Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of summer, and there’s no better place to welcome the season than Palm Desert and Indio. Sunshine is a guarantee, the desert landscapes are as striking as ever, and the energy is just right. If you’re looking for the best places to go in California for Memorial Day weekend that blends relaxation, great weather, and plenty to do, Palm Desert and Indio deliver. Here’s how to make the most of your 2025 Memorial Day Weekend in Palm Desert and Indio.
Hit the Trails Early
With daytime temps climbing, mornings are the perfect time to take advantage of the area’s incredible hiking trails. Scenic routes for all skill levels surround the Coachella Valley, and in late May, the desert is still showing off with clear skies and sharp views.
The Bump and Grind Trail in Palm Desert is a local favorite for a reason. It’s steep enough to break a sweat but not too long to be overwhelming, and the views at the top are more than worth it. For something a little more low-key, check out the Randall Henderson Trail, which is flatter, quieter, and great for spotting wildlife like lizards and bighorn sheep.
If you’re with the family, head to the Coachella Valley Preserve near Thousand Palms. The shady palm groves and spring-fed oases feel like a surprise in the middle of the desert, and it’s a great way to get outdoors without pushing too hard. Just be sure to bring water, start early, and wear sunscreen. It’s the desert, after all.
Cool Off Poolside
Let’s be honest, one of the biggest draws of a Memorial Day Weekend in the desert is having your own private pool. When the sun hits its peak, there’s nothing better than staying close to home base and spending the afternoon swimming, lounging, and cooling off between dips.
Many of our vacation rentals in Palm Desert and Indio come with private pools, hot tubs, shaded outdoor areas, and even putting greens or firepits. It’s your own little oasis, and you don’t have to deal with crowded resort pools or noisy public spaces. You set the vibe, pick the playlist, and enjoy the space on your schedule.
Whether you’re floating with a drink in hand, playing pool games with the kids, or winding down in the hot tub as the sun sets, these private spaces are a big part of what makes a desert getaway feel so easy and so relaxing.
Memorial Day Events to Check Out
The desert keeps things fun and casual over Memorial Day Weekend, but there are a few local events worth building into your plans. One of the highlights is the Palm Springs Air Museum’s Memorial Day Flower Drop & Air Fair. It’s a long-standing tradition that’s both moving and visually unforgettable. Throughout the day, you’ll see flight exhibitions, vintage aircraft, and military tributes, ending with the famous flower drop, where over 3,000 red and white carnations are dropped from a plane in honor of fallen soldiers.
For something completely different, check out Desertopia, an inclusive pool party and dance celebration hosted over Memorial Day Weekend in Palm Springs. Expect music, high-energy pool scenes, and a lively crowd. If you’re in the mood for something more upbeat during your stay, this event always brings the heat.
Beyond events, the local scene is filled with live music, pop-up brunches, and food festivals that weekend. You’ll also find plenty of golf, spa experiences, and opportunities to explore nearby spots like the El Paseo shopping district or the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.
Book Your Memorial Day Rental with TRAVLR Vacation Homes
When it comes to finding the right place to stay, TRAVLR Vacation Homes makes it simple. We’re a local boutique property management company that curates a collection of high-end vacation rentals throughout Palm Desert, Indio, and the surrounding desert communities. Whether you’re planning a getaway with friends or a family weekend that mixes downtime with fun, we’ve got the perfect space for you.
Our homes feature everything you’d expect from a luxury rental, including private pools, hot tubs, chef-style kitchens, game rooms, EV chargers, and even separate casitas for added privacy. We also make booking easy, and our team is local, so we’re here if you need anything before or during your stay.
The desert gets busy over Memorial Day, and the best homes go fast. Booking early means more choices, better rates, and peace of mind knowing you’re set up for a stress-free weekend in one of the most beautiful destinations in California.
Start Planning Your Weekend Now
Memorial Day is the perfect excuse to take a break, soak up the sun, and enjoy everything Palm Desert and Indio have to offer. Book your Memorial Day vacation rental with TRAVLR Vacation Homes today and make this holiday weekend one to look forward to!
