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24 Best & Fun Things To Do In Palm Desert (CA)

Palm Desert, California, is a city filled with various fun activities and home to country clubs, golf courses, a beautiful Park, museums, and gardens.

The city is in the heart of the Coachella Valley, and it is known as the cultural and retail center of the desert communities.

Also, it is rated as one of the safest cities in Southern California.

Palm Desert is a great and beautiful place to spend time with your family and kids, and your safety is certainly here.

There are many fun attraction centers to visit in the city and lots of fun activities to participate in.

Both the attraction centers and the park are worth the fee. Although, some centers may be temporarily closed.

We have prepared a list of the best and most fun places you can visit whenever you are in Palm Desert, California.

Here are the 25 best and most fun places to visit in Palm Desert, California.

Things To Do In Palm Desert

1. Heather James Fine Art

Things to do in Palm Desert

James Fine Art

Heather James Fine Art is genuinely one of the most beautiful and unique galleries in Palm desert. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly and always ready to give the background story of the piece and spend time showing you around the gallery.

The gallery is centrally located in the Palm Springs area of California.

There are so many great and exciting stories behind the works of art. Believe me; you are surely going to love the antiquities and the masters’ paintings on the wall.

The current Ferrari exhibits are wonderful with an amazing story. In general, the selection of artists in the gallery is awe-inspiring and interesting.

Palm desert James Fine Art is indeed a pleasant and beautiful place to spend time with your friends.

The Arts will for sure improve your level and method of creativity.

Be sure to include this gallery on your list and make sure you visit whenever you are in California.

Address: 45188 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States

 2. Coachella Valley Preserve

Things to do in Palm Desert

Coachella Valley Preserve

Are you looking for a beautiful place to spend quality time with your family, or do you love to hike? Coachella Valley Preserve is the best place for you to visit.

This is one of the most beautiful and exciting places in Palm desert.

The preserve is a perfect and beautiful place to learn about the history of the palm trees, the fruits, and the history of the area. Besides, the staff are informative and knowledgeable.

Furthermore, there is a boardwalk trail for biking and hiking.

This easy trail makes it perfect for families with kids. Besides, there are bushes, flowers, palm trees, and many other trails which cover the large Preserve.

Also, there are sample spaces and picnic tables for having an afternoon meal and having fun.

The Palm desert Coachella valley preserve is a peaceful, pleasant and perfect place to release yourself from all forms of stress.

Ensure you visit whenever you are in Palm Desert, California.

Address; 29200 Thousand Palms Canyon Rd, Thousand Palms, CA 92276, United States

 3. Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument

Things to do in Palm Desert

Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument

The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument is one of the best places for camping. The place is a big and exciting place to be.

It is one of the best and most secure places in Palm Desert. They have security guarding and maintaining the place for 24 hours.

Besides, there are also shops and restaurants at the top that are worth looking into.

This is also one of the best places to hike. At the top of the mountain, you will see a beautiful and entertaining view of the major part of Palm Desert.

You are definitely going to love the place and have a fun experience hiking. Also, you can go with your camera to take a picture of the beautiful views of Palm Desert at the top of the mountains.

If this isn’t on your list of things to do in Palm Desert, be sure to include it as you would undoubtfully want to go back again after your first visit.

Address: CA-74, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States

4. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Things to do in Palm Desert

Photo: Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Are you looking for a place to spend some exciting and fun time with your family and friends? If so, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is one of the best and most beautiful places to have a great playtime with your kids.

The garden is nicely decorated, helpful volunteers, and there are plenty of places to take breaks.

This zoo is beautiful and unique in terms of quality and price. Not only that, they also offer a wide variety of animals all across the globe from America, Africa, and Australia.

Furthermore, the environments for animals are absolutely amazing, and perfect and also resemble much of their original habitat.

The zoo is family-friendly. It is a perfect place for kids and adults of all ages, most especially the wildlife lovers.

Besides, the animals in the zoo are well-taken care of, and they appear happy. As a result, they are friendly to visitors and fun to be with.

