park Palms, you can plan a visit to Palm Desert Aquatic Center and Desert Willow Golf Resort, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Park Palms
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

4.5 out of 5
74-855 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €240 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
€240
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Palm Desert. Enjoy 5 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 8 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,013 reviews)
"Nice upkeep and very relaxing."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II

3.5 out of 5
1091 Pinehurst Ln, Palm Desert, CA
The price is €132 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
€132
4 Sept - 5 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, 7 outdoor pools, and a health club. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,097 reviews)
"Clean rooms. This time I did not like paying $25 per day for car parking."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
Embassy Suites by Hilton Palm Desert

Embassy Suites by Hilton Palm Desert

3.5 out of 5
74700 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA
The price is €87 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€87
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Palm Desert. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
7/10 Good! (1,540 reviews)
Excellent Stay
"The hotel staff and their administration were wonderful. This is my third stay there and I will continue to stay there every time I visit the Palm Springs area. We have elderly people in our group and they have always been accommodating supporting and caring. Gema in administration is just amazing. ..."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Palm Desert
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II

3.5 out of 5
1091 Pinehurst Ln, Palm Desert, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, 7 outdoor pools, and a health club. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,097 reviews)
"Clean rooms. This time I did not like paying $25 per day for car parking."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert

The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert

4 out of 5
75 Willow Ridge, Palm Desert, CA
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,156 reviews)
"Love that is family friendly, n several pools to visit."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert
Marriott's Shadow Ridge

Marriott's Shadow Ridge

3.5 out of 5
9003 Shadow Ridge Road, Palm Desert, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,644 reviews)
"We love this hotel. We continue to come back to it multiple times a year with the family."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Marriott's Shadow Ridge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do