Palm Desert has always held a special place in my heart. I remember my first visit here—stepping out of the car and feeling that warm desert sun, seeing the San Jacinto Mountains rising majestically in the distance, and thinking, “This is exactly what California dreaming feels like.” Whether you’re a new homeowner settling into this beautiful community or just visiting for the first time, discovering the best things to do in Palm Desert CA will help you fall in love with this desert oasis just like I did.
1. Explore El Paseo Shopping District: The Rodeo Drive of the Desert
El Paseo is where Palm Desert’s sophisticated side shines brightest. This mile-long boulevard features over 300 shops, galleries, restaurants, and cafes that make it one of the premier shopping destinations in Southern California. I’ve spent countless afternoons here, browsing through upscale boutiques and stopping for lunch at one of the many outdoor patios.
What makes El Paseo special isn’t just the shopping—it’s the atmosphere. The tree-lined streets, stunning architecture, and mountain views create an experience that feels both luxurious and relaxed. After a long day of exploring, you’ll appreciate coming home to a clean, organized space. That’s where Jay’s One Stop Cleaning comes in—keeping your Palm Desert home spotless so you can focus on enjoying everything this area has to offer.
2. Hike the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
An Unforgettable Desert Experience
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens isn’t your typical zoo. Spread across 1,200 acres, this incredible facility combines wildlife conservation with botanical gardens, showcasing animals and plants from deserts around the world. I always recommend this as a must-see when people ask about things to do in Palm Desert CA.
Walking through the African village, watching giraffes gracefully move across their habitat, or observing Mexican wolves in their naturalistic enclosure—these experiences connect you with nature in profound ways. The gardens themselves are educational masterpieces, teaching visitors about desert ecosystems and water conservation, topics especially relevant for Palm Desert homeowners.
What You’ll See
The zoo features animals like bighorn sheep, zebras, cheetahs, and an impressive collection of reptiles. The Wildlife Wonders Show is particularly entertaining for families, demonstrating the natural behaviors and abilities of various species. Plan to spend at least three to four hours here—there’s that much to see and do.
3. Tee Off at World-Class Golf Courses
Palm Desert is a golfer’s paradise, boasting some of the finest courses in the country. With over 125 golf courses in the Coachella Valley, you’re never far from a perfect round. Desert Willow Golf Resort, with its two championship courses, offers stunning views and challenging play that both beginners and experts appreciate.
I’ve played many courses here, and what strikes me every time is how the designers incorporate the natural desert landscape into the experience. Courses like The Reserve Golf Club and Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Golf Club provide memorable rounds with dramatic elevation changes and breathtaking vistas.
For homeowners, maintaining an active golf lifestyle means less time for household chores. Jay’s One Stop Cleaning understands this—we help local residents keep their homes in pristine condition so they can maximize their leisure time on the links.
4. Visit the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
Just south of Palm Desert lies one of California’s hidden treasures—the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. This protected area encompasses nearly 280,000 acres of diverse terrain, from desert floor to mountain peaks exceeding 10,000 feet.
The hiking trails here range from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry adventures. The Art Smith Trail is particularly popular, offering a moderate hike with spectacular valley views. As you climb higher, you’ll notice the temperature dropping and the vegetation changing, a reminder of the incredible biodiversity in this region.
Returning from a dusty desert hike to a clean, fresh-smelling home is one of life’s simple pleasures. That’s the peace of mind Jay’s One Stop Cleaning provides to Palm Desert residents.
5. Experience the Palm Desert Civic Center Park
A Community Gathering Place
The Civic Center Park serves as Palm Desert’s heart, hosting numerous events throughout the year. The park features beautiful lawns, a playground, amphitheater, and splash pad—perfect for families and community gatherings.
What I love most about this park is how it brings the community together. Whether it’s the weekly College of the Desert Street Fair (running from October through May) or summer concerts, there’s always something happening. These events showcase local artisans, food vendors, and musicians, giving you a real taste of Palm Desert’s creative spirit.
Events Worth Attending
The park hosts the annual Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade, a uniquely Palm Desert experience where decorated golf carts parade through the streets. It’s quirky, fun, and perfectly captures the community’s personality. When considering things to do in Palm Desert CA, checking the Civic Center Park’s event calendar should be your first step.
6. Discover Public Art Through the Art in Public Places Program
Palm Desert takes public art seriously. The city’s Art in Public Places program has transformed the community into an outdoor gallery, with dozens of sculptures and installations scattered throughout town. Grab a map from the visitor center and create your own self-guided art tour.
My favorite piece is “The Hiker,” a larger-than-life bronze sculpture that celebrates the desert hiking culture. But there are countless others—from abstract installations to realistic wildlife sculptures—each telling a story about Palm Desert’s culture and values.
