When you find yourself longing to get out of town and enjoy a new vacation destination somewhere equally sunny and exciting, packing up the family and heading to Palm Desert, California is always an amazing choice! Far from the hustle and bustle of places like L.A., Palm Desert sits in the inviting Coachella Valley where you’re free to slow things down a bit, breathe in deep, and enjoy great views everywhere you turn. Here, there’s something for everyone to enjoy year-round, and the following family friendly vacation in California journey will help you elevate the experience even further when you’re ready to make the most of Palm Desert and the surrounding communities together.
Day 1: Visit The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
A stop at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is your day one activity, because here, there’s always something to impress guests of all ages and interests. This location is easy to navigate and a great place for little ones and adults alike to get up close to incredible creatures as well as plants that hail from around the desert and globe. There’s a small train you can ride around on as a family and a petting zoo on-site too. When you’re not getting up close to rhinos and emus, you can enjoy petting pygmy goats instead. Make sure to check the daily lineup of zookeeper talks that are hosted at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens to make a stop here on day one of your family friendly journey as educational as it is entertaining.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, California
760-346-5694
Day 2: Take a Trip Up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
When you want spectacular sightseeing to be a part of your family friendly fun while visiting Palm Desert and the greater Coachella Valley, making time for a trip up the iconic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway might just end up being the highlight of your stay. With a ticket to ride in hand, you and your adventurous traveling crew can step onboard and enjoy a 2.5-mile voyage upward toward the 8,500 foot level of Mount San Jacinto. As you move along, the tram will rotate gently giving everyone a chance to enjoy all of the spectacular and sweeping sights from above from any angle they’d prefer. At the top, the fun continues once you disembark because you’ll be dropped off within easy reach of observation decks, restaurants, and exciting hiking trails as well.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
1 Tramway Road, Palm Springs, California
888-515-8726
Day 3: Enjoy Time at the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
Learning and fun go hand-in-hand when you add a stop at the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert to your family friendly itinerary the next time you’re visiting Palm Desert. It’s easy to reach in nearby Rancho Mirage and is split up into convenient and easy-to-navigate educational sections focused on varying topics ranging from weather and space to conservation and desert creatures too. Whether the kids are participating in a simulated archeological dig or learning how their five senses work, it’s an experience that you won’t want to miss out on while you’re in town.
The Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
71-701 Gerald Ford Drive, Rancho Mirage, California
760-321-0602
Day 4: Dine Together in Family Style at IL CORSO
When cravings come calling and everyone in your family is looking to enjoy a delicious dish, heading over to Il Corso is always a good idea. This family-run Italian eatery in Palm Desert is situated within the Jensen’s Shopping Center and is loved for its vast menu of options paired with friendly service. The menu here features everything from wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta to risotto, ravioli, and more. Dinner is always topped off on a sweet note with offerings like panna cotta and tiramisu gracing the menu too. Dine indoors or outside and if you’re traveling with family members who have dietary restrictions in place, you’ll be delighted to find this restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian dishes. You can swing by Il Corso to enjoy a meal Monday through Saturday between 11:00 am and 9:00 pm.
Il Corso
73520 El Paseo, Palm Desert, California
760-341-6700
Day 5: Cool Off at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center
If you’re traveling to Palm Desert in the summertime, you’ll find temperatures have a way of rising significantly this time of year. Fortunately, you and your crew can always cool off in style over at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center. This inviting and friendly destination in town hosts waterslides to enjoy as well as refreshing spray areas and three pools. There are concessions on-site as well so you won’t have to worry about packing snacks. Stop by between 6:00 am and 7:00 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays as well as between 6:00 am and 8:00 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. Weekend hours are 7:00 am until 5:45 pm.
Palm Desert Aquatic Center
73751 Magnesia Falls Drive, Palm Desert, California
760-565-7467
Book Your Getaway Today
Make more of every moment in Palm Desert in luxury, comfort, and style when you book your vacation rental through TRAVLR. Reach out today to learn more about our beautiful accommodations that will keep your family close to the fun and enjoying world-class amenities and features along the way.
