What to do and see in California Desert, California Desert: The Best Sightseeing Tours

February 3, 2022 Vergie Nakamoto

Discover the best top things to do in California Desert, United States including Joshua Tree National Park Customized Guided Hiking Tour, 2-Day Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, and Death Valley from Los Angeles, Wild West 4-Day Tour from San Francisco to Las Vegas, Yosemite National Park, LA, Playground of the Stars Palm Springs Tour, Indian Canyons Walking Tour by Jeep from Palm Desert, Joshua Tree National Park - Private, Custom Adventure w/ Pro Photography, San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour from Palm Desert, Indian Canyons Walking Tour by Jeep from Palm Springs, Palm Springs off the Beaten Path Tailormade & Private Tour, Joshua Tree National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour.
Restaurants in California Desert

1. Joshua Tree National Park Customized Guided Hiking Tour

Little Lake, Little Lake, California Joshua Tree Excursions
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5.0 based on 62 reviews

Explore the Magic of Joshua Tree Our private single day hiking tours lasting up to 6 hours, are the perfect way to immerse yourself in the beauty of Joshua Tree National Park. After meeting at our office, Your guide will drive you through the most incredible parts of the park, on-route to your hike for the day. From the trailhead, you will enjoy a mostly off-trail adventure through the Joshua Tree wilderness. Towering rock formations, canyons, sweeping vistas and surreal landscapes from another planet await you around every bend. Enjoy an optional lunch on the trail before continuing your journey. All along the way, your expert guide will share the history and geology of the Park, along with a myriad of stories and talks about the plants, animals and other unique characteristics of the Park. You may even get in some epic rock scrambling to the top of some of our famous rock formations for views and experiences rarely had by others. 

Inclusions: National Park fees, Bottled water, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Professional guide, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Optional Lunch ( Can be added for $15 extra, per person. Invoiced separately if requested, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off ( Optional pick up and drop off available for additional cost, based on location. Invoiced separately if requested

Reviewed By 829buda

Very well put together tour. Both Ben and Steve were fantastic! We learned so much and saw so much. My grandson actually got his nose out of his phone and had fun.

2. 2-Day Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, and Death Valley from Los Angeles

6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA Empire Vacations Day Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Explore Death Valley, Las Vegas and Hoover Dam on this two day adventure. Experience the hottest place on earth, the gambling capital of the world and a man-made marvel.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Professional guide, Transportation by 15-passenger van or full-size bus, Sightseeing on the Las Vegas strip and Hoover Dam, One night hotel accommodation including tax and continental breakfast

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop off

Reviewed By makaylabm_

As a return guest, I cannot reccomend Empire Vacations highly enough! With affordable tours, and excellent guides, they always make travelling fun and easy. In a jam-packed 5 day tour from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Sedona, Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, you will experience some of the best attractions the USA has to offer. As you journey through California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah, you will see some of the desert's most photogenic landscapes, and learn the natural and cultural history of each region. Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon were the highlights with both offering exceptional, local Navajo guides to educate visitors on the history of two of the places. This tour offers the perfect balance of scheduled tours at attractions and free time to explore the cities at your own pace. The accommodation in each location was clean and the complimentary breakfast was tasty but simple. On our tour we had two guides - Jacob and Dino. Both were knowledgable, professional, humourous, flexible, and made the trip memorable. Suitable for people of all ages, I recommend this tour to families, couples, and solo travellers alike. If you are seeking the adventure of a lifetime, this is the trip for you.

3. Wild West 4-Day Tour from San Francisco to Las Vegas, Yosemite National Park, LA

San Francisco Public Library, 100 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA Empire Vacations Day Tours - New York
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Visit some of the Wild West's most popular attractions on this 4-day tour from San Francisco. Visit Golden Gate Bridge, Cruise San Francisco's bay, tour Yosemite National Park and more! Round-trip transportation, continental breakfast and 4-nights accommodations are included. Tour concludes in Los Angeles.

Inclusions: Professional tour guide, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Transport by air-conditioned bus or van, 3 nights of hotel accommodation including tax and continental breakfast, Bay cruise in San Francisco, Sightseeing in San Francisco, Las Vegas, and at the Hoover Dam

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks (unless specified), Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By lorik902

I understand that we are all dealing with Covid 19 during this stressful time. However we decided to take this tour and booked many weeks ahead. The tour was cancelled as we were boarding our flight to fly out west and left us stranded. No hotels. Just sent a little email saying I hope you get this email that the tour is cancelled. Extremely unprofessional. Didn’t offer to try to help us make other arrangements. Will definitely hesitate to book on Viator again.

