Palm Desert

Travel Guide
Desert Holocaust Memorial featuring a memorial
A lush oasis in the middle of the parched Coachella Valley, this city makes a great base to explore an incredible area of the world.

Come to Palm Desert to get away from your hectic life. Drive a jeep across a lunar-like landscape, visit unusual animals in the zoo or relax indulgently at the spa.

Spend days in the glorious sunshine enjoying one of the many outdoor activities. Bring the whole family along for a day at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. The unusual collection of animals includes hedgehogs, leopards and coyotes. Feed a giraffe, visit the butterfly house or take an exciting night safari around the park.

Hike up the Bump and Grind Trail to get a view over the city or take panoramic photos on a hot air balloon at dawn. Ride a horse into the sunset on a tour along the Hopalong Cassidy Trail or play a round at Desert Willow Golf Resort.

Soar like a bird on a biplane flight taking you over the spectacular Santa Rosa Mountains and San Jacinto Mountain range.

Take a four-wheel drive tour to the legendary San Andreas Fault. Twisting rock formations make up this unique geological landmark. Greenery surrounds a desert spring. Learn about the history of the Native American Cahuilla tribe, who once lived off the plants and animals of this dry region.

Back in town enjoy shopping at the El Paseo Shopping District and head to the markets at the outdoor College of the Desert Street Fair. The Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert features exciting collections and an interesting sculpture garden. In Civic Center Park, find the Desert Holocaust Memorial. Bring your children to this moving site but be sure to explain that this is not an area for play.

If your kids need to burn some energy then spend a day at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center. This fun water park has slides, a swimming pool and a splash park for young children. The kids will also enjoy a visit to the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, which has fun interactive displays. Watch them find their way out of a rope maze, learn how to tie a sailing knot and get involved with the nuts and bolts of building.

Palm Desert is a lush green city in a striking desert location.

Where to stay in Palm Desert

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Bighorn

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Bighorn and surrounding area, you can visit Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and El Paseo Shopping District.

Bighorn
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Cahuilla Hills

While there might not be top attractions in Cahuilla Hills, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and El Paseo Shopping District.

Cahuilla Hills
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Park Palms

When in Park Palms, you can plan a visit to Palm Desert Aquatic Center and Desert Willow Golf Resort, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Park Palms
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Spanish Walk

Spanish Walk might not have many top sights, but Acrisure Arena and Desert Willow Golf Resort are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Spanish Walk
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Silver Spur Ranch

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Silver Spur Ranch and surrounding area, you can visit Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and El Paseo Shopping District.

Silver Spur Ranch
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Summit

Though Summit may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and El Paseo Shopping District.

Summit
Embassy Suites by Hilton Palm Desert
Embassy Suites by Hilton Palm Desert
3.5 out of 5
74700 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA
The price is RM523 per night from 8 May to 9 May
RM523
per night
8 May - 9 May
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Palm Desert. Enjoy free breakfast, WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
6.4/10 (1,001 reviews)
"Great stay, will def book again only negative was wifi didn’t work at all."

Reviewed on 16 Apr 2024

Embassy Suites by Hilton Palm Desert
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
4.5 out of 5
74-855 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, CA
The price is RM1,289 per night from 12 May to 13 May
RM1,289
per night
12 May - 13 May
Stay at this spa hotel in Palm Desert. Enjoy 5 outdoor pools, 8 restaurants, and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Beautiful property! We had an amazing stay, we were able to get an upgrade on the room and early check-in at no additional cost! Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 11 Apr 2024

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert
The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert
4 out of 5
75 Willow Ridge, Palm Desert, CA
The price is RM892 per night from 12 May to 13 May
RM892
per night
12 May - 13 May
Stay at this 4-star golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,624 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay and had no issues."

Reviewed on 15 Apr 2024

The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
3.5 out of 5
1091 Pinehurst Ln, Palm Desert, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 7 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,497 reviews)
"Staff were responsive and kind. Very great experience definitely recommend."

Reviewed on 15 Apr 2024

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert
The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert
4 out of 5
75 Willow Ridge, Palm Desert, CA
Stay at this 4-star golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,624 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay and had no issues."

Reviewed on 15 Apr 2024

The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert
Marriott's Shadow Ridge
Marriott's Shadow Ridge
3.5 out of 5
9003 Shadow Ridge Road, Palm Desert, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,270 reviews)
"Very well maintained & managed property! No complaints. Staff is very responsive to any requests."

Reviewed on 11 Apr 2024

Marriott's Shadow Ridge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Palm Desert

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
" "5 - Excellent 27.272727272727273%
4 - Good
8
" "4 - Good 72.72727272727273%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
27 Oct 2019

Like the shopping facilities and, Saturday and Sunday college of the desert market

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
2 Jul 2019

The Marriott resort provided what we needed for a relaxing part of our vacation, making the most of the lovely weather. However, we found a local supermarket and the River for our daily basics (enhancing the Market and pool refreshments on site).

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
23 Mar 2019

We return year after year to wonderful Palm Desert and surrounding areas.