The best things to do in Coachella Valley

36 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Entertainment · 36 places · showing the latest additions first

Historic landmark opened in 1938 featuring a desert environment with guided tours & a nursery.

1701 S Palm Canyon Dr (Palm Springs)

Historic landmark opened in 1938 featuring a desert environment with guided tours & a nursery.

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Scenic, casual 18-hole public golf course surrounded by desert & mountain views.

70705 Ramon Rd (Rancho Mirage)

Scenic, casual 18-hole public golf course surrounded by desert & mountain views.

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Mountain Vista Golf Club at Sun City Palm Desert serves up two Billy Casper designed championship courses to fit your mood, from strategy…

38180 Del Webb Blvd (Palm Desert)

Mountain Vista Golf Club at Sun City Palm Desert serves up two Billy Casper designed championship courses to fit your mood, from strategy heavy Santa Rosa with sweeping views to friendlier San Gorgonio, with lush fairways, true rolling greens, and consistent bunkers.

From the Palm Desert newsletter, August 4, 2026

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Seven Lakes Golf & Country Club is that polished Palm Springs membership spot where you can chase birdies, then stick around for a social…

4100 E 7 Lakes Dr (Palm Springs)

Seven Lakes Golf & Country Club is that polished Palm Springs membership spot where you can chase birdies, then stick around for a social calendar packed with activities. If your week needs a lift, consider this your sign to explore a Golf or Social Membership this week.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, August 5, 2026

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Woodhaven Country Club keeps it fun, fast, and fair on a friendly par-70, 18-hole layout with wide fairways, firm turf, and just enough…

41555 Woodhaven Dr E (Palm Desert)

Woodhaven Country Club keeps it fun, fast, and fair on a friendly par-70, 18-hole layout with wide fairways, firm turf, and just enough bunkers to keep you honest. Open to the public, it’s the easy local pick for a quick round then a laid-back hang at The Vista Lounge.

From the Cathedral City newsletter, August 5, 2026

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Palm Desert Aquatic Center keeps locals sane with legit lap lanes, splashy water slides, a splash playground and floating obstacle fun,…

73751 Magnesia Falls Dr (Palm Desert)

Palm Desert Aquatic Center keeps locals sane with legit lap lanes, splashy water slides, a splash playground and floating obstacle fun, plus water exercise classes when you want to call it a workout. Keep an eye on Dive-In Movies and Hot Summer Nights for easy, low-key plans this week.

From the Palm Desert newsletter, August 30, 2026

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Scenic 55+ RV resort including a 9-hole golf course, mountain views, heated pool, spa & arts/crafts.

16400 Bubbling Wells Rd (Desert Hot Springs)

Scenic 55+ RV resort including a 9-hole golf course, mountain views, heated pool, spa & arts/crafts.

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The Oasis Country Club packs a breezy 60-par executive course threading past sparkling lakes, a Ted Robinson 18-hole putting course, and…

42330 Casbah Way (Palm Desert)

The Oasis Country Club packs a breezy 60-par executive course threading past sparkling lakes, a Ted Robinson 18-hole putting course, and lighted tennis and pickleball courts for when the sun’s feeling extra.

From the Palm Desert newsletter, August 28, 2026

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Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

46-800 Washington St (La Quinta)

Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

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Whether you're craving a laid-back round with beautiful desert vistas or a course that sneaks in just enough challenge to keep things fun,…

301 N Belardo Rd (Palm Springs)

Whether you're craving a laid-back round with beautiful desert vistas or a course that sneaks in just enough challenge to keep things fun, The O'Donnell Golf Club is a private, members-only spot in downtown Palm Springs now accepting golf and social applications. Bob Hope played here for over forty years...

From the Palm Springs newsletter, August 26, 2026

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Rancho La Quinta Country Club is calling your name this week with two championship golf experiences by Jerry Pate and Robert Trent Jones…

79-301 Cascadas Circle (La Quinta)

, a lively tennis and pickleball scene, interest groups from hiking and biking to book club, plus great clubhouse dining when you’re done playing.

From the Palm Desert newsletter, August 22, 2026

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Escena Golf Club

Entertainment

Nicklaus Design vibes, mountain views that photobomb your backswing and a Mid Century Modern clubhouse make Escena Golf Club the rare local…

1100 Clubhouse View Dr (Palm Springs)

Nicklaus Design vibes, mountain views that photobomb your backswing and a Mid Century Modern clubhouse make Escena Golf Club the rare local hang to hit this week, where you can play a public round then linger at Escena Grill for California cuisine and patio time. Also, it was voted Best Public Course in Palm Springs.

From the Cathedral City newsletter, August 20, 2026

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Nick Faldo’s layout at Marriott's Shadow Ridge Golf Club pairs generous fairways with bold bunkers and postcard Santa Rosa views. Sneak in…

9002 Shadow Ridge Rd (Palm Desert)

Nick Faldo’s layout at Marriott's Shadow Ridge Golf Club pairs generous fairways with bold bunkers and postcard Santa Rosa views. Sneak in serious practice time, book a lesson at the Leadbetter Golf Academy, then high-five your round over something good at Giuseppe’s.

