Day Trip In Greater Palm Springs
Looking for a Southern California daycation? Luckily, Greater Palm Springs sits at the crossroads of striking desert terrain and mountain escapes. You can head into pine forests, explore painted canyons, or spend the day wandering through boulder fields and stands of Joshua trees—all just a short drive from town. These places prove you don’t have to go far to feel like you’re somewhere completely new.
Joshua Tree
Just under an hour away, Joshua Tree is one of the most popular day trips from Greater Palm Springs. You’ve got giant rock formations, spindly trees that look like they’re from a Dr. Seuss book, the Barker Dam hiking trail, excellent restaurants, and peaceful vibes that are hard to find in the big city.
Spend the afternoon exploring the park. Whether you’re hiking one of the shorter loops, biking along the backcountry roads, or horseback riding through the open desert. In fact, rock climbers travel from all over the world to scale Joshua Tree’s famous boulders. Make time for the Cholla Cactus Garden, a trail running through a patch of glowing cacti that looks surreal at sunrise or sunset. Throughout the park, you’ll also find plenty of picnic spots, and if you’re the type to post as you go, you won’t be short on phot ops for selfies.
Downtown Joshua Tree is worth a stop, too. You’ll find local coffee shops, funky art galleries, and great restaurants like Pappy & Harriets and Kitchen in the Desert.
Not ready to head back just yet? Bring a blanket and simply…look up! Joshua Tree is a designated International Dark Sky Park, and the stargazing here is truly exceptional.
Idyllwild
If you're looking to trade palm trees for pine trees, head to Idyllwild. Just 90 minutes from Palm Springs, this artsy mountain town sits high in the San Jacinto Mountains and is the kind of place you’ll probably fall in love with.
Start your day in town. Grab a coffee from a local café, wander through vintage shops, or stop into one of the art galleries. If you’re there during Art in the Park (May-August), check out the handmade jewelry, paintings, ceramics, and help keep “Keep Idy Wild.” Then head over to Middle Ridge Winery to relax and do some people-watching.
If you're there to hike, Devil’s Slide is a must. You’ll climb through tall pines to reach Tahquitz Peak, where views are impressive. Just don’t forget to stop by the ranger station first because you’ll need a free wilderness permit to access the trail. For a more leisurely stroll, the Idyllwild Nature Center has short loops, wildlife displays, and a small museum worth checking out.
If you’re looking to picnic, head to Lake Fulmor, just outside of town. It’s quiet, beautiful, and a great place to eat lunch with a view. And before heading back down the mountain, make one last stop at El Buen Cacao. They make chocolate by hand, and yes—it’s every bit as good as it sounds!
Anza-Borrego
Did you know Anza-Borrego is California’s largest state park? The Slot is one of the most popular hikes here. You’ll wind your way through narrow sandstone walls, ducking and squeezing through tight passages that make the whole thing feel more like an adventure than a hike.
If you’re visiting between February and April, you might catch the desert in bloom. When it happens, it’s surreal to see so many colorful flowers.
Before you head out, take a drive through Borrego Springs to check out the massive metal sculptures scattered across the desert. Dinosaurs, dragons, and wild horses rise up from the sand in the most unexpected places!
