Palm Desert has long been known as an oasis of fun in the otherwise unoccupied California desert. Located just a few hours away from both Los Angeles and San Diego, the Palm Desert area has been a vacation haven for Southern Californians trying to escape the big city and the crowded beaches. Famous for being a popular getaway for classic Hollywood stars, Palm Desert has recently been revitalized as a popular vacation destination. Enjoy world class golf courses and resorts and find the beauty within the nature of the desert with a vacation in Palm Desert. Explore the best of Palm Desert by booking a tour! Keep reading to find out our picks for top tours to experience on your next vacation in Palm Desert.

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Tour the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has been one of the top destinations in Palm Desert for nearly 50 years and is definitely a must do to add to your itinerary. Here you can explore the nature and hiking trails, get up close and personal with animals, and learn about the conservation efforts of zoos around the world. For an extra special experience, consider booking a private tour for your next visit! Your tour includes admission to the park, a personal guide, a private shuttle, and a giraffe feeding experience. For two hours, you’ll get the VIP treatment at the zoo, with your guide leading you throughout the park and giving you insights on animal facts, park history, and more! This tour can accommodate two to six guests and departs at 9am from October-May and 8am from June-September. This tour is a great introduction to the zoo for first time guests, or a fun way to get excited about a return visit.

San Andreas Fault Half-Day Jeep Tour

One of the top-rated tours in all of Palm Desert is the San Andreas Fault Jeep tour! Here, you’ll explore the desert of Coachella Valley while learning about the native plants and animals, local history, the Salton Sea, and of course the San Andreas Fault. You can choose to have your tour completely from the comfort of the Jeep or get a bit adventurous and enjoy a nature walk through the desert. You can also choose a morning or afternoon departure time that best suits the rest of your itinerary for the day. One of the highlights of the tour is a stop at a local date farm where you can try their signature date milkshake! Although this tour is great for families, kids must be at least 6 years old to participate. Your tour includes your guide, transportation, and light refreshments throughout the four-hour tour.

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Joshua Tree National Park Half-Day Driving Tour

For many, a visit to Joshua Tree National Park is the highlight of their trip to the Palm Desert area. Unlike any forest you’ll find anywhere else, the Joshua trees have a unique beauty that consistently captivates visitors. To make the most of your visit, consider booking a half-day driving tour! Enjoy the scenery from the comfort of an air-conditioned van or SUV, making stops at key sightseeing attractions, such as Keys View, Hidden Valley, and the Joshua Tree Visitor Center. You’ll learn about the desert landscape from an experienced guide and have the opportunity to take two nature walks. This 4.5-hour tour includes the fee to the National Park, as well as transportation, guide, and bottled water. The tour is also wheelchair accessible and a great option for those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to explore.

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The Legends & Icons Tour of Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a sister city and neighbor to Palm Desert that also offers its own opportunities for fun. This area was made famous all the way back in the 1960s as a raucous getaway from the Rat Pack, including legends like Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr. The Legends and Icons tour is the perfect choice for anyone interested in the history of old Hollywood! Explore the sites and historic districts of the Palm Springs area and learn the untold stories of the Hollywood icons that once roamed here. Your guide will personalize this private tour to best suit your interests and will happily answer questions about the area. This 1.5-hour tour features multiple photo ops, can accommodate both large or small groups, and is flexible with the departure time. The Legends & Icons Tour is a fun way to explore this classic vacation city!

Palm Desert is a fun vacation destination that features a variety of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Although you could explore on your own, make the most of your vacation by booking one of these fantastic tours on your next visit to Palm Desert!