This commitment to beautification extends to how homeowners maintain their properties. Just as the city takes pride in public spaces, Jay’s One Stop Cleaning helps residents take pride in their private spaces with thorough, professional cleaning services.
7. Enjoy Dinner and Entertainment at The Gardens on El Paseo
The Gardens on El Paseo is an upscale dining and entertainment venue that perfectly blends indoor and outdoor spaces. Multiple restaurants call this complex home, offering everything from Italian cuisine to fresh seafood, and the central courtyard frequently features live music and events.
I particularly enjoy the ambiance here during sunset hours, when the desert sky turns brilliant shades of orange and pink, and the outdoor heaters make the patios comfortable. It’s the kind of place where you linger over dessert, savoring both the food and the atmosphere.
8. Take a Day Trip to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
While technically just outside Palm Desert in neighboring Palm Springs, the Aerial Tramway is too spectacular to miss and deserves a spot on any list of things to do in Palm Desert CA. This engineering marvel rotates 360 degrees as it climbs from the desert floor to Mountain Station, 8,516 feet above sea level.
The temperature at the top can be 30-40 degrees cooler than the valley floor, offering a refreshing escape during hot summer months. At Mountain Station, you’ll find hiking trails, a natural history museum, and dining options with panoramic views. The ride itself is an experience—watching the landscape transform from desert to pine forest in just ten minutes feels almost magical.
9. Browse the Thursday Night El Paseo Street Fair
From October through May, El Paseo transforms every Thursday evening into a bustling street fair. Local vendors sell handmade jewelry, art, clothing, and specialty foods while street performers entertain the crowds. It’s casual, family-friendly, and a perfect way to spend a warm desert evening.
What I appreciate about this event is its authenticity—it’s not overly touristy or commercialized. You’re shopping alongside locals, chatting with artisans about their craft, and getting a genuine feel for the community. Many homeowners make this a weekly tradition, meeting friends for dinner at El Paseo restaurants before strolling through the fair.
Maintaining your home shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying these community experiences. Jay’s One Stop Cleaning offers flexible scheduling to fit your lifestyle, whether you need weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly service.
10. Relax at One of Palm Desert’s Luxury Spas
Desert Wellness and Rejuvenation
After exploring all these activities, you’ll want to experience Palm Desert’s renowned spa culture. The area is home to numerous world-class spas offering everything from traditional massages to innovative desert-inspired treatments.
The Well Spa at Miramonte Resort and Spa uses local ingredients like dates and citrus in their treatments, connecting you to the region’s agricultural heritage. Other spas incorporate hot stone therapies, hydrotherapy, and meditation practices that help you fully unwind.
The Connection Between Clean Spaces and Wellness
There’s a direct relationship between a clean home and personal wellness. Coming back to an organized, fresh environment after a spa day extends that feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation. This is the philosophy behind Jay’s One Stop Cleaning—we believe your home should be a sanctuary that supports your wellbeing.
Making the Most of Your Palm Desert Experience
Living in or visiting Palm Desert means embracing the desert lifestyle—outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and a slower, more intentional pace of life. These things to do in Palm Desert CA represent just the beginning of what you’ll discover here.
As a homeowner in this beautiful community, you’ll want to spend your time enjoying these experiences rather than worrying about cleaning and home maintenance. That’s exactly why so many Palm Desert residents trust Jay’s One Stop Cleaning to keep their homes in perfect condition.
Your Clean Home Awaits
Whether you’re returning from a morning hike at Living Desert, an afternoon of shopping on El Paseo, or an evening concert at Civic Center Park, you deserve to come home to a spotless, welcoming environment. Our professional cleaning team understands the unique needs of Palm Desert homes—from managing desert dust to maintaining tile and stone surfaces that are common in desert architecture.
We use eco-friendly cleaning products that are safe for your family and pets while being tough on dirt and grime. Our attention to detail means we don’t just clean the obvious areas—we tackle baseboards, ceiling fans, window sills, and all those spots that collect desert dust.
Ready to Explore Palm Desert, California
Palm Desert offers an incredible quality of life with its perfect weather, stunning natural beauty, world-class amenities, and welcoming community. Whether you’re a first-time visitor exploring the area or a new homeowner settling in, you’ll quickly discover why so many people fall in love with this desert paradise.
Let Jay’s One Stop Cleaning handle your home maintenance so you can focus on creating memories and enjoying everything Palm Desert has to offer. After all, life’s too short to spend it cleaning when there’s so much to explore and experience in this remarkable corner of California.
Ready to explore? Start with this list, but don’t stop here, Palm Desert has countless other treasures waiting to be discovered. And when you need a spotless home to return to after your adventures, you know who to call.