Things to Do in California Desert in 2026

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Most popular activities in California Desert

Tours & day trips

See all 134 activities

Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour

Free cancellation available

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 64 activities

Drag Brunch at the Hyatt Palm Springs

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

See all 45 activities

Palm Springs & Joshua Tree NP Driving Audio Tours Bundle

Free cancellation available

Classes & workshops

See all 11 activities

Desert Healing Experience

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 11 activities

Morning Hot Air Balloon Ride in Temecula Wine Country

Free cancellation available

Recommended things to do in California Desert

Number of things to do	43
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Amazing Bar Crawl in Palm Springs: $15
Top 5 things to do	Palm Springs & Joshua Tree NP Driving Audio Tours Bundle Highlights of Palm Springs Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Drag Brunch at the Hyatt Palm Springs Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour Palm Springs Celebrity Bike Tour
Under $25	Palm Springs & Joshua Tree NP Driving Audio Tours Bundle Highlights of Palm Springs Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Amazing Bar Crawl in Palm Springs
With kids	Drag Brunch at the Hyatt Palm Springs Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour Explore Palm Springs Celebrity Homes in Style Covered Wagon Adventure & BBQ Joshua Tree Open Air Hummer Adventure

What to do in California Desert

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in California Desert? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

Discover the most popular places to visit in California Desert

Indian Wells Tennis Garden

4.5/5(462 reviews)

Catch an event at Indian Wells Tennis Garden, and enjoy other activities in Indian Wells such as golfing. Attend a sporting event or discover the desert landscapes in this family-friendly area.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

4.5/5(1,031 reviews)

Glide over cliffs, wildlife and several vegetation zones as this glass-enclosed ride carries you up dramatic mountainsides.

Palm Tree Date Farm Harvest in California. Palm Tree Date Farm and Clear skies fill the image in Coachella, California. Two airplanes flying past in the distant background.

Coachella Music Festival

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Coachella Music Festival is just one of the places to see in Indio, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the area's casinos, or seek out its golf courses.

Agua Caliente Casino

4/5(758 reviews)

Why not roll the dice with a visit to Agua Caliente Casino during your travels in Rancho Mirage? Discover the lively festivals and spas in this family-friendly area.

Palm Springs Convention Center

4/5(302 reviews)

Learn about the events happening at Palm Springs Convention Center during your trip to Palm Springs. Discover the area's spas, or seek out its golf courses.

University of California, Riverside

4/5(235 reviews)

Explore the campus of University of California, Riverside, during your travels in Riverside. Amble around the area's riverfront or attend a sporting event.

Palm Canyon

4.5/5(867 reviews)

Palm Canyon is just one of the places to see in Palm Springs, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the lively festivals in this relaxing area, or seek out the hiking trails.

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

4.5/5(517 reviews)

Between meeting animals from across the world and exploring nature trails through the Sonoran Desert, expect an exotic experience in southern California.

Old Town Temecula Community Theater

4.5/5(74 reviews)

You can get tickets for a performance at Old Town Temecula Community Theater during your stay in Temecula. Make time to visit the area's shops, or simply enjoy its wineries.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in California Desert

Downtown Palm Springs

4.5/5(1,582 area reviews)

Join the many Angelenos that flock to Downtown Palm Springs to quench their vacation thirst in the Sonoran Desert.

Valle De Los Caballos

While visiting Valle De Los Caballos, you might make a stop by sights like Ponte Winery and Rancho Palomar Winery.

Baristo

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

While visiting Baristo, you might make a stop by sights like Plaza Theatre and Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center.

Midtown

If you're spending some time in Midtown, Palm Springs Convention Center and Agua Caliente Casino are top sights worth seeing.

Watering lawn grass palm trees and plants

Sunrise Park

While visiting Sunrise Park, you might make a stop by sights like Palm Springs Swim Center and Palm Springs Public Library.

Downtown Riverside

4/5(389 area reviews)

Travelers to Downtown Riverside praise its stunning river views. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Fox Performing Arts Center and Fox Entertainment Plaza.

See our Where To Stay guide

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.