Golfing

Palm Desert is a golfer’s paradise, with multiple world-class courses nearby. Desert Willow Golf Resort offers two scenic courses surrounded by mountains, and Classic Club provides a pristine Arnold Palmer-designed course. For a unique experience, try Shadow Ridge Golf Club or Indian Wells Golf Resort.Palm Desert is a golfer’s paradise, with multiple world-class courses nearby. Desert Willow Golf Resort offers two scenic courses surrounded by mountains, and Classic Club provides a pristine Arnold Palmer-designed course. For a unique experience, try Shadow Ridge Golf Club or Indian Wells Golf Resort.

Indian Wells Tennis

The Indian Wells Tennis Tournament, officially the BNP Paribas Open, is a prestigious two-week event held annually in March at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Southern California’s Coachella Valley, featuring top ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 players, known as the “Grand Slam of the West” for its world-class facilities, beautiful desert setting, and fan-friendly atmosphere. It’s the largest combined ATP/WTA 1000 event, offering fans close access to players, live entertainment, and a unique desert “tennis paradise” experience.

Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (Coachella) is a massive annual music and arts festival in Indio, California, known for its diverse lineups (rock, pop, hip-hop, EDM), large-scale art installations, celebrity attendees, and influential fashion, taking place over two consecutive weekends in the Colorado Desert. Organized by Goldenvoice, it’s a major cultural event featuring multiple stages, food vendors, and immersive experiences for hundreds of thousands of global visitors.

Stagecoach Music Festival

Stagecoach Music Festival is the world’s largest country music festival, held annually at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, right after Coachella, featuring top country stars, rising talent, bluegrass, and folk acts, alongside Western-themed experiences, food, art, and camping, celebrating country culture in the desert. 

El Paseo Shopping District

Known as the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert,” El Paseo is the go-to spot for upscale shopping and dining. Find luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, as well as unique local boutiques, art galleries, and gourmet eateries. Take a leisurely stroll, window shop, or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants lining this stylish avenue.

Hiking and Outdoor Activities

The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument is a natural gem offering numerous trails for all experience levels. The Bump and Grind Trail and Eisenhower Mountain are popular for scenic desert views, while Tahquitz Canyon offers waterfalls and beautiful vistas. For those looking to venture a bit further, Joshua Tree National Park is about an hour’s drive, providing iconic desert landscapes and challenging climbs.

Dining

The area boasts a variety of dining experiences, from fine dining to casual eateries. Try Cuistot for French-Californian cuisine, Wilma & Frieda’s for a popular brunch, or Ruth’s Chris Steak House for a classic dining experience. There are also plenty of Mexican and Mediterranean options for a broader culinary experience.

Spa and Wellness

The desert is known for its world-class wellness facilities, from day spas to wellness centers. Consider a day at the Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa for relaxation or head to Two Bunch Palms for mineral springs and spa treatments just outside Desert Hot Springs. Many luxury resorts nearby offer day passes for spa access, massages, and treatments.

Casinos and Nightlife

If you’re looking for evening entertainment, there are several casinos within reach, including Agua Caliente Casino and Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Each offers a variety of gaming options, live entertainment, and dining. Nearby Palm Springs also has a bustling nightlife scene, with many cocktail lounges and bars.

Art and Culture

Palm Desert and nearby Palm Springs have a thriving art scene. Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum for contemporary and Native American art, or explore the El Paseo Art Walk on the first Friday of each month. The area also hosts the McCallum Theatre for top-tier performances, including music, comedy, and theater.

Day Trips

Being centrally located, Palm Desert allows for short drives to nearby attractions. Coachella Valley and Indio offer unique desert landscapes and attractions like the Coachella Valley History Museum. Additionally, the famous Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Cabazon is only about a 30-minute drive, featuring high-end brands at outlet prices.

Hot Air Balloon Rides and Desert Jeep Tours

For a unique adventure, take a hot air balloon ride over the Coachella Valley, providing stunning views of the desert and mountains. Or, for an up-close experience of the rugged landscape, try a jeep tour through the San Andreas Fault Zone or the Indian Canyons.