Palm Desert Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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 Centre 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 Centre. 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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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
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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 Palm Desert Cross and Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.

Cahuilla Hills
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El Paseo Village

While visiting El Paseo Village, you might make a stop by sights like El Paseo Shopping District and The Gardens on El Paseo.

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 Palm Desert Cross and Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.

Bighorn
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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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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
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 £208 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
£208
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Palm Desert. Enjoy 5 outdoor pools, a full-service spa and 8 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II

3.5 out of 5
1091 Pinehurst Ln, Palm Desert, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £115 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
£115
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 7 outdoor pools and a health club. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,008 reviews)
"Friendly staff. Property has several pools. Took the free shuttle to the JW Marriott, saw their beautiful grounds, and multiple food options. Our patio right on the golf course (nice views)"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

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
The price is £129 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
£129
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 outdoor pools and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,064 reviews)
"Clean and love the pools"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

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 Wi-Fi, 7 outdoor pools and a health club. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,008 reviews)
"Friendly staff. Property has several pools. Took the free shuttle to the JW Marriott, saw their beautiful grounds, and multiple food options. Our patio right on the golf course (nice views)"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

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 eco-certified condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 outdoor pools and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,064 reviews)
"Clean and love the pools"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

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 eco-certified condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,595 reviews)
"Great stay the kids had plenty of activities to do and keep busy. Hotel sent out communication every morning with events or issues with pools."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

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%
4 - Good
8
4 - Good 73%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

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

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