Palm Springs has been our home for years, and exploring the surrounding desert and nearby towns is something we truly love. From scenic hikes to hidden wine valleys, we have spent countless days discovering the best places just a short drive away.
At APEK Rentals, we have helped create over 15,000 happy stays, and we believe a great visit is about more than where you sleep.
That is why we created this list of our favorite day trips from Palm Springs, all personally explored and recommended to help you make the most of your time in the area.
What You’ll Find in this Blog
Top Day Trips from Palm Springs
We at Apek Rentals have taken these day trips many times and can’t wait to share our favorite places and insider tips with you.
Let your adventurous side take the lead!
1. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is hands down the most popular day trip from Palm Springs, and for good reason.
This otherworldly desert landscape sits at the crossroads of two distinct ecosystems, creating a unique environment filled with twisted Joshua Trees, massive granite rock formations, and some of the darkest night skies in California.
Rating: 4.8/5 (21,916 reviews)
Location: Joshua Tree, California
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Price Level: National Park entrance fee required
Our Review: Keys View can be spectacular on clear days, so it is worth checking visibility before heading up. Hidden Valley and Skull Rock are both very scenic but can be crowded.
Visiting early or near sunset usually provides a calmer, more enjoyable experience, and walking a bit beyond the main Skull Rock viewpoint often leads to quieter photo spots.
Learn more about Joshua Tree National Park
2. Indian Canyons
Just minutes from downtown Palm Springs, Indian Canyons offers a refreshing escape into lush palm oases and desert streams. These sacred lands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians feature the world’s largest California Fan Palm oases, creating cool, shaded hiking experiences that feel like stepping into a desert mirage.
Rating: 4.8/5 (912 reviews)
Location: S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Price Level: $12 per adult, $6 for children
Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Tuesdays)
Our Review: Andreas Canyon is an easy favorite, especially for families. The shaded paths and flowing water make it feel cooler than the rest of the desert, which is a big win on hot days. Murray Canyon is better if you are up for a bit more effort, with a waterfall that really shines after winter and spring rains.
Palm Canyon Drive is where many of the hikes begin, but it gets busy fast on weekends. Arriving early makes everything easier, from parking to enjoying the trails before the crowds roll in.
Learn more about hiking Andreas Canyon Trail!
3. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and Mount San Jacinto State Park
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers one of the most dramatic day trips from Palm Springs, whisking you 8,500 feet up the San Jacinto Mountains in rotating tram cars.
This incredible journey provides 360-degree views of Chino Canyon and the entire Coachella Valley below.
Rating: 4.8/5 (15,271 reviews)
Location: 1 Tramway Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Price Level: $30 for adults, $19 for children
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Our Review: Mount San Jacinto feels like a whole different world from the desert below. The cooler air, quiet trails, and forest views make it one of our favorite escapes, especially in the summer. It is super family-friendly and especially fun for kids; something is fascinating about feeling like you are flying.
It is often much cooler up top, so bring a layer. The Mountain Station offers food and great views, but it gets crowded by midday, so consider going earlier or later to make the experience far more relaxed.
Learn more about Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
4. Painted Canyon and Ladder Canyon Trail
For adventurous hikers seeking a unique desert experience, the Painted Canyon and Ladder Canyon Trail in the Mecca Hills Wilderness offers slot canyon exploration with actual ladders bolted into canyon walls.
This moderate 4.5-mile trail combines scrambling, climbing, and breathtaking geological formations.
Rating: 4.8/5 (584 reviews)
Location: Painted Canyon Rd, Mecca, CA 92254
Price Level: Free
Our Review: This is a standout hike with a real sense of adventure. Painted Canyon eases you in with colorful rock walls, while Ladder Canyon adds excitement with ladders and narrow slots that make the climb memorable.
We recommend this hike for teens and adults who are comfortable with heights. Plan your visit for dry weather only, wear sturdy shoes, and bring plenty of water. Starting early helps avoid the heat and crowds, making the experience much more enjoyable.
Learn more about Painted Canyon and Ladder Canyon Trail
5. Idyllwild
Escape the desert heat with a mountain retreat to Idyllwild, a charming alpine village nestled at 5,400 feet in the San Bernardino National Forest. This artistic community offers cool pine forests, cozy cafes, and a completely different atmosphere from the desert below.
Rating: 4.8/5 (725 reviews for Idyllwild Nature Centre)
Location: 25225 CA-243, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549
Price Level: Free to low-cost activities
Opening Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Nature Centre)
Our Review: Idyllwild is a great choice for a relaxed, all-ages day trip. The Nature Center has short, easy trails that are ideal for families and anyone looking to spot birds and local wildlife without a long hike.
Afterward, the town’s artsy shops and cozy restaurants make a perfect stop for lunch. Keep an eye out for the large Coulter pine cones in the surrounding forest, especially on windy days, and avoid lingering directly beneath the trees.
Learn more about Idyllwild Nature Centre
6. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Borrego Springs
California’s largest state park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, offers 600,000 acres of pristine desert wilderness just 1.5 hours from Palm Springs. The park showcases incredible biodiversity, from desert bighorn sheep to over 60 species of mammals and 225 bird species.