You can also feed the animals you love and spend some quality time with the animals.

The entrance fee is low compared to the fun you are going to experience at the Zoo.

You are doubtless going to love the fun experience at the zoo. Make sure you visit the zoo and garden if you happen to be in Palm Desert.

Address: 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States

 5. Palm Desert Aquatic Center

Palm Desert Aquatic Center

Twitter / Palm Desert Aquatic Center

Palm Desert Aquatic Center features three pools, multiple slides, diving boards, and a variety of play items, plus fitness classes.

The Palm Desert Aquatic Center is a great place for both kids and adults to have a wonderful and great fun experience.

The place is really a nice place to take the family; the kids will always have a great time having fun while you hang out with your friends.

Furthermore, there are picnic tables for families to have a good time together.

Surely, the pool is always clean; the lifeguard is approachable and respectful as well. Also, they take their job seriously, so you have no reason to worry.

The outdoor pool is indeed excellent, and you are definitely going to love it. You can also rent a lock to put your belongings before exercising at their ex cerise space. They have a kid’s play area and a good variety of shallow areas in the pool for kids.

In short, the center is a place worth visiting. Also, the entrance fee is really low compared to the great fun you are going to experience.

Make sure you visit whenever you are in Palm Desert, California.

Have a wonderful and safe trip.

Address: 73751 Magnesia Falls Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States

Planning a road trip outside of Palm Desert? Be sure to check out things to do in Oceanside, Irvine, Big Bear Lake, Alameda, and West Covina!

6. Civic Center Park

Things to do in Palm Desert

Photo: Civic Center Park

The Civic Center Park Palm Desert is one of the biggest parks, with tennis courts, sports fields, picnic areas, concerts, and public art.

The Park is one of the most beautiful places in Palm Desert. The playground is safe for children, and they are definitely going to have a fun experience in the park.

Furthermore, they have a big space for parking as there are multiple buildings connected to the college next door.

Also, there is a pond with a lot of ducks, but you are not allowed to feed the ducks without permission.

The playground for kids is charming, beautiful, and safe. So be rest assured they are definitely going to love it.

This is one beautiful and interesting you don’t want to miss. The fun experience is certain.

Address; 43900 San Pablo Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States

 7. Palm Spring Art Museum in Palm Desert

Things to do in Palm Desert

Facebook / Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert

The Palm Springs Art Museum is located in Palm Springs, California. The Museum is one of the most beautiful places in California, with a great view.

The exhibits are fascinating to watch, especially the glass gallery, which is considered the beauty of all.

The museum is a beautiful and interesting place to make your day better, and also the selection of Arts are well arranged.

Furthermore, the outdoor art garden is peaceful and refreshing by the beauty of sculptures, water, and landscaping. You will definitely leave with a smile on your face.

Besides, the entrance is free, the plants and artwork are inspiring and motivating for anyone looking for a way to develop their level of creativity. This is indeed the best place you need to visit.

Also, the staff are amiable, informative, knowledgeable, and they are also welcoming.

The garden is well maintained. So, if you are a photographer or you are looking for a beautiful place to snap a beautiful picture, then this is the place to visit.

You are definitely going to love the museum. Be sure to visit or add it to the list of places you want to visit whenever you are in Palm Desert.

Address: 72567 CA-111, Palm Desert, California 92260, United States

8. Art Smith Trailhead

Art Smith Trailhead

Photo by Ukenreport

Do you love to challenge yourself, or are you a lover of hiking? The best place to challenge yourself in hiking is to visit Art Smith Trailhead in Palm Desert.

Art Smith Trailhead is rated one of the most tough places to hike in Palm Desert.

This is the best place to let out your stress and also to exercise yourself. The trail features different but beautiful wildflowers and also a few animals.

You can choose to walk alone or with your friends.

At the top of the trails, you will see a wonderful and beautiful view of Coachella Valley.

Amongst, every other thing you can do here is play hide and seek if you are with your family or group of friends.

