Nearly 800,000 acres of mesmerizing natural beauty can be found in Joshua Tree National Park, less than an hour's drive from Palm Springs. The magical, oft-photographed landscape is ideal for hiking, meditating and camping, with both hotels and restaurants available, too. The park is again open for small groups; confirm whether specific venues are operating before visiting.
Speed Racers
Experience fine German engineering in the California desert at the BMW Performance Center West, a driver-training facility at the Thermal Club, near Palm Springs. The venue recently reopened to the public and is available for private and corporate groups -- in either case offering a wide range of adrenaline-filled experiences for drivers of all capabilities.
Trail Time
The Earthquake Canyon Express experience from Big Wheel Tours is a guided 20-mile mountain bike ride through the San Andreas Fault zone. The scenic workout provides views of the Salton Sea and ends in the agricultural fields.
Garden of Art
The Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert, a LEED Silver-certified branch of the local museum, offers a unique setting to view changing exhibits of painting, photography and more, and is surrounded by a lushly landscaped sculpture garden.
Hot Date
Groves of delicious dates stretch throughout the desert surrounding Palm Springs. Walk the fields and immerse yourself in the fruit's culture at the
Shields Date Garden, where you can enjoy a date shake and sample the many varieties of the fruit.