23 Best Day Trips from Palm Springs [2023]

There are so many incredible day trips from Palm Springs that you can’t miss! From simple and short Palm Springs road trips to longer and farther treks, these places can’t be beat. Here are the best day trips from Palm Springs, California that every traveler should consider!

Palm Springs is one of the best desert destinations in Southern California, hands down.

It is a place I visit several times each year, and it never gets old.

The bright sun never seems to stop shining in the often-cloudless sky. The palm-lined boulevards, the plentiful spas, and the spectacular hikes are just the beginning.

There are so just so many things to do in Palm Springs for new and experienced visitors alike! I highly recommend the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for a birds eye view of the town. And, the many desert hiking trails surrounding the town.

However, for anyone interested in exploring beyond the city limits, there are tons of great day trips from Palm Springs, California to experience. In this blog post, I will share my top day trip recommendations that will satisfy your thirst for adventure.

Here I will list out the best day trips from Palm Springs. They range from under two hours up to about four hours maximum. Whether you want to stay close to Palm Springs or venture out further, I have something here for you.

From national parks to artistic oddities, you’ve got options. Straight from a SoCal local, here are some of the top day trips from Palm Springs.

You May Also Like: One Day in Palm Springs

The Best Day Trips from Palm Springs: 2 Hours or Less

The following day trips from Palm Springs can be reached in two hours or less by car. These are great options for those who are short on time, or for anyone planning a road trip alone.

Let’s dive into the best Palm Springs day trips below!

1. Indian Canyons

Time from Palm Springs: 10 mins

Can’t Miss: The Andreas Canon Trail and the Palm Canyon Trail

While Indian Canyons is technically inside of the city limits, it is also one of the best Palm Springs day trips around. Only ten minutes from downtown, this stretch of land is an easy place to spend a full day exploring.

This private and is a natural oasis in the desert. The property is covered in lush palm trees, trickling streams, and scenic hiking trails. 

The canyons were once home to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and you can still see remnants of their lifestyle around the grounds.

When visiting, you’ll have several trails to choose from. My all time favorite is the Andreas Canyon Trail. It has the best little grove of California fan palms and a great view from the cliffs if you hike.

My second favorite trail is the Palm Canyon Trail, which has a larger palm grove and a flowing stream.

Pro Tip: Consider booking the Indian Canyons Bike and Hike Tour. On this half-day excursion, you’ll go on a 10 mile ride through the scenic desert as you learn about the history and surroundings. This moderately challenging tour will include transportation, bikes, snacks, and more. BOOK YOUR INDIAN CANYONS BIKE AND HIKE HERE!

Be sure to start your day early, as many of the hikes have no shade. It can get very hot here. But, as one of the easiest day trips from Palm Springs, you really can’t miss this one!

Pro Tip: I highly recommend these rugged trekking sandals for hiking in the desert. I personally own these and they have traveled across six continents with me so far! Can’t recommend them enough. Get your rugged trekking sandals here!

2. The Coachella Valley Preserve

Time from Palm Springs: 30 mins

Can’t Miss: Thousand Palms Oasis

Rolling dunes and rugged peaks are set in the expansive Coachella Valley Preserve System. This 20,000-acre sanctuary is covered in multiple palm oases formed due to the San Andreas Fault lines.

The spectacular Thousand Palms Oasis includes a mile-long trail that winds past sparkling pools. And, this Preserve is not only home to spectacular views but also several rare species of wildlife.

Keep your eyes peeled for the Coachella round-tailed ground squirrel and the flat-tailed horned lizard.

This spot is an often-overlooked day trip from Palm Springs, but it is a beautiful one to choose! Learn more about Thousand Palms here.

3. Joshua Tree National Park

Time from Palm Springs: 50 mins

Can’t Miss: Beautiful Joshua Tree sunrise spots and the famous Arch Rock

Joshua Tree National Park is probably the most popular of all day trips from Palm Springs, and for good reason. It is a visually stunning national park near Los Angeles, San Diego, and most SoCal towns.

This unique park truly feels like another planet. The spiky plant life, the panoramic views, and the huge, random boulders make this place unreal. And, if you visit before the crowds come in, it is so peaceful here.

Check out my detailed guide for One Day in Joshua Tree National Park to see the best activities and attractions. Some popular things to do include hiking in Joshua Tree and finding the best photography spots, too.

Pro Tip: If you plan to hike in Joshua Tree, be sure to wear a wide brim hat and wear tons of sunscreen. The desert is no joke! Check out my desert hiking gear guide for more.

