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Things to do in California Desert

 

Attractions (224)

Activities (79)

Nightlife (13)

Shopping (45)

All (224)
Outdoors (72)
Sports (70)
Cultural (24)
Museums (20)
Amusement (14)
Landmarks (8)
Performances (8)
Zoos & Aquariums (3)
Name

Attractions travelers recommend

San Jacinto Mountain, Palm Springs
Ranked #1 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Mountains
Map | Visitor photos (97)
Ranked #2 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Performances; Theaters
Owner description: A state-of-the-art performing arts center that presents a stunning variety of entertainment and cultural experiences from... more » Owner description: A state-of-the-art performing arts center that presents a stunning variety of entertainment and cultural experiences from Broadway productions and opera to classical and rock music. « less
Map | Visitor photos (1)
Ranked #3 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Trams; Scenic Railroads

In March, there was still some snow at the top, even though Palm Springs was about 85 degrees.  In August when Palm Springs is over 100 degrees, the temperature will be 67- 70... more »

Map | Visitor photos (507)
Ranked #4 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Specialty Museums; History Museums; Educational Sites

The Palm Springs Air Museum is the Home of One of the Nation's Largest Collection of World War II Flying Aircraft diplayed in Modern, Well Lighted, Air Conditioned and Clean... more »

Map | Visitor photos (92)
Ranked #5 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Golf Courses
Map | Visitor photos (7)
Ranked #6 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: State Parks; Deserts; Scenic Drives
The largest state park in California is home to amazing flowers and plants which bloom in the early spring.
Map | Visitor photos (161)
Ranked #7 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Art Museums
Owner description: Located in downtown Palm Springs (with a branch location to open in spring 2012 in Palm Desert, CA), the Palm Springs Art... more » Owner description: Located in downtown Palm Springs (with a branch location to open in spring 2012 in Palm Desert, CA), the Palm Springs Art Museum offers compelling art exhibitions from national and international artists. The museum’s extensive permanent collection includes significant works by modern and contemporary artists, western, contemporary and glass artists, and features 4-6 temporary exhibitions throughout the year. The museum is open free every Thursday night and the second Sunday of every month. It also offers a range of theatrical and musical performances in its Annenberg Theater. Throughout all these programs, the museum is dedicated to creating memorable and inspiring interactions through educational and cultural opportunities. « less
Map | Visitor photos (37)
Ranked #8 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Arenas/ Stadiums/ Fields; Concerts
Map | Visitor photos (13)
Alabama Hills, Lone Pine
Ranked #9 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Mountains
Located near Lone Pine, these hills form the gateway to Mount Whitney, and are a favorite location for movies and television.
Map | Visitor photos (54)
Indian Canyons, Palm Springs
Ranked #10 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Historic Sites; Ancient Ruins; Canyons
Map | Visitor photos (36)
Palm Canyon, Palm Springs
Ranked #11 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Deserts; Canyons
Map | Visitor photos (58)
Annenberg Theatre, Palm Springs
Ranked #12 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Theaters
Owner description: An intimate 440-seat theater that is located in the Palm Springs Desert Museum features cutting-edge lighting and sound... more » Owner description: An intimate 440-seat theater that is located in the Palm Springs Desert Museum features cutting-edge lighting and sound facilities. « less
Map
Ranked #13 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Canyons; Deserts; Hiking Trails; Parks

There are several great hikes and trails and a Trading Post within the Agua Calient Indian Canyons, including the most popular Palm Canyon Trail.  To get there, take Palm Canyon... more »

Map | Visitor photos (40)
Sunnylands, Rancho Mirage
Ranked #14 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Historic Sites
Owner description: Sunnylands, a 200-acre midcentury modern estate, opened March 2012 for high-level retreats of leaders seeking solutions. Left... more » Owner description: Sunnylands, a 200-acre midcentury modern estate, opened March 2012 for high-level retreats of leaders seeking solutions. Left by Walter and Leonore Annenberg, the estate will continue to welcome U.S. Presidents, bipartisan political leaders, & others.The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization devoted to building international understanding, advancing world peace, improving the functioning of government and other purposes through high-level retreats for global leaders from a spectrum of fields.The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands welcomes national and international leaders for high-level retreats and meetings that address and seek solutions to serious issues facing the nation and world. Sunnylands, the former winter residence of Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg, is available also for limited public tours. The adjacent Sunnylands Center & Gardens features exhibitions, films, and educational programs; and visitors can enjoy a nine-acre art garden. The historic house and Sunnylands Center & Gardens opened March 1, 2012.Sunnylands Center & GardensHours: 9am - 4pm, Thursdays through Sundays7am - 2pm, Thursdays through Sundays in June & JulyClosed in AugustCafe open until one hour before closing. « less
Map | Visitor photos (19)
Ranked #15 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Nature/ Wildlife Areas; Deserts; Gardens; Parks; Natural History Museums; Zoos

