Things to Do in California Desert in 2025

Costa Mesa showing interior views, art and a skyscraper

Palm Springs showing a house, landscape views and fishing

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway featuring hiking or walking as well as a small group of people

Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

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Most popular activities in California Desert

Tours & day trips

See all 79 activities

4-Day to Grand Canyon,Lower Antelope Canyon,Horseshoe Bend from Los Angeles

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 24 activities

Temecula Valley Wine Tour with Tastings & Lunch Included

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

See all 23 activities

Palm Springs & Joshua Tree NP Driving Audio Tours Bundle

Free cancellation available

Attractions

See all 9 activities

Two Flight Indoor Skydiving Experience

Free cancellation available

Classes & workshops

See all 6 activities

Desert Healing Experience

Free cancellation available

Recommended things to do in California Desert

Number of things to do	24
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Palm Springs Architecture Tour – Self-Guided Drive: $17
Top 5 things to do	San Andreas Fault Offroad Tour Joshua Tree National Park Offroad Tour Joshua Tree National Park Driving Tour Earthquake Canyon Express Downhill Bicycle Adventure Palm Springs Architecture Tour – Self-Guided Drive
Under $25	Palm Springs Architecture Tour – Self-Guided Drive Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour in Joshua Tree National Park
With kids	Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour Joshua Tree Open Air Hummer Adventure Restorative Soundbath in Palm Springs The Legends & Icons Tour of Palm Springs Private Palm Springs Cooking Class with a Fun Local Chef Stephen

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 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.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

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

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 family-friendly area, or seek out the hiking trails.

The Old Town Mercantile building has murals of Old Temecula on its outsides. The Mercantile

Old Town Temecula Community Theater

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.

Indian Canyon

Hike in the footsteps of the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians on ancient walking trails through cool, palm-dotted canyons and timeless rock formations.

First attempt at taking a photograph of a moving Ferris Wheel at night! Had a blast at the Temecula Valley Fair.
#nightphotography #ferriswheel #fair

Galway Downs

You can take time to visit Galway Downs during your travels to Temecula. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the casinos in the 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.

Pechanga Resort & Casino

Why not try your luck with a visit to Pechanga Resort & Casino where you can enjoy the entertainment at this popular casino in Temecula? Check out the shops and wineries in this romantic area.

University of California, Riverside

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

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.

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.

Downtown Riverside

4/5(383 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.

Sunrise Park

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

Look up #villaroyale #palmsprings #lifeatexpedia

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.