Annual Pilgrimage to California Desert
Palm Desert, CA- Spring is in the air, daylight savings is upon us and the mercury will soon be rising above 90 degrees. An annual pilgrimage to celebrate fun in the California sun, desert style.
Palm Desert will be our staging ground this year. To absorb the local vibes of Coachella Valley, our family visits include stopping by as many different cities as time allows. Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, La Quinta and the iconic Palm Springs are regular stops. While we enjoy participating in a bit of the tourist experience, we absolutely love and prefer just blending into the local scene.
Strolling around neighborhoods, visiting local coffee shops, eateries, farmers markets, libraries and community parks help us feel that we're getting an authentic experience. It's a superbly fun way to travel. Palm Desert's Civic Center Park is among the most spectacular community parks you'll find anywhere in California. The adjacent Aquatic Center is equally stunning and no visit is complete without an afternoon at the pool.
Worthy Adventures
Being a local also includes taking advantage of the amazing opportunities to exploration and adventures. Coachella Valley is chock-full of fun. Here are just a few ideas worth exploring. Share your favorites with us below!
Oasis at Coachella Valley Preserve
Imagine the thrill of bygone desert travelers coming across this oasis while traversing this parched blistering landscape. Wow! Temperatures chill to air conditioned comfort levels as wildlife surrounds you. Yes! There are fish in the desert and this is where you can see them. Coachella Valley Preserve just a few miles outside of town on the northern side of Interstate 10. Learn More »
Living Desert Zoo
Totally wild and fun experience. We're in awe ever time we visit. It's a freaking zoo in the desert!
Gotta experience it to experience it. More info at Living Desert Zoo
Joshua Tree National Park
National Parks, "America's Best Idea" and Joshua Tree is no exception. Bring water, bring snacks and plan to stop and gawk at all the beauty. Prefer a scenic drive? Enter the eastern entrance, grab a map at the visitor's center and steer your buggy toward the western exit before sunset. One of America's most amazing drives.
Sunnylands – Rancho Mirage
Sunnylands, the former Annenberg Estate in Rancho Mirage is famous for playing host to several presidents. Beautifully inspired mid-century modern architecture and bucolic garden tours are a free and worthwhile stop for exploration. A inspirational place to meander and reflect. Check it out at Sunnylands.org.
Shadow Hills – RV Resort
Travel by motorhome, 5th wheel or tent. We landed in Shadow Hills several years ago, pitched a tent lakeside and enjoyed all the incredible amenities of this RV Resort known for a rockin' good time. Popular among music festival fans over at the Polo Grounds, it's a fun and affordable place to experience the desert.
El Paseo Shopping District
Rodeo Drive of the Desert is a superb choice for dining, shopping and exploring boutique shops. Brunch is a popular pastime at this picturesque destination in Coachella Valley.
We've just scratched the surface, so stay tuned for our next installment from Palm Desert.
Share Your Favorite Coachella Valley location
We're always on the lookout for new adventures and would love to hear from you. Tell us about your favorite place by clicking here!
Don't Forget to Check out our Palm Spring and Coachella Valley Travel Section