10 TOP Things to Do in California Desert (2026 Activity Guide)

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!!!

Rafting the Kern River. Even though this year has been dry in California, there's still enough water for some fun. #weekendgetaway

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Most popular experiences 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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I Heart Drag Brunch at the Hyatt Palm Springs

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

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Joshua Tree National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

Free cancellation available

Attractions

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Two Flight Indoor Skydiving Experience

Free cancellation available

Classes & workshops

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Desert Healing Experience

What to do in California Desert

Popular places to visit

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Enjoy panoramic views over the Coachella Valley on the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world.

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 in 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 visit to 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 family-friendly 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 family-friendly 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 acclaimed theatre scene 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.

Areas of California Desert

Palm Springs Art Museum which includes interior views and art

Downtown Palm Springs

4.5/5(38 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

3/5(1 area review)

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.

Palm Springs California Sign along North Palm Canyon Drive welcomes visitors to this historic city

Uptown Design District

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

Uptown Design District is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Las Palmas and San Jacinto Mountains while in the area.

Sunrise Park

If you're spending some time in Sunrise Park, Palm Springs Mall Shopping Center and Palm Springs Swim Center are top sights worth seeing.

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