This park receives around 2.5 million visitors every year. It will take just under one our to reach the closest entry from Palm Springs. This park is not to be missed!

4. Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park

Time from Palm Springs: 50 mins

Can’t Miss: The lake, camping overnight

Roughly 45 minutes outside of downtown Palm Springs, the Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park is a local gem!

Families can enjoy fishing in the large, picturesque blue lake situated at the base of the mountains. Travelers can also enjoy camping here on the east side of the lake, if you decide to make it an overnight trip.

And, photographers (like me!) will have a field day snapping pictures of the gorgeous blue water and mountainous backdrop. This was a very fun spot for me to explore, especially because I’ve been to most desert regions in Southern California before – but this one was new to me.

With a low $6 entrance fee, this is a cheap and beautiful spot to spend a day.

5. Pioneertown

Time from Palm Springs: 50 mins

Can’t Miss: The wild west photo ops

Pioneertown was built as sort of a “live movie set” village, designed as an 1870’s frontier town. It has been home to over 50 movies and TV shows in the 1940s and 50s, but as the golden age of western films died down, so did the film production.

Nowadays Pioneertown has become a fun tourist spot worthy of a visit. There are ample photo ops around town and you will definitely feel like you are in the true old Wild West.

Pro Tip: Pioneertown may be touristy, but it is super fun to take photos around the Wild West town! Be sure to bring a great camera to capture your memories.

Well worth a visit, this is an easy, must-do day trip from Palm Springs!

6. Idyllwild Pine Cove

Time from Palm Springs: 1 hour

Can’t Miss: Hiking or biking in the mountains

Possibly one of the least well-known day trips from Palm Springs, Idyllwild Pine Cove is a beautiful and relaxed spot. it is a stark contrast to the desert!

Blanketed in green with a backdrop of mountains, this pine-tree studded area is a fun outdoor getaway for anyone active outdoors. Hiking, biking and fishing are all popular things to do here.

Pro Tip: If you are taking part in any of these activities, be sure to pack a tiny first aid kit. The terrain is vast and spread out, so you want to come well prepared.

At nighttime, visitors can enjoy live music from local bands or explore the quaint shopping areas. At just one hour from Palm Springs, this is one of the best day trips you could choose!

7. The Salton Sea

Time from Palm Springs: 1.25 hours

Can’t Miss: Bombay Beach sculptures

The Salton Sea is one of those California oddities that I encourage everyone to explore at least once.

This shallow, landlocked body of water has a high saline and sulfur content that has rendered it practically a ghost town. Located across both Riverside and Imperial counties, this lake sits on the San Andreas Fault line.

The landscape is cracked and rugged, and the area feels pretty barren, except for the few fishermen I’ve seen here from time to time.

Drive through the art-covered colony of Bombay Beach for a very “Burning Man” type of vibe. The small dwellings and old-time billboards feel apocalyptic and unreal!

Check out the visitors center for a fascinating history of what this area was meant to be. Just over an hour from Palm Springs, this is a fun and strange day trip for those who like abandoned areas.

8. Anza Borrego State Park

Time from Palm Springs: 1.5 hours

Can’t Miss: Hiking the Slot and the amazing Borrego Palm Canyon Trail

Another of my favorite desert locales, Anza Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in the contiguous United States – and an absolute must-see!

The endless badlands and rugged landscape is utterly awe-inspiring.

If you like hiking through picturesque landscapes, this is your spot. From mountains to flat desert to badlands, Anza Borrego has so many cool lookout points and hiking trails.

My favorite trail is hands-down The Slot, but I am also a big fan of the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail, too. This massive park is great for a self-driving tour, as well, if hiking is not on your radar.

Another claim to fame – Anza Borrego was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2018, so it is the perfect spot for stargazing. On a clear night, you will see an endless expanse of stars across the night sky!

Anza Borrego is only 1.25 hours from Palm Springs, so it’s an awesome road trip option that I highly recommend. Check out my Anza Borrego guide to plan the perfect trip.

9. Borrego Springs

Time from Palm Springs: 1.5 hours

Can’t Miss: The sculptures in Galleta Meadows and a rustic wild west themed hotel.

Borrego Springs is a quirky desert town you can reach in just a 1.5 hour road trip from Palm Springs.

I would describe Borrego Springs as a true Wild West town. It is rugged, out of the way, and has a lot of rustic mom and pop hotels and shops all around the small town.

Don’t miss the large metal sculptures in Galleta meadows. You’ll find giant horses, prehistoric dinosaurs, elephants, and more. They are all scattered haphazardly throughout the vast desert meadows.

