Things to do in Palm Desert

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An outdoor patio with string lights, tables, chairs, a fireplace, and palm trees.
La Quinta Aerial
Late afternoon view of a public park in downtown Indio, California, USA.
El Paseo Sign in Palm Desert California

Things to do

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Palm Springs - Private Photoshoot with a Top Local Photographer

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Palm Springs - Private Photoshoot with a Top Local Photographer
Sightseeing Queen of Palm Springs "Anita Doll" celebrating Drag & Fly's launch at PS Pride 2024.

Drag Queen Hosted Mobile Theater Palm Springs Sightseeing Tours

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Drag Queen Hosted Mobile Theater Palm Springs Sightseeing Tours
San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour from Palm Springs

San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour (Greater Palm Springs)

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San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour (Greater Palm Springs)
San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour from Palm Desert

San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour from Palm Desert

￥27,991
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100% of travellers recommend
San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour from Palm Desert
The Legends & Icons Tour of Palm Springs

The Legends & Icons Tour of Palm Springs

￥22,393
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The Legends & Icons Tour of Palm Springs
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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 and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Palm Desert
Learn more about Palm Desert

Cahuilla Hills

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

Photo by Bob Cummins
Open Photo by Bob Cummins

El Paseo Village

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

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.

desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) and fan palms (Washingtonia filifera) near Rogers Spring (Lake Mead National Recreation area, Nevada, USA)

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.

Panorama of Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) in Hall of Horrors area of Joshua Tree National Park, California

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 The Gardens on El Paseo.

Popular day trips from Palm Desert

Indian Wells and La Quinta Cove in sunrise light

Indio

Hot springs in Chile

Desert Hot Springs

An outdoor patio with string lights, tables, chairs, a fireplace, and palm trees.

Rancho Mirage

Dramatic sunrise over La Quinta desert mountains

La Quinta

Golf course panorama in Palm Springs, Coachella Valley mountains web banner, California

Indian Wells

Palm trees rise in the desert at Thousand Palms Oasis near Coachella Valley Preserve. Villis palms oasis. California

Thousand Palms

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 Center 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 Theater and Arthur Newman Theatre. The average stay in Palm Desert is three days. If you have the urge to extend your vacation, 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 neighborhoods on foot. Just 3 kilometers from the city center of Palm Desert is Magnesia Falls Cove and Desert Horizons is 3 kilometers 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 neighborhoods, 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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