To many, Palm Springs itself is a getaway. One that Southern Californians flood to every weekend as a sort of staycation that feels worlds away despite its close proximity to the nearest cities. Because of this, it is often overlooked that Palm Springs is also a great halfway point for many fun and local destinations.
Next time you’re lounging poolside in Palm Springs and start to feel like you could use an adventure, open up this 14 top day trips from Palm Springs guide and get to planning your road trip.
» You might be interested in The Best Airports Near Palm Springs.
The possibilities are endless for things to do around the Palm Springs area. You can stay close by exploring Joshua Tree and Coachella, or you can go a bit further afield to Big Bear and Julian. No matter what side trip you choose, you’ll find all the great features you expect from Southern California, complete with amazing weather, most of the year.
» Looking for more inspiration along the route? Check out all our guides to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Diego. Find the best beaches in Monterey, waterfalls in Southern California, and national parks.
Day Trips From Palm Springs
#1 Joshua Tree National Park
Distance: 36 miles
While Joshua Tree and Palm Springs are both desert destinations found in Southern California, it is rather remarkable how different their landscapes are. Joshua Tree is famous for its one-of-a-kind trees and rock formations that look like they could be from another planet.
It is only a 36-mile drive one way to experience this notable change of scenery and all of the eccentric shops and attractions that come with it. Joshua Tree is also known for its alien-loving residents, after all.
» Check out this Palm Springs to Joshua Tree road trip itinerary for all the great places to stop along the way.
#2 Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
Distance: 30 miles
Pappy and Harriet’s is very well known amongst desert dwellers and started as a pioneertown-themed live movie set put together by Hollywood investors in the 1940s.
Today, Pappy’s and Harriet’s is a beloved BBQ restaurant and bar featuring wild and strange performances and some from world-famous stars who want to make an appearance at the niche venue. The eccentric visit is located near Joshua tree and only about 30 miles outside of Palm Springs.
#3 Coachella
Distance: 27 miles
If you happen to find yourself staying in Palm Springs in April of any given year, you will likely notice an influx of young visitors all in town for Coachella. Coachella is one of the world’s largest and most famous music festivals and draws over 100,000 visitors and the most prominent names in music and Hollywood each year.
While tickets are pricey, this weekend is one you will never forget and is located in Coachella Valley, which is a mere 27 miles from Palm Springs.
#4 Big Bear
Distance: 80 miles
Big Bear Lake is found in the San Bernardino National Forest and is an extremely popular destination for Southern Californians throughout the year. The lake and surrounding town are popular throughout the Spring and Summer for fishing, boating, and swimming. Fall and Winter are when the city becomes home to thousands of visitors ready to hit the slopes and spend some time in the snow.
Big Bear is full of campgrounds and vacation rentals, making extending your day trip easy if you choose. The Drive from Palm Springs to Big Bear is only 80 miles and a little under two hours.
#5 Lake Arrowhead
Distance: 70 miles
Lake Arrowhead is a small mountain resort town near Big Bear that is also great for fishing, boating, and water sports, despite the lake also being significantly smaller. A bit quieter than Big Bear, this may be your ideal destination for a day reading by the lake or hiking in the shade.
If you are planning a day trip in Winter months, be sure to plan accordingly as driving conditions could involve ice or snow.
#6 Route 66
Distance: 60 miles
Route 66 is easily America’s most famous highway and historically stretches from Los Angeles to Chicago. This stretch of road can be found in countless well-known songs and movies and is recognized for its eccentric roadside attractions.
Hop on Route 66 from San Bernardino, which is a short drive for Palm Springs, and take a joy ride for the day, enjoying the desert views and roadside museums and burger stands.
#7 Idyllwild
Distance: 50 miles
Idyllwild is the definition of a sleepy mountain town and has been used as a getaway for busy Californians since the invention of automobiles allowed them to make the trip.
