Things to Do in Palm Desert!
Palm Desert is a scenic desert town in the Coachella Valley that has evolved into a vibrant getaway destination.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find hiking trails, off-road adventures, golf courses and more. In addition, visitors can enjoy museums, exhibits, great shopping and dining.
Here are some of the best things to do in Palm Desert and surrounding areas:
Sky High Fun
Take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The world’s largest rotating tram car travels over 2.5 miles along the cliffs of Chino Canyon to the scenic wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. The tram cars rotate slowly, offering spectacular views of the valley below. The Mountain Station is at 8,516 feet elevation and has two restaurants, observation decks, a natural history museum, two documentary theaters, a gift shop, and over 50 miles of hiking trails to explore.
Note: We recommend wearing layers, as it can be 20-30 degrees cooler at the top.
Go Wild
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens offers a unique zoo and botanical garden experience that specializes in the deserts of the world. Their mission is to conserve deserts through preservation, education and appreciation.
There are over 450 incredible animals to observe in geographic replicas from Africa to North America. Feed a giraffe, interact with goats, watch cheetahs run, wallabies hop, rhinos roam, explore nature trails, and so much more.
Hike the Trails
The Bump-n-Grind Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Coachella Valley. The 4-mile moderate loop start out narrow, and widens as you climb 1,000 feet to an overlook with stunning views of Palm Desert and the valley. A number of endangered wildlife species inhabit the area, so keep an eye out during your hike.
Make a Splash
Escape the heat at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center. This eight-acre facility features three pools, multiple slides, diving boards, and play features for water lovers of all ages.
Family Fun
The whole family will love a visit to Boomers. Enjoy hours of fun with miniature golf courses, bumper boats, batting cages, go-karts, a rock wall, and a state-of-the art game room containing over 100 video games.