Things to Do in Palm Desert

Things to Do in Palm Desert, CA - Palm Desert Attractions

Things to Do in Palm Desert

Check out must-see sights and activities:
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, El Paseo Shopping District, Gardens, Hiking Trails.
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Top Attractions in Palm Desert

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

High-end shopping district lined with upscale boutiques, dining venues, and art galleries. Enjoy a day of leisurely shopping, alfresco meals, and people-watching along landscaped greenways.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.


*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • Paradise37981584923
    Oceanside, CA24 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Clean, friendly staff, organized, easy parking,
    Outstanding array of animals and birds, carts for
    Rent for the physically challenged, lovely grounds.
    A must see!
    Written September 29, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • John M
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There are so many options for shopping with different events . A nice place to spend so much time in it you never get bored swing
    Written July 31, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mike
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great intimate setting...all seats are good....show was fine....nice location
    Great value and would go again
    Written November 22, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • joaniemaria
    Eldridge, IA5,170 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Definitely a challenging trail. We hiked clockwise this time, doing the steepest part first and taking the long gradual decline to the end. I recommend wearing shoes that will grip, as the trail is rocky, sandy gravel. It can be slippery. Allow 2-3 hours. We went in the morning and that is a good time to hike before it gets hot. Views are amazing.
    Written March 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gerhard
    Meersburg (Bodensee), Germany9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The fault is cutting through the dessert. As usually water syphers up through the crack, palm trees mark it.
    Many different hikes available. Plenty parking spots at the trailheads.
    It's something different, not to be seen everywhere.
    Most dirt-roads can be handled with normal cars.
    Of course bring your food, water, sunscreen and camera with you.

    When you are in the area, you also might go to the Salton sea, Ansa Borrego and enjoy the many hikes there. Nice in winter and you might see flowers blooming in the dessert, if it rains. Also many off-road potentials, especially the nearby Imperial Sand Dunes.
    Written March 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • lobstermanslady
    Spruce Head, ME106 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An absolutely awesome experience for my
    Husbands 81st birthday. Mike the pilot was
    So enthusiastic. Did the Borrego tour over
    The Salton Sea and Joshua Tree because it was
    So windy and it was wonderful. I highly suggest
    Written March 1, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Local50
    313 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We briefly stopped at the visitor center on our way down from Idyllwild. The drive from Idyllwild is absolutely beautiful. Coming down out of the mountains you will see the city of Palm Desert. It's like a true oasis in the desert. The scenery is a combination of desert and mountain vegetation. My first trip to Cali, and I loved every minute of this curvy and winding drive.
    Written September 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michael K
    Moab, UT18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a swimmer's paradise. Great pool, nice temp., clean. 25 yards. The only "problem" is the fact that it may require reservations on some days. Check with the pool first.
    Written March 11, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Linda G
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The College of the Desert street market has a variety of unusual items for sale in one location. I am particularly fond of Gabriella’s Italian Clothing. Ed and Gabriella are established merchants. I have bought beautiful, high quality linen dresses from them over many years. Recently, I had a manufacturing issue with one of the dresses I bought last season. They were very gracious, standing behind their product and resolving the issue in an outstanding way. I was pleasantly surprised to be the recipient of kind customer service which is a rarity in today’s world. I highly recommend shopping at the College of the Desert where the vendors are honest, friendly and deserve our support.
    Written November 16, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brown_Samantha
    Kennewick, WA1,783 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Be sure to come up 1/2 hour before the sunset time to take in the munificent view down to the valley. You could see quite a bit, and the mountains across the valley makes the sunset colors so interesting. We came on a very calm and sunny afternoon, it was a perfect outing indeed!

    It is a short drive from town, up switchbacks and some slow driving. There is plenty of parking spots in the vista point area. Great spot for photos. Watch out for speeding cars when departing the parking lot; some locals like to speed.
    Written December 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Curt
    Ojai, CA65 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Extremely well curated, with top artists in all diss: Oil, acrylic, sculpture, pottery, et al.

    Very well laid out.

    Artist and prices on all items (unlike some galleries that make you ask).

    Sales staff helpful and not pushy.

    Lots of affordable art to choose from.
    Written March 21, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jim
    Seattle, WA22 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a great hike later or earlier in the day due to heat. Be sure to bring a flashlight for the path if you go at sunset or sunrise. The cross isn’t always illuminated. But always a beautiful view.
    Written February 5, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
When to visit
  • January
    59 ºF
    2 days of rain
    Wettest month
    Very busy
  • February
    62 ºF
    1 day of rain
    Very busy
  • March
    68 ºF
    1 day of rain
    Very busy
  • April
    75 ºF
    0 days of rain
    Very busy
  • May
    80 ºF
    0 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • June
    90 ºF
    0 days of rain
    Less busy
  • July
    95 ºF
    Hottest month
    1 day of rain
    Less busy
  • August
    95 ºF
    1 day of rain
    Moderately busy
    Busiest month
  • September
    89 ºF
    1 day of rain
    Less busy
  • October
    79 ºF
    0 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • November
    67 ºF
    1 day of rain
    Moderately busy
    Least busy month
  • December
    58 ºF
    Coldest month
    1 day of rain
    Less busy
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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