If you’re spending time in Palm Springs and feel like branching out for a day, you’ve got some incredible options just a short drive away. I’ve taken a few day trips from here over the years, and every one of them has revealed a completely different side of Southern California. That’s what I love most...how much variety you can experience without going far.
Palm Springs may be the heart of the desert, but some of the most unforgettable experiences lie just beyond its sun-soaked edges. From lava domes to hidden oases, cosmic domes to cactus forests, each day trip felt like a new chapter in a much bigger story. What I found out here wasn’t just scenic...it was transformative. I remember thinking, “These aren’t just escapes...they’re portals.” These places reminded me that in the desert, stillness and discovery often arrive hand in hand.
Best Day Trips from Palm Springs:
Walking into silence at Amboy Crater - 1 hour and 30 minutes
Amboy Crater felt like stepping into another planet—one made of lava, heat, and time. The black rock trail shimmered under the desert sun, and the land stretched out flat and endless, marked only by the crater rising like a forgotten monument. I remember thinking, "This place is made of stillness and ash, and somehow it’s exactly what I needed." There was no sound but the crunch of gravel underfoot and the occasional whisper of wind. It wasn’t just a hike—it was a reset.
What I Loved Most: Reaching the crater’s edge and looking out over the Mojave, realizing how much beauty can live in shades of gray and gold. The emptiness wasn’t empty—it was powerful.
Don’t Miss... A nostalgic stop at Roy’s Motel and Café on Route 66 in Amboy. I grabbed a cold soda and stood outside under the iconic neon sign, dust on my boots, the road humming with heat. It felt like time had folded back on itself.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Palm Springs: ~1.5 hours northeast
- Vibe: Volcanic, stark, meditative
- Highlights: 6-mile round-trip trail to the crater, lava fields, Route 66 stop at Roy’s
- Best Time to Visit: Fall through spring; avoid summer heat
- Cost: Free; bring your own water and supplies
- Hours: Open sunrise to sunset; no services on-site
Finding bloom and stillness in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park - 1 hour and 45 minutes from Palm Springs
Anza-Borrego surprised me with its softness. I came expecting dust and rock, but instead found color—delicate wildflowers pushing up through cracked earth, blooming like they knew their time was short. The desert here had dimension, from sweeping badlands to quiet slot canyons that felt carved by breath. I remember thinking, "This is a desert that wants to be noticed—not just endured." Every turn felt like a discovery, and the silence was deep enough to hear your own thoughts echo.
What I Loved Most: Hiking through the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail in the early morning light and reaching a hidden grove of California fan palms—an oasis that felt both ancient and alive.
Don’t Miss... A meal at Kendall’s Café in Borrego Springs. I had the carne asada tacos with fresh guacamole and a tamarind soda, sitting under a shaded patio while the breeze carried the scent of creosote. After the heat and stillness of the trail, the food felt grounding and restorative.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Palm Springs: ~1.5 to 2 hours south
- Vibe: Expansive, blooming, otherworldly
- Highlights: Wildflower blooms (seasonal), slot canyons, badlands overlooks, palm oases
- Best Time to Visit: February to April for wildflowers; fall and winter for cooler temps
- Cost: $10 day-use fee; free roadside stops available
- Hours: Open dawn to dusk; Visitor Center hours vary seasonally
Following the sun across the Coachella Valley - Just 20 Minutes from Palm Springs
The Coachella Valley felt like a layered song—quiet in some parts, pulsing with life in others. Driving through it, I watched palm groves flicker past, wind turbines spin like slow dancers, and the jagged mountains shift in color with the sun. It was a day shaped by contrast—lush golf courses beside dry washes, mid-century lines alongside dusty backroads. I remember thinking, "This valley isn’t just a place—it’s a rhythm." And the more I tuned into it, the more it gave.
What I Loved Most: Pulling off in the late afternoon near Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve and walking a short trail through fan palms and creosote. The silence in the shade felt ancient, almost sacred, broken only by the rustle of fronds overhead.
Don’t Miss... A breezy lunch at Chef Tanya’s Kitchen in Palm Desert. I had the jackfruit BBQ sandwich with a side of crunchy slaw and hibiscus iced tea—bright, filling, and full of local flair. Eating outside under string lights, surrounded by sun-bleached beauty, the whole valley felt like it had slowed down just for me.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Palm Springs: 20–40 minutes, depending on your stops
- Vibe: Eclectic, sun-soaked, surprising
- Highlights: Thousand Palms Oasis, date farms, art installations, local dining, scenic drives
- Best Time to Visit: November to March for cooler weather and clear skies
- Cost: Mostly free to explore; oases, trails, and towns welcome walk-ins
- Hours: Daylight is best; many parks and preserves close by dusk
If you have more time, explore Coachella Valley
Breathing deep in the pines of Idyllwild - 1 hour and 15 minutes from Palm Springs
Idyllwild felt like a secret whispered by the mountains. Just an hour from the desert heat, the air turned cool and pine-scented, and the world slowed down. I wandered through the village, where art galleries and coffee shops nestled among towering trees. I remember thinking, "This is where time pauses, and the soul catches up." The blend of natural beauty and creative energy made it more than just a mountain town—it felt like a retreat for the spirit.
