Top Things to do in California Desert
Top Hotels in California Desert
- 1. Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa
- 2. Best Western Plus Las Brisas Hotel
- 3. Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel
- 4. Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa
- 5. Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs
- 6. Best Western Plus Frontier Motel
- 7. Palm Springs Rendezvous
- 8. Caliente Tropics Resort
- 9. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
- 10. La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection by Hilton
What to do and see in California Desert, California Desert: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Discover the best top things to do in California Desert, United States including Coachella Valley Vista Point, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Eisenhower Walk of Honor, Palm Springs Air Museum, Cerro Gordo Mines, VillageFest, China Ranch Date Farm, Integratron, Indian Canyons, Coachella Valley History Museum.
Restaurants in California Desert
1. Coachella Valley Vista Point
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By sdbctb - Brooklyn, United States
This highway is very nice to drive to palm springs from San Diego or anywhere on the west coast, it takes you through the mountains with switchbacks on the roadway and scenic views, this view is the winner as far as i saw. you see the valley from up high with amazing views of mountains and valley as well as the picturesque view of the roadway the rest of the way down. almost like the pikes peak roadway. if your stomach is sensitive and get nauseated on the roadway though this is not for you.
2. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By MSA-Eagle - Eagle, United States
Hey, you Catholics out there! St. Francis is a beautiful church on beautiful grounds. We attended 7:30 am Mass here last Sunday morning. Fr. McLaughlin, the pastor, presided over Mass. He's from Scotland, and delivered a couple jokes during the homily. Nice effort, Fr. McLaughlin. It's always good to come across a priest from Scotland who knows how to keep the flock awake! Note: this is a busy place. They pack'em in. So, you better plan to be here at least 10-15 minutes early to get a good seat. Enjoy. Amen.
3. Eisenhower Walk of Honor
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada
Eisenhower fought against the WWII. He worked hard for that! We now have a reminder of Eisenhower. They named the walk of honor. Eisenhower is showed way attractive. He is wortwhile. However there were other heroes: William L MC Conagle, James L. Day. Robert Fugene Bush. We salute Eisenhower .A hero! I liked that walk of honor. A must see!
4. Palm Springs Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,004 reviews
Rated by CNN as one of the top 14 Air Museums in the World. This facility Gives visitors an up-close look at the legendary fighters and bombers of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.
Reviewed By geoffreyh551 - Phoenix, United States
Everywhere we went in Palm Springs people told us to go here. You need to go here as soon as it opens ( open 7 days a week 10 Am until 5 PM). The Air Museum is very well set up . Airplanes are located in two hangars to the left as you enter and two hangars to the right. There are 9 people fully employed and 400 volunteers ( docents). All of the docents are veterans and have extensive information that they are ready to personally share with you. Plenty of on site parking. Admission is either $18 or $16 Senior/Military persons. You need to plan on spending many hours going from hangar to hanger-exhibitions of World War 2 and Vietnam. Many hands on exhibits that detail what specifics of the war was happening. Docents all over the area to assist and explain details as to what you are looking at. Don't forget to save time to go upstairs to the very extensive library. We looked up in the large collection of Life Magazines specific issues in our life time that were of interest to us. There is also a docent who will personally assist you on a Flight Simulator ' actually help you simulate a flight. Last visit an actual plane B-17 before you exit ( donation $5.00), but you can board it and walk through the entire plane. Highly recommend We spent 3 hours there .
5. Cerro Gordo Mines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Cerro Gordo is a privately owned Mining Town located in the Owens Valley near Lone Pine, California. The town was the silver thread to Los Angeles, being partially responsible for its growth and economic development. It features original buildings and artifacts relevant to the town and is open for guided tours, photography groups, mineral and rock groups, schools and historical groups. There are NO OVERNIGHT ACCOMODATIONS. Tour fees are $10.00 per person, kids 5-12 are free. All proceeds go to the Cerro Gordo Historical Foundation 501(c)3founded to preserve and improve the townsite of Cerro Gordo. Our goal is to continually upgrade amenities and keep the town intact to be enjoyed and explored as a true historical site in California. All visitors must check in and sigh a waiver.
Reviewed By TheFlyingSanJose - San Jose, United States
Great place to visit to see the living history of an old silver mining town that paid for the building of Los Angeles. Visit the Hotel and learn about who died at the poker table; then go to the assay office to find out how the ore was assayed.
6. VillageFest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,781 reviews
The place to meet new friends is at this old-fashioned street fair with sidewalk performers, musicians, farmer's market, gifts and lots of food.
Reviewed By V3855POhelena - Santa Monica, United States
I happened upon this Palm Springs experience a few months ago, and have repeated it ever since. It's very pleasant walking down the main street among arts and crafts, good stands, a mini farmers market, locals walking their dogs, and a village atmosphere on a large scale. I specially like the tiles/coasters made from retro posters and have started a collection. They can be found at stelladivina.com. These and other excellent arts and crafts make it worth spending at least a couple of hours browsing, and sampling some of the street food while mingling with the locals and tourists.
7. China Ranch Date Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
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.
Reviewed By heyjules13 - Henderson, United States
China Ranch is a jumping off place for a great hike. The hike features magnificent scenery, a great slot canyon and a waterfall. After the hike, stop in at the visitor's center, featuring crafts, local honey, Ranch grown dates, and home made date bread, muffins and cookies. Cool off with the "out of this world" date shake, rich and thick and delicious. Then tour the actual date palm groves and see how the dates are grown. I can't recommend this enough!
8. Integratron
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
The Integratron structure is a machine that was the creation of George Van Tassel, and is based on the design of Moses' Tabernacle, and the science of Nikola Tesla. This one-of-a-kind building is a 38-foot high, 55-foot diameter, non-metallic structure originally designed as a rejuvenation and time machine. Today, it is the only all-wood, acoustically perfect sound chamber in the U.S.
Reviewed By 558amyr - Katy, United States
Definitely check this out if you're in the Palm Springs area. The experience can't really be described- you need to experience it for yourself. Very cool grounds with hammocks and fire pit for you to relax before the sound bath. You enter a 2-story yurt and the person leading the sound bath gives you a history of the place and a overview of the sound bath itself. The experience is different for everyone- I had a deep sense of relaxation, and felt the vibrations throughout my stomach and chest. They provide pillows, mats and blankets and encourage you to be comfortable. It was nice to disconnect and meditate in the middle of the desert!
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. Coachella Valley History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Temporarily Closed The museum campus contains the Smiley-Tyler House, a 1926 adobe home which houses the main exhibits; the historic 1909 Indio Schoolhouse; and the Date Museum. Also, the spacious grounds hold a variety of gardens, including a Memorial Date Garden, a Japanese Garden, the Jardin Del Desierto, and the oldest Cork Oak tree in the Coachella Valley. Other highlights include our Submarine house, a Blacksmith shop, various farming equipment, and the Museum's archives.Visit us to learn about the history of the Coachella Valley from the story of early Native American communities to the present. The Coachella Valley History Museum is open the beginning of October to the end of May from 10am to 4pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and 1pm to 4 on Sunday.
Reviewed By Marty911 - Palm Desert, United States
Our Spanish club went to the museum and had a guided tour. We learned a lot of local area history and saw many artifacts. The guide was very helpful and knowledgeable. The date museum was also very interesting. This is certainly worth the visit.
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