Things to Do in Palm Desert
A zoo that is really a desert preserve, a concert hall and a mile of shops
PalmSpots Editors · Published Aug 31, 2026 · Updated Oct 15, 2026
Palm Desert is the mid-valley's civic center: the biggest theater, the best zoo in Southern California, a mile of shopping on El Paseo and a mountain visitor center with trailheads out the back door.
Palm Desert has more to actually do than any city in the valley outside Palm Springs, and it is compact enough that a full day works without much driving.
The Living Desert
Part zoo, part botanical garden, part conservation project, The Living Desert covers 1,200 acres of Sonoran habitat with giraffes, cheetahs, wolves and a very good model railroad exhibit that adults pretend is for the kids. Go at 8am opening in warm months — the animals are active and most of the paths have no shade by eleven. Budget three to four hours.
McCallum Theatre
The valley's main performing-arts house books touring Broadway, orchestras, comedians and dance from November through April. Check the calendar before you plan your evenings; it routinely gets acts that skip Palm Springs entirely.
El Paseo
The mile-long shopping street is the valley's Rodeo Drive comparison, with about 300 shops, galleries and restaurants, plus a rotating outdoor sculpture exhibition along the medians. Park free in the Gardens on El Paseo garage and walk out from the middle. Shops close between five and six, so shop first and eat second.
Hiking and the mountains
The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Visitor Center on Highway 74 is the gateway to the national monument, with exhibits, rangers and the Randall Henderson trailhead behind the building. The Bump and Grind Trail, off Painters Path, is the valley's standard fitness climb: about 1,000 feet of gain in two miles, with a view of the whole basin at the top. Both are dawn activities from May through October.
With kids
The Living Desert first, then the Palm Desert Aquatic Center in summer, then the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert nearby. Add the El Paseo sculpture walk if the weather is kind.
An arena evening
For a concert or game at Acrisure Arena, use the arena visitor guide for tickets, bags, parking and rideshare arrival. Compare arena-area hotels around your daytime plans and the return journey; do not infer a shuttle from a hotel's location.
FAQ
- How long do you need at The Living Desert?
- Three to four hours for the main loops. Families with young children often stay longer for the railroad and the carousel.
- Is El Paseo worth visiting if I am not shopping?
- Yes — the outdoor sculpture exhibition changes annually and the restaurant patios are the best people-watching in the mid-valley.
- What can you do in Palm Desert in summer?
- Early-morning hikes, The Living Desert at opening, the aquatic center, and indoor options like the McCallum and the shopping mall. Afternoons routinely exceed 110F.
- Is Palm Desert walkable?
- El Paseo and the surrounding blocks are, but everything else needs a car.
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In this guide
Where to go
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens combines desert wildlife, botanical gardens and walking routes at 47900 Portola Avenue in Palm Desert. The official visitor page lists daytime admission at $44.95 for adults 18+ and $34.95 for ages 3–17, with children under 3 free; prices may vary by visit date and advance purchase is required. Parking is free. October–May hours are 8 a.m.–5 p.m., with last admission at 4 p.m. June–September hours are 7 a.m.–1:30 p.m., with last admission at 12:30 p.m. The zoo is closed December 25. WildLights is a separately ticketed evening event on selected November and December dates. Even combined-ticket holders must exit the daytime zoo by 5 p.m. and enter again from 6 p.m. Check the current calendar and the age restriction for any special night.
Full detailsMcCallum Theatre
The valley's main performing arts house, with touring music, dance and comedy through the season. McCallum Theatre is in Palm Desert. It suits evening entertainment. Admission: Varies by show. Hours: Varies by performance. It is mostly indoors, which makes it a reliable option on a triple-digit afternoon. It works with kids in tow.
Full detailsSanta Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains Visitor Center
Trailhead and interpretive centre at the base of Highway 74, with easy desert loops and bighorn sheep exhibits. Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains Visitor Center is in South Palm Desert, Palm Desert. It suits short desert hikes. There is no admission charge. Hours: 9am-4pm daily.
Full detailsEl Paseo Art in Public Places
A rotating outdoor sculpture exhibition along the El Paseo median, free to walk any time. El Paseo Art in Public Places is in El Paseo, Palm Desert. It suits a free hour between shops. There is no admission charge. Hours: Anytime.
Full detailsIn this guide
The places
While you're here
Coming up nearby
Sat, Oct 17 · 8am
College of the Desert Street Fair
College of the Desert, Palm Desert
Sat, Oct 24 · 8am
College of the Desert Street Fair
College of the Desert, Palm Desert
Sat, Oct 31 · 8am
College of the Desert Street Fair
College of the Desert, Palm Desert
Sat, Nov 7 · 8am
College of the Desert Street Fair
College of the Desert, Palm Desert
Related
Keep reading
El Paseo shopping guide
How to spend an afternoon on Palm Desert's main street
The best restaurants in Palm Desert
Where to eat on and around El Paseo
The Best Hotels in Palm Desert
Where to stay on and around El Paseo
Palm Desert with Kids: Zoo, Parks, Swimming & WildLights
Choose a daytime outing, an indoor play visit or a holiday evening.
Acrisure Arena Visitor Guide: Parking, Bags, Tickets & Hotels
Plan the arrival and the return journey before concert or game night
Where to Stay for Acrisure Arena: Hotels and Transport
Three resort and boutique bases for a concert or Firebirds trip, with parking and rideshare planning before you book.