From the Cathedral City newsletter, August 17, 2026

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Driving range and par-3 golf course with a putting green, and a pro shop.

74945 Sheryl Ave (Palm Desert)

Driving range and par-3 golf course with a putting green, and a pro shop.

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Camelot Theatres

Entertainment

Make Camelot Theatres your midweek reset, with art, foreign and indie films plus curated series like the Elizabeth Taylor Retrospective,…

2300 E Baristo Rd (Palm Springs)

Make Camelot Theatres your midweek reset, with art, foreign and indie films plus curated series like the Elizabeth Taylor Retrospective, Baby Boomer Blockbusters and Musical Matinees. It scratches the classic-cinema itch, finds you something new, and lets popcorn completely qualify as dinner.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, August 10, 2026

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With mountain views and a course the SCPGA lists among its top 10, Desert Falls Country Club is a worthy excuse to sneak in a weekday…

1111 Desert Falls Pkwy (Palm Desert)

With mountain views and a course the SCPGA lists among its top 10, Desert Falls Country Club is a worthy excuse to sneak in a weekday round. Hit it, quit it, then slide into the club’s easygoing social scene for a well-earned catch up.

From the Palm Desert newsletter, August 12, 2026

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Need an easy, zero-planning reset this week? Boomers Palm Springs has you zipping go-karts, sinking putts on mini golf, bumping boats,…

67-700 E Palm Canyon Dr (Cathedral City)

Need an easy, zero-planning reset this week? Boomers Palm Springs has you zipping go-karts, sinking putts on mini golf, bumping boats, scaling a rock wall, taking swings in batting cages, then cooling off in the arcade... basically instant kid energy for grown-ups too.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, August 19, 2026

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Public Art "Music"

Entertainment

Public Art "Music" is a polished chrome and steel sculpture by Leonardo Nierman at the McCallum Theatre courtyard, a sleek 10-foot twist…

33°43'46. 116°23'20.8"W, 6"N CA-111 (Palm Desert)

Public Art "Music" is a polished chrome and steel sculpture by Leonardo Nierman at the McCallum Theatre courtyard, a sleek 10-foot twist set within a reflecting pool that throws back desert light. Slip in for a two-minute pause and let the curves do the calming.

From the Palm Desert newsletter, September 3, 2026

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Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

71800 CA-111 Suite A-137 (Rancho Mirage)

Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

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Whether your queue is stale or you just want something different, Festival Theaters Palm Springs keeps it lively with an eclectic lineup…

789 E Tahquitz Canyon Way (Palm Springs)

Whether your queue is stale or you just want something different, Festival Theaters Palm Springs keeps it lively with an eclectic lineup from offbeat indies to culty crowd-pleasers like Coyote Vs. Acme and The Dog Stars, plus plenty of showtimes that fit around actual local schedules.

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With panoramic Santa Rosa and San Jacinto views, Palm Desert Resort Country Club is a Joe Mulleneaux-designed 18-hole championship…

QM2M+73, 77333 Country Club Dr (Palm Desert)

With panoramic Santa Rosa and San Jacinto views, Palm Desert Resort Country Club is a Joe Mulleneaux-designed 18-hole championship playground where you can book a tee time, rally on pickleball or tennis, then linger over bites at the clubhouse or the Roadrunner café.

From the Palm Desert newsletter, August 23, 2026

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Country club resort hotel with championship golf & tennis, plus 2 outdoor pools & hot tubs.

48630 Monroe St (Indio)

Country club resort hotel with championship golf & tennis, plus 2 outdoor pools & hot tubs.

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Forever Marilyn

Entertainment

Give yourself a quick hit of hometown nostalgia with Forever Marilyn, the 26-foot Seward Johnson sculpture inspired by Bernard of…

Museum Wy (Palm Springs)

Give yourself a quick hit of hometown nostalgia with Forever Marilyn, the 26-foot Seward Johnson sculpture inspired by Bernard of Hollywood’s iconic The Seven Year Itch photo.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, August 27, 2026

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SilverRock Resort

Entertainment

Desert resort with scenic grounds featuring a golf course with water features and a practice area.

79179 Ahmanson Ln (La Quinta)

Desert resort with scenic grounds featuring a golf course with water features and a practice area.

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Whether you’re running errands or dodging the heat, the "Woman In Glasses" Mural delivers a punchy color blast and local attitude. Created…

2481 N Palm Canyon Dr (Palm Springs)

Whether you’re running errands or dodging the heat, the "Woman In Glasses" Mural delivers a punchy color blast and local attitude. Created by LA street artists James Haunt and Zes MSK, it’s a two-minute detour that makes your day feel 20% brighter.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, August 18, 2026

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If your weekends bounce between fairways and guitar solos, Golf at Indian Springs BR keeps it simple, with a local-friendly course by day…

79940 Westward Ho Dr (Indio)

If your weekends bounce between fairways and guitar solos, Golf at Indian Springs BR keeps it simple, with a local-friendly course by day and Big Rock Pub’s live music by night. Grab your crew, play a round, then stick around when the stage lights kick on.