Location: Borrego Springs, California 92004
Price Level: Free park access, paid camping
Opening Hours: Always open
Our Review: Borrego Springs is a fun and easy stop for all ages. The massive metal sculptures scattered through Galleta Meadows feel like an open air art exhibit, and they are easy to explore by car or bike.
The town is also California’s only certified Dark Sky Community, making it one of the best places for stargazing. Visit on a clear, moonless night, arrive before full dark, and bring a red light flashlight to protect your night vision.
Learn more about Borrego Springs
7. Coachella Valley Preserve
Just 25 minutes from Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley Preserve protects several palm groves and oases, a portion of the San Andreas Fault, and habitat for the endangered Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard.
The Pushwalla Palms Trail offers a fascinating 4.4-mile loop through this unique ecosystem.
Rating: 4.6/5 (1,871 reviews)
Location: 29200 Thousand Palms Canyon Rd, Thousand Palms, CA 92276
Price Level: Free
Opening Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Our Review: This preserve offers wide open views of fault lines and distant mountains, but there is very little shade along the trail. An early start and plenty of water are essential, especially on warmer days.
This area is best for adults and older kids who are comfortable with heat and open terrain, and it is not ideal for young children during hot weather.
Learn more about Coachella Valley Preserve
Photo by: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=10512675834021896747
8. Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake provides a complete change of scenery with its mountain lake setting and four-season recreation opportunities. Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, this alpine playground offers boating, fishing, hiking, and skiing, depending on the season.
Location: Big Bear City, California
Price Level: Varies by activity
Opening Hours: Always accessible
Our Review: Big Bear Lake feels like a refreshing mountain escape, with cooler air and a beautiful lake that invites you to the water. Kayaking and paddleboarding are highlights, though summer weekends can be busy near the marinas.
The walkable village is full of shops and restaurants, but parking fills up fast during events, so arriving early helps. Big Bear is great for all ages, with winter snow sports and summer hiking and lake days. Planning ahead makes the trip much more enjoyable.
9. Pioneertown
Step back in time at Pioneertown, a 1940s movie set turned living community built by Hollywood legends Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. This Old West town continues to operate as both a historical attraction and a working community, complete with false-front buildings and an authentic Western atmosphere.
Location: Pioneertown, California
Price Level: Free to explore, paid events
Opening Hours: Always open for walking around
Our Review: The vibe here is relaxed and a little quirky, with locals going about their day while visitors explore and take photos. It is fun to wander through the streets, peek into the old storefronts, and imagine its movie set past.
This stop is perfect for children and works well for all ages since it is easy to explore at your own pace. Stick to public areas and respect posted signs, as this is still a real community, which helps keep the visit enjoyable and welcoming for everyone.
Learn more about Pioneertown
10. Temecula Valley Wine Country
Just 90 minutes from Palm Springs, Temecula Valley offers Southern California wine tasting in a picturesque setting of rolling hills and vineyards. This premium wine region features over 40 wineries specializing in varietals like Syrah, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Location: Temecula Valley, California
Price Level: Mid-range wine tasting fees
Opening Hours: Varies by winery
Our Review: Weekends can get busy here, so arriving early or staying within walking distance makes the day much easier.
This is best suited for adults and couples, though older kids can enjoy it too. Many wineries offer food pairings, live music, and seasonal events, so checking schedules and making reservations ahead of time is a smart move, especially on weekends or during harvest season.
Quick Comparison Table
Not sure which day trip to choose? This at-a-glance table breaks down to help you plan your day trip:
Tips and Tricks for Day Trips from Palm Springs
Making the most of day trips from Palm Springs requires some insider knowledge that we’ve gathered from years of hosting guests at APEK Rentals.
Here are our top recommendations for a successful adventure:
Start Early: Desert conditions change throughout the day. Begin your trips in the early morning when temperatures are cooler, and lighting is perfect for photography.
Pack Smart: Always bring more water than you think you need, at least one gallon per person for desert hikes. Pack layers since mountain destinations can be 30-40 degrees cooler than Palm Springs.
Check Conditions: Desert roads and weather can change quickly. Always check current conditions and park closures before departing.
Plan Your Route: Gas stations can be sparse in desert areas. Fill up before leaving Palm Springs and plan your stops accordingly.
Conclusion
Day trips from Palm Springs open up a world of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures that showcase the incredible diversity of Southern California.
From the alien landscape of Joshua Tree National Park to the cool mountain retreats of Idyllwild, each destination offers unique experiences that perfectly complement your luxurious Palm Springs getaway.
Ready to start planning your Southern California adventure? Book your stay today and let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is within 2 hours of Palm Springs?
Within 2 hours of Palm Springs, you can reach amazing destinations like Joshua Tree National Park, Big Bear Lake, Temecula Valley wine country, Los Angeles beaches, and San Diego.
What is the small mountain town near Palm Springs?
Idyllwild is the charming mountain town located in the San Jacinto Mountains about an hour from Palm Springs.
How many days in Palm Springs is enough?
We recommend at least 4-5 days in Palm Springs to fully enjoy both the city’s attractions and several day trips.
Are day trips from Palm Springs suitable for families?
Absolutely! Many day trips offer family-friendly options like the easy trails in Indian Canyons, the aerial tramway experience, and the metal sculptures in Borrego Springs.
