What to do in Palm Desert, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

A desert landscape with tall palm trees and a mountain range under a blue sky with clouds.
An outdoor patio with string lights, tables, chairs, a fireplace, and palm trees.
A golf course with water features and residential areas.
A gazebo with a white fence and a bench in a park.
El Paseo Sign in Palm Desert California

Things to do

Drag Brunch at the Hyatt Palm Springs

Drag Brunch at the Hyatt Palm Springs

฿1,610
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Drag Brunch at the Hyatt Palm Springs
© Flytographer

Palm Springs - Private Photoshoot with a Top Local Photographer

฿10,677
per traveller
100% of travellers recommend
Palm Springs - Private Photoshoot with a Top Local Photographer
Restore yourself with the healing sounds and vibrations of crystal bowls with a professional sound therapist.

Restorative Soundbath in Palm Springs

฿2,135
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Restorative Soundbath in Palm Springs
The Legends & Icons Tour of Palm Springs

The Legends & Icons Tour of Palm Springs

฿4,599
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
The Legends & Icons Tour of Palm Springs
Palm Springs: Guided Golf Cart Windmill Tour

Palm Springs: Guided Golf Cart Windmill Tour

฿1,807
per adult
Palm Springs: Guided Golf Cart Windmill Tour
The view from Key's View, just one of many stops we'll make inside this 800,000 acre park.

Private Driving and Hiking Tour in Joshua Tree National Park

฿21,353
per traveller
Private Driving and Hiking Tour in Joshua Tree National Park
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What to do in Palm Desert

Stay near popular Palm Desert attractions

Scenic Palm Desert resort vista, Southern California

Desert Willow Golf Resort

8.8/5 (424 reviews)
Two championship golf courses set against the Santa Rosa Mountains create a golfer's paradise at Desert Willow. Enjoy meticulously maintained fairways and a full-service clubhouse with dining options between rounds.
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Where to stay in Palm Desert

Find the best Palm Desert areas for the activities you enjoy most.

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.

A pool surrounded by palm trees and a building with a sign that reads "Land of Dreams."
Photo by Bob Cummins
Open Photo by Bob Cummins

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.

A desert landscape with palm trees and a mountain range in the background.

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.

A rocky landscape with a small body of water, palm trees, and a few animals.

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.

A desert landscape with Joshua trees and large rock formations.

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.

Day trip destinations from Palm Desert

A geothermal area with steam vents and a lake surrounded by mountains.

Desert Hot Springs

A golf course with a lake, palm trees, and mountains in the background.

Indian Wells

A desert landscape with tall palm trees and rocky terrain.

Thousand Palms

A solitary tree in a foggy landscape.

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.