Nestled in Southern California, the Coachella Valley is a vibrant desert oasis that beckons visitors from around the world with its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and diverse attractions.
Coachella Valley stretches from the iconic palm-lined streets of Palm Springs to the rugged landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park. This region offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation.
With year-round sunny weather and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike, any season of the year. Your visit is sure to be even more memorable when you stay in one of our spectacular Coachella Valley vacation rentals.
Let’s check out some of the best activities this desert paradise has to offer.
1. Discover the Natural Beauty of Joshua Tree National Park
Photo Credit: Emily Marie Wilson
Joshua Tree National Park is a mesmerizing convergence of the Mojave and Colorado deserts, creating a unique and diverse ecosystem. Its iconic, aptly named Joshua Trees dot the landscape.
The park, just a short drive outside the city of Palm Springs, is famed for its surreal rock formations, shaped over millennia by wind and rain. It offers a landscape that feels almost otherworldly.
As an International Dark Sky Park, it also provides some of the best stargazing opportunities on earth, making it a haven for both day and night explorers. Walk among the giant boulders as the sky is set on fire with the most brilliant sunset imaginable.
Visitors can engage in a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and rock climbing to backcountry exploration. Rock climbing in Joshua Tree National Park is famous around the world for its challenging traverses and finger-shredding holds.
For those looking to do their exploring on just their feet, trails like Hidden Valley and Barker Dam lead you through stunning terrain, where you can marvel at the park’s flora and fauna. The native plants here have adapted beautifully to the harsh desert environment.
No matter if you’re scaling boulders or soaking in the vistas under the sun, spending time in Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best ways to experience the raw, natural beauty of Greater Palm Springs.
2. Enjoy a Family Day at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
For a fun-filled family outing, head over to the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert.
This extraordinary zoo offers interactive exhibits that captivate visitors of all ages, making learning about desert ecosystems an engaging and enjoyable experience.
Explore entirely different worlds, such as the African savannah, or walk among hopping wallabies in the free-roaming Outback exhibit. Grab lettuce to feed giraffes, pet friendly goats in the petting corral, or choose a hands-on rhino encounter, where you can gently feed the animals while supporting conservation efforts.
The zoo also has a vast array of hiking trails and multiple botanical gardens featuring endemic species from around the world, especially in the Coachella Valley region.
Children will particularly love the hands-on activities and educational programs designed to spark their interest in conservation. Keeper Connections provides an opportunity to learn directly from animal care experts, deepening the connection with wildlife and inspiring the next generation of conservationists.
From hand-feeding giraffes to learning how to keep our world wild, a day out at the Living Desert Zoo offers both fun and enlightenment for the whole family, making it an ideal destination for your next adventure.
3. Hike the Indian Canyons Trails
The Indian Canyons offer some of the most exhilarating and scenic hiking adventures in Coachella Valley, perfect for everyone from hardcore trekkers to casual strolling explorers.
Keep the heat in mind when planning any hiking in the valley. Depending on the season, temperatures can rise quickly mid-morning, and some trails have high exposures to the sweltering rays. Start early and bring plenty of water and sun protection.
The most popular trails in Indian Canyons include:
Palm Canyon Trail
This gently graded path runs through Palm Canyon, offering a peaceful walk amid one of the world’s largest natural groves of California fan palm trees. The canyon stretches for 15 miles in total, but you can walk as much or as little of it as you like.
Murray Canyon Trail
For a tougher hike, the Murray Canyon Trail ends at the impressive Seven Sisters Fall. This moderate. The 4.7-mile round-trip trail typically takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on your pace and route choice. The waterfall is seasonal, producing the best flow in winter and spring months.
Palm Desert Cross
The popular out-and-back hike to Palm Desert Cross provides stunning panoramic valley views and a close-up view of the iconic 30-foot illuminated cross at the summit. It’s about 2.4 miles with 770-ft elevation gain, and typically takes 1 to 2 hours. This trail combines a good workout with scenic beauty and the chance to spot rare Peninsular Big Horn Sheep.
4. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Photo Credit: Ulf Nammert
For an unforgettable and breathtaking adventure, take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, a rotating tram car that whisks you from the sun-soaked desert floor to the cool, alpine forests of Mt. San Jacinto State Park.
Experience dramatic elevation changes of over 8,500 feet while soaking in panoramic, jaw-dropping views of the sprawling desert, majestic mountains, and the vibrant Coachella Valley below. The views from the tram are simply breathtaking, and this is a must-see for every first-time visitor.
The tramway is also a great escape from the desert heat, providing access to cooler climates and scenic hiking trails at the top.
This iconic tramway offers access to year-round outdoor activities, including snow sports in winter. Expect restaurants like the fine‑dining Peaks, a chic cocktail bar with a view, observation decks, a small museum, and over 50 miles of hiking trails through alpine forest and wildflower meadows.
Due to the rapid elevation change, be sure to dress in layers—pack a light jacket year-round and heavier gear in winter, as you may even encounter snow. Be sure to buy tickets in advance, especially on weekends and holidays, since they can sell out quickly, and to avoid long wait times.
5. Adventure with Red Jeep Tours
Embark on a Red Jeep Tour for a true desert adventure. These guided tours offer a thrilling way to explore the Coachella Valley’s natural wonders, flora, and fauna.
