Quick Summary:

  • Q: Where is Palm Desert located?
  • A: Palm Desert is a city in the Coachella Valley, just east of Palm Springs and a couple of hours away from Los Angeles.
  • Q: What attractions can be found in Palm Desert?
  • A: Palm Desert is home to several golf courses, shopping opportunities, and country clubs, making it a great destination for leisure.
  • Q: What is the Shops on El Paseo?
  • A: The popular Shops on El Paseo feature several art galleries, tasty restaurants, and designer shopping boutiques.
  • Q: What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Palm Desert?
  • A: A number of leisure activities are available, including many opportunities to get out and explore the surrounding desert.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Bump and Grind Trail ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Bump and Grind Trail | Things to Do in Palm Desert, California
© Courtesy of ollirg - Fotolia.com

2. Cabot’s Pueblo Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum | Things to Do in Palm Desert, California
© Cabot’s Pueblo Museum

3. Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Category: Kids & Family
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens | Things to Do in Palm Desert, California
© Courtesy of apichai507 - Fotolia.com

4. Palm Desert Aquatic Center

Category: Attractions
Palm Desert Aquatic Center | Things to Do in Palm Desert, California
© Courtesy of Damian - Fotolia.com

5. Palm Springs Art Museum

Category: Activities
Palm Springs Art Museum | Things to Do in Palm Desert, California
© Palm Springs Art Museum

6. Palms to Pines Scenic Byway

Palms to Pines Scenic Byway | Things to Do in Palm Desert, California
© Courtesy of Ritu Jethani - Fotolia.com

7. San Andreas Fault

San Andreas Fault | Things to Do in Palm Desert, California
© Courtesy of nanuqoriginal - Fotolia.com

8. Smiler’s Point

Category: Activities
Smiler’s Point | Things to Do in Palm Desert, California
© Courtesy of memorystockphoto - Fotolia.com

9. Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve

Category: Activities
Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve | Things to Do in Palm Desert, California
© Courtesy of achraca - Fotolia.com

10. Desert Willow Golf Resort

Category: Accommodations
Desert Willow Golf Resort | Things to Do in Palm Desert, California
© Courtesy of hakanozturk - Fotolia.com

11. Grill-A-Burger

Category: Food & Drink
Grill-A-Burger | Things to Do in Palm Desert, California
© Grill-A-Burger

12. Coachella Valley Brewing Company

Category: Food & Drink
Coachella Valley Brewing Company | Things to Do in Palm Desert, California
© Coachella Valley Brewing Company

13. Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours & Events

Category: Entertainment
Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours & Events | Things to Do in Palm Desert, California
© Courtesy of Grafvision - Fotolia.com

14. Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitors Center

Category: Activities
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitors Center | Things to Do in Palm Desert, California
© prasit boonma EyeEm/stock.adobe.com

15. McCallum Theatre for the Performing Arts

Category: Entertainment
McCallum Theatre for the Performing Arts | Things to Do in Palm Desert, California
© nagaets/stock.adobe.com

16. Desert Holocaust Memorial

Category: Attractions
Desert Holocaust Memorial | Things to Do in Palm Desert, California
© Holocaust Remembrance Foundation of the Valley

17. Randall Henderson Loop Trail

Category: Activities
Randall Henderson Loop Trail | Things to Do in Palm Desert, California
© Maridav/stock.adobe.com

18. CODA Gallery

Category: Museums & Culture
CODA Gallery | Things to Do in Palm Desert, California
© CODA Gallery

19. La Quinta Brewing Company

Category: Food & Drink
La Quinta Brewing Company | Things to Do in Palm Desert, California
© La Quinta Brewing Company

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