Location: Palm Desert
Top Things to do in Palm Desert
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Palm Desert, California (CA)
Relax and sight-see in this southern Californian oasis. Located in the center of the Coachella Valley, Palm Desert is a vibrant city featuring top notch resorts, world class golfing, shopping, and entertainment that appeals to many types of consumers. Hike, bike or ride horseback through the desert trails. Or, soak in some culture with seasonal festivals, stylish art galleries, and a thriving music and nightlife scene.
Restaurants in Palm Desert
1. Cap Homme / Ralph Adams Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada
I liked to hike in the desert. We see bushes. This park is perfect for dogs as well. We learn a lot on the desert. We saw bushes, sand and even flowers. We enjoyed going at the top. Naturally there was sand also and a cross.
2. 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!
3. Bump and Grind Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 320 reviews
Reviewed By Dandlightman
If you are looking for more of a challenging hike - at the entrance to the trail, take it to the left and it will loop you around. Pretty hard to get lost... If you happen to be sipping on a Starbucks while wearing lulu lemon, starting the trail to the right is likely the best fit for you. ???? Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, Dec-March you are likely to see some big horn sheep - while March-May you may see Chuckwallas (Big scary looking lizards).
4. Palm Desert Cross Hiking Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By cinarc587 - Palm Desert, United States
Good hike up the mountain. At sunset, you can see the cross light up. Great for photos. Dogs are welcome on the trail and people of all ages make the hike.
5. San Andreas Fault
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By JimF7988 - Chesterfield, United States
Was expecting this to be a drive by a crack in the ground but it was staggering. Our guide, Craig, showed us an amazing geological tour of the site and was full of factual information. Highly recommend this tour...ask for Craig.
6. Art Smith Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By pdxtravellover100
You don’t need to drive far from Palm Desert for this hike. It’s easy to find. We were there during covid on a Saturday and the foot traffic wasn’t bad at all. We went about 4 miles round trip. Brought a lunch and stopped to eat with amazing views. I’d recommend for adults and teens, but not smaller children. It can get steep at times. We saw some bullhorn sheep which was pretty cool!
7. Civic Center Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By cinarc587 - Palm Desert, United States
This is our favorite park in the entire Palm Springs area. Wonderful walk with water, duck, art, palm trees, baseball diamonds, etc. It is all free.
8. Randall Henderson Loop Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By aventureuxOhio - La Quinta, United States
Popular trail because it is so close to the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center. Federal rangers staff the center and Friends of the Desert Mountains have multiple tours. This trail has no vistas/ great lookouts but it is accessible and not very difficult for any walker. I use it as a cool down walk after strenuous hikes on Art Smith which is across the street from this trail.
9. Magnesia Falls City Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada
There were several children enjoying the playground. A granpa had fun with his child. The children wanted at the Magnesia Falls City Park. If you have kids at Palm Desert, this is the best for the children. Worthwhile to see!
10. Aerie Art Garden
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 3 reviews
This lovely garden showcases the beauty of the desert and can be toured by appointment only.