Memorial Day is a great time of year to hit the road or skies in the name of a well-deserved break. When you can’t wait to swap out busy schedules and daily demands for time soaking up the sun in California, setting your travel sights on Palm Desert and Indio is always the way to go! Here, it’s as easy to spend your days shopping and dining in the name of fun as it is to get out and explore desert trails and even the skies in the pursuit of memorable moments. Whether heading this way solo, as a pair, or in the company of a group of family and friends, the following activities for Memorial Day in Palm Desert & Indio are worth enjoying while you’re in the area.
See The Desert Crows at Jolene’s Bar and Lounge in Palm Desert
When you’re looking for an activity that pairs great entertainment with flavorful moments this Memorial Day, be sure to check out a performance by The Desert Crows hosted at Jolene’s Bar and Lounge in Palm Desert on Sunday, May 28, 2023. Jolene’s Bar and Lounge is located at 74868 Country Club Drive and the show will be on from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm. The Desert Crows are rock jam professionals that pair rhythm and blues with dance and funk during performances that are always crowd-pleasing. This local Palm Desert band is a four-piece ensemble that’s known for their high-energy stage presence, one-of-a-kind sound, and ability to turn every performance into fun for everyone in the audience. Their raw edge is sure to inspire, and the performance can be paired with a dinner at Jolene’s where the menu hosts everything from paninis and salads to pizza, charcuterie, and a wide variety of mouthwatering dessert options too. If you’re more in the mood to pair the performance with a beer, wine, or handcrafted cocktail, that’s available as well! Reservations are highly recommended for this Memorial Day event.
Watch the AFA Memorial Day Weekend Double Elimination 5 GG Tournament
If you happen to be a softball enthusiast, the AFA double elimination national qualifier tournament will be in Indio over Memorial Day weekend. Head over to the Davis Sports Complex at 83100 Date Avenue where the tournament will be hosted between Saturday, May 27th and Monday, May 29th starting at 11:00 am daily. Cheer teams on and enjoy a lively atmosphere as the competition for 2023 nationals kicks off with spirit.
Spend an Afternoon at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
When your Memorial Day plans have you spending time in Palm Desert with the kids, make your way to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens at least once during your stay. Located at 47900 Portola Avenue, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is open daily from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm and features an abundance of wildlife alongside unique flora and fauna that are sure to inspire! You’ll encounter everything from wallabies to rhinos followed up with strolls through lush gardens at this stop where more than 150 species are housed and protected.
Shop El Paseo
If a little retail therapy would go a long way toward the fun this Memorial Day, head over to El Paseo for some shopping, browsing, and plenty of savory stops to choose from along the way. Here, guests can access everything from fine dining destinations and galleries to retail stores carrying everything from high-end apparel and handcrafted goods to one-of-a-kind finds that make for amazing gifts for family and friends back home. Afterward, top off your day of shopping fun by taking in a performance at the McCallum Theatre for the Performing Arts. This performance facility hosts a variety of shows year-round including orchestras, dance, opera, concerts, and more!
Add a Park Day to the Itinerary
When spending time outside under the sun this Memorial Day is a top priority, Palm Desert is packed with city parks well worth enjoying while you’re here. Cahuilla Hills Park at 45825 Edgehill Drive is a great place to play tennis and hit the hiking trails while Ralph Adams Park at 72500 Thrush Road is also a prime place for exploring desert routes on foot. Civic Center Park is found at 43900 San Pablo Avenue and is one of the largest parks in the city where visitors can enjoy access to sports fields, a dog park, a gorgeous rose garden, picnic areas, an aquatic center, amphitheater and more! Make your way to Ironwood Park at 47800 Chia Drive when delightful edge-of-town walking paths and scenic views are exactly what you’re looking to enjoy.
Book a Balloons Above Indio Tour
Take your Memorial Day fun to new heights when you book a hot air balloon ride through Balloons Above Indio during your stay. This tour offers incredible views from a bird’s eye view alongside a certified and experienced pilot who can point out incredible landmarks and points of interest along the way. There’s nothing quite like observing the polo fields, orchards, and sweeping desert landscapes from this vantage point.
Book Today
The next time travel plans bring you to Palm Desert and Indio, TRAVLR has the luxurious accommodations you need to top off your stay in style. Reach out to learn more and to start planning your next California adventure!