Top Things to do in Coachella Valley
Top Hotels in Coachella Valley
- 1. Best Western Plus Las Brisas Hotel
- 2. Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel
- 3. Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs
- 4. Caliente Tropics Resort
- 5. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
- 6. Hotel California
- 7. La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection by Hilton
- 8. Palm Mountain Resort & Spa
- 9. Palm Canyon Resort & Spa
- 10. 7 Springs Inn & Suites
10 Nature & Parks in Coachella Valley That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Coachella Valley, United States including San Jacinto Mountain, Civic Center Campus, Palm Canyon, Agua Caliente Indian Canyons, South Lykken Trail, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Painted Canyon, Coachella Valley Preserve, Indian Canyons, Tahquitz Canyon.
Restaurants in Coachella Valley
1. San Jacinto Mountain
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 928 reviews
Reviewed By 811raulg - Doral, United States
Returning to Palm Springs, after more than 20 years, was a unforgettable and splendid experience! The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tram car, travels over two-and-one-half miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon. It is a ten-minute journey, tram cars rotate slowly, allowing spectacular vistas of the valley below. At the Mountain Station, you will find two very good restaurants, observation decks, natural history museum, gift shop and awesome trails! (over 50 miles of them!) .
2. Civic Center Campus
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By on_the_go_98765
This park is 17.5 acres of natural beauty with not a swing set or basketball court in sight. This is a park for pensive reflection and enjoyment of the public art on display. Most notably in the center of the park is a small lake or pond with a high-spewing water feature and many ducks ready for whatever treat they are able to snare. Paths weave through the grassy park past the gleaming white gazebo and little foot bridge over the water; it reminded us of something we'd expect to see in an English garden. The setting is ideal. Mature trees shade families sitting on the undulating hills of grass. Along the pathway is a fantastic piece of sculpture incorporating a piece of the steel girder from the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers. The steel is placed between two more substantial supports and it is something you can reach out and connect with on a more personal and physical level. The twists and turns of the supports convey the impression of the magnitude of the calamity that day. Other steel pieces on display are inscribed with the names of those that served. La Quinta is remembering their military through these powerful pieces. More light-hearted sculptures include a lollipop tree, a shield and large white club (or so it seemed to us), inlaid mosaic path designs, and little surprises along the way. The park is situated between the City Hall and the Library and is very near La Quinta Old Town. What a special jewel of a park.
3. Palm Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 221 reviews
Reviewed By WireWrapGems2 - Tucson, United States
If you are in a hurry, you can see Palm Canyon from the parking area. There is a little gift shop in the parking lot next to the trail head. Hiking down into the canyon is fun too, but the trail is a little steep, so wear good walking or hiking shoes.
4. Agua Caliente Indian Canyons
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 529 reviews
Considered sacred to the Cahuilla Indians and of historical importance to scientists and nature lovers, these canyons provide a range of outdoor recreational activities for visitors.
Reviewed By craigsearle - Ottawa, Canada
For an incredible desert experience, visit the Agua Caliente Indian Canyons -- especially Murray Canyon, Palm Canyon and Andreas Canyon. Great views and wonderful hiking
5. South Lykken Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
The creosote bush is one of the interesting desert plants to find as you explore this part of the California desert.
Reviewed By dellesol - Cumberland, Canada
A few days ago we hiked up this trail for the first part, which is an area with stunning views of the Indian Canyon valley! It was far too hot (82+) and we were not prepared (running shoes, no poles and not enough water. Today we managed to go well past that to the area that connects to desert riders park. Keep right to have this shortened version of a spectacular hike! This version will have to walk about a mile through the neighborhood just FYI. This is a moderate to difficult hike. Bring your poles, lots of water and some snacks, and good hiking boots that support your ankles. There are many rocks during parts of the trail so hi top hiking boots are worth bringing (plus good socks of course). For the view you make also run into some iguana like animals, geckos and hares. Amazing. Depending on your physical ability, it can take 90 minutes to 2 hours. Amazing views and worth the drive. Bring your phone or camera as the pictures are stunning.
6. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,006 reviews
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a nonprofit, accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, ensuring the highest standards of all aspects of animal care, education, conservation, public service, and operations. The Zoo is active in conservation research, habitat protection, breeding programs and education initiatives around the world, as well as in its own community. The Zoo has been a top attraction in the Palm Springs area for nearly 50 years. The Living Desert is located at 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
Reviewed By LaurieStory - Santa Monica, United States
Lovely desert gardens, fabulous model train display (huge), lots of interesting animal chats, free tram around the park, and wide selection of animals in large natural enclosures. I could happily spend several days there. Lots of places to sit in the shade and have a snack, good bathroom facilities (and plenty of them), nice combo of sunny and shady pathways. Not to be missed!
7. Painted Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 224 reviews
A variety of colors paint the rocks here, giving this unique location its name.
Reviewed By AKKris - Juneau, United States
Long drive in to the parking area on bumpy, dirt road. Took it very slow with the car. No bathrooms available once you get to parking area (there are bathrooms on the road on the way). From parking lot, head in and keep eyes peeled for big arrow pointing to the left. Also if you see a park sign on the left with an arrow, look around on ground in area by it for the arrow made with rocks to the left. It will look like you are going to walk into a big rock wall but once you are by the rocks, you can see a path to start climbing. If you get to the wash area, you missed the arrow and should turn around and go back looking for the arrow. You need to be able to climb ladders that at times are not in the best of shape. It will take you through some beautiful slot canyons. We've done the loop where you turn towards the right once you are on top towards the tower and follow the path down. It takes you through the wash area and is not that much fun to walk through. Or you can get on top and follow the path back along the canyon and it will take you through two ropes to climb down. Our group didn't feel comfortable doing so but have talked with others who have and sounds easier than the first rope looked. We also have hiked through the ladders back to the parking lot and really enjoyed that. Really enjoy this hike.
8. Coachella Valley Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 727 reviews
Formed by a system of sand dunes, this 20,000-acre sanctuary is home to several species of rare wildlife and a number of palm oases.
Reviewed By JudyP1614
Come see how Palm Springs was named! My husband and I took an easy, leisurely walk with some friends through this preserve and were treated to sun, desert, gorgeous flowers following a recent rain, palm trees surrounding an oasis! A docent welcomed us to the trails and explained this particular area had more ecological diversity than most any other in the area! Another docent further up the trail explained the amazing array of flowers often not present. We extended our 2 mile loop an additional stretch to catch more wild flowers. It was well worth it. Although I have lived in the Inland Empire area for ten years this was my first time to savor the beauty of the springs. Wow! Nature gave us a spectacular morning! The whole experience was picturesque, pristine (not one piece of trash anywhere to be seen) with sand, water, palm trees and snow capped mountains in the distance. The beauty of this spot cannot be fully captured without feet in the sand and eyes to the sky. Thanks for an unforgettable preserve!
9. Indian Canyons
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,567 reviews
Reviewed By X816YFchriss - Cleveland, United States
Well worth it! Great trails! The 1 mile loop San Andreas Trail was maybe the most beautiful hike of my life! The hike to the seven sisters waterfall was amazing, definitely a bit strenuous. Bring good hiking shoes!
10. Tahquitz Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 712 reviews
Reviewed By 434davidj - Finchampstead, United Kingdom
Got there in time for the 10am ranger hike which was really interesting. Good to understand about the history and the nature and done at a good pace with plenty of time to sit and admire the beautiful waterfall and other views. It’s about a 2 mile loop on well defined paths but there is a bit of climbing. If you like to hike combined with history then this is a “must do” while you’re in Palm Springs
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