Make you visit this trail. You are definitely going to love the challenge.

Address; Roy Wilson Memorial Hwy, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States

9. Indian Wells Tennis Garden

Things to do in Palm Deserts

Photo: BNPPO

Indian Wells Tennis Garden is an interesting place to spend some quality time with your family and friends.

The Tennis court is beautiful and big coupled with a lot of space to watch the players. Besides, the garden is gorgeous and well arranged with flowers which makes it a perfect place to take photos.

The place is huge with many spots to hang out and chill with different but great food and beverage. It is very clean and has great service.

This is definitely one of the best spots for those that love tennis. You will definitely love it and have a great fun experience.

They have 2 stadiums, 4 smaller ones, and 29 courts. The Indian tennis is indeed very big!

The place is also a great venue that has the potential to support a variety of diverse events.

You are absolutely going to love it. Make sure you visit to support the players and also have a great fun experience watching them play.

Address; 78-200 Miles Ave, Indian Wells, CA 92210, United States

 10. Palm Desert Cross

Things to do in Palm Desrt

Facebook / Palm Desert Cross

The Palm Desert Cross is an excellent place for those people that love to hike.

Trails are high and long, but if you hike to the top, you will see an excellent view of the town. Also, the Palm Desert Cross is generally a good workout for a sunset hike.

When you get to the top, you will get a better view of the sunset and sunrise. It is a great place to have fun with your friends or family.

You can also walk your pet on the trails, they are dog friendly. Also, the place is clean and well-maintained.

It is a wonderful place to exercise and to spend some time alone. You are definitely going to love the place.

Ensure you visit whenever you are in Palm Desert. Have a wonderful trip.

Address: Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States

11. The Bump And Grind

The Bump And Grind

Photo: Jay Calderon

The Bump and Grind is a hiking center in Palm Desert, California. Trails are a bit challenging, but beautiful and the best place for exercise.

It is among the best places to hike and also have fun with your friends. However, it’s not the best place for kids because the trails will be difficult for them to hike.

Also, you are definitely going to love the place because at the top of the mountains you will see a better and more beautiful view of the place.

You can also go with your camera to take some beautiful pictures to lock in the memories.

It is advisable to bring a bottle of water with you and also have your hiking gear for the trail because you are going to need a bottle of water after the hike.

There are also a good amount of parking spots.

You are definitely going to love the challenge, ensure you visit whenever you are in Palm Desert, California.

Address: Painters Path, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States

12. Coachella Valley Vista Point

Coachella Valley Vista Point

Photo: Coachella Valley Vista Point

Coachella Valley Vista Point is one of the best places to have fun with your friends and family. It is a very beautiful spot to see the amazing and awesome view of the sunset and sunrise.

The Views of the Coachella Valley are nothing short of amazing and beautiful. You will be surprised to see the amazing view.

Besides, it is a perfect place to bond with your family or to spend some interesting time alone.

There is plenty of parking in the viewing area, and it is a great place to get some photos. So you can go with your cameras.

However, be aware that the road on the mountain is steep, curvy, and can get quite busy sometimes.

The place is also close to the arts smith trail as well, which is a great place to have a quick hike.

You surely don’t want to miss this great and wonderful fun experience.

Address; Pines to Palms Hwy, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States

13. City Of Palm Desert Magnesia Falls Park

Are you looking for a beautiful place to spend time with your family and friends or you are looking for a place to stay alone by yourself to relax, City of Palm Desert Magnesia fall park is the best place for you to visit to achieve those wishes.

This is one of the amazing and interesting places to have a great fun experience with your kids.

City of Palm Desert park is filled with different fun activities for kids to have a great time. The playground is beautiful and also safe for kids of all ages to have fun.

Another thing is the playground, it is big and there is a lot of space for kids to play and run around in. The playground is not always crowded.

So, if are the kind of person that does not like crowds, this is the perfect place for you and your family to spend quality time together.