The Living Desert is a Wildlife Adventure Through the Deserts of the World.  It is a Zoo and Botanical Garden, Specializing in the Plants and Animals found throughout the Deserts... more »

Map | Visitor photos (196)
Ranked #16 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Water Parks
Map | Visitor photos (6)
Ranked #17 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Performances
Owner description: The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies features the music and dance of the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s with a cast old enough to have... more » Owner description: The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies features the music and dance of the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s with a cast old enough to have lived it. Celebrated guest stars and international vaudeville acts join the Follies’ world-renowned line of Long-Legged Lovelies and Follies Gentlemen. « less
Map | Visitor photos (12)
Ranked #18 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Nature/ Wildlife Areas; Deserts
Owner description: Formed by a system of sand dunes, this 20,000-acre sanctuary is home to several species of rare wildlife and a number of palm... more » Owner description: Formed by a system of sand dunes, this 20,000-acre sanctuary is home to several species of rare wildlife and a number of palm oases. « less
Map | Visitor photos (47)
Ranked #19 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Museums; History Museums; Specialty Museums
Map | Visitor photos (30)
Ranked #20 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Golf Courses
Map | Visitor photos (5)
Ranked #21 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Scenic Drives
Map | Visitor photos (26)
Ranked #22 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Golf Courses
Owner description: Upscale 36-hole facility offers two world-class layouts designed by Ted Robinson, which were recently featured on GOLF... more » Owner description: Upscale 36-hole facility offers two world-class layouts designed by Ted Robinson, which were recently featured on GOLF Magazine's 1996 list of "Silver Medal Resorts." « less
Map | Visitor photos (4)
Ranked #23 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Golf Courses
Owner description: Varied elevations and unique water features have been carefully incorporated into the indigenous desert landscape at this... more » Owner description: Varied elevations and unique water features have been carefully incorporated into the indigenous desert landscape at this prestigious Coachella Valley course. « less
Map | Visitor photos (20)
Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Ranked #24 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Landmarks/ Points of Interest; Canyons; Hiking Trails; Deserts
Map | Visitor photos (37)
Classic Club Golf, Palm Desert
Ranked #25 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Golf Courses
Map | Visitor photos (2)
Tahquitz Canyon, Palm Springs
Ranked #26 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Canyons
Map | Visitor photos (45)
Integratron, Landers
Ranked #27 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Landmarks/ Points of Interest; Specialty Museums
Owner description: The Integratron structure is a machine that was the creation of George Van Tassel, and is based on the design of Moses'... more » Owner description: The Integratron structure is a machine that was the creation of George Van Tassel, and is based on the design of Moses' Tabernacle, and the science of Nikola Tesla. This one-of-a-kind building is a 38-foot high, 55-foot diameter, non-metallic structure originally designed as a rejuvenation and time machine. Today, it is the only all-wood, acoustically perfect sound chamber in the U.S. « less
Map | Visitor photos (9)
Ranked #28 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Architectural Buildings
Map | Visitor photos (10)
Ranked #29 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Mountains
Map | Visitor photos (45)
Escena Golf Club, Palm Springs
Ranked #30 of 224 attractions in California Desert
Category: Golf Courses
Owner description: 18-hole, par 72 Nicklaus design, rated #6 public course in California by PGATOUR online. Wide fairways, great views, highly... more » Owner description: 18-hole, par 72 Nicklaus design, rated #6 public course in California by PGATOUR online. Wide fairways, great views, highly acclaimed cuisine, ultra-cool mid-century modern clubhouse. Open to the public for golf, breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. « less
Map | Visitor photos (17)