Palm Desert Weekends: Golf carts and mountain views
Curious about what you will actually do when you live in Palm Desert? If teeing off at sunrise, wandering world class galleries, and tackling windswept desert trails sounds like your kind of weekend, Palm Desert might be calling you home. This list of things to do will take you from canyon floors to country clubs and give you a real taste of the city’s year round outdoor playground.
Holley, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Holley lives in Palm Springs, which still feels a little surreal after years of dreaming about desert life from afar. After moving across the country six times, she landed in the Coachella Valley for the palm trees, mountain views, and a history so layered it feels like it was built for her. She has worked at two presidential libraries, hosts a history podcast, and writes archival based stories that bring the past back to life, which makes a place steeped in Old Hollywood, politics, and quiet celebrity exactly her speed. When she’s not golfing or disappearing into another archive treasure hunt, she’s happily leaning into local life, and exploring the best date-shake stands. At Snappy Scout, Holley edits with a historians eye and a locals instincts, turning California from a postcard into a place with texture, memory, and meaning.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in Palm Desert?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
on a Saturday with perfect weather
Living Desert hikes, finished before the wildlife taps out
when the gals come to town for the weekend
Designer damage on El Paseo, then cocktails somewhere with linen napkins
dude hangout
Eighteen holes, aggressive handicaps, and post-round bragging rights
artsy
Pretending to critique modern art while secretly loving the wine
outdoorsy
Desert hikes that make you question your hydration strategy
fitness oriented
Early morning sweat sessions before the sun turns hostile
if you're a shopaholic
Luxury boutiques that know your credit limit better than you do
with your dog
Long desert walks where your dog gets more compliments than you
family oriented
Interactive wildlife moments that actually tire the kids out
in need of a selfie
That one perfectly framed mountain backdrop you swear looks better in person
you have to see this
Desert sunsets that make your phone camera feel inadequate
for a nearby weekend getaway
A quick escape to Joshua Tree for rocks, stars, and perspective
My Favorite Local Spot in Palm Desert
I think that it is hard to beat both the views and the food at Tommy Bahama on El Paseo. The first time I went there, it was at sunset and they had a live band playing. The atmosphere was just perfect! I recommend the Blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos and their original Tommy Bahama Mai Tai. If you enjoy something sweet (and still have some room in your stomach), get the Piña Colada Cake!
— Holley Snaith
California Local Expert
Ready to See If Palm Desert Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Palm Desert guide for the bigger picture.