34 Exciting Things to Do in Palm Springs & Coachella Valley
Looking for some fun and exciting activities to add to your Coachella Valley itinerary? In this article, former California resident and travel enthusiast Sarah McDonagh shares her favorite things to do when visiting Coachella Valley!
Last updated: April 11, 2024
9 min read
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Located just east of Los Angeles, the desert region of Coachella Valley is a unique and beautiful destination that offers something for everyone, from outdoor enthusiasts to those seeking relaxation and culture.
While Palm Springs is one of the more popular locations within Coachella Valley, there are plenty of other activities and attractions within the area that cater to every type of traveler.
As a Southern California local who frequents this stunning area, here are some of my favorite places to explore and things to do.
Downtown Palm Springs
Peak Season
Late Fall to Early Spring (October to April)
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Art and Architecture Enthusiasts, Shoppers Seeking Unique Boutiques
Palm Springs is probably the most popular destination in this region, housing some of the best resorts, restaurants and golf courses in southern California. It’s also a perfect weekend getaway trip for LA residents looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
A stroll through downtown is a great way to kick off any visit to this area, and you’ll find a lot of cool thrift and antique stores as well as collectible items like cigars or crystals to bring back as a souvenir.
Uptown Design District
Peak Season
Late Fall to Early Spring (October to April)
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Art and Design Enthusiasts, Fashion Lovers, Trendsetters, Cultural Explorers
Head uptown to find a more retro vibe that matches the charming energy of this desert oasis. If you like mid-century modern this is the district for you, with dozens of stores adorned in high end furnishings.
This area also has some of the trendiest restaurants in the area, with Birba being my favorite on any list. With farm-to-table fare and a stunning outdoor patio it’s the perfect place to sink in with an aperol spritz after a day of shopping.
Indian Springs Neighborhood
Peak Season
Late Fall to Early Spring
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Nature Lovers Appreciating Green Spaces, Outdoor Enthusiasts Enjoying Local Parks
A walk around this neighborhood is a photographer’s dream, and you’ll find yourself fully immersed in the cute houses and palm tree lined streets. It’s a great place to get a feel for the area or snap a few instagram shots.
Kreem
Peak Season
Summer Months
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Coffee Enthusiasts, Dessert Lovers, Those Seeking a Cozy and Trendy Ambiance
You really can’t go wrong with any of the ice cream shops in Palm Springs, but Kreem is one of my favorite stops when visiting. The shop offers vegan versions of almost all of the flavors, and also has an incredible cold brew flavor that makes it acceptable to eat ice cream for breakfast which I highly recommend.
Palm Springs Walk Of Stars
Peak Season
Winter Months (November to April)
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Entertainment Enthusiasts, Hollywood History Lovers, Celebrity Aficionados
Hollywood isn’t the only place with a celebrity walk like this, as the Palm Springs Walk Of Stars features over 400 “golden palm stars” bearing the names of notable locals and celebrities.
It’s a fun way to walk through town (especially if you’ve got your icecream in hand). This is a must do if you are planning a day trip to Palm Springs and have a limited amount of time.
Aerial Tram
Peak Season
Fall to Spring (October to April)
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Nature Lovers, Outdoor Enthusiasts, Hiking Aficionados, Photography Enthusiasts
This rotating tram car is the largest of it’s kind in the world, and is a fun way to get up above the desert ground and see the entire valley. The views are stunning, and there are several hikes off the top as well as a restaurant with panoramic views that make for a perfect sunset spot. The temperature also drops drastically from this vantage point, so it’s a great escape from the desert heat for an afternoon.
The Pink Cabana
Peak Season
Winter Months (December to March)
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Luxury Seekers, Poolside Enthusiasts, Spa Lovers, Instagram-Savvy Travelers
Tucked in the Sands Hotel, this restaurant features Mediterranean and Morrcoon influenced dishes in a chic setting. The pink and green tiled patio is dreamy for brunch, or you can post up in the pink booths for a fun dinner in the stunning indoor room. This spot was a favorite on one of my girls trips to the area and a prime photo op. The food is also fantastic making it a must stop.
Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway
Peak Season
Winter Months (November to April)
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Elvis Presley Enthusiasts, Fans of Mid-Century Modern Architecture, History Buffs
Also known as the House Of Tomorrow, you can actually tour this house in Palm Springs where Elvis honeymooned for four days. The house is well maintained and a cool way to travel back in time.
Air Bar
Peak Season
Winter Months (December to March)
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Aviation Enthusiasts, History Buffs, Cocktail Aficionados, Retro and Vintage Lovers
Hidden within a liquor store is an aviation themed speakeasy that literally feels like you’re inside an airplane. If you’re lucky you’ll catch one of their fun ‘In Flight Entertainment’ shows.
Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium
Peak Season
Late Fall to Early Spring (October to April)
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Nature Lovers, Cactus and Succulent Enthusiasts, Garden Admirers
This garden houses a stunning collection of exotic desert plants dating back to the 1930s, and is a stunning spot for an afternoon picnic or photoshoot.
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum
Peak Season
Winter Months (November to February)
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History Buffs, Cultural Explorers, Art Enthusiasts, Nature Lovers, Outdoor Admirers
This museum gives you the chance to visit an old trading post and Hopi inspired pueblo. The grounds are stunning and the museum has done an excellent job preserving the desert habitat.
La Tablita
Peak Season
Winter Months (December to March)
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Mexican Cuisine Enthusiasts, Food Lovers, Cultural Explorers
This laid back Mexican restaurant is located in a strip mall in Cathedral City, but is without a doubt the best Mole in Coachella Valley. The atmosphere here is great and the inside is super cute with vibrant colors and fun music.
Lazy River
Peak Season
Late Spring to Early Fall (May to September)
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Relaxation Seekers, Families Looking for a Leisurely Water Experience
During the hotter summer months you’re going to want a respite from the sun, and there’s no better place than the Hyatt in Indian Wells. The resort has seven pools, a water slide, a lazy river and an adults only pool with a pool bar. You can buy day passes to get access to the pool/spa at resortpass.com and enjoy a day in the desert sun.
Indian Canyon Golf Resorts
Peak Season
Late Fall to Early Spring (October to April)
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Golf Enthusiasts, Outdoor Sports Lovers, Relaxation Seekers, Nature Admirers
There is no shortage of excellent golf courses in this area, but Indian Canyon is one of the most highly regarded. Formerly a private club, the 36 hole facility is well known amongst celebrities and was a favorite for Frank Sinatra.
Palm Springs Windmills
Peak Season
Cooler Months (Late Fall to Early Spring)
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Nature Lovers, Renewable Energy Enthusiasts, Photographers, Outdoor Explorers
As you drive into the valley you’ll pass over 4000 windmills that have became a bit of a landmark for the area. A popular photo spot during Coachella Music Festival, you can actually take a tour of the farm that takes you through the history of the windmills and also gives a fascinating overview of renewable energy as a whole.
Old Town La Quinta
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Winter Months (December to March)
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Shopaholics, Art Lovers, Outdoor Enthusiasts, Foodies, Cultural Explorers
A bit south of a Palm Springs, you’ll find the charm town of La Quinta which boasts some of the best local boutiques in the area. You won’t see a chain in sight here, and it’s a great place to do some shopping for homemade goods and local trinkets that you can’t find elsewhere.
Joshua Tree National Park
Peak Season
Fall (October to November)
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Nature Lovers, Outdoor Enthusiasts, Rock Climbers, Stargazers, Photographers
Less than an hour away from Palm Springs you can access one of the my absolute favorite national parks. While I recommend you spend at least a full weekend exploring the park, it’s worth a trip even if you only have an afternoon. Most of the parks main attractions are closer to the northwest entrance, with dozens of easy going hikes amidst the rolling boulders and mystical yuccas.
