Palm Desert, CA

Travel Guide
Desert Holocaust Memorial showing a memorial
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 Center 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 Center. 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

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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
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Cahuilla Hills

Cahuilla Hills might not have many top sights, but Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and El Paseo Shopping District are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Cahuilla Hills
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Park Palms

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Park Palms and surrounding area, you can visit Palm Desert Aquatic Center and Desert Willow Golf Resort.

Park Palms
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Silver Spur Ranch

Though Silver Spur Ranch might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and El Paseo Shopping District.

Silver Spur Ranch
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Spanish Walk

While Spanish Walk might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Acrisure Arena and Classic Club.

Spanish Walk
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Summit

While Summit might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and El Paseo Shopping District.

Summit
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 ¥19,683 per night from Apr 17 to Apr 18
¥19,683
per night
Apr 17 - Apr 18
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Palm Desert. Enjoy free breakfast, WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
6.6/10 (1,013 reviews)
"Awesome stay as always"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Embassy Suites by Hilton Palm Desert
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 ¥54,331 per night from Apr 22 to Apr 23
¥54,331
per night
Apr 22 - Apr 23
Stay at this spa hotel in Palm Desert. Enjoy 5 outdoor pools, 8 restaurants, and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

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 ¥25,576 per night from Apr 16 to Apr 17
¥25,576
per night
Apr 16 - Apr 17
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 7 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,492 reviews)
"Great property"

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
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 Shadow Ridge
Marriott's Shadow Ridge
3.5 out of 5
9003 Shadow Ridge Road, Palm Desert, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,259 reviews)
"Loved everything about thus place! Perfect for families !"

Reviewed on Mar 14, 2024

Marriott's Shadow Ridge
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, free parking, and 7 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,492 reviews)
"Great property"

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

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 golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,621 reviews)
"Quiet private property"

Reviewed on Mar 15, 2024

The Westin Desert Willow Villas, 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Palm Desert

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
621
" "5 - Excellent 58.146067415730336%
4 - Good
368
" "4 - Good 34.45692883895131%
3 - Okay
61
" "3 - Okay 5.711610486891386%
2 - Disappointing
11
" "2 - Disappointing 1.0299625468164795%
1 - Terrible
7
" "1 - Terrible 0.6554307116104869%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 14, 2020

Host was very good!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 21, 2020

Beautiful city!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 12, 2020

Beautiful modern excellent shopping, restaurants and Pickleball

2/5 - Disappointing

Les
Mar 5, 2020

This hotel is not what you expect when booking an Embassy Suites Hotel

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 3, 2020

Palm Desert has many available activities, and it is close to my family and friends.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 3, 2020

It’s an amazing place to go, however between Palm Springs and Palm dale I felt very limited on things to do for young people.

Cities near Palm Desert