4. Playground of the Stars Palm Springs Tour

Jack Alley
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

There are a number of movie stars and celebrities who have (or had) a home here. In some cases, it was the hideaway, for others, the primary home. Without a doubt, its heyday was in the '40s, 50's and '60s, partly driven by the constraints of the old Hollywood studio system, which required them to be able to report to work at a moment's notice. In recent years, young celebrities have flocked to the desert, renting homes, or in some cases buying a second home as a refuge. Palm Springs will always be part of that Tinseltown allure. Locals and visitors still marvel at many celebrities' houses, some for their architectural prowess, others for their curious history. You don't want to miss this tour, because these people made this area what it is today. They had such a profound impact on Palm Springs, you can still feel there presence. The tour takes you to all of that, and then some. Palm Springs was built by movie stars for movie stars.

Inclusions: Bottled water

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Reviewed By isabellY9654EV

My family and I were in Palm Springs for the week, so we decided to take Jack's tour on one of our days and it was the best choice of my trip! From the start, he was very accommodating and answered any questions my family had. He's a great storyteller and this made our trip so enjoyable. There was no limit to his knowledge of Palm Springs, he rattled off facts from even the most specific of questions. Also, he weaved in dates, home prices, and names effortlessly. You could tell he loves Palm Springs, he was prideful of everything he described. We got to see a lot of cool mid-century modern buildings, homes of the rich and famous, and historical landmarks. He was friendly and you can tell he loved his job! I highly recommend Jack and his tour if you're ever in the area! Thanks for an amazing day!

5. Indian Canyons Walking Tour by Jeep from Palm Desert

100 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours & Events
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Explore the lush palm oases of the Indian Canyons on this morning or afternoon 3-hour eco-tour from Palm Springs. Learn about the rich history and culture of the Cahuilla Indians as you ride a jeep their ancestral homelands with your knowledgeable guide. Take an easy 1-mile guided walk up Andreas Canyon for captivating views and see a stunning palm oasis from the rim of Palm Canyon. This small-group open-air outdoor adventure is limited to seven people per Jeep for a more relaxed, intimate experience.

Inclusions: Admission Fees, Granola Snack, Naturalist guided Jeep tour, Bottled water

Exclusions: Food and drink (unless otherwise specified), Gratuities

Reviewed By SicilianSliceNYC

Wonderful! A private tour with a very knowledgeable guide. A real treat and would definitely do this again!

6. Joshua Tree National Park - Private, Custom Adventure w/ Pro Photography

Elite Custom Adventures
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

We provide a private, custom experience in America’s National Parks, including professional photography, tailored to each guests’ goals and ability levels. Our priorities are our guests’ safety, experience, and the documentation of that experience through professional photography. Guests will be able to spend road time with their group and arrive at their destination rested, rather than behind a wheel. And rather than taking it in from a camera viewfinder, guests will be able to remain engaged with their loved ones during the most special moments and still get the best shot. They'll all be in it too! Booking with us allows you to combine the best of hiring a professional outdoor guide and a professional photographer, all in one.

Inclusions: General Hiking Equipment (Poles, Spikes, Water Bottles, Backpacks, etc.), All Fees and Taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Snacks, Lunch, Professional Photo/Videography, Outdoor Guide/Safety Services, Pre-Trip Group Preparation

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Reviewed By RobP_Traveler

Talk about an experience of a lifetime. My wife, our two friends, and I visited the Grand Canyon (South Rim) with Elite Custom Adventures, and we’re so glad that we did. While it’s a premium product, they really go above and beyond to deliver. Prior to the trip, we made a custom itinerary and did a pre-trip preparation session with Ryan over Zoom that left us feeling fully prepared for the adventure. When the day came, all we needed were the proper clothes and shoes, and Elite Custom Adventures took care of the rest. Ryan took us to an unmarked overlook for sunrise and we had the entire place to ourselves. Next we hiked into the canyon to the famous “Ooh Ahh Point”, then explored the South Rim overlooks for most of the afternoon. We finally explored the western portion of the South Rim all the way to Hermit’s Rest, until we circled back to Hopi Point for sunset. Meals, snacks, and beverages were provided throughout, and we were able to see SO MUCH in such a short period of time. While the day itself was amazing, what really sets Elite Custom Adventures apart is the photography. In less than a week we received over 50 digital photos from our experience, many using unique photography techniques, and these simply couldn’t be duplicated on an iPhone. We are so happy that we’ll have these memories forever, not just in our mind, but on our computer backgrounds and hanging on the wall.

7. San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour from Palm Desert

Desert Adventures Metate Ranch, 38635 Monroe St, Indio, CA 92203, USA Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours & Events
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4.9 based on 229 reviews

Only Red Jeep Tours can take you to Metate Ranch, located in the heart of the San Andreas Fault Zone. On this awe-inspiring OPEN-AIR Jeep Tour, you will travel deep into the heart of California’s world-famous San Andreas Fault and witness the forces of nature that have created amazing, steep-walled canyons and the most twisted and tormented landscapes on Earth! You will be awestruck by the spectacular scenery as your Jeep winds its way through the bones of the earth. During your adventure, you will stop several times for short nature walks, including a short hike through a slot canyon, if desired. This tour also stops at a natural palm oasis, where water bubbles up from the ground year-round. Here you will learn about how the Cahuilla Indians used desert plants to survive in this inhospitable environment. A final highlight is a guided tour of our recreated Cahuilla Indian Village that showcases the lifestyle and culture of the Cahuilla people.