You’ll have easy access to Anza Borrego from here, since the town of Borrego Springs sits dead center in the park.

Pro Tip: Book your hotel stay in this quirky place, which is set up like an old wild west town. You’ll have a comfy room, and easy access to town. There is even a tasty restaurant with live music on site. 10/10 would stay here again! BOOK YOUR HOTEL STAY NOW!

If you happen to visit during springtime, find out if the area is experiencing a superbloom. It is a sight you can’t miss.

Two find out more and plan your visit, check out all the best things to do in Borrego Springs.

You May Also Like: The Perfect Weekend in Palm Springs Itinerary

10. Salvation Mountain

Time from Palm Springs: 1.5 hours

Can’t Miss: the quirky folk art

Salvation Mountain is a folk art installation located in Imperial County, California. It was created by the late Leonard Knight. I have visited it multiple times in the past and recently took a friend there for her first visit. She found it to be very unusual and interesting!

The mountain measures 50 feet in height and spans 150 feet in width. It consists of a maze of colorful paint and has gained recognition as an iconic landmark in the California desert.

Knight devoted his life to creating Salvation Mountain as a monument to his faith in God. He dedicated over 30 years to its construction before his passing. It is open for free visits, and donations are accepted for maintenance purposes.

Salvation Mountain is a must see roadside attraction in the California desert!

11. Temecula

Time from Palm Springs: 1.25 hours

Can’t Miss: Old Town Temecula, Oak Creek Winery

If you are a wine enthusiast, then this will be one of the most interesting day trips from Palm Springs for you!

Temecula enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, which makes it suitable for the growth of grapes in over 40 wineries’ vineyards. Among the well-regarded wineries in Temecula are Oak Mountain Winery, Bella Vista, and Hart Winery.

Temecula Valley Wine Country also hosts several events each year, including harvest celebrations, concerts, and food festivals, which are all a blast.

Pro Tip: Temecula visitors should consider booking this All-Inclusive Wine Tasting Tour! It includes all tastings and transportation so you don’t need to worry about driving between wineries. It also tailors its stops to the season you visit. If seasonal events are happening, your guide will plan around those. BOOK YOUR WINE TOUR HERE!

Old Town Temecula’s historic buildings, rustic hotels, museums, and restaurants, are fun to wander. There is plenty to do and see here, even if you’re not up for wine tasting.

12. Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch

Time from Palm Springs: 1.5 hours

Can’t Miss: The glass bottle sculptures

Looking for a more quirky day trip from Palm Springs? If you liked the sound of Salvation Mountain, you’ll probably be into this one, too.

Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch is a roadside attraction off of Route 66.It is an endless, colorful display of hundreds of bright glass bottles and metal sculptures covering the ground. 

The collection at the ranch was created by Elmer Long, a local who started collecting glass bottles and vintage signs in his youth.

Over time, his collection grew, leading him to display his finds and create sculptures and art installations along the road in front of his home. Visitors can explore the ranch to view the diverse craftsmanship of each piece and take photographs of this unique property.

13. Big Bear

Time from Palm Springs: 1.75 hours

Can’t Miss: Snow activities, hiking trails.

Big Bear is a small lakeside city in Southern California best known for winter activities like skiing and snowboarding.

From November through February, Big Bear might be the most drastic change from the desert lifestyle that you can get, and within a short and reasonable drive.

When the snow melts, plan to hike the San Bernardino National Forest for miles of trails in the mountains. In the summer, you’ll see more green than you’re used to in the desert. In the fall, it will be a rainbow of color.

Big Bear is roughly a 1.75 hours day trip from Palm Springs, making it one of the easiest yet most drastically different landscapes on this list.

14. Laguna Beach

Time from Palm Springs: 1.75 hours

Can’t Miss: The Pirate Tower and the Laguna Art Museum

Laguna beach is a gorgeous coastal town in Orange County, reachable in under two hours for a Palm Springs road trip. If you love picturesque sunsets on the beach, Laguna Beach is a great place to spend day trip from Palm Springs.

Visit the Insta-famous Victoria Beach Pirate Tower, a unique castle-like structure from the 1920s that was originally built as a private staircase to the beach. Take a picture in front of the tower, and if you’re feeling adventurous, explore the rocks nearby.

Pro Tip: If you’re outdoorsy like me, check out the Laguna Beach Ocean Kayaking tour for some fun exercise and sightseeing. This 1.5 hour tour will explore hidden bays to find sea lions and dolphins in a single or double kayak. BOOK YOUR KAYAK TOUR HERE!

