Things to do in Palm Desert

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Desert Holocaust Memorial featuring a memorial
Desert Holocaust Memorial featuring a memorial and a garden
Desert Holocaust Memorial featuring a memorial
Desert Holocaust Memorial which includes a memorial
Palm Desert

Palm Desert Attractions

There's something magical about smaller cities. Whether you're on your way to Palm Desert for a day or two or you're contemplating staying longer, you'll soon fall in love with this place. In fact, with so many wonderful things to do and impressive attractions to enjoy, you might never want to leave!

If you're ready to hit the streets of Palm Desert, sign up for a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let a friendly local show you some of the most popular sites. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {18 fun activities in Palm Desert fun activities in Palm Desert} are also worth looking into.

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Most popular activities in Palm Desert

Tours & day trips

See all 13 activities
Palm Springs Architecture Tour – Self-Guided Drive

Palm Springs Architecture Tour – Self-Guided Drive

Activity duration is 365 days
9.2 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $17 per traveler
Palm Springs Architecture Tour – Self-Guided DriveOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 3 activities
Desert Healing Experience

Desert Healing Experience

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was $175 and current price is $149 per adult
Desert Healing ExperienceOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 3 activities
San Andreas Fault Offroad Tour

San Andreas Fault Offroad Tour

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $189 per adult
San Andreas Fault Offroad TourOpens in new tab

What to do in Palm Desert

Free Things to Do in Palm Desert

Vacationing on a budget in Palm Desert? Spend time instead of cash on fabulous experiences.

Bump and Grind Trail - Appreciate the stark difference between the big city and nature's wild beauty at this breathtaking location.

Palma Village Park - If you relish spending time in the garden, this attraction will delight your inner green thumb.

Things to Do in Palm Desert with Kids

Palm Desert has loads of close by fun activities for you and the kids. Our family friendly experiences will keep everyone happy for days.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Palm 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 Palm Desert

Marriott's Shadow Ridge Golf Club

Marriott's Shadow Ridge Golf Club

3/5(3 reviews)

Enjoy a round of golf in Palm Desert at Marriott's Shadow Ridge Golf Club. Discover the mountain views and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Marriott's Shadow Ridge Golf Club
Try to catch a show at the expansive McCallum Theater when you find yourself in the Palm Springs area. We were lucky enough to see Dame Edna's second final farewell tour and experience first-hand her satirical and brilliant take on things. Another great stop on our #realtime #roadtrip

McCallum Theatre

4.5/5(81 reviews)

You can enjoy a show at McCallum Theatre during your trip to Palm Desert. Experience the lively festivals or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

McCallum Theatre
Beautiful Fountain at the Gardens...

The Gardens on El Paseo

4.5/5(20 reviews)

You can enjoy retail therapy at The Gardens on El Paseo during your stay in Palm Desert. Experience the acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

The Gardens on El Paseo
Desert Holocaust Memorial

Desert Holocaust Memorial

This sobering memorial stands in dark contrast to the sunny light-filled city in which it stands.

Desert Holocaust Memorial

Desert Willow Golf Resort

4.5/5(30 reviews)

Enjoy a round of golf in Palm Desert at Desert Willow Golf Resort. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Desert Willow Golf Resort

El Paseo Shopping District

4.5/5(544 reviews)

During your trip to Palm Desert, you can do some window-shopping at El Paseo Shopping District. Take in the art scene and desert landscape in the area.

El Paseo Shopping District

Palm Desert Country Club

4.5/5(75 reviews)

Enjoy a round of golf in Palm Desert at Palm Desert Country Club. Experience the lively festivals or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Palm Desert Country Club

The Shops at Palm Desert

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at The Shops at Palm Desert during your visit to Palm Desert. Discover the desert landscapes in this family-friendly area, or enjoy its golf courses.

The Shops at Palm Desert

Toscana Country Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Palm Desert at Toscana Country Club. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Toscana Country Club

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Palm Desert

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Cahuilla Hills

Cahuilla Hills might not have many top sights, but Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and The Shops at Palm Desert are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Cahuilla Hills
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South Palm Desert

If you're spending some time in South Palm Desert, El Paseo Shopping District and The Gardens on El Paseo are top sights worth seeing.

South Palm Desert
Beautiful Fountain at the Gardens...

El Paseo Village

If you're spending some time in El Paseo Village, El Paseo Shopping District and The Gardens on El Paseo are top sights worth seeing.

El Paseo Village
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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 The Shops at Palm Desert.

Bighorn
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Spanish Walk

While Spanish Walk might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Acrisure Arena and Desert Willow Golf Resort.

Spanish Walk
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Park Palms

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Park Palms and surrounding area, you can visit Palm Desert Aquatic Center and Desert Willow Golf Resort.

Park Palms
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.

 

 

Popular day trips from Palm Desert

Indio

Indio

Desert Hot Springs

Desert Hot Springs

Sunnylands Center and Gardens which includes golf and landscape views as well as a small group of people

Rancho Mirage

La Quinta

La Quinta

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens which includes dangerous animals, zoo animals and a garden

Indian Wells

Coachella Valley showing desert views

Thousand Palms

Photo by Lone Coyote Studio

Mountain Center

Frequently asked questions

Is Palm Desert worth visiting?
Renowned for its golfing and shopping, finding fun things to do in Palm Desert is easy. Be sure to add McCallum Theatre to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Palm Desert?
Palm Springs Lanes and Palm Desert Aquatic Center are two excellent places to start your vacation adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and retail options in Palm Desert while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Palm Desert?
You can't leave without checking out McCallum Theatre, rated the top tourist attraction in Palm Desert.
Is three days enough to stay in Palm Desert?
Three days in Palm Desert is more than enough to visit the city's main highlights. Many travelers stay for three days on average. McCallum Theatre, Coachella Valley Repertory Theater and Arthur Newman Theatre are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots like Palm Springs.
Is Palm Desert a walkable city?
It all depends on what you plan to see and do in Palm Desert. Several attractions, such as McCallum Theatre and Arthur Newman Theatre, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Palm Desert's best neighborhoods, Magnesia Falls Cove is 2 miles away from downtown, while Desert Horizons is 2 miles away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Palm Desert with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a fun-filled itinerary sets the tone for a great escape. Browse our ideas for what to do in Palm Desert with kids.

What to do in Palm Desert for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Palm Desert, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Acrisure Arena or Empire Polo Club.
Are there free things to do in Palm Desert?
In Palm Desert, Hovley Soccer Park is a popular spot for anyone wanting to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the parks and other neighborhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's an easy way to discover the best free things to do in Palm Desert.