Palm Desert Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the Coachella Valley, Palm Desert is a vibrant and picturesque city in the California region of the United States. Known for its year-round sunny weather, stunning desert landscapes, and an abundance of outdoor activities, this desert oasis is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and a taste of the good life.

One of the main draws of Palm Desert is its world-class golf courses. With over 30 courses to choose from, golf enthusiasts can tee off against the backdrop of majestic mountains and lush green fairways. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, there is a course for every skill level, making Palm Desert a golfer's paradise.

For those seeking a cultural experience, Palm Desert has a thriving arts scene. The renowned McCallum Theatre showcases a variety of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and dance recitals. Art lovers will also appreciate the numerous galleries and art festivals that take place throughout the year, showcasing the works of local and international artists.

Nature enthusiasts will be in awe of the natural beauty that surrounds Palm Desert. Joshua Tree National Park, just a short drive away, offers breathtaking desert landscapes, unique rock formations, and an opportunity to explore the area's diverse wildlife. Hiking and biking trails abound, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the desert and take in the stunning vistas.

Shopping and dining are also not to be missed in Palm Desert. El Paseo, often referred to as the "Rodeo Drive of the Desert," is a shopper's paradise with upscale boutiques, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants lining its palm tree-lined streets. Food lovers will delight in the diverse culinary options available, ranging from fine dining establishments to casual eateries offering a variety of cuisines.

Alternative names: Population: 51.9 thous.Area: 27.02 mi²Elevation: 200 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 33°43'29"N, 116°22'52"W

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CaliforniaUnited States

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Palm Desert Top Attractions

Palm Desert Attractions - What to See and Explore

Palm Desert offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, McCallum Theatre, Coachella Valley, Palm Desert Public Library. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Zoo
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, formerly the Living Desert Museum, is a non-profit zoo and desert botanical garden located in Palm Desert, Riverside County, California, United States.
Concerts and shows • Concert hall • Theater
McCallum Theatre
The McCallum Theatre is a 1,127-seat theatre and concert venue located on the southern edge of the campus of College of the Desert in Palm Desert, California, US.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Coachella Valley
The Coachella Valley is an arid rift valley in the Colorado Desert of Southern California's Riverside County. The valley may also be referred to as Greater Palm Springs due to the prominence of the city of Palm Springs.

Library • South Palm Desert
Palm Desert Public Library
The Palm Desert Public Library is one of 33 libraries in the Riverside County Library System. RCLS contracts with the library management company, Library Systems & Services, LLC, for library services.
33°43'31"N • 116°24'22"W
Bump N Grind Hiking Trail
Hiking • Trail • Hiking trail
Park
Philip L. Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center
The Philip L. Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center is one of the original seven of the total 39 sites in the University of California Natural Reserve System. It contains lands originally donated to the University by regent Philip L. Boyd in 1958.
33°43'37"N • 116°22'44"W
Joslyn Center
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Universities and schools
College of the Desert
College of the Desert is a public community college in Palm Desert, California. COD enrolls about 12,500 students, of which around one third attend college full-time. It serves the Coachella Valley of Riverside County.
33°43'47"N • 116°23'10"W
Palm Desert Library
Library

Day trips

Palm Desert – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Palm Desert, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Tahquitz Canyon (Palm Springs), Cabot's Pueblo Museum (Desert Hot Springs), Keys Desert Queen Ranch (Joshua Tree National Park).

11 milesNW
Canyon
Tahquitz Canyon, Palm Springs
Nestled within the desert city of Palm Springs, Tahquitz Canyon stands as a natural marvel, offering visitors a unique blend of cultural history and scenic beauty. This striking canyon, part of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians reservation land, is renowned...
17 milesN
History museum, Museum
Cabot's Pueblo Museum, Desert Hot Springs
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Desert Hot Springs, California, the Cabot's Pueblo Museum is a historical gem that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the pioneering spirit of the American West. This intriguing museum, fashioned in the architectural style of...
25 milesNE
Museum, History museum
Keys Desert Queen Ranch, Joshua Tree National Park
The Keys Ranch is the prime example of early settlement in the Joshua Tree National Park area. Bill Keys was the area's leading character, and his ranch is a symbol of the resourcefulness of early settlers. The ranch is an extensive complex of small frame buildings built between 1910 and Keys' death in 1964.
10 milesNW
Museum, Specialty museum, History museum
Palm Springs Air Museum, Palm Springs
The Palm Springs Air Museum, is a non-profit educational institution in Palm Springs, Riverside County, California. The Museum's mission is to exhibit, educate and eternalize the role of the World War II combat aircraft and the role the pilots and American citizens had in winning the war.
47 milesW
Church
Chapel of Memories, Temecula
The Chapel of Memories, formerly St. Catherine's of Alexandria Church, is an historic building in Temecula, California. Built in 1917, the building is now located in Sam Hicks Monument Park on the north side of Old Town Temecula.

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Best Time To Visit Palm Desert

Learn when is the best time to travel to Palm Desert weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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March is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in January, April and November.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July, August and September. While the coldest is in January, February and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in June. Most of it rains in January.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Palm Desert?

The top attractions to visit in Palm Desert are:

What is the best time to visit Palm Desert?

March is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in January, April and November. The highest air temperature is in June, July, August and September. While the coldest is in January, February and December.