Best Day Trips from Palm Springs with GoTravelDaily
Palm Springs is one of Southern California’s most popular destinations – for good reason. Its appeal doesn’t end at the city limits.
With luxurious resorts, world-class golf courses, hot springs, and an acclaimed restaurant scene, the city itself might have all you could imagine. However, a stay in this desert town can also serve as a launching-off point for exploring top attractions in the region. From mountains and coastal cliffs to wineries and desert vistas, we’ve picked a few favorite spots, each under two hours away by car, that will certainly amaze you. Here’s our list of the best day trips from Palm Springs.
Big Bear
Best Day Trip for Outdoor Adventures
Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, with a sparkling mountain lake at its center, Big Bear offers an excellent escape from the desert heat. A variety of winter activities include skiing and snowboarding, while you’ll find plenty of fun throughout the warmer months. Open year-round, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo serves as a rehabilitation facility and sanctuary for wild animals, including bald eagles, grizzly bears, and snow leopards.
From spring through fall, you can enjoy activities like hiking, mountain biking, and zip-lining. Engage with the natural beauty by taking a pontoon boat ride on the lake. Afterward, visit Big Bear Village for dinner (the Indian and Nepali specialties at Himalayan Restaurant come highly recommended). Enjoy live music at The Cave, an upscale concert venue.
How to get to Big Bear: Driving is the best approach to reach Big Bear, although the winding mountain roads can be challenging during winter, and chains or snow tires may be necessary. The drive time is about an hour and 40 minutes from Palm Springs, with two route options: Hwy 18 via the I-10/Hwy 62/Hwy 247 through Yucca Valley, or Hwy 38 via the I-10 through Redlands.
Temecula
Best Day Trip for Wine Tasting and Art
You don’t have to be a wine enthusiast to appreciate the vineyard-dotted rolling hills of Temecula. Nevertheless, if you are, you will be well-suited to sample internationally acclaimed vintages from several wineries. Among the top choices is Akash, a family-owned and operated winery featuring a welcoming open-air patio and a variety of local food trucks and artisan vendors on weekends. For those looking for an adventurous experience, consider a wine tour with Sidecar Tours, which offers tours of the vineyards on the back of a tandem motorcycle.
After a delightful day of wine tasting, visit Old Town Temecula to discover public art that showcases mosaics, murals, and sculptures. The Temecula Valley Museum features permanent exhibits highlighting the region’s history and the culture of the indigenous Luiseño people. Be sure to check out Temecula Olive Oil Company for a sampling of oils and vinegars.
How to get to Temecula: At just an hour and 15 minutes away from Palm Springs, getting to Temecula is straightforward if you have a car. Simply take I-10 West to Hwy 60 West to I-215 South to I-15. Before returning to the desert, fuel up at Espadín, known for its delicious Mexican cuisine.
Joshua Tree
Best Day Trip for Experiencing Nature
Renowned for its mystical beauty and landscapes adorned with gravity-defying boulder formations, Joshua Tree never ceases to impress. Hikers should not miss the Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop, which follows a sandy wash through dense forests and narrow canyons, offering panoramic views from a steep ridge. (Allow ample time to take on this and other trails, and remember to bring plenty of water.) Joshua Tree has also been designated as an International Dark Sky Park, perfect for stargazers.
A mere 20-minute drive from the park is Pioneertown, a unique destination founded in 1946 by Hollywood investors. This Old West-style film set doubles as a functioning village, featuring saloons and motels surrounded by the desert. Now, the hotspot for visitors is Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, offering barbecue and live music.
How to get to Joshua Tree: The park is about a one-hour drive from Palm Springs off the I-10 East. With three main entrances and two primary roads, Park Boulevard and Pinto Basin Road, it is advisable to consult a traditional map to navigate effectively.
Salvation Mountain
Best Day Trip for Out-of-the-Ordinary Art
If you’re seeking a unique getaway that’s not far from Palm Springs, then Niland in California’s Imperial County should be on your itinerary. Created by Leonard Knight, Salvation Mountain began as a small monument constructed from natural materials and now features numerous murals painted with Bible verses and religious motifs. Thanks to a non-profit organization, the site remains in excellent condition and offers guided tours.
Nearby, Slab City is a diverse community of artists and homesteaders living off the grid. Known as the “Last Free Place on Earth,” it attracts visitors curious about this libertarian spirit.
How to get to Salvation Mountain: To reach Salvation Mountain, you will need to drive as there is no public transportation. It’s about a 90-minute drive from Palm Springs, accessed via Hwy 111 at Niland, near Bombay Beach at the Salton Sea. Salvation Mountain is easily visible on Beal Road in Calipatria.
Laguna Beach
Best Day Trip for Discovering the Coast
Laguna Beach serves as a year-round haven for art enthusiasts and nature lovers. Its seven miles of coastline feature hidden beaches and stunning coves that invite exploration of tide pools and sea caves. Heisler Park, perched on a hilltop, offers breathtaking ocean views and is an ideal spot for photos. Nearby, the Laguna Art Museum showcases contemporary California artists with its rotating exhibitions. Enjoy a vegetarian meal at Zinc Cafe & Market, popular among locals for brunch.
During summer, visitors can experience various art festivals, including the Festival of Arts and the renowned Pageant of the Masters. Further down Pacific Coast Highway lies the HIP District, featuring the historic Old Pottery Place shopping center, home to Laguna Beach Books, the last independent bookstore in the county.
How to get to Laguna Beach: The driving time to Laguna Beach from Palm Springs is just under two hours. The best route is west via the I-10 to CA-60 to CA-91 to CA-241 south to CA-133 south. CA-133 transitions to Laguna Canyon Road upon entering the area, ending right at Main Beach in the heart of town.