Besides, it has a public restroom that is always neat and the neighborhood seems very nice and calm.

The city of palm desert magnesia falls Park is clearly a place worth visiting.

Furthermore, the playground has plenty of soccer, baseball, basketball fields for adults and children. Also has swings, slides and monkey bars and grounds covered to minimize injuries.

Make you visit the city of palm desert magnesia falls park whenever you are in Palm Desert California.

Address; 74200 Rutledge Way, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States

14. City of Palm Desert Homme-Adams Park

Palm Desert Homme-Adems Park

Photo: Homme-Adams Park

City of Palm Desert Homme-Adams Park is one of the most interesting and fun places in Palm Desert.

It is a great spot to spend some quality and interesting time with your friends and family.

The park is a great and peaceful place to stroll alone and free yourself from all kinds of anxiety and stress.

The City of Palm Desert Homme-Adams Park is a dog-friendly park that is easily accessible and also a great place to hike with well-marked trails.

There are different areas for picnics. In addition, the park has a big open space to let your dogs run in or you can hike with them in the park.

Although you have to cross the small bridge to get over to the area where you can hike with your dogs.

The park is also cleaned and well maintained. You are definitely going to love the place.

Make sure you add the City of Palm Desert Homme-Adams Park to the list of places you wish to visit whenever you are in Palm Desert, California.

Address: 72500 Thrush Rd, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States

15. City of Palm Desert Freedom Park

City Of Palm Desert Freedom Park

Photo: Freedom Park

This is one of the best and most beautiful places in the palm desert.

The City Of Palm Desert Freedom Park is an amazing park for kids to have a fun experience with their families and friends, most especially during holidays.

Palm Desert Freedom Park is a community park with facilities for basketball, baseball, volleyball, dog walking, and a big beautiful playground for kids and adults.

The park has multiple pavilions, picnic areas, 3 basketball courts, 2 volleyball courts, baseball fields, a skate park, 8 pickleball courts, a dog park, and more. You are definitely going to have fun here as there are lots of fun activities to do in the park.

Furthermore, you can also celebrate your kid’s birthday in the park.

The park is cleaned and well maintained, also; the bathroom is always clean. Certainly, your fun experience is guaranteed.

Address: 77400 Country Club Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States

Looking to explore more of California City? Why don’t you check out the things to do in Humboldt County, Anaheim, Victorville, Fresno, San Luis Obispo, and Bakersfield?

16. City of Palm Desert Hovley Soccer Park

Palm Desert Hovley Soccer Park

Photo: Hovley Soccer Park

One of the most attractive, fun adventures places is to spend time with your family.

The best and most interesting place to do so is to visit the City Of Palm Desert Hovley Soccer Park.

The City Of Palm Desert Hovley Soccer Park has very big basketball courts, a disc golf course, 3 horseshoe pits, a Pétanque area, 5 full-size soccer fields, 3 playgrounds for both kids and adults to have a great time.

Hovley Soccer Park has full-sized fields for soccer tournaments, plus equipment and space for other fun and interesting activities.

Furthermore, there are lots of big trees along the perimeter to shade your walk and can also serve as a great place for a family picnic. Although, there are areas perfectly created for picnics.

The playground is really safe for kids to play in and also they have a restroom that is always clean and well maintained.

This is a perfect and beautiful place for the family to bond. It is a wonderful park filled with various happy but respectful people.

However, the City Of Palm Desert Hovley Soccer Park is always busy on the weekends but normally pretty quiet on weekdays.

So, if you want to spend some quiet time alone, it is advisable to go on weekdays.

The park is obviously a great place for children to explore their athletic abilities.

Ensure that you and your family visit the City Of Palm Desert Hovley Soccer Park whenever you are in California.

Address; 74735 Hovley Ln E, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States

17. Palm Desert Holocaust Memorial

Palm Desert Holocaust Memorial

Photo: Holocaust Memorial

The Palm Desert Holocaust Memorial was created by the sculptor Dee Clements and was opened in 1995. The Palm Desert Holocaust Memorial is a beautiful place built to honor the people that were lost during the time of Nazi terrorists.

