10 TOP Things to Do in California Desert (2026 Activity Guide)

This unique estate now acts more or less as the Western White House in the US. It's a little tricky to reserve a tour of it due to its popularity, but the gardens are freely open to the public most of the year.

Skull Rock in Joshua Tree National Park, just another cool thing about the Palm Springs area.

See more pictures and ideas about this area in our blog post:
http://rvluckyorwhat.com/2015/05/08/where-would-you-live-if-you-could-work-from-anywhere

#skull
#trail
#hiking
#joshuatree
#nationalpark
#rock
#California
#travel
#Ustravel

Love this Californian desert! Great park for hiking and camping, trails here are a blast and unique from so many of the other national parks I've been too! Pack plenty of water!!!

Beautiful park with strange rocks formations and piles of them. Great place to hike among the Joshua trees and rocks. #hiking #landscape #outdoors

Skull rock at Joshua Tree! This awesome spot doesn't even require a hike! He sits roadside :)

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Most popular experiences in California Desert

Tours & day trips

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Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour

Free cancellation available

Food, drink & nightlife

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Drag Brunch at the Hyatt Palm Springs

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

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Palm Springs & Joshua Tree NP Driving Audio Tours Bundle

Free cancellation available

Classes & workshops

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Desert Healing Experience

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Morning Hot Air Balloon Ride in Temecula Wine Country

Free cancellation available

What to do in California Desert

Popular places to visit

Indian Wells Tennis Garden

Catch an event at Indian Wells Tennis Garden, and enjoy other activities in Indian Wells such as golfing. Attend a sporting event or discover the desert landscapes in this family-friendly area.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

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

About time landscape architects designed some structure for the desert... Note: in German we call these Schwiegermutterstühle - mother in law's chairs.

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 Tree Date Farm Harvest in California. Palm Tree Date Farm and Clear skies fill the image in Coachella, California. Two airplanes flying past in the distant background.

Coachella Music Festival

Coachella Music Festival is just one of the places to see in Indio, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the area's casinos, or seek out its golf courses.

Agua Caliente Casino

Why not roll the dice with a visit to Agua Caliente Casino during your travels in Rancho Mirage? Discover the lively festivals and spas in this family-friendly 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.

golf courseat sunset in palm springs, california

PGA West Golf Course

Enjoy a round of golf in La Quinta at PGA West Golf Course. Experience the acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly 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.

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.

Areas of California Desert

Palm Springs Art Museum which includes interior views and art

Downtown Palm Springs

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

Little gem on Air BnB, great area for cycling and vineyards

Valle De Los Caballos

While visiting Valle De Los Caballos, you might make a stop by sights like Ponte Winery and Rancho Palomar Winery.

Snapped this shot as I was leaving my hotel in PS. The sky with the building, palm trees, and flowers all caught my eye and blended well together. No filter!

Baristo

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

Midtown

If you're spending some time in Midtown, Palm Springs Convention Center and Agua Caliente Casino are top sights worth seeing.

Watering lawn grass palm trees and plants

Sunrise Park

While visiting Sunrise Park, you might make a stop by sights like Palm Springs Mall Shopping Center and Palm Springs Swim Center.

Aerial tramway scenic landscape view at sunset in California.

Tahquitz River Estates

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