Inclusions: Naturalist guided open-air Jeep eco-tour, Granola snacks, Bottled water, Land Use Fees

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drink (unless otherwise specified)

Reviewed By SicilianSliceNYC

Wonderful! A private tour with a very knowledgeable guide. A real treat and would definitely do this again!

8. Indian Canyons Walking Tour by Jeep from Palm Springs

100 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours
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4.9 based on 18 reviews

Explore the lush palm oases of the Indian Canyons on this morning or afternoon 3-hour eco-tour from Palm Springs. Learn about the rich history and culture of the Cahuilla Indians as you ride a jeep their ancestral homelands with your knowledgeable guide. Take an easy 1-mile guided walk up Andreas Canyon for captivating views and see a stunning palm oasis from the rim of Palm Canyon. This small-group open-air outdoor adventure is limited to seven people per Jeep for a more relaxed, intimate experience.

Inclusions: Naturalist guided Jeep tour, Granola Snack, Bottled water, Admission Fees

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drink (unless otherwise specified)

Reviewed By kradela7

What an awesome day! Travis Nolan gave us an awesome tour of the San Andreas Fault and environs. Travis is non-stop incredibly knowledgeable about the fault, local history, geology and botany, and a heck of a lot of fun to hang with! Thank you, man! I'll be doing this tour again when I have the opportunity to round up another group of friends and family!

9. Palm Springs off the Beaten Path Tailormade & Private Tour

501 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA Jack Alley
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4.9 based on 8 reviews

Allow another side of Palm Springs to help you get the most out of your experience by providing a personal and private tour guide to show you the way. Your guide extraordinaire will help you to put together a personalized and customized tour before your trip to Palm Springs, they will get a feel for your likes and dislikes and will work one-on-one with you to show you a side of Palm Springs you could never have seen on your own. Allow us to make your trip to Palm Springs as easy and carefree as it should be. The tour takes you to see the homes and buildings designed by Frey, Williams, Wexler, Cody, just to name a few. You don't want to miss this tour, because these people made this area. They had such a profound impact on Palm Springs, you can still feel their presence. Palm Springs is becoming the center of "Desert Modernism, " with stellar examples of mid-century modern architecture tucked throughout the community and available to enjoy.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By teamvickers

Jack was prompt, and so knowledgeable. We enjoyed our tour, seeing things we would have never known were there. Getting old Hollywood tidbits and facts. Learning about the Indigenous culture and historic architecture of the area, all while laughing and enjoying ourselves. We will be back and always recommend him!

10. Joshua Tree National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour

Joshua Tree Visitor Center, 6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, USA 17 Mile Day Trips
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4.6 based on 17 reviews

Explore the rugged, mystical beauty of Joshua Tree National Park with a self-guided driving tour. This raw desert landscape features amazing vistas, stunning rock formations, and the eponymous cartoonish trees. As you drive through Joshua Tree and listen to stories around each bend in the road, keep an eye out for desert animals like the roadrunner, tortoise, & even bald eagle. Plus, enjoy a Bonus Tour of Palm Springs! Purchase only one tour per car. Everyone can listen at the same time! Here's how it works: Within 30 min, we'll send you two things a unique password and an app. Download the app onto your phone, enter the password, and download the tour. When you arrive, go to the first stop, launch the app, and follow the instructions! Stick to our recommended route & speed limit for the best experience. This is not an entrance ticket. Check pandemic rules & opening hours before your visit. No expiration — the tour is available from the minute you book until forever!

Inclusions: GPS Map, Audios and Text, Online Support

Exclusions: Admission to paid attractions

Reviewed By ENISHA33

This audio tour was surprisingly really good and well worth it. This was my first time trying an audio tour and I was extremely skeptical buying it, thinking we wouldn't actually use it. However, I love knowing history of places I visit and thought I would enjoy it just for myself. After a day of buzzing around Cannery Row, I offered up to my partner trying the tour. I was surprised of the accuracy of the tour guide who was very informative. Once paying and entering the official 17-mile drive the stops were gorgeous. I liken this to a much more enjoyable CA version o f the road to Hana, in Maui. The beaches were gorgeous undisturbed and in pristine condition. I could have stayed for hours at some of these locations. If I ever did this again I would treat these beaches as my destination vs. just passing by. You can easily make a day out of this by packing a light lunch. I would definitely recommend.

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