It is a wonderful and beautiful place to learn about the denial of basic civil rights and also; the monument memorializes lost parents, children, loved ones, and millions of innocent people that lost their lives.

Furthermore, there is a beautiful statue, and multiple plaques explaining detailed events and quotes from this tragic event in the history of the holocaust.

However, it is a pleasant and surprising place worth visiting. There is a dog park, community park, swim center, volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts in the place.

There are lots of things fun activities to do at the Palm Desert Holocaust Memorial apart from listening to the history.

It is indeed a very powerful exhibit with an amazing park filled with different fun but safe equipment for kids.

The Palm Desert Holocaust Memorial is one of the best places to get emotional and appreciate history.

The presentation is really beautiful, wonderful, and powerful.

You definitely don’t want to miss this place. Be sure to visit whenever you are in California.

Address: Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States

18. Palm Desert Dog Park

Palm Desert Dog Park

Photo: Palm Desert Dog Park

Palm Desert Dog Park is one of the best, most beautiful, interesting, and amazing places to bond with your dogs and also gain their trust or to train your dogs to be social.

The Park is so easy to navigate and your dog will enjoy it as well. They will be free to jog or run around and also spend time with my family or get to play with other dogs.

The park is definitely a great and beautiful place for you as an individual to meet with another dog lover.

You can also bring your kids to play with the dogs.

There are 3 ponds with loads of turtles and many kinds of fish to watch.

The park is always clean and well maintained. There are shade and benches for the dog owners to see and chat or watch over their dogs, also you will have access to water and bags for clean up.

The Palm Desert Dog Park is undeniably a peaceful and pleasant place worth visiting. Certainly, you are going to love it.

You definitely need to include Palm Desert Dog Park on the list of places you wish to visit whenever you are in California.

Address: 43900 San Pablo Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States

19. City of Palm Desert Ironwood Park

Palm Desert Ironwood Park

Palm Desert Ironwood Park

The City of Palm Desert Ironwood Park is one of the best and most beautiful places to visit. The park is well known for its magnificent beauty and the great fun experience tourists enjoy whatever they visit.

City of Palm Desert Ironwood Park is a 15-acre park that features a playground, trails and walking paths, picnic pavilions, and clean restrooms.

This is one of the most attractive places to have an afternoon lunch with your family and friends.

You are definitely going to love to learn or listen to the story about the animals and also watch the different areas of how they had it arranged.

Besides, the animals are arranged differently from African animals to the animals found in Australia and animals found in America.

The park is always clean, and also the restroom is well-kept.

The park is also a perfect place to work your dogs because they are dog friendly. There is also a supply of doggie bags in the green area in the park.

The trails to walk your dog are always clean and also it is structured in a safe way for dogs and humans to walk on easily.

You definitely need to add Ironwood Park to the list of places you intend to visit whenever you are in California.

You are definitely going to love it, and also, your fun experience is guaranteed.

Address; 47800 Chia Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States

20. The City Of Palm Desert Joe Mann Park

Palm Desert Joe Mann Park

Joe Mann Park

The City of Palm Desert Joe Mann Park is also a beautiful and interesting place filled with different fun activities. And one of the most beautiful and unique parks in Palm Desert, California.

It is a nice place to spend your day and also a great spot to relax and meet different people.

The park is a community park with a basketball court for both kids and adults, a volleyball court, a rose garden perfect for taking beautiful pictures, a dog park, a picnic pavilion, a playground, open turf area, and restrooms.

One of the things you can also do here at the City of Palm Desert Joe Mann Park is have a fun time with your friends or family together

Besides, the park has everything to have fun with, either for kids or adults. You are definitely going to have fun.

Certainly, the playground area is shaded, safe, and appropriate for kids of all age groups. Also, the dog area in the park is safe for your dogs to play with.

Also, you can go to the garden with your cameras to take a beautiful picture or family photo, although bikes and skateboards are not allowed in the garden for the safety of the flowers.

