Palm Desert

Travel Guide
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 Center 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 Center. 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

Marriott's Shadow Ridge
Marriott's Shadow Ridge
3.5 out of 5
9003 Shadow Ridge Road, Palm Desert, CA, 92211
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $196 per night from Jun. 13 to Jun. 14
CA $196
per night
Jun. 13 - Jun. 14
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,045 reviews)
"So beautiful and our room had an amazing view of the river and gold course. Comfortable rooms with great amenities as well"

Reviewed on May 25, 2023

Marriott's Shadow Ridge
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, 92260
The price is CA $366 per night from Jun. 21 to Jun. 22
CA $366
per night
Jun. 21 - Jun. 22
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Palm Desert. Enjoy 5 outdoor pools, a golf course, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Everyone was nice and professional. Clean room."

Reviewed on May 16, 2023

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert
The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert
4 out of 5
75 Willow Ridge, Palm Desert, CA, 92260
The price is CA $207 per night from Jun. 12 to Jun. 13
CA $207
per night
Jun. 12 - Jun. 13
Stay at this 4-star golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,426 reviews)
"Amenities were great"

Reviewed on May 16, 2023

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, 92260
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 7 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the bar and the comfy beds in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,303 reviews)
"Our villa was just perfect and so spacious!!"

Reviewed on May 23, 2023

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, 92260
Stay at this 4-star golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,426 reviews)
"Amenities were great"

Reviewed on May 16, 2023

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, 92211
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,045 reviews)
"So beautiful and our room had an amazing view of the river and gold course. Comfortable rooms with great amenities as well"

Reviewed on May 25, 2023

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.

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