Keys View
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Fall and Spring (October to November, March to April)
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Nature Lovers, Landscape Photographers, Outdoor Enthusiasts
This vantage point within the park is a truly magical place to watch the sun set over the mountains and valley. Bring a picnic and enjoy the panoramic views. If you’re lucky enough to come during a full moon, you can enjoy the stunning drive out under the stars with the tress silhouetted under the night sky.
Desert Institute
Peak Season
Fall and Spring (October to November, March to May)
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Nature Enthusiasts, Outdoor Learners, Hikers, Photography Aficionados
The desert institute offers a variety of adult classes ranging from photography workshops to guided backpacking trips and is a great way to really immerse yourself in the park and learn from local experts.
Frontier Cafe
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Fall and Spring (October to November, March to April)
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Coffee Enthusiasts, Local Community Supporters, Breakfast Aficionados
A great pit stop on your way into the park, this Yucca Valley cafe serves up some amazing fresh food with lots of vegan options. The vegan BLT is to die for if you like tempeh and they also have amazing kombucha!
Integratron
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Fall to Spring (October to April)
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Wellness Seekers, Meditation Enthusiasts, Sound Bath Lovers, Spiritual Explorers
About 20 miles north of Joshua Tree lies this a wood dome that was created in the 1950s. Sitting on top of an intersection of geometric forces it was designed with the intention of rejuvenation and time travel. Three sisters now maintain and run the property, and allow visitors to experience it’s powers through private or public sound healing sessions.
Giant Rock
Peak Season
Year-Round
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Stargazers, Nature Lovers, Outdoor Enthusiasts, Spiritual Seekers, UFO Enthusiasts
If you’re feeling the sacred energy, then you absolutely have to check out Giant Rock next which is said to be the largest free standing boulder in the world at roughly seven stories high. The rock has been a spiritual site for Native Americans for years, but has gained recent fame for it’s alleged Alien sightings. It’s a popular gathering spot for UFO believers and has a truly wild history.
Pioneertown
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Fall and Spring (October to November, March to April)
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Western Nostalgia Enthusiasts, Nature Lovers, Outdoor Explorers, Music Aficionados
Just outside of Joshua Tree is the quaint Pioneertown, originally built by a group of Hollywood investors set on making a living movie set in the desert. It really does feel like an old western movie complete with saloons, stables and motels. It’s far from an abandoned set though and you can spend an entire afternoon just strolling the main street and popping into the shops and galleries.
Poppy & Harriets
Peak Season
Fall to Spring (October to April)
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Music Lovers, Country Music Enthusiasts, Fans of Live Performances
My favorite spot in Pioneertown, this BBQ joint doubles as a live music venue and has hosted great musicians like The Arctic Monkeys and Band of Horses. Check the linup as there are always fantastic artists coming through here from small names to some of the legends. During Stagecoach Festival in particular you may find some surprise artists popping into this iconic venue.
Painted Canyon Trail
Peak Season
Late Fall to Early Spring (November to March)
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Hiking Enthusiasts, Nature Lovers, Outdoor Adventurers, Photography Aficionados
Few people know that California actually has slot canyons that rival those of Utah, found just under an hour from Palm Springs. The Painted Canyon Trail is a fun intermediate day hike that takes you through a labyrinth of slot canyons via ladder until you reach a stunning 360 degree view of the valley. There are also a few other hikes from this trailhead if you;re not up for the ladders but still want a fun day hike! The best part of this trail is that the slots provide some great shade from the desert sun.
Salton Sea
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Fall and Winter (October to March)
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Birdwatchers, Outdoor Enthusiasts, Photography Aficionados, Nature Lovers
Just south of Palm Springs lies one of the most interesting areas in the region, the Salton Sea. Formerly a resort town for Hollywood celebrities in the 1950s, rising sea levels sadly killed off the fish population and left the area an abandoned ghost town.
While you won’t find people vacationing here anymore, it’s become a unique crossroad for hippies and artists. It’s worth a trip just to imagine what used to be. For any photographers, look no further than this area for some of the most unique landscapes and art installations you’ll come across anywhere.