Joe Mann Park is definitely an interesting place to be; the garden is the quiet place in the park, and you can visit the garden to have a quiet time.

You don’t want to miss this fun experience. The City of Palm Desert Joe Mann Park is absolutely worth visiting.

Address: 77810 California Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States

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21. Melissa Morgan Sculpture Garden

Melissa Morgan Sculpture Garden

Photo: Chris Miller

Along, El Paseo Palm Desert is Melissa Morgan Sculpture garden which is among one of the best Art gardens In California.

One reason everyone loves the park is that there is an individual QR code for the sculptures, so you can enjoy your own private tour.

Among every other artist here are Anthony James, Squire Broel, Shana Mabari, Olivia Steele, Steve Webster, Steve Tobin, Joseph McDonnell, Peter Busby, and more.

You wouldn’t have any dull moment by visiting this garden as the gallery makes sure every visitor visiting the park is memorable by telling stories behind the Arts.

This place is absolutely amazing, and I would recommend visiting at night to experience the best version of this beautiful garden.

Although the garden closes at 5 PM, it doesn’t matter as you can still walk in the Garden and have the best time of your life by viewing the fantastic sculptures.

So, make sure to add this to your itinerary!

Address; 73785 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States

22. City of Palm Desert Cahuilla Hills Park

Cahuilla Hills Park

Cahuilla Hills Park

The City of Palm Desert Cahuilla Hills Park is one of the best and most fun places in Palm Desert to have a great time with your family and pets.

The park is a beautiful and interesting place to hang out with your friends.

Cahuilla Hills Park has a playground for both adults and kids, and also, dogs are allowed.

The park has one tennis court, four pickleball courts, picnic area for families to have a great time together.

Furthermore, the park has 26 acres of undeveloped open space that serves as the trailhead for hiking. Actually, the hiking trail is really nice.

Dogs are allowed on leashes on the Gabby Hayes Trail but are not allowed on the Jeffries Trail.

You definitely need to go on the trails to hike with a bottle of water and also a camera because you will get to see the fantastic view of the park when you get to the top of the mountains.

Besides, the bathroom is also cleaned and well kept in case you need to excuse yourself.

You can also hike on the trails with your kids because some of the trails are easy to hike and are suitable for kids.

Make sure you add the City of Palm Desert Cahuilla Hills Park to the list of places you wish to visit whenever you are in California.

Address; 45825 Edgehill Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States

23. Ladder Canyon Trail

Ladder Canyon Trail

Photo: John R. Beyer

This is one of the best and most wonderful places to spend time with your family. The trails are easy to get and also kids can early hike on the trails.

There are lots of different things to see on the trails, and although some trails are really narrow, you are going to love them.

There is also a ladder you can climb to continue your hike at the top of the mountain. Also, you need to go with enough water because you will be exposed to the sun.

The Ladder Canyon Trail is definitely one of the most attractive and interesting places to visit.

Ensure you visit with your friends whenever you are in Palm Desert, California. You will definitely have fun.

Address: Painted Canyon Rd, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States

24. The Village at University Park

The Village at University Park is one of the most beautiful and attractive parks in Palm Desert and has a family-friendly restaurant with lots of activities.

The place is incredible and also has a good environment. It is definitely a pleasant place to spend your afternoon either with your partner or family.

The food is really good and tasty. Also, the restaurant is really clean and well-maintained.

The staff are really nice and welcoming.

The Village at University Park is a pleasant place worth visiting.

Make sure you visit whenever you are in California.

Address; 36891 Cook St, Palm Desert, CA 92211, United States

 

Final Remark

Palm Desert is definitely a beautiful place worth visiting to have fun with your family.

The Palm Desert has different tourist-engaging attraction centers. Indeed, there are different fun places you can visit in California.

You will definitely have fun in any center you choose to visit.

However, we have prepared a list of the best and most fun places you can visit in Palm Desert.

Safe Travel.