Expert guides share fascinating insights about the area’s cultural history and geological formations, making the experience both educational and exciting. Driving through rugged terrain offers a unique perspective on the desert landscape.
Tours range from private and group tours of the famous San Andreas fault line, as well as geology tours through the rugged Painted Canyon for those interested in a landscape like nowhere else on earth. It’s an adventure that combines the thrill of off-road exploration with the richness of local stories and natural beauty.
Keep in mind to book tours in advance, especially around the winter holiday season, spring, and back-to-school season, as these times of year see an influx of travelers.
6. Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area
If you’re an off-highway vehicle enthusiast, the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area is your playground. Spanning an impressive 85,000 acres, it offers prime spots for motorcycle, ATV, and dune buggy adventures.
These are the perfect conditions for off-road excitement. The web of dirt roads radiating outwards just off SR 78 takes you to a lot of dramatic desert landscapes, both geological and historical.
It’s officially managed but retains a wild, open‑play vibe, with dunes, badlands, washes, and quirky geologic attractions. The Pumpkin Patch, Gas Domes, Shell Reef, Devil’s Slide, and Barrel Springs are particularly popular spots. Each offer dramatic desert scenery and photo ops.
Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the off-road driving experience at Ocotoillo Wells, making it a must-visit for adventure seekers.
7. Relax and Unwind in Borrego Springs
When it’s time to unwind, Borrego Springs offers a serene desert retreat. Nestled within Anza‑Borrego Desert State Park, it’s the only town in California completely surrounded by a state park, making it ideal for outdoor exploration, wildlife watching, and scenic solitude.
The small town center, built around the circular Christmas Circle park, supports arts markets, cozy shops, and eateries. Known for its tranquil environment, this oasis is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Palm Springs.
The peaceful surroundings of Borrego Springs provide a stunning backdrop for relaxation and sunsets. Venture into these wide-open landscapes to discover more than 130 gigantic metal sculptures by Ricardo Breceda.
This outdoor contemporary art gallery includes sculptures depicting towering dinosaurs, desert creatures, and mythical figures, spread across miles of terrain. It’s a fascinating and free way to explore the blend of natural beauty and creative expression that defines the region.
8. Mid-Century Modern Architecture Tour
Palm Springs is renowned as a global capital for mid-century modern design. Self-guided or private tours of iconic mid-century modern homes and buildings offer a fascinating glimpse into this unique architectural style.
These tours provide insights into the history and design principles that have made Palm Springs a hotspot for architecture enthusiasts from around the world. It’s a must-do for anyone interested in design, history, or simply appreciating the bold beauty of mid-century modern architecture.
From celebrity homes to historic buildings like the Kaufmann Desert House, the House of Tomorrow (Elvis Presley’s honeymoon hideaway), and the Elrod House, visitors can explore the rich architectural heritage that defines the region.
Twice a year, Modernism Week draws in architecture fans from around the world. The event highlights mid-century modern architecture, art, interior design, landscape design, and vintage culture in the Palm Springs area of Southern California. Each festival features hundreds of tours, programs, and events celebrating the region’s unique style and heritage.
9. Enjoy the Shopping and Art Galleries in Downtown Palm Springs
Photo Credit: Little Vignettes Photo
Downtown Palm Springs offers a vibrant shopping experience that blends retro charm with modern sophistication. Centered around Palm Canyon Drive, the area is brimming with a mix of mid-century modern boutiques, vintage shops, art galleries, and mouth-watering restaurants.
Shoppers can find plenty of everything from locally crafted souvenirs to designer clothing and retro mid-century home décor inspired by Palm Springs’ iconic architecture. It’s the perfect place to take in the lively atmosphere of the downtown strip whilst taking care of all that holiday shopping list.
One of the highlights is the weekly VillageFest street fair held every Thursday night, which adds a warm community atmosphere to the area. With food, arts, crafts, live music, and entertainment on offer, every week feels like an art festival.
From eye-catching window displays to gallery-hopping in the heart of the desert, Palm Canyon Drive is Palm Springs’ ultimate playground for shoppers and art lovers alike. It’s a buzzing boulevard where retro glam meets modern flair.
10. Have Some Fun on Ice at Local Ice Skating Rinks
Ice skating in the Coachella Valley might seem unexpected, but it’s a surprisingly refreshing way to beat the desert heat.
The Berger Foundation Iceplex in Palm Desert is a local favorite, offering everything from public skating sessions and hockey leagues to figure skating programs. It’s a fun and active option for families, kids, and adults alike, even (and especially) in the hottest months of the year.
For special occasions, the rink also offers private ice rentals, making it easy to plan group events or celebrations with a refreshing twist.
No matter your skill level, these indoor arenas deliver a blast of frosty fun whenever you’re looking for a break from the sunshine.
Your Ultimate Playground: Endless Adventures Await in Coachella Valley
Coachella Valley stands as an unparalleled destination bursting with diverse experiences for every traveler.
From the awe-inspiring natural wonders of Joshua Tree National Park to the vibrant cultural heartbeat of Palm Springs, this desert oasis delivers unforgettable adventures and enriching moments at every turn.
We hope this guide sparks your sense of adventure and gets you excited to dive into all the amazing things Coachella Valley has to offer on your next stay with us.
Grab your sunnies, pack your bags, and get ready for a whirlwind journey through one of California’s coolest and most unforgettable spots.
