The Coachella Valley is filled with experiences visitors travel far to enjoy — and locals are lucky enough to call home. From sky-high views and cultural landmarks to desert icons that never go out of style, these tours and attractions are worth revisiting or discovering for the first time.

 

75702 Varner Rd., Palm Desert
Acrisure Arena has quickly become one of the Valley’s most exciting entertainment destinations. Southern California’s newest world-class venue hosts chart-topping concerts, comedy shows, and major touring performances year-round. Inside the arena, the Berger Foundation Iceplex offers the unexpected thrill of ice skating in the desert, along with public skate sessions and community programming — making this a truly unique Coachella Valley experience.

 

86-050 Jasper Lane, Thermal
www.bmwperformancecenter.com
Fuel your adrenaline at BMW’s West Coast Performance Center, where guests can get behind the wheel of high-performance vehicles on a closed racetrack. With professional instructors guiding each experience, visitors can sharpen driving skills or simply enjoy the thrill of precision performance — perfect for a special occasion or hosting out-of-town guests.

 

85555 Airport Blvd, Thermal
www.deserthorsepark.com
One of the largest equestrian facilities in North America, Desert International Horse Park spans nearly 1.6 million square feet of competition and riding space. From October through March, the park hosts weeks of elite equestrian events, drawing riders and spectators from around the world. Even non-riders will enjoy the atmosphere, dining options, and people-watching during the season.

 

www.fantasyballoonflight.com
Soar above the Valley for a breathtaking sunrise adventure. Hot air balloon rides offer sweeping views of desert landscapes, mountain ranges, wind farms, and agricultural fields. Along the way, pilots point out landmarks such as the San Andreas Fault and the Salton Sea, creating a peaceful and photo-worthy experience unlike any other.

 

1 Tram Way, Palm Springs
www.pstramway.com
Ride the world’s largest rotating tram car as it ascends more than 2½ miles through Chino Canyon to Mount San Jacinto State Park. In just 10 minutes, temperatures can drop as much as 40 degrees. At the Mountain Station, enjoy alpine dining, scenic overlooks, and over 50 miles of hiking trails. Winter months may even bring snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, weather permitting.

 

745 North Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs
www.palmspringsairmuseum.org
Explore 91,000 square feet of climate-controlled hangars showcasing more than 70 historic aircraft from World War II through the Cold War. Interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and knowledgeable volunteer docents make this museum engaging for all ages. For a truly unforgettable experience, visitors can book a ride in a vintage warbird aircraft.

 

www.pshistoricalsociety.org
Step back in time with guided walking and biking tours that explore Palm Springs’ rich architectural and cultural history. With more than 15 tour options available, guests can visit midcentury neighborhoods, legendary celebrity homes, and historic districts while learning about the architects and pioneers who shaped the city.

 

62950 20th Avenue, Palm Springs
www.windmilltours.com
The iconic wind farms along the edge of the Valley are a symbol of renewable energy and a striking visual landmark. Visitors can explore via self-guided driving tours or guided golf cart excursions that offer insight into turbine technology, history, and the role wind power plays in the region’s future.

 

www.red-jeep.com
Discover the Valley’s dramatic natural landscapes aboard an open-air Jeep. Guided by expert naturalists, tours explore highlights such as the San Andreas Fault, hidden palm oases, Indian Canyons, and Joshua Tree National Park. The signature San Andreas Fault tour includes access to a private preserve with slot canyons and a recreated Cahuilla Indian village.

 

80225 US Hwy 111, Indio
www.shieldsdategarden.com
A beloved desert institution for nearly 100 years, Shields Date Garden offers a taste of Coachella Valley history. Stroll through the date grove, sample locally grown varieties, and enjoy the iconic date shake at the original counter. The on-site café serves breakfast and lunch favorites featuring dates grown right on the property.

 

37977 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
www.sunnylands.org
Once the private estate of Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg, Sunnylands has hosted world leaders, U.S. presidents, and global dignitaries. Today, visitors are invited to explore nine acres of beautifully designed desert gardens and walking paths. Guided tours of the historic home and grounds are available with advance reservations.

 

47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert
www.livingdesert.org
Blending conservation, education, and entertainment, The Living Desert showcases North American and African desert ecosystems through immersive exhibits and botanical gardens. Guests can encounter giraffes, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife while enjoying interactive programs and seasonal events designed for visitors of all ages.

 

“Don’t miss the opportunity to experience ice in the desert. Acrisure Arena has created some truly unique, family-friendly experiences that still feel surreal in the middle of the Coachella Valley.”
 — Mark C.

 

“Buy an annual pass for the Palm Springs Aerial Tram. After just a few trips, it pays for itself. When it’s 120 degrees on the desert floor, it can be 70 degrees at the top — and in minutes, you’re in a completely different world.”
 — Matthew L.