What I Loved Most: Hiking the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail in the morning light, the path meandering through forests with glimpses of Tahquitz Peak above. The serenity of the trail offered a gentle challenge and a profound sense of peace.
Don’t Miss... A hearty lunch at Idyllwild Brewpub, where I enjoyed a locally brewed IPA and a savory burger on the patio, surrounded by the sounds of nature and the murmur of fellow travelers sharing stories.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Palm Springs: ~1 hour via the scenic Palms to Pines Highway (CA-74)
- Vibe: Artistic, tranquil, nature-infused
- Highlights: Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail, local art galleries, Idyllwild Nature Center, boutique shopping
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for mild weather; winter for snow-dusted charm
- Cost: Trail parking permit ~$5; meals and shopping vary
- Hours: Trails open dawn to dusk; shops and restaurants typically 10 AM–6 PM
Indian Canyons - 15 minutes from Palm Springs
Walking through time in Indian Canyons
Indian Canyons felt like stepping into a living tapestry—where desert landscapes intertwined with ancient history and vibrant ecosystems. Just minutes from downtown Palm Springs, the canyons unfolded with towering palms, serene streams, and rugged trails. I remember thinking, "This land holds stories older than memory." Each path led me deeper into a world where nature and culture coexisted in quiet harmony.
What I Loved Most: Meandering through Andreas Canyon, where the trail hugged a clear stream beneath a canopy of California fan palms. The gentle rustle of leaves and the trickle of water created a soothing soundtrack to my thoughts.
Don’t Miss... A visit to the Trading Post in Palm Canyon. I browsed handcrafted jewelry and indigenous artifacts, then enjoyed a refreshing drink while soaking in the panoramic views of the canyon's entrance.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Palm Springs: ~10 minutes south via S Palm Canyon Dr
- Vibe: Sacred, serene, immersive
- Highlights: Andreas Canyon Loop (1 mile), Palm Canyon Trail, Murray Canyon Trail to Seven Sisters Falls
- Best Time to Visit: October through April for cooler temperatures and ranger-led hikes
- Cost: $12 per adult; discounts available for seniors and children
- Hours:
- October 1 – July 4: Daily, 8 AM – 5 PM (last entry at 4 PM)
- July 5 – September 30: Friday–Sunday only, 8 AM – 5 PM (last entry at 4 PM)
Walking among giants in Joshua Tree National Park - 50-minute drive
Joshua Tree didn’t just feel vast—it felt sacred. The twisted silhouettes of its namesake trees stood like sentinels in a quiet, sun-bleached world. The desert stretched in all directions, marked by boulders stacked like forgotten monuments and trails that seemed to lead into silence itself. I remember thinking, "This place holds space for everything—solitude, awe, and a kind of stillness that feels ancient." It was less about what I saw and more about what I felt.
What I Loved Most: Climbing up to the top of Ryan Mountain just before sunset. The view opened wide in every direction, painted in oranges and purples. The wind at the summit was soft and cool—a reminder that even in the desert, there is relief.
Don’t Miss... A refueling stop at Natural Sisters Café in Joshua Tree town. I had the lentil burger with avocado and a cold hibiscus tea, eaten under shade with dust still on my boots. It was healthy, hearty, and tasted like exactly what the day needed.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Palm Springs: ~1 hour north to the West Entrance
- Vibe: Surreal, expansive, introspective
- Highlights: Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, Cholla Cactus Garden, Ryan Mountain Trail
- Best Time to Visit: October to April for hiking-friendly weather
- Cost: $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass (America the Beautiful pass accepted)
- Hours: Open 24/7; Visitor Centers typically 8 AM – 5 PM
Closing Thoughts
The beauty of the Palm Springs region is how quickly you can go from art deco pools to ancient trails, from brunch to boulders. These day trips weren’t about checking places off a list—they were about finding pieces of myself in wide skies, echoing canyons, and unexpected roadside quiet. If you’re spending time in Palm Springs, leave a day—or several—to wander outward. Because sometimes the best parts of a place are just a little farther down the road.
Need More Ideas in Southern California?
Looking to explore beyond the desert? These curated guides are packed with inspiration for road trips, weekend getaways, and family-friendly escapes:
- Day Trips in Southern California – Discover beaches, mountains, and quirky gems just a short drive away.
- Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles – Plan a longer recharge at scenic and stylish destinations.
- Day Trips from Los Angeles – Add even more variety to your Southern California adventures.
- Family Vacations in California – Great picks for fun, education, and bonding with all ages.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Walking into silence at Amboy Crater - 1 hour and 30 minutes
- • Finding bloom and stillness in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park - 1 hour and 45 minutes from Palm Springs
- • Following the sun across the Coachella Valley - Just 20 Minutes from Palm Springs
- • Breathing deep in the pines of Idyllwild - 1 hour and 15 minutes from Palm Springs
- • Indian Canyons - 15 minutes from Palm Springs
- • Walking among giants in Joshua Tree National Park - 50-minute drive