Explore Palm Desert with a range of focuses: along multi-use trails, through wildlife viewing at The Living Desert, or by discovering local history and art. When choosing a hotel in Palm Desert, you can first consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay. The types of activities also vary: in addition to a network of trails, there are dedicated sports areas, exhibitions, and events to choose from.
Parks, Trails, and Recreation
The city maintains more than 200 acres of parkland, with 17 parks, the Palm Desert Aquatic Center, and more than 25 miles of multi-use trails. The trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. So, alongside individual recreation facilities, there is an extensive network of multi-use trails. If you plan to visit, check the hours in advance.
At Palm Desert Skate Park, areas for beginners and advanced skaters are separate. Permitted activities include skateboarding, roller skating, and riding scooters, as well as other approved uses. The designated areas and activities give a visit a different focus from the multi-use trails. Since rules and facilities can change, check the current rules before your visit.
The Bump and Grind Trail is a four-mile training loop over desert ridges, with views of Palm Desert framed by rugged peaks. Its length and loop format offer a specific basis for planning a hike. Check access, trail conditions, and recommended hiking times in advance.
Local History and Art
The Historical Society of Palm Desert Museum features aerial photographs of Palm Desert and the surrounding mountains from the 1940s to the 1980s. It also presents the history and photographs of General George Patton’s Motor Pool from the 1940s. The Motor Pool supported the training of troops before their deployment against German forces in North Africa during World War II. The subjects offer different historical perspectives, from aerial views of the city and its surroundings to the context of military training.
Art in the cityscape is another theme. Every two years, the City of Palm Desert presents an exhibition of 18 unique works by local, national, and international artists on the median of the upscale El Paseo shopping district. The location and recurring schedule make this exhibition a clearly defined art focus during a stay, distinct from a museum experience.
Wildlife, Dance, and Food
The Living Desert offers the African Safari attraction, featuring giraffes, black rhinos, cheetahs, and zebras. In the Australian Adventures habitat, visitors can walk among wallabies and see budgerigars, Bennett’s wallabies, and kookaburras. The experiences differ in how visitors view the animals: African Safari features the species listed, while Australian Adventures includes a walk among wallabies. Animal populations and presentations may change over time.
The Palm Desert Choreography Festival features original dances in a range of styles, performed by dance companies from across the country. Winners are announced at the end of each performance. The program thus combines a variety of dance styles with a competitive element, setting it apart from the exhibitions and historical topics.
The Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival features more than 40 local restaurants, cooking demonstrations, a selection of 60 premium wines and sparkling wines, and special dining experiences. The program and participants may vary from one edition to the next. The festival thus adds restaurants, cooking demonstrations, and wine experiences to the cultural offerings; check the dates and program details for the edition you’re interested in.
Discover more destinations: Eastvale, Indian Wells, Temecula, Banning, Bermuda Dunes, Moreno Valley, Thermal, San Jacinto.
For the broader travel guide: Riverside.
