Things to do in Palm Desert

Activities, attractions and tours

Beautiful Golf Courses - The Palms at Dawn 1
Beautiful Golf Courses - The Palms at Dawn 1
Traded the white snow for the red desert! Working on some great content for your here! #sunset #palmdesert #palmsprings #california #desert #mountains #color #travel #wanderlust #coachella #valley #cali
Four! Don’t get hit by the golf ball...I mean drone! #golf #palmsprings #palmdesert #coachella #california #travel #sunset #mountain #canyon #optoutside
Tonight’s sunset 😍 Hope you had a fantastic day! #desert #life #palmdesert #california #sunset #mountains #golf #optoutside #drone #photography
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Most popular experiences in Palm Desert

Tours & day trips

See all 36 activities
Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour

Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour

Activity duration is 5 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 159 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €137 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 8 activities
Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour in Joshua Tree National Park

Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour in Joshua Tree National Park

Activity duration is 16 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €17 per traveller*
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History & culture

See all 7 activities
Drag Queen Hosted Mobile Theatre Palm Springs Sightseeing Tours

Drag Queen Hosted Mobile Theatre Palm Springs Sightseeing Tours

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €128 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 5 activities
Desert Healing Experience

Desert Healing Experience

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Price is €172 per adult
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 4 activities
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is €258 per adult
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What to do in Palm Desert

Popular places to visit

Scenic Palm Desert resort vista, Southern California

Desert Willow Golf Resort

Enjoy a round of golf in Palm Desert at Desert Willow Golf Resort. Experience the lively festivals or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Desert Willow Golf Resort
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Marriott's Shadow Ridge Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Palm Desert at Marriott's Shadow Ridge Golf Club. Discover the desert landscapes and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Marriott's Shadow Ridge Golf Club
desert golf course green

Palm Desert Country Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Palm Desert at Palm Desert Country Club. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Palm Desert Country Club
Try to catch a show at the expansive McCallum Theater when you find yourself in the Palm Springs area. We were lucky enough to see Dame Edna's second final farewell tour and experience first-hand her satirical and brilliant take on things. Another great stop on our #realtime #roadtrip

McCallum Theatre

You can make plans for a show at McCallum Theatre on your trip to Palm Desert. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

McCallum Theatre
Beautiful Fountain at the Gardens...

The Gardens on El Paseo

You can enjoy retail therapy at The Gardens on El Paseo during your trip to Palm Desert. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

The Gardens on El Paseo
Family day at the park and I got this shot before we left and it was the only one I was able to get #BvS 129228

Civic Center Park

Civic Center Park is just one of the places to see in Palm Desert, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the desert landscapes and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Civic Center Park
Palm Desert, CA, Aquatic Center, College of the Desert

Palm Desert Aquatic Center

Bring your family to Palm Desert Aquatic Center and have a fun-filled day at this theme park in Palm Desert. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Palm Desert Aquatic Center

El Paseo Shopping District

During your trip to Palm Desert, you can enjoy retail therapy at El Paseo Shopping District. Take in the art scene and desert landscape in the area.

El Paseo Shopping District

The Lakes Country Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Palm Desert at The Lakes Country Club. Take in the lively festivals and desert landscapes in this family-friendly area.

The Lakes Country Club

Areas of Palm Desert

Palm tree oasis in the death valley desert landscape at dusk

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
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Cahuilla Hills

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

Cahuilla Hills
san jacinto mountain, palm springs, california

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
desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) and fan palms (Washingtonia filifera) near Rogers Spring

Bighorn

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

Bighorn
"Desert Art" The Mojave and Colorado Deserts transition in Joshua Tree National Park. The park is just east of Palm Springs in Southern California.

Park Palms

When in Park Palms, you can plan a visit to Desert Willow Golf Resort and Rancho Las Palmas Country Club, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Park Palms
Panorama of Joshua trees

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 The Gardens on El Paseo.

Silver Spur Ranch
beach hut on seaside in the tropics, goa, india

Indio

Hot springs in Chile

Desert Hot Springs

Palm Trees and Mountains

Rancho Mirage

North Bermuda Dunes in Palm Desert - as seen from Avenue 38

Bermuda Dunes

Dramatic sunrise over La Quinta desert mountains

La Quinta

Aerial view of Indian Wells and Palm Desert

Indian Wells

Sometimes, when we allow our grip on reality to loosen, even just a little, our imagination can run wild. It can be accentuated even more when it’s a dark, damp day and the fog rolls in around an already creepy tree. #scourchedeath #forestfires #idyllwild #mysticalforest #burnedwood #mysterioustrees #cranstonfire #mountaincenter #lonecoyotestudio #lostinfog #burnedtrees #ent #mtsanjacinto #thomasmountain #hauntedtrees #nealdodson #lakehemet #wonderingphotographies #destinationphotography #fireart #creativeeye #rebirth #regeneration #lifefromdeath #californiafires #californiafires2018 #thrivingchristianartists #walkinginthewoods #roadsidephotographies #walkingwithgod

Mountain Center

Frequently asked questions

Is Palm Desert worth visiting?
Famous for its golfing and shopping, discovering fun things to do in Palm Desert is simple. Make sure to add McCallum Theatre to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Palm Desert?
Once you've checked off top attractions like Palm Desert Aquatic Centre and Palm Springs Lanes, spend the rest of your day enjoying Palm Desert's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Palm Desert?
The top tourist attraction in Palm Desert is McCallum Theatre, so don't forget to add it to your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Palm Desert?
Three days will be enough time to tick off the leading city highlights, such as McCallum Theatre, Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre and Arthur Newman Theatre. The average stay in Palm Desert is three days. If you have the urge to extend your holiday, Palm Springs isn't far away.
Is Palm Desert a walkable city?
Some top sights in Palm Desert, such as McCallum Theatre and Arthur Newman Theatre, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 3 kilometres from the city centre of Palm Desert is Magnesia Falls Cove and Desert Horizons is 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Palm Desert with kids?
If you're looking for sights and tours for all ages, check out these awesome ideas for what to do in Palm Desert with kids.

What to do in Palm Desert for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or outdoor adventurer, there's no shortage of things to do in Palm Desert for adults including Acrisure Arena and Empire Polo Club.
Are there free things to do in Palm Desert?
In Palm Desert, Palma Village Park is a must-see spot for anyone looking to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's a great way to explore the best free things to do in Palm Desert.

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