For anyone interested in the arts and culture, don’t miss the Laguna Art Museum’s current exhibitions. They showcase everything from modern art to rotating, temporary exhibits, so there is always something new here. Get more info on their website.

You May Also Like: The Best Day Trips from Orange County

15. Mojave National Preserve

Time from Palm Springs: 2 hours

Can’t Miss: The Kelso Dunes, and the Rings Loop Trail

Mojave National Preserve sprawls across 1.6 million acres of the desert, so you can easily spend a full day exploring the land!

Climb the soft sand at Kelso Dunes and explore the underground tunnels in the Lava Tube. Check out the Rings Loop Trail, one of the best hikes in Southern California. And, check out the scenic landscape covered in Joshua Trees as you drive through the acreage.

The Mojave National Preserve does offer camping, so if time allows you could consider staying overnight.

This large park doesn’t receive the credit it deserves, so have fun exploring! Helpful details to plan your trip can be found in my Mojave National Preserve article.

16. Los Angeles

Time from Palm Springs: 2 hours

Can’t Miss: Art museums, the Hollywood Sign

The most well-known big city in SoCal is one of the best day trips from Palm Springs! If you’d prefer a city-break over more nature, then you might consider this day trip.

If you are in the mood for visual art, you have an endless supply of museums and galleries within the city limits. Visit LACMA or The Broad for thought-provoking art exhibitions, or the Getty to learn a bit about history. Or, head to the Broad Stage for performing arts.

Next, take a scenic trail up to see the Hollywood sign on one of the best hiking trails in Southern California.

Finally, head to the Santa Monica Promenade for delicious eats and window shopping. Check out Venice Beach or head to the Fashion District for cheap and one of a kind clothing items.

Pro Tip: If anyone in your group is a first-timer to LA, you should definitely join this guided full day Iconic Sights of LA tour! Visit Rodeo Drive, Venice Beach, the Santa Monica Pier, and more. It includes all transportation, too. BOOK YOUR LA SIGHTSEEING TOUR HERE!

No matter what you are looking for, you are bound to find it in Los Angeles. LA is roughly 2 hours from Palm Springs and an easy day trip option.

17. San Diego

Time from Palm Springs: 2 hours

Can’t Miss: Balboa Park and Torrey Pines State Park

San Diego is an easy and fun place to spend a day. There is a lot to see in this popular Southern California city!

The sunny beaches, the plentiful parks and the pleasantly warm and sunny weather all year round can’t be beat. This is a great day trip from Palm Springs if you’re looing for a laid back city with lots of beautiful outdoor sights.

Check out Balboa Park for highlights like the San Diego Zoo and interesting art studios. Head to the Gaslamp Quarter for dinner and nightlife. Check out the hiking trails at Torrey Pines. Or, head to the La Jolla Cove for some ocean wildlife viewing.

Pro Tip: To hit all the sights, start with an early hike at Torrey Pines. Next, hit Balboa Park for the museums or sights of your choice. Later, grab a meal in the Gaslamp Quarter.

18. Carlsbad

Time from Palm Springs: 2 hours

Can’t Miss: The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

If you are reading this in the springtime, then I highly recommend checking out the coastal town of Carlsbad. And, most notably, the vibrant flower fields that bring thousands of visitors each spring.

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are open from March to May each year. During this time frame, endless fields of bright, colorful ranunculus bloom across the property.

Though not exactly a “natural” attraction, these flower fields are a feat of brilliance for the eyes. Take loads of pictures, ride a tractor, visit the butterfly garden, and mre.

For more details on visiting, check out my Carlsbad Ranch flower fields guide.

The Best Day Trips from Palm Springs: 3 Hours or More

The following day trips from Palm Springs will require a bit more of a drive. But, if you have a friend or a group going along with you, it should be easy to make by taking turns driving!

Check out my tips on taking a road trip with friends for tips on things to do and how to pass the time.

Let’s dive into the best Palm Springs day trips in three hours or more below!

19. Malibu

Time from Palm Springs: 3 hours

Can’t Miss: El Matador State Beach and the Leo Carrillo trails

An essential spot for any California traveler, Malibu is a great day trip option from Palm Springs. – especially if you are in the mood for the ocean after all of that desert!

In even a short Malibu day trip, you can see quite a lot.

Visit the gorgeous El Matador State Beach if you want to see the most epic cliffs above the sandy ocean. At sunset, you’ll have some of the prettiest view in SoCal.

If you want to go hiking, check out the wild Leo Carrillo State Park’s trails. The hikes generally meander up the mountain side, and give panoramic ocean views at the highest points.