From the Coachella Valley newsletter, August 15, 2026

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Two landscaped public golf courses with many water features, plus event space & lake-view dining.

38-995 Desert Willow Dr (Palm Desert)

Two landscaped public golf courses with many water features, plus event space & lake-view dining.

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Whether you're hunting a one-of-a-kind piece or just need a creative reset, Backstreet Art District lines up working studios and galleries…

2600 Cherokee Way (Palm Springs)

Whether you're hunting a one-of-a-kind piece or just need a creative reset, Backstreet Art District lines up working studios and galleries with paintings, ceramics, photography, mixed media, jewelry and more. Pop in, chat with artists, and find something that actually vibes with your home this week.

From the Cathedral City newsletter, August 14, 2026

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If golf is your favorite mix of joy, agony and character tests, The Plantation Golf Club reveres tradition and treasures camaraderie. A…

50994 Monroe St (Indio)

If golf is your favorite mix of joy, agony and character tests, The Plantation Golf Club reveres tradition and treasures camaraderie. A private course for players who bring an honest handicap and goodwill, it’s where matches feel meaningful and friendships travel the fairways.

From the Coachella Valley newsletter, August 26, 2026

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BIGHORN Golf Club

Entertainment

Whether you're carving draws at sunrise or just in it for the clubhouse fork-and-knife afterglow, BIGHORN Golf Club brings world-class…

255 Palowet Dr (Palm Desert)

Whether you're carving draws at sunrise or just in it for the clubhouse fork-and-knife afterglow, BIGHORN Golf Club brings world-class golf, fine dining, and a legit spa vibe together. A local’s move this week, if you can swing it… literally.

From the Coachella Valley newsletter, August 29, 2026

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Need a golf win this week? With 27 holes across three rotating nines, Desert Princess Country Club mixes Lagos, Vista and Cielo layouts…

28555 Landau Blvd (Cathedral City)

Need a golf win this week? S. Golf School plus private instruction, clinics and custom club fitting can quickly tune up your game.

From the Cathedral City newsletter, August 26, 2026

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Whether you need a midweek reset or an excuse to flex that new wedge, PGA WEST Pete Dye Mountain Course delivers playability with teeth...…

50-200 Avenida Vista Bonita (La Quinta)

Whether you need a midweek reset or an excuse to flex that new wedge, PGA WEST Pete Dye Mountain Course delivers playability with teeth... pot bunkers, rock outcrops, elevated tees and well-bunkered greens tucked against the Santa Rosa Mountains, all open to everyday players.

From the Palm Desert newsletter, August 20, 2026

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Public Art "Peace Memorial" gives you a quick, midweek reset between errands in the valley, no reservation required. Slip by for two calm…

33°43'49.6"N 116°22'53., 7"W CA-111 (Palm Desert)

Public Art "Peace Memorial" gives you a quick, midweek reset between errands in the valley, no reservation required. Slip by for two calm minutes that somehow stretch time, let the noise drop and your shoulders unclench, a gentle reminder that slowing down actually helps you get more done.

From the Coachella Valley newsletter, August 21, 2026

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Skip the couch and catch first-run Hollywood films in comfy recliner seating while you demolish house-made ice cream or a hand-crafted…

36850 Pickfair St (Cathedral City)

Skip the couch and catch first-run Hollywood films in comfy recliner seating while you demolish house-made ice cream or a hand-crafted pizza, plus beer and wine. Mary Pickford Is D'Place also sprinkles in ScreenX, D-Box and 3D showings, so your weeknight escape actually feels like one.

From the Cathedral City newsletter, August 12, 2026

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Two championship tracks at Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort deliver smooth, true-rolling greens and San Jacinto views that make a pushed 7-iron…

1885 Golf Club Dr (Palm Springs)

Two championship tracks at Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort deliver smooth, true-rolling greens and San Jacinto views that make a pushed 7-iron feel poetic. Line up a public tee time this week, rally the usual foursome, and let the first tee reset your brain better than any inbox zero ever could.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, August 22, 2026

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Classic Club

Entertainment

Arnold Palmer-designed Classic Club pairs tournament-level fairways, slate bridge views, and cascading-waterfall vibes with a clubhouse…

75200 Classic Club Blvd (Palm Desert)

Arnold Palmer-designed Classic Club pairs tournament-level fairways, slate bridge views, and cascading-waterfall vibes with a clubhouse you’ll actually want to linger in, plus Bellatrix Restaurant for the post-round debrief.

From the Palm Desert newsletter, August 31, 2026

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