Why Is It Worth Visiting Palm Desert, Palm Springs and All in Between?
The desert is the place to be. Before we get into all the things to do in Palm Desert, Palm Springs and all in between, let us introduce you to the area. Although these cities are only separated by a few miles, they’re each unique in their own way.
Palm Desert is 122 miles east of Los Angeles. It’s home to world-class golf courses, tennis clubs, five-star hotels and spas, luxury shopping centers and fine restaurants. It has more than 300 days of sunshine every year, so you can enjoy the outdoors no matter when you visit. Plus, it’s only 10 minutes from the Empire Polo Club in Indio, where Coachella Valley Music and Art Festival takes place!
Palm Springs is another city within the Colorado Desert’s Coachella Valley. It has many art galleries, museums, and unique architecture that you won’t find anywhere else. Visitors have a chance to relax in one of its resorts or take a cable car ride up to the top of Mt. San Jacinto for a breathtaking view.
Other towns in the Coachella Valley include La Quinta, Indian Wells, and Cathedral City. All of these towns have their own unique things to offer visitors. Beyond them, you’ll find beautiful hiking trails in the Indian Canyons between the mountains. Now that you know a bit more about the area, let’s get into all the things to do in Palm Desert and the rest of it!
Golfing and Other Active Things to Do in Palm Desert
Palm Desert, CA is a major destination for golfers. The city has been rated as one of the best places to play golf in the United States, and it’s very popular with retirees and snowbirds from colder climates. Golf isn’t the only thing you can do in Palm Desert, but let’s start with it. Some popular courses in the city are:
- Palm Desert Country Club;
- Palm Valley Country Club;
- Woodhaven Country Club;
- Toscana Country Club;
- Monterey Country Club;
- Desert Willow Golf Resort.
These are just a few of the courses available, and there are many more in the surrounding area. If you’re looking for things to do in Palm Desert, definitely consider playing a round or two of golf.
In addition to golf, there are plenty of other things to do in Palm Desert if you’re looking for an active vacation. The city has more than 30 public tennis courts (don’t miss the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament close by), and there are also several pickleball courts. You can go hiking or biking in the nearby Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, or take a jeep tour through Joshua Tree National Park.
Family-Friendly Attractions in Palm Desert
If you’re looking for things to do in Palm Desert with kids, there are plenty of options as well. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a great place to learn about the desert ecosystem. You can also take your little ones to the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, or go horseback riding at one of the many local stables.
Palm Desert Aquatic Center has a lazy river, waterslides, and a zero-depth entry pool. So, if you’re looking for somewhere to cool off, this is the place to go. There’s also a splash pad for the kids to play in.
There are also several recreational parks with playgrounds, such as Civic Center Park and City of Palm Desert Magnesia Falls Park. Your kids will be excited to play on the playground equipment, and you can relax in the shade of the palm trees.
Nightlife and Live Entertainment in Palm Desert
The nightlife scene isn’t as big in Palm Desert as it is in some other cities, but there are still plenty of things to do after dark. You can catch a live show at the McCallum Theatre, or see a movie at one of the many local theaters. Some popular bars and clubs in Palm Desert include:
- Fresh Agave Mexican Bar & Grill;
- Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewery;
- The bars at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa.
These are just a few of the many places to go for a night out. You can also find live music at some local restaurants, such as The Hood Bar and Pizzeria.
Cultural Attractions in Palm Springs and Beyond
The Coachella Valley is home to a number of unique cultural attractions. The Palm Springs Art Museum is one of the most popular museums in the area, and it houses a collection of contemporary art. There’s also the Palm Springs Air Museum, which has a collection of vintage aircraft.
If you’re looking for things to do in Palm Desert and nearby that are a bit more off the beaten path, consider visiting Cabot’s Pueblo Museum in Desert Hot Springs. This unique museum is built on the site of a former trading post and includes a number of interesting exhibits.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes you to the top of Mt. San Jacinto for incredible views of the desert landscape. For a more relaxing walk, try DeMuth Park with a playground for the kids, or Tahquitz Canyon where you can hike up to a waterfall. And if you love nature, make sure to stop by the Moorten Botanical Garden downtown!
As for nightlife, there are plenty of clubs in downtown Palm Springs. The Walk of the Stars will take you to some of them, and the Palm Canyon Drive is where most of the city’s hotels are located. If you’re looking for a casino to try your luck at night, the Agua Caliente Casino is one of the best in the area.
Things to See in Cathedral City
The Palm Springs area is home to a number of interesting attractions, but Cathedral City is also worth a visit. The Tejano Music Festival is held here each year, and it’s a great event for music lovers. You can also check out the Museum of Ancient Wonders or the Panorama Park.
Enjoy Your Trip to Palm Desert and Beyond!
These are just a few of the many things to do in Palm Desert and around Palm Springs. From the Zoo with botanical gardens to nightclubs, there’s plenty to see. You’ll have a great time, no matter what you’re looking for. So, start planning your trip today and enjoy everything Coachella Valley has to offer!
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