Top 10 Free Things to do in California Desert, California Desert

A unique nine-block shopping district filled with over 200 delightful discoveries... Shops, restaurants, art and more! Experience this mile of adventures by hopping aboard our fun Yellow Courtesy Cart and go from one end to the other, finding treasures every step of the way. Don't miss all the special events like El Paseo Cruise Night (1st & 3rd Fridays, Nov through April), Holiday events and Santa each December, Jazz Concert Series (Jan-Apr), Fashion Week El Paseo (Mid-March), Pam Desert Food & Wine (mid-March) and so much more! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and online.

Located near Lone Pine, these hills form the gateway to Mount Whitney, and are a favorite location for movies and television.

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.

When traveling through the Death Valley area consider visiting beautiful China Ranch, near Tecopa California. China Ranch is a family owned and operated small farm, a lush piece of greenery amidst the forbidding Mojave Desert near Southern Death Valley. Imagine towering cottonwoods and willows by a wandering stream, date palms and abundant wildlife, all hidden away in some of the most spectacular scenery the desert has to offer.The Ranch is also rich in history. The Old Spanish Trail is within walking distance, as is the historic Tonopah & Tidewater railroad bed. Hike to nearby abandoned mines if you wish, or just relax and browse through our store.We offer several varieties of California dates as well as our own hybrids. Try some delicious date nut bread, muffins or cookies, or take home one of our unique hand-crafted gifts.If you are interested in learning more about the wildlife, plants or history of the area, try one of our interpretive guided nature walks. Learn about the geology, botany, birds, and early man in the area. The Old Spanish Trail comes alive again and much more. Visiting China Ranch can be a wonderful one day adventure or highlight of any trip to Death Valley.We are not a resort or tourist development, but rather a working family farm in a truly unusual setting.

This scenic desert area is good for hiking and other outdoor activities.

The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains rise from the desert floor, reaching an elevation of 10,834 feet at the summit of Mount San Jacinto. Providing a picturesque backdrop to local communities, the National Monument contributes to the Coachella Valley's lure as a popular resort and retirement community. It is also a desirable backcountry destination that can be accessed via trails from both the valley floor and the alpine village of Idyllwild. The Monument was created on October 24, 2000 and is a cooperative effort of the Bureau of Land Management, the US Forest Service, and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, state agencies and local governments. The Visitor Center has exhibits on desert wildlife and cultural history, provides information on the Monument hiking trails and vistas. The Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteers operate a gift shop and bookstore at the Visitor Center and also offer hikes, lectures, and host classroom programs and projects.