The 20 Best Things to do in Palm Desert, CA

If you're looking for a fun and exciting vacation destination, look no further than Palm Desert, CA. This city is home to some of the best restaurants, shopping, and attractions in the country. Palm Desert is a city in Southern California that is known for its beautiful weather and stunning desert landscape. The city is home to a variety of different activities and attractions, making it the perfect place to visit for all types of travelers. Whether you're interested in exploring the desert, hiking, biking, or simply relaxing by the pool, Palm Desert has something for everyone. Here are 20 of the best things to do in Palm Desert, CA.

20. Go hiking at Bump and Grind Trail

One of the most amazing things you'll enjoy while at Palm Desert, CA is the Bump and Grind Trail. It is one of the most popular hiking trails in the city. The trail is about four miles long and takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Palm Desert. Along the way, you'll get to see some incredible views of the desert landscape. You may even spot some wildlife along the way. The Bump and Grind Trail is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air while enjoying the beauty of Palm Desert. The trail starts narrow but then gets wider as you hike. There are a few areas where the trail is rocky, but overall it is an easy hike. Make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as it can get hot in the desert.

19. Cabot’s Pueblo Museum

Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is a historic house museum that consists of a large pueblo home that has a Hopi style. The house is an incredible example of vernacular architecture and is one of the only remaining examples of its kind in California. According to Family Destinations Guide, the museum offers tours of the house and grounds, as well as, hands-on activities for children. Each part of the house is interesting and unique, from the kiva-style fireplace to the beehive ovens. The construction of this museum began in the year 1941 and was completed in the year 1949. The house is 4 stories tall and has thirty-five rooms in all. That makes it one of the biggest private homes in all of California.

18. Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

This is a zoo and botanical garden all in one. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a great place to learn about the plants and animals that live in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. You can see animals like bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and bobcats up close. The botanical gardens are beautiful and have a variety of desert plants. The best time to see different animals in the park is in the morning. The zoo can be very crowded during the day, so try to come early or later in the afternoon. It can be extremely sunny so make sure you wear sunscreen and bring a hat.

17. Palm Desert Aquatic Center, Palm Desert, CA

This is a very popular water park in the summer. The Palm Desert Aquatic Center has a lazy river, water slides, and a splash pad. There is also a lap pool for those who want to swim laps. According to The Crazy Tourist, this facility is open all year round and the water is family-friendly ensuring that everyone has a great time. You can also sign up for swim lessons if you want to learn how to swim or improve your swimming skills. The property is large spanning around eight acres thus providing sufficient room for fun in the water. For those who are interested in water sports, there are also areas where you can play beach volleyball or pickleball.

16. Palm Springs Art Museum

This is a regional museum that is focused on natural science and art. It is also the largest museum in the area. The museum has several different exhibits that are worth checking out. The museum was founded particularly as a means to showcase the art of the Native American peoples of the area as well as that of early settlers. The museum is also home to several different educational programs.

15. Palms to Pines Scenic Byway

This is an incredible drive with beautiful scenes that follows highway 74 and 243 from Palm Desert up with incredible scenes that you will greatly enjoy. This driveway extends from the scenic forests cutting through the California desert up into the snow-peaked mountains. According to Via Travellers, the change of environment through the driveway makes you feel as if you have traveled to different states entirely. You will want to bring your camera along for this drive as there are many photo opportunities.

14. San Andreas Fault

San Andreas Fault is one of the most famous geological features in California. The fault line runs through the Coachella Valley, and you can see it from various points along Highway 74. The best viewing spot is at Faultline Park in Thousand Palms. It crosses about 1200km through the state and is one of the most active fault lines in the US. The last big earthquake on the fault was in 1857, and it is due for another one. The majority of the fault sections are not visible from the ground, but at Faultline Park, you can see a section that is about 30m long. Most areas of this fault line are open to the public which makes them great places to explore.

13. Smiler’s Point, Palm Desert, CA

Another great place to visit in Palm desert is Smiler’s Point. This is a great place to take your family or friends to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are plenty of things to do at Smiler’s Point, including hiking, picnicking, and fishing. You will enjoy cruising around the gorgeous Lake Cahuilla when you visit Smiler’s Point. This is one of the best things to do in Palm Desert, CA when you want to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

12. Tallgrass Hiking and Tours

This is a tour and hiking company in Palm desert and will facilitate your exploration of the area’s many tallgrass trails. There are many destinations you will be visiting while on your tour, and you will learn about the area’s rich history and ecology. The hiking destinations you will be visiting are many including Redlands, the San Gorgonio Pass, Riverside, and many more.

11. Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve, Palm Desert

Something else one should do while in Palm Desert is visit Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve. It is a nature preservation center in the valley of Coachella and is one of the best places to learn more about the unique desert ecosystem and see some amazing wildlife. You will enjoy viewing wildlife, picnicking, and hiking on a vast area of about 20,000 acres. The area is a complete wilderness which means that you can explore as you please and find your adventure. Some experts will guide you on the best places to go and what to look for, so you can make the most of your visit. You can also take a jeep tour of the area to get an even better feel for the desert.

10. Wilma & Frieda

You can't enjoy Palm Desert without visiting Wilma & Frieda. It is a breakfast restaurant that is very popular with locals and tourists alike. The food is great and the service is wonderful. They have a great music collection which you will enjoy when you have your meal. They serve some of the best dishes in Palm Desert. The restaurant is open from Monday to Friday, and they have a special menu on weekends.

9. Desert Willow Golf Resort, Palm Desert

This is another location you need to pay a visit to. It is an award-winning golf resort that has two beautiful courses. The first one is the Firecliff course which has amazing views of the Coachella Valley. It is a challenging one and that makes it more fun. The other one is the Mountain View course which is a little easier. It has beautiful views of the Santa Rosa Mountains. You can also take lessons if you want to learn how to play golf. The resort also has a spa, restaurants, and a hotel. So, you can spend a few days here and relax.

8. Fix on El Paseo

If you are in Palm Desert, CA you need to visit Fix on El Paseo. It is a great place to get your coffee fixed. The staff is friendly and the coffee is great. They also serve other meals which makes them an ideal place to visit for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The food is reasonably priced and the portions are large. The atmosphere is casual and the service is fast. You will enjoy other attractions once you stop by that are close. Make sure to put Fix on El Paseo on your list of places to visit while in Palm Desert, CA.

7. Grill-A-Burger

Another place you need to stop by while in Palm Desert, CA is the Grill-A-Burger. They are known for their fresh, never-frozen beef burgers that are grilled to perfection. Be sure to try their famous avocado burger. They offer a wide range of versatile burgers to choose from, so there's something for everyone at Grill-A-Burger. If you're not in the mood for a burger, they also offer sandwiches, salads, and wraps.

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6. AJ’s on the Green, Palm Desert, CA

This is an entertainment venue that has something for everyone. They have a full-service restaurant, bar, and live music. There is also a golf course and driving range. You will enjoy the beautiful views of the desert while you are here. AJ’s on the Green is a great place to spend an evening with friends or family. There is a beautiful view of the desert from AJ’s on the Green. You can also see the golf course and driving range. The food at AJ’s on the Green is very good. They have a wide variety of menu items to choose from.

5. Coachella Valley Brewing Company

When in Palm Desert, CA make sure you visit the Coachella Valley Brewing Company. It is a brewing company that offers a variety of different beers, including IPAs, stouts, and porters. According to Tripadvisor, the Coachella Valley Brewing Company also has a taproom where you can drink their beer, as well as a gift shop. If you are looking for something to do in Palm Desert, CA, then make sure you visit the Coachella Valley Brewing Company.

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4. Desert Distilling, Palm Desert, CA

If you love the taste of rum and you are in Palm Desert CA, you should visit Desert Distilling. They have a great selection of rum and they offer tours of their facility. The staff is very friendly and they will help you select the right rum for your taste. They also offer a variety of other spirits, so you can find the perfect drink for any occasion. Desert Distilling is the perfect place to go if you are looking for a unique experience in Palm Desert, CA.

3. Santa Rosa and the San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitors Center

Another great place to visit while in Palm Desert is the Santa Rosa and the San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitors Center. According to Vacation Idea, the center offers great views of the surrounding mountains, as well as a variety of interactive exhibits. One of the best things to do in Palm Desert is hiking. There are many great trails to explore, and the scenery is simply breathtaking.

2. McCallum Theatre for the Performing Arts

Another incredible place to visit while in Palm Desert is the McCallum Theatre for the Performing Arts. The theatre has a wide variety of performances ranging from ballets and musicals to comedy shows and more. The McCallum Theatre is the perfect place to go for a night out on the town. There is a lot to enjoy while visiting Palm Desert and these are just a few of the many great things to do in this desert oasis. With so much to see and do, you'll never be bored in Palm Desert.

1. Desert Holocaust Memorial

If you want to enjoy your adventure in Palm Desert CA, you have to visit the Desert Holocaust Memorial. What you'll find here is a shocking story of the Holocaust and how it affected the people in this area. The memorial is a beautiful and moving tribute to those who lost their lives during the Holocaust. The Desert Holocaust Memorial is a great place to learn more about the history of the Holocaust and its impact on the world.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many great things to do in Palm Desert CA. Whether you're looking for a place to relax or an adventure, you'll find it here. Palm Desert is a great place to visit for any reason. You should plan a visit to this wonderful place and enjoy it.