What to do in Palm Desert, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Palm Desert
Palm Desert
Palm Desert
Palm Desert
Palm Desert

Places to Visit in Palm Desert

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Palm Desert, California while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Palm Desert attractions from NZ$29, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Palm Desert tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 24 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Palm Desert. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Recommended things to do in Palm Desert

Number of things to do
24
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Palm Springs Architecture Tour – Self-Guided Drive: NZ$29
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Palm Desert

Discover the most popular places to visit in Palm Desert

Marriott's Shadow Ridge Golf Club

Marriott's Shadow Ridge Golf Club

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

Marriott's Shadow Ridge Golf Club
McCallum Theatre

McCallum Theatre

You can make plans for a show at McCallum Theatre on your trip to Palm Desert. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

McCallum Theatre
The Gardens on El Paseo

The Gardens on El Paseo

You can enjoy retail therapy at The Gardens on El Paseo during your trip to Palm Desert. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

The Gardens on El Paseo

Desert Willow Golf Resort

5/5(1 review)

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(1 review)

During your trip to Palm Desert, you can enjoy retail therapy at El Paseo Shopping District. Take in the art scene and desert landscape in the area.

El Paseo Shopping District

Palm Desert Country Club

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

Palm Desert Country Club

Toscana Country Club

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

Toscana Country Club

The Shops at Palm Desert

You can search for that perfect souvenir at The Shops at Palm Desert during your stay in Palm Desert. Discover the desert landscapes in this family-friendly area or enjoy its golf courses.

The Shops at Palm Desert

Palm Desert Aquatic Center

Bring your family to Palm Desert Aquatic Center and have a fun-filled day at this theme park in Palm Desert. Experience the lively festivals or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Palm Desert Aquatic Center

Explore areas of 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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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
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Summit

Though Summit may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and El Paseo Shopping District.

Summit

 

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.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Palm Desert

Indio

Indio

Desert Hot Springs

Desert Hot Springs

Rancho Mirage

Rancho Mirage

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens showing a garden, dangerous animals and zoo animals

Indian Wells

Thousand Palms

Thousand Palms

Photo by Lone Coyote Studio

Mountain Center

Frequently asked questions

Is Palm Desert worth visiting?
Famous for its golfing and shopping, discovering fun things to do in Palm Desert is simple. Make sure to add McCallum Theatre to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Palm Desert?
Once you've checked off top attractions like Palm Desert Aquatic Centre and Palm Springs Lanes, spend the rest of your day enjoying Palm Desert's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Palm Desert?
The top tourist attraction in Palm Desert is McCallum Theatre, so don't forget to add it to your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Palm Desert?
Three days will be enough time to tick off the leading city highlights, such as McCallum Theatre, Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre and Arthur Newman Theatre. The average stay in Palm Desert is three days. If you have the urge to extend your holiday, Palm Springs isn't far away.
Is Palm Desert a walkable city?
Some top sights in Palm Desert, such as McCallum Theatre and Arthur Newman Theatre, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 3 kilometres from the city centre of Palm Desert is Magnesia Falls Cove and Desert Horizons is 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Palm Desert with kids?
If you're looking for sights and tours for all ages, check out these awesome ideas for what to do in Palm Desert with kids.

What to do in Palm Desert for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or outdoor adventurer, there's no shortage of things to do in Palm Desert for adults including Acrisure Arena and Empire Polo Club.
Are there free things to do in Palm Desert?
In Palm Desert, Palma Village Park is a must-see spot for anyone looking to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's a great way to explore the best free things to do in Palm Desert.