The Best Day Trips From Palm Springs
Coachella Valley’s coolest city is a relaxed oasis of mid-century architecture, luxurious resorts and a flourishing artistic community. It’s also perfectly placed for day tripping into the desert and beyond. From the San Jacinto Mountains to California’s gold-mining history, our local insiders have picked the best.
1. Idyllwild
Natural Feature
This fir-hugged township up in the San Jacinto Mountains is only 11mi (18km) as the crow flies from Palm Springs, but the hour-long winding route to get there makes its cedar-scented air and alpine attitude feel otherworldly. As befits a mountain village, it offers plenty of hiking, rock climbing and camping, but there’s also a local art scene that’s worth investigating. It’s best explored at Art in the Park – an open-air art fair that showcases the talents of local artists with a mountain backdrop. Recommended by local insider Jessica Weil
2. Salvation Mountain
Architectural Landmark, Natural Feature
Designed by the late Leonard Knight, this man-made religious monument, an hour and a half southeast of Palm Springs, is a neon patchwork of latex, loud colors and, above all, love. It took Knight 28 years to fully construct its colorful peaks, and it has attracted visitors from all over the world to marvel at its boisterous creative upcycling and uplifting message. It still stands today, a permanent reminder of the tenacity of one man who dedicated his life to celebrating love. Recommended by local insider Jessica Weil
3. Desert Hills Premium Outlets
Shopping Mall
No, it’s not a mirage: there really is a gigantic luxury outlet sprawled on the side of the desert highway on your way into Palm Springs. A mecca for shopaholics and bargain hunters, Desert Hills is the place to go to score designer labels for a fraction of the price. There are more than 180 stores spaced out across the palm tree-filled site, but even so, you’d do well to arrive early to secure a parking space and first pick of the offerings. Recommended by local insider Lauren Malestic
4. Eagle Mining Company
Historical Landmark
If you’ve ever had dreams of digging glittering nuggets out of the Californian soil, then this museum is quite literally a gold mine. The Eagle Mining company is committed to preserving California’s Gold Rush history through active learning, so strap on a hard hat, grab a (fake) pickaxe and head down a genuine mine shaft to try gold panning for yourself. Don’t worry if you’re not too successful – you can pick up an (almost) genuine golden nugget at the gift shop on your way out. Recommended by local insider Lauren Malestic
5. The Pony Room at Rancho Valencia
Boutique Hotel
6. Julian
Natural Feature
If you’re on a quest to eat America’s best apple pie, then pack up the car and head to the little mountain town of Julian. First things first, pick your ingredients. Apple picking is a common pastime for Julian’s residents, and you can join them at Apple Starr Orchard as soon as the trees turn rosy. Next: pie. You’ll start arguments if you try to ask which bakery is the best between Julian Pie and Mom’s Pie, so head to both: have traditional apple at Julian and opt for the bumbleberry at Mom’s. Recommended by local insider Lauren Rogers
7. Del Mar Race Track
Sports Center
For a different take on surf’n’turf, place your bets at Del Mar Race Track. The horse-racing ground is just seconds from the seafront, meaning you can soak up some beachy sun in the morning before placing your bets in the afternoon. There’s normally a relaxed, “turn up and have a beer” vibe, but come on Opening Day for packed stands and an electric atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else on the coast. Recommended by local insider Lauren Rogers
8. Coronado Island
Architectural Landmark
The easiest way to get around this island city is by bicycle. Sitting just across the water from San Diego, Coronado has a wealth of historic buildings, breweries and literary heritage that are best explored on two wheels. Stop off at the red-turreted Hotel del Coronado – the inspiration for the Emerald City in The Wizard of Oz. Outside it lies a pretty stretch of beach with miniature sand dunes that spell Coronado from the air – although you’ll need to be in one of the many helicopters that fly overhead to read this for yourself. Recommended by local insider Lauren Rogers
Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.
Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>
All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.