Top 15 Activities to Enjoy in Palm Desert, California

Palm Desert is a city with an estimated population of 50,000, located in the Coachella Valley region of Riverside County.

The city is recognized for its warm climate throughout the year, making it a favored destination for individuals seeking to escape the cold winters elsewhere.

Visitors to Palm Desert will find numerous parks, golf courses, boutique stores, art galleries, entertainment venues, and dining establishments. As you navigate the city, you will encounter stunning public art adorning roadways and sidewalks.

Moreover, several festivals and events are organized in Palm Desert throughout the year, including the Desert ARC Italian Festival, the Greek Festival, The Armenian Festival, CanadaFest, and the Scottish Festival.

Below, discover 15 of the most engaging activities to pursue in and around Palm Desert, California.

1. Visit Cabot’s Pueblo Museum

Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is a historical residence constructed in the early 1940s by Cabot Yerxa. Standing at four stories and comprising 35 rooms, the structure remained unfinished at the time of Yerxa’s passing in 1965.

The exterior of this expansive property showcases a captivating representation of Pueblo revival architecture, incorporating various elements sourced from the surrounding desert environment.

Within the home, visitors can explore exhibits and galleries exhibiting art and artifacts that highlight the life and times of the family that resided there.

2. Kick Back in Civic Center Park

Spanning 70 acres, Civic Center Park is the largest community park in Palm Desert, offering a comprehensive range of amenities for both relaxation and recreation. Facilities include open grassy areas, picnic spots, a playground, and restrooms.

Walking trails meander through the park, and while exploring, you will encounter a rose garden and various public art displays. The amphitheater hosts numerous events, such as concerts, throughout the year.

Additionally, there are baseball fields, and courts for tennis, volleyball, and basketball available on-site.

3. Fly High Over Palm Desert with Balloons Above

There exist countless avenues to appreciate Palm Desert and its surroundings; however, one of the most unique and exhilarating experiences is to observe it from the sky.

For over four decades, Balloons Above has been providing visitors with aerial views of the city and the encompassing Coachella Valley in hot air balloons.

The hot air balloon experience is distinctly different from helicopter or airplane rides, as it eliminates the noise from engines and propellers, granting you a full 360-degree perspective.

As you ascend, you will witness breathtaking desert landscapes and sprawling urban areas, with sunset flights available for those seeking a memorable experience.

4. Spend a Day Golfing at Desert Willow Golf Resort

At Desert Willow Golf Resort, visitors are not limited to a single award-winning 18-hole course; rather, they have the opportunity to play on two of the region’s premier golf courses.

The Firecliff Course poses a challenge, featuring a variety of hazards and water features to enhance the golfing experience.

Conversely, the Mountain View Course offers a more relaxed experience with several manageable challenges throughout the course.

Multiple restaurants and bars are located on-site, providing a diverse menu of food and beverage choices, with outdoor dining options available.

5. Enjoy Seafood in the Desert at Pacifica Seafood Restaurant

Pacifica Seafood Restaurant is regarded as one of the premier seafood establishments in Palm Desert. This warm and inviting venue offers fresh, delectable seafood amidst a picturesque setting.

The extensive menu includes an array of choices from appetizers to salads and entrees, featuring highlights such as sugar-spiced salmon, Chilean sea bass, shrimp scampi pasta, and filet mignon. Outdoor dining is available on the patio, providing views of the nearby mountainous landscape.

A bar is also present, hosting a daily happy hour with a wide selection of vodkas, wines, and signature cocktails.

6. Spend a Day in Nature at the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve

Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve is an untouched 20,000-acre wilderness area situated approximately 20 minutes from Palm Desert.

This intriguing desert sanctuary features picnic areas along with a series of hiking trails. While wildlife sightings may be unpredictable, visitors are guaranteed to enjoy breathtaking landscapes and unique flora.

The visitors center offers basic services, and themed guided hikes are scheduled on select weekdays.

7. Admire Beautiful Art at the Palm Springs Art Museum

At the Palm Springs Art Museum, visitors can explore an extensive collection of art from diverse cultures worldwide.

Exhibits include Native American art, Western American art, and an assorted range of paintings and sculptures from various periods and regions.

Guided tours are offered, and the museum frequently hosts live performances throughout the calendar year.

8. Hike the Bump and Grind Trail

This trail, commonly referred to by various names, is among the most frequented hiking paths in Palm Desert.

If you desire a fun and invigorating method to integrate fitness into your vacation, this 4-mile loop trail ascends to approximately 1,000 feet in elevation.

While trekking, expect to encounter an array of wildflowers and enjoy stunning vistas of Palm Desert and its surroundings. Wildlife of the region may also present itself along your journey.

9. Check out the Palm Desert Certified Farmers’ Market

The Palm Desert Certified Farmers’ Market operates weekly throughout the year, showcasing a vast array of fresh, local fruits and vegetables.

Additionally, other offerings include flowers, pastries, herbs, cheese, nuts, olive oil, honey, eggs, handcrafted soap, and baked desserts.

As you peruse the market, enjoy the performances of local musicians setting a vibrant atmosphere.

10. Take a Mini Road Trip Along the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway

While Palm Desert offers plenty of stunning scenery, taking a drive along the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway allows you to witness the area’s most picturesque landscapes.

This scenic 67-mile route begins in the arid desert terrain just outside Palm Desert and concludes in the snow-capped mountains at Banning Pass. Along the way, travelers encounter diverse ecosystems and varied landscapes.

Although amenities and manufactured attractions are sparse along this route, the natural vistas compensate for it abundantly.

11. Sample Local Spirits at Desert Distilling

Desert Distilling operates as a local distillery in Palm Desert, specializing in the daily crafting of fine rum, gin, and other spirits. Patrons have the opportunity to sample these exceptional spirits in the on-site tasting room on select days.

Distillery tours are also available, and you may purchase bottled spirits from their selection.

12. Learn About Desert Life at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

The desert serves as a fascinating environment, abundant with distinctive plants, wildlife, and diverse ecosystems. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens provides extensive insights into desert life from various parts of the globe.

This zoo and botanical garden feature an impressive array of plant and animal species indigenous to deserts worldwide.

While exploring the grounds, expect to see a variety of animals, including wolves, giraffes, badgers, leopards, zebras, and camels, among others.

The botanical garden emphasizes cacti and palm species. Additionally, there is a butterfly garden and numerous interactive attractions, including nature trails and a petting zoo.

13. Take an Excursion with Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours

Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours offers memorable excursions across the captivating landscapes surrounding Palm Desert.

A range of tours is available, including visits to Painted Canyon, the Mecca Hills Wilderness Area, and Palm Springs Indian Canyons.

The company manages an 800-acre site where participants can enjoy activities such as hiking, sightseeing, and wagon rides.

14. Cool Off at Palm Desert Aquatic Center

Given the intense heat often experienced in Palm Desert, both residents and visitors commonly seek refuge at the Desert Aquatic Center during peak temperatures.

This year-round water park features a variety of attractions suitable for all ages, including spray zones, three swimming pools complete with slides, and numerous play features. Exercise classes are also available at designated times.

15. Sample Local Craft Beers at the Coachella Valley Brewing Company

At Coachella Valley Brewing Company, located in the nearby Thousand Palms, visitors can enjoy sampling an array of exquisite local beers produced on-site. Observing the brewing process adds to the unique experience.

Tours of the brewery are organized on certain days, and all craft beers are crafted with local ingredients. The taproom offers more than 20 varieties for sampling, accompanied by a range of delicious appetizers.