Quick Summary:

  • Why is Palm Springs a great launching-off point for exploration?
    • Palm Springs is ideally located for exploring some of the top attractions in the surrounding Coachella Valley. It serves as a great base for visitors to access the region's unique Route 66 attractions and scenic drives.
  • What destinations are within easy reach of Palm Springs?
    • Palm Springs is conveniently located for day trips to some of Southern California's top destinations, including the charming town of Julian, bustling Los Angeles, and sunny San Diego.


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

1. Amboy Crater ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Amboy Crater | Day Trips from Palm Springs
© Rob Tilley and Danita Delimont/stock.adobe.com

2. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park from Palm Springs ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park from Palm Springs | Day Trips from Palm Springs
© Ron/stock.adobe.com

3. Julian from Palm Springs

Category: Activities
Julian from Palm Springs | Day Trips from Palm Springs
© OlgaDm/stock.adobe.com

4. The Coachella Valley from Palm Springs

Category: Activities
The Coachella Valley from Palm Springs | Day Trips from Palm Springs
© Felipe Sanchez/stock.adobe.com

5. Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve

Category: Activities
Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve | Day Trips from Palm Springs
© Andrei/stock.adobe.com

6. Idyllwild from Palm Springs

Category: Activities
Idyllwild from Palm Springs | Day Trips from Palm Springs
© Rosemarie/stock.adobe.com

7. Indian Canyons from Palm Springs

Category: Activities
Indian Canyons from Palm Springs | Day Trips from Palm Springs
© Kevin Oke and Danita Delimont/stock.adobe.com

8. The Integratron

The Integratron | Day Trips from Palm Springs
© The Integratron

9. Joshua Tree National Park

Category: Activities
Joshua Tree National Park | Day Trips from Palm Springs
© Ferenc/stock.adobe.com

10. The BMW Performance Center West

Category: Attractions
The BMW Performance Center West | Day Trips from Palm Springs
© mirabella29/stock.adobe.com

11. Lake Arrowhead Village

Category: Activities
Lake Arrowhead Village | Day Trips from Palm Springs
© alexandros33/stock.adobe.com

12. Lake Hemet

Category: Activities
Lake Hemet | Day Trips from Palm Springs
© LittleSteven65/stock.adobe.com

13. Los Angeles from Palm Springs

Category: Activities
Los Angeles from Palm Springs | Day Trips from Palm Springs
© SeanPavonePhoto/stock.adobe.com

14. Old Town La Quinta

Old Town La Quinta | Day Trips from Palm Springs
© Tomasz Zajda/stock.adobe.com

15. The Palm to Pines Scenic Byway

The Palm to Pines Scenic Byway | Day Trips from Palm Springs
© Ritu Jethani/stock.adobe.com

16. Pioneertown

Category: Museums & Culture
Pioneertown | Day Trips from Palm Springs
© MelissaMN/stock.adobe.com

17. Route 66 from Palm Springs

Category: Activities
Route 66 from Palm Springs | Day Trips from Palm Springs
© trekandphoto/stock.adobe.com

18. The Salton Sea

The Salton Sea | Day Trips from Palm Springs
© rouda100/stock.adobe.com

19. Salvation Mountain

Category: Activities
Salvation Mountain | Day Trips from Palm Springs
© gnagel/stock.adobe.com

20. San Diego from Palm Springs

Category: Activities
San Diego from Palm Springs | Day Trips from Palm Springs
© giumas/stock.adobe.com

21. San Juan Capistrano from Palm Springs

Category: Activities
San Juan Capistrano from Palm Springs | Day Trips from Palm Springs
© littleny/stock.adobe.com

22. Santa Monica from Palm Springs

Category: Activities
Santa Monica from Palm Springs | Day Trips from Palm Springs
© Simon Dannhauer/stock.adobe.com

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