Palm Desert

Travel Guide

Desert Holocaust Memorial featuring a memorial
Desert Holocaust Memorial featuring a memorial and a park
Palm Desert
Desert Holocaust Memorial featuring a memorial
Palm Desert
A lush oasis in the middle of the parched Coachella Valley, this city makes a great base to explore an incredible area of the world.

Come to Palm Desert to get away from your hectic life. Drive a jeep across a lunar-like landscape, visit unusual animals in the zoo or relax indulgently at the spa.

Spend days in the glorious sunshine enjoying one of the many outdoor activities. Bring the whole family along for a day at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. The unusual collection of animals includes hedgehogs, leopards and coyotes. Feed a giraffe, visit the butterfly house or take an exciting night safari around the park.

Hike up the Bump and Grind Trail to get a view over the city or take panoramic photos on a hot air balloon at dawn. Ride a horse into the sunset on a tour along the Hopalong Cassidy Trail or play a round at Desert Willow Golf Resort.

Soar like a bird on a biplane flight taking you over the spectacular Santa Rosa Mountains and San Jacinto Mountain range.

Take a four-wheel drive tour to the legendary San Andreas Fault. Twisting rock formations make up this unique geological landmark. Greenery surrounds a desert spring. Learn about the history of the Native American Cahuilla tribe, who once lived off the plants and animals of this dry region.

Back in town enjoy shopping at the El Paseo Shopping District and head to the markets at the outdoor College of the Desert Street Fair. The Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert features exciting collections and an interesting sculpture garden. In Civic Center Park, find the Desert Holocaust Memorial. Bring your children to this moving site but be sure to explain that this is not an area for play.

If your kids need to burn some energy then spend a day at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center. This fun water park has slides, a swimming pool and a splash park for young children. The kids will also enjoy a visit to the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, which has fun interactive displays. Watch them find their way out of a rope maze, learn how to tie a sailing knot and get involved with the nuts and bolts of building.

Palm Desert is a lush green city in a striking desert location.

Where to stay in Palm Desert

Beautiful Fountain at the Gardens...

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.

El Paseo Village
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Bighorn

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Bighorn and surrounding area, you can visit Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and The Shops at Palm Desert.

Bighorn
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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.

Cahuilla Hills
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Park Palms

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Park Palms and surrounding area, you can visit Palm Desert Aquatic Center and Desert Willow Golf Resort.

Park Palms
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Spanish Walk

While Spanish Walk might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Acrisure Arena and Desert Willow Golf Resort.

Spanish Walk
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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 El Paseo Shopping District.

Silver Spur Ranch
Marriott's Shadow Ridge
Marriott's Shadow Ridge
3.5 out of 5
9003 Shadow Ridge Road, Palm Desert, CA
The price is P14,713 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
P14,713
P16,802 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 23 - Mar 24
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,481 reviews)
"Stay was nice. Furnishings are a little dated. Food options are scarce. Otherwise, property was good. Golf course is very nice."

Reviewed on Feb 16, 2025

Marriott's Shadow Ridge
Embassy Suites by Hilton Palm Desert
Embassy Suites by Hilton Palm Desert
3.5 out of 5
74700 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P10,916 per night from 28 Feb to 1 Mar
P10,916
P12,466 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 28 - Mar 1
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Palm Desert. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
6.6/10 (1,403 reviews)
"Just what we needed. Thanks."

Reviewed on Feb 19, 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Palm Desert
Holiday Inn Express Palm-Desert, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Palm-Desert, an IHG Hotel
2.5 out of 5
74675 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA
The price is P8,573 per night from 17 Mar to 18 Mar
P8,573
P9,773 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 17 - Mar 18
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Palm Desert. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"We liked the breakfast, pool and spa are heated. It’s located near stores and attractions. We stayed as a family and felt welcomed and comfortable. We’d stay again."

Reviewed on Feb 18, 2025

Holiday Inn Express Palm-Desert, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Marriott's Shadow Ridge
Marriott's Shadow Ridge
3.5 out of 5
9003 Shadow Ridge Road, Palm Desert, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,481 reviews)
"Stay was nice. Furnishings are a little dated. Food options are scarce. Otherwise, property was good. Golf course is very nice."

Reviewed on Feb 16, 2025

Marriott's Shadow Ridge
Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
3.5 out of 5
1091 Pinehurst Ln, Palm Desert, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, 7 outdoor pools, and a health club. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,864 reviews)
"Very comfortable and quiet"

Reviewed on Feb 16, 2025

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert
The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert
4 out of 5
75 Willow Ridge, Palm Desert, CA
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,935 reviews)
"We love this resort and go back every year - our favorite"

Reviewed on Feb 19, 2025

The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Things to do