12 Best Day Trips from Palm Springs (California)

Palm Springs is nestled between imposing mountains and vibrant palm trees deep in the desert. It’s long been the vacation destination of choice for Hollywood stars seeking an LA getaway.

Marilyn Monroe, Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra are just some of the big names that visited Palm Springs and made it onto the city’s Walk of Stars.

But it’s not just the city itself that allures visitors. Palm Springs is a short drive away from inactive volcano craters, relaxing hot springs, and even wineries.

Day trips from Palm Springs are varied and fun!

Here are 12 of the best day trips from Palm Springs.

1. Joshua Tree National Park

As you might have guessed from the park’s name, this National Park is known for its Joshua Trees. These unique trees only grow at certain elevations and with the right conditions.

Hikers will love the Hidden Valley trail, and astronomers will be delighted to hear that the park is one of America’s top Dark Skies sites, so the star gazing is out of this world!

Learn more about taking a day trip to Joshua Tree from Palm Springs.

The park is great for landscape photography too with miles of intriguing sites from giant boulders to the amazing cholla cactus garden you’ll have no shortage of stunning photo ops.

In less than an hour from Palm Springs you’ll be at Joshua Tree National Park for an exceptional day of adventure

2. Anza-Borrego State Park

The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a vast and barren desert landscape and it’s the largest state park in California.

It boasts dozens of hiking trails suitable for all experience levels and lots of fun desert adventures, from off-roading through the desert to star gazing.

One trail worth walking is the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail. And in the heart of the park visit the town of Borrego Springs.

Make sure you don’t leave without driving along the Borrego Springs Road and spotting as many of the Galleta Meadows Metal Sculptures as you can – there are over 130!

3. Salton Sea

Take a drive to the Salton Sea, one of the most unique experiences in California.

This curious lake at the northwestern tip of the Sonoran Desert has a somewhat apocalyptic feel to it.

Shallow and vast, the lake was created completely by accident when an engineering mishap led to the Colorado River flooding over.

What was left? A desert oasis. Once a luxury destination, the Salton Sea is now a quiet and tranquil place with a surreal vibe.

Birders and nature lovers will also want to visit the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge.

Bring your zoom lens and binoculars to best view the wide range of bird species here. There is an excellent chance you will see burrowing owls here!

For an interesting and surreal experience take a day trip to the Salton Sea

4. Amboy Crater

Amboy Crater is just off Route 66, though the landscape is otherworldly.

To get into this ancient volcanic crater you’re looking at a good two or three hours of walking, but the effort is worth it.

Wind your way past chunks of singed rock and over dried lava as you climb up to the volcano’s crater.

Bring water and snacks – there’s no shops inside the volcano :)

5. Los Angeles

LA is one of the most famous cities in the country, and it’s just two hours’ drive from Palm Springs.

You can hike to the famous Hollywood sign (it’s on our list of famous California landmarks), visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and go shopping on Rodeo Drive.

Other cool options in Los Angeles include Griffith Observatory, Getty Museum, and La Brea Tar Pits.

For some great people watching head over to Venice Beach and walk the famous oceanfront boardwalk.

Also check out the giant mural Luminaries of Pantheism (on S Venice Blvd) and visit the Venice Canals. Although not quite (not at ALL!!!) the same as the Venice Italy canals, still worth a visit.

A visit to Griffith Observatory is one of the top things to do in Los Angeles

6. Desert Hot Springs

For a relaxing day trip from Palm Springs head over to Desert Hot Springs to enjoy the pools and spas. You won’t regret it!

You can buy a day pass at several resorts including, The Good House, El Morocco Inn & Spa, and Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis.

You’ll go back to Palm Springs feeling totally revitalized.

7. San Diego

Looking for a day at a lively coastal city? Come and explore the museums, browse the art galleries, and dine at exquisite seafood restaurants in San Diego.

If you’re looking to escape to the coast, then head straight for San Diego’s beaches. Enjoy the soft white sand at Coronado Beach.

Want to try surfing? San Diego has some great beaches for beginner surfers like Oceanside and Mission Beach.

Already a surfer dude? Check out the waves at La Jolla Windansea for the best surfing in San Diego.

Something else worth doing in San Diego is spending a few hours at Balboa Park, which combines nature and culture (the park is full of museums!).

It’s about 2 hours from Palm Springs to San Diego for an amazing one-day coastal getaway

8. Route 66

Take a drive down the legendary Route 66 highway, also known as the Mother Road.

Along the way, stop off at top attractions like the Amboy Crater, the Bagdad Café, Barstow Route 66 Mother Road Museum, the Bottle Tree Ranch, and the California Route 66 Museum.

Drive a short stretch or continue all the way to Los Angeles!

From PS it takes about an hour to get to Route 66 – it’s one of the most iconic Palm Springs day trips!

LEARN MORE: 30 Best Stops on LA to San Francisco Road Trip

9. Temecula Wineries

The Temecula Valley in California isn’t as famous as Napa Valley, but it’s just as scenic. The best way to explore the region’s wineries is on a wine tasting tour (or two).

You’ll be pleased to know that there are more than 50 varieties of wine to sample and over 35 wineries you can visit.

Most of the wine tasting tours visit more than one winery and cover your transport, wine samples, and even lunch.

Alternatively, you can rent a bike and explore the wineries in your own time.

The perfect glass of wine is just over an hour’s drive from Palm Springs!

Visit wine country in beautiful Temecula – in less than 1.5 hours from Palm Springs

10. Idyllwild

This little town in the San Jacinto Mountains is the perfect day trip for those of you wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while.

Spend some time at Lake Fulmor and walk around the lake.

Visiting on the weekend? Grab brunch at Café Aroma and then hit the trails.

The best way to explore the area is on foot, so check out some of the best hiking trails in the area and enjoy time outdoors.

Take the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail for a fairly easy 5-mile hike featuring scenic views, plenty of shaded areas, and you can bring your dogs on the trail.

Another more challenging trail is the Deer Springs Trail that passes by Suicide Rock where you can enjoy the beautiful views from atop the rock.

11. Mount San Jacinto State Park

There are many options for exploring Mount San Jacinto State Park.

You can get the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to 8,500 feet, take on the challenge of hiking to the San Jacinto Peak that stands at 10,834 feet, or go on a short stroll through the mountainous landscape.

Not in the mood to hike? No problem, enjoy the views while dining at the Pines Café, Peaks Restaurant, or grab a drink and appetizers at the Lookout Lounge.

Whatever you decide to do, there will be scenic views! Conveniently, the park is just an hour’s drive from Palm Springs.

Mt San Jacinto is one of the coolest day trips from Palm Springs – literally it’s around 20 – 30 degrees cooler than PS!

12. Coachella Valley Preserve

Less than half an hour’s drive from Palm Springs and you’re in the Coachella Valley Preserve in the Indio Hills!

Get your boots on and visit the preserve’s stunning desert palm oasis, like the exceptional Thousand Palm Oasis.

Keep a look out for local wildlife, like the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard!

Final Thoughts

With a variety of choices from exploring nature to big city adventures you can pick a Palm Springs day trip based on your current mood and let your heart guide the way to your next destination. Whether you decide on hiking trails or opt for an urban outing you’re sure to have a great time!

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