The town has a massive draw to outdoor enthusiasts with great hiking, biking, boating, and fishing opportunities. Many also enjoy exploring Mount San Jacinto State Park, Lake Fulmor, and Idyllwild Regional Park and the surrounding scenic views.
After a day out in nature, find a cozy diner in town to warm up or cool down in before starting your drive back to the desert.
#8 The Salton Sea
Distance: 60 miles
The Salton Sea is a body of water created by the human diversion of the Colorado River. The Salton sea has exceptionally high levels of salinity, making it a famous tourist attraction for the incredible salt deposits that can be seen surrounding the water and lake bed.
After the Salton Sea formed and consequently began to dry up, the wind would often kick up clouds of toxic dust into the surrounding areas. The state of California has learned to manage the issue, but the site is still known as the most significant environmental disaster in California’s History.
#9 Amboy Crater
Distance: 100 miles
The Amboy Crater is a dormant cinder cone volcano that rises out of the Mojave Desert about 100 miles and just under 2 hours from Palm Springs. The trail leading up to the crater is known to be steep and rocky, so it is recommended to exercise caution and wear the correct hiking gear.
There are picnic tables and public restrooms nearby so visitors can enjoy some rest and lunch after their hike. Always bring an excess of water when enjoying any hikes in the desert.
#10 San Diego
Distance: 140 miles
San Diego is not a far cry when the pool is no longer enough in the Palm Springs heat, and you just need some ocean breeze. Only about 140 miles and a little over 2 hours away, it’s easy enough to pack up some towels and head to the beach for the day.
One of California’s jewels, there is nothing San Diego doesn’t offer, from scenic beaches to sports games to diverse food and a bustling nightlife.
#11 Julian
Distance: 100 miles
Julian is a small and sleepy mountain town that is a favorite visit for many California locals for its peaceful nature. Nestled into the Cuyamaca Mountains, Julian was a booming mining town during the gold rush, which now has a population barely breaking 1,000.
The most important thing that this spot may offer is the most mouth-watering pies you will ever try from the Julian Pie Company. Just make sure you buy some extras to take home so that everyone can experience it with you.
#12 Anza-Borrego State Park
Distance: 90 miles
Anza-Borrego is one of the lesser-known desert destinations in California while still boasting all the beauty of its counterparts. The State park is full of campgrounds and is a popular spot for hiking, camping, climbing, and various other desert activities.
Search for the open-air desert sculpture gallery of Breceda to find hidden in the desert, a collection of large, free-standing metal sculptures of prehistoric animals such as mammoths, giant birds and saber-toothed cats, and many other real and imaginary creatures.
#13 Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
Distance: 165 miles
Castaic Lake is the largest state water project reservoir in Southern California, known for its record-breaking fishing catches. The lake is split into upper and lower bodies of water, and between the two, it is used for boating, swimming, and watersports, aside from fishing.
Castaic lake is about 165 miles and 3.5 hours from Palm Springs, making it one of the farther day trips on the list.
#14 San Jacinta Mountains
Distance: 42 miles
The San Jacinto Mountains offer some of the best hiking adventures. There are plenty of trails to choose from, so you’ll find one that suits your ability level. There are also many scenic outlooks where you can stop and take in the stunning views.
- The Araby Trail is a 4.1-mile out-and-back hike that’s moderately challenging and fairly popular in the area. It starts at Southridge Drive and Palm Canyon Drive.
- The Desert View Trail, at the top of the tramway, is an easy hike that everyone can enjoy. It’s a 1.5-mile loop trail that takes about 45 minutes to complete. There are many great viewpoints along the trail.
- One of the most challenging hikes in the area is the San Jacinto Peak trail, at 10-miles long. It is the highest peak in the area and offers some of the most incredible views. This is a strenuous hike that only experienced hikers should attempt.
Conclusion
With all of these great day trips from Palm Springs you can go on, you’ll definitely not be running out of things to do, no matter how long your vacation is or how many times you visit Palm Springs. It’s an area rich in history, culture, and adventures.
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Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.