10 TOP Things to Do in California Desert (2025 Activity Guide)

Costa Mesa which includes art, interior views and a skyscraper

Palm Springs featuring fishing, landscape views and a house

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway which includes hiking or walking as well as a small group of people

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Most popular experiences in California Desert

Tours & day trips

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4-Day to Grand Canyon,Lower Antelope Canyon,Horseshoe Bend from Los Angeles

Private & custom tours

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Palm Springs & Joshua Tree NP Driving Audio Tours Bundle

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Attractions

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Two Flight Indoor Skydiving Experience

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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Temecula Shared Hot Air Balloon Flight

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Classes & workshops

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Desert Healing Experience

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What to do in California Desert

Popular places to visit

Palm Springs Convention Center

Learn about the events happening at Palm Springs Convention Center during your trip to Palm Springs. Discover the area's spas, or seek out its golf courses.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Enjoy panoramic views over the Coachella Valley on the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world.

Palm Canyon

Palm Canyon is just one of the places to see in Palm Springs, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the lively festivals in this relaxing area, or seek out the hiking trails.

Old Town Temecula Community Theater

You can get tickets for a performance at Old Town Temecula Community Theater during your stay in Temecula. Make time to visit the area's casinos, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Indian Canyon

Hike along ancient walking trails through palm-dotted canyons at this stunning recreational park.

Galway Downs

You can take time to visit Galway Downs during your travels to Temecula. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the casinos in the area.

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Between meeting animals from across the world and exploring nature trails through the Sonoran Desert, expect an exotic experience in southern California.

Pechanga Resort & Casino

Why not try your luck with a visit to Pechanga Resort & Casino where you can enjoy the entertainment at this popular casino in Temecula? Check out the shops and wineries in this romantic area.

University of California, Riverside

Explore the campus of University of California, Riverside, during your travels in Riverside. Amble around the area's riverfront or attend a sporting event.

Areas of California Desert

Downtown Palm Springs

Join the many Angelenos that flock to Downtown Palm Springs to quench their vacation thirst in the Sonoran Desert.

Downtown Riverside

Travelers to Downtown Riverside praise its stunning river views. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Fox Performing Arts Center and Fox Entertainment Plaza.

Baristo

While visiting Baristo, you might make a stop by sights like Plaza Theatre and Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center.

Midtown

Though Midtown might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Agua Caliente Casino and Agua Caliente Cultural Museum.

Murrieta Hot Springs

Murrieta Hot Springs is well-liked for its theme parks. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Murrieta area, you might plan a trip to Promenade or Old Town Temecula Community Theater.

Tahquitz River Estates

Though Tahquitz River Estates might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium and Tahquitz Canyon.