Things to Do in California Desert in 2026

This unique estate now acts more or less as the Western White House in the US. It's a little tricky to reserve a tour of it due to its popularity, but the gardens are freely open to the public most of the year.

Skull Rock in Joshua Tree National Park, just another cool thing about the Palm Springs area.

See more pictures and ideas about this area in our blog post:
http://rvluckyorwhat.com/2015/05/08/where-would-you-live-if-you-could-work-from-anywhere

#skull
#trail
#hiking
#joshuatree
#nationalpark
#rock
#California
#travel
#Ustravel

Love this Californian desert! Great park for hiking and camping, trails here are a blast and unique from so many of the other national parks I've been too! Pack plenty of water!!!

Beautiful park with strange rocks formations and piles of them. Great place to hike among the Joshua trees and rocks. #hiking #landscape #outdoors

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Most popular activities in California Desert

Tours & day trips

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Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour

Free cancellation available

Food, drink & nightlife

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Drag Brunch at the Hyatt Palm Springs

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

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Palm Springs & Joshua Tree NP Driving Audio Tours Bundle

Free cancellation available

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Morning Hot Air Balloon Ride in Temecula Wine Country

Free cancellation available

Attractions

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Two Flight Indoor Skydiving Experience

Free cancellation available

Recommended things to do in California Desert

Number of things to do	40
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Palm Springs Architecture Tour – Self-Guided Drive: $15
Top 5 things to do	Palm Springs Architecture Tour – Self-Guided Drive Explore Palm Springs Celebrity Homes in Style Drag Brunch at the Hyatt Palm Springs Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views
Under $25	Palm Springs Architecture Tour – Self-Guided Drive Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour in Joshua Tree National Park Amazing Bar Crawl in Palm Springs
With kids	Explore Palm Springs Celebrity Homes in Style Drag Brunch at the Hyatt Palm Springs Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour Restorative Soundbath in Palm Springs Covered Wagon Adventure & BBQ

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

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

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

Indian Wells Tennis Garden

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.

About time landscape architects designed some structure for the desert... Note: in German we call these Schwiegermutterstühle - mother in law's chairs.

Palm Springs Convention Center

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.

Agua Caliente Casino

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 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

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.

Aerial view of Mechanics Bank Arena, a theater and convention center, in Bakersfield, California, USA. The arena hosts events and conventions.

Dignity Health Arena

Catch an event at Dignity Health Arena during your trip to Bakersfield. Discover the top-notch restaurants and entertainment choices in this relaxing area.

Palm Canyon

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.

golf courseat sunset in palm springs, california

PGA West Golf Course

Enjoy a round of golf in La Quinta at PGA West Golf Course. Experience the lively festivals or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

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

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in California Desert

Palm Springs Art Museum which includes interior views and art

Downtown Palm Springs

4.5/5(1,565 area reviews)

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

Little gem on Air BnB, great area for cycling and vineyards

Valle De Los Caballos

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

Snapped this shot as I was leaving my hotel in PS. The sky with the building, palm trees, and flowers all caught my eye and blended well together. No filter!

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, Agua Caliente Casino and The Spa at Se-che are top sights worth seeing.

Sunrise Park

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

Aerial tramway scenic landscape view at sunset in California.

Tahquitz River Estates

4/5(183 area reviews)

Though Tahquitz River Estates might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium and Tahquitz Canyon.

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.