Pro Tip: Explore Malibu on a 2.5-mile Guided Vineyard Hike. You’ll see stunning views of the Malibu hills and an organic garden as you learn about wine-making here. Receive a complimentary bottle of wine to take home, too. BOOK YOUR WINE HIKE HERE!

And, if you’re in the mood for shopping, then check out the Malibu Country Mart. You have restaurants, clothing stores, and art galleries, too.

This quiet oceanside town is just under 3 hours away from Palm Springs. For more details on all of the above activities, check out my detailed Malibu post!

Ready for Adventure? Subscribe Today.

Send me the newsletter

Unsubscribe at anytime.

Built with ConvertKit

20. Lake Havasu City

Time from Palm Springs: 3 hours

Can’t Miss: The London Bridge and water sports

This western Arizona town is a great getaway for those willing to cross state lines. Lake Havasu is one of the closest beaches to Phoenix, so you will see a lot of Arizona natives here, too.

Lake Havasu City might be a small city in the desert, but it is mostly known for its beaches and water sports on Lake Havasu itself. This is where you want to come for boating, water-skiing, and and relaxing.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget a foldable quick dry towel for use on the lake! It won’t trap sand or stay wet like typical beach towels do. And, it folds down super small in your bags. Get your quick dry towel here!

Interestingly, the London Bridge was relocated from England to here, and now links the mainland to a small island. Visitors can also explore the Lake Havasu Museum of History for an indoor escape or enjoy Lake Havasu State Park for picnics, mountain views, and bird-watching.

Lake Havasu City is one of the most unique day trips from Palm Springs, and a great choice!

21. Phoenix

Time from Palm Springs: 4 hours

Can’t Miss: Hole in the Rock hike, Roosevelt Row, and the saguaro cactus around Phoenix

If you’re willing to drive a bit further into Arizona, spending one day in Phoenix makes for an excellent day trip from Palm Springs!

Explore the many desert parks around Phoenix, such as South Mountain Park and Papago Park. See the tall saguaro cactus in Phoenix‘s downtown and city outskirts.

Papago Park is home to one of the best hikes in Phoenix, the Hole in the Rock hike. And, the Desert Botanical Garden is found right next door.

Downtown you can find loads of trendy bars lining the bright murals at Roosevelt Row. And, anyone looking for a wild college area will appreciate Mill Avenue in Tempe.

There are so many great things to do in Phoenix. If you have never been, add this to the top of your list!

22. Las Vegas

Time from Palm Springs: 4 hours

Can’t Miss: Seven Magic Mountains, Red Rock Canyon

I am absolutely sure that you know the obvious things to do in Vegas – the casinos, the acrobatic performances, the well-dressed crowds and the buffets. And, you can certainly head to Vegas for these aspects!

But, there are a few other attractions near Vegas that I find to be a lot more interesting. For one, the large outdoor art installation called Seven Magic Mountains is a super-vibrant rainbow of color in the desert. You have got to check this colorful man-made sculpture out.

Also, a short drive away, consider visiting the Valley of Fire for some incredible rock formations reminiscent of what you’d see in Arizona and Utah.

Prefer to stay closer? Then head to Red Rock Canyon just outside of Vegas. Here you can admire towering cliffs, explore colorful canyons and take in the beauty of Nevada’s desert landscape.

A day trip to Las Vegas from Palm Springs will take you roughly 4 hours to drive, so you need to start super early to make the most of it!

23. Death Valley

Time from Palm Springs: 4 hours

Can’t Miss: Artists Palette and Badwater Basin

Death Valley is one of the best day trips from Palm Springs. Located in the California desert region, the park is home to some of the most stunning views in all of North America, including Badwater Basin and Artists Palette.

Badwater Basin is a salt flat, and the lowest point on land in the United States. It sits 282 feet below sea level and visitors can explore a particularly interesting and unique landscape.

Artists Palette is a colorful geological formation that features various shades of red, green, purple and more. The area was once an ancient lake bed and its rocks are comprised of different minerals that oxidize over time.

Death Valley also offers activities like hiking, epic viewpoints, and stargazing – all doable in a day trip to Death Valley. Death Valley is a popular destination for visitors who wish to experience nature’s beauty up close.

The Best Day Trips from Palm Springs: Final Thoughts

I hope that these suggestions on the best day trips from Palm Springs have given you some fun new ideas on where to explore next.

Each of these options offer completely different experiences and surroundings than you will find in Palm Springs.

Whichever one you choose, I hope you have a great day trip!

Pin Me for Later!