Bombay Beach
Peak Season
Winter Months (November to February)
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Photography Enthusiasts, Artists Seeking Inspiration From Abandoned Landscapes
The former hub of tourism at the sea, this desolate beach community is just under 400 people now and feels like a true ghost town. It’s a bit eerie to walk around as it’s literally a shell of what it once was, but you will also stumble upon some very weird but cool spots. Along the beach itself, you’ll come across many interesting abandoned things like a pirate ship made out of driftwood or the giant metal cube that feels out of a sci-fi movie.
There is also a giant airplane exhibit on the beach that was one a burning man exhibit but now resides on the beach permanently. The rest of the town carries out this artistic beat and If you can lean into the vibe and embrace it you’ll find yourself occupied for an entire day by all of the oddities hidden within the area.
Ski Inn
Peak Season
Winter Months (November to February)
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Eclectic Art Lovers, Offbeat Enthusiasts, Desert Explorers, Photography Aficionados
The only bar in town, and an absolute must on your tour of Bombay Beach. It will give you a sense of what the beach town was like during the 50’s and also has some pretty solid cheap drinks and food. Strike up a conversation with one of the bartenders or locals who are really the best insight to this ever changing area. Many artists are also moving to the area to work on longer installations and can be found mingling at the bar from time to time.
Bombay Drive Inn
Peak Season
Winter Months (November to February)
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Indian Cuisine Enthusiasts, Lovers of Exotic Flavors, Foodies Seeking Authentic Dishes
This art exhibit was the coolest stop we made when visiting, boasting rows and rows of vintage cars lined up as if ready to see an old hollywood blockbuster. It almost feels like you’re walking through a junkyard, but it really is an eclectic art exhibition with many of the cards decorated with quotes or interesting paint. The entire place is a testament to the artists who have transformed the deserted beach town into a vibrant destination.
Fish Airplane
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Cooler Months (Fall to Spring)
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Art Enthusiasts, Photography Lovers, Fans of Outdoor Installations
You’ll have to see this one from the street as it’s in someone’s private yard, but pass by and take a look at the giant metal sculpture of a fish with wings.
The Polaroid Museum
Originally created for the Biennale festival which is an immersive art fest that takes over the area one weekend each year, this exhibit now resides permanently in the town. It felt closed when we visited (unclear if there are real operating hours), but the door was open so we decided to check it out anyways. Inside feels like a 1960s motor home with interesting polaroids strung up around the interior.
Bombay Beach Estates
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Winter Months (November to March)
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Art Enthusiasts, Photographers, Seekers of Unconventional Beauty
On the corner of 5th street you’ll find a row of abandoned houses that people call the Bombay Beach Estates. They’re constantly changing as people continue to graffiti the outsides and fill the properties with quirky installations. My favorite was the ‘Bombay Opera House’ where someone has painted the walls a bright blue and placed a cardboard piano at the center.
Salvation Mountain
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Fall to Spring (October to April)
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Art Enthusiasts, Spiritual Seekers, Cultural Explorers, Nature Lovers, Photographers
Just outside of Bombay beach lies the man made adobe of Salvation Mountain. Originally created by Leonard Knight as a religious tribute, the 50 foot structure is a truly magnificent ode to the theme of Love regardless of your faith. Spend an hour here just walking the labyrinth of decorated walls and installations scattered within the mountain. For any Jon Krakaeuer fans you’ll recognize the spot from Into The Wild.
Slab City
Peak Season
Winter Months (November to March)
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Alternative Lifestyle Enthusiasts, Off-Grid Living Seekers, Artists, Nomadic Travelers
Just under a mile away you’ll find the free community of Slab City, often referred to as “the last free place” by it’s residents. The isolated desert community was formed by a group of transient people and all living off the grid in old converted school buses, trailers and tents. Completely untethered from any power grid or city services, the community has grown to a few thousand people now and even has named streets and a local library.
Theres an incredible sense of independence here, and speaking with some of the community members will give you a true understanding of the ideologies surrounding this part of the region. It may not be for everyone, but it’s interesting to see the community continue to maintain the free energy while still aiming to build some structure for those living there.
