Things to do nearby: day trips and local attractions
From JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa you can take short drives to El Paseo shopping, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Acrisure Arena and the San Jacinto Mountains; longer day trips include Joshua Tree National Park and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. On-site options such as gondola rides, two championship golf courses and bike outings make half-day local activities easy without leaving the resort.
In this guide
- On-site quick activities (no car needed)
- El Paseo shopping and dining
- Family-friendly destinations: Living Desert and McCallum Theatre
- Mountain escapes: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and San Jacinto Mountains
- Desert day trip: Joshua Tree National Park
- Dining and evening options nearby
- Planning and practical information
On-site quick activities (no car needed)
If you want to stay close to your room, the resort offers several short activities you can do between meetings or after breakfast. Gondola rides along the property's waterways, miniature golf, and free bicycles are all available through the resort.
Golfers can walk to the Palm and Valley courses at Desert Springs Golf Club; the course access is essentially on-site. The resort also lists 12 outdoor pickleball courts and multiple pools for easy, drop-in recreation.
- Gondola rides on the resort's lakes
- Two Ted Robinson-designed championship golf courses (Palm and Valley)
- Miniature golf and free bicycles
- 12 outdoor pickleball courts and five outdoor pools
| Activity | Typical time needed |
|---|---|
| Gondola ride | 30–45 minutes |
| 9-hole miniature golf | 30–60 minutes |
| Pickleball match | 1–2 hours |
El Paseo shopping and dining
El Paseo Shopping District is a short drive from the resort and is Palm Desert’s primary upscale shopping and dining strip. It’s convenient for an afternoon of galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
Allow 1–3 hours depending on how many shops or galleries you plan to visit; parking and pedestrian access are generally available throughout the district.
- Upscale boutiques and galleries
- Outdoor cafés and restaurants
- Art galleries and local designers
| Tip | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Go midweek or early morning | Fewer crowds and easier parking |
| Combine with brunch | Many cafes open for late breakfast and lunch |
| Wear sun protection | Most shopping is along outdoor streets |
Family-friendly destinations: Living Desert and McCallum Theatre
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a short drive from the resort and is a practical half-day outing for families who want wildlife exhibits and botanical displays. The attraction is commonly reached in about 10–15 minutes by car.
For evening family-friendly performances, the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert offers concerts and shows; check their schedule for current programming and running times.
- Living Desert Zoo and Gardens — animal exhibits and desert plants
- McCallum Theatre — regional concerts and performances
- Acrisure Arena — larger concerts and sporting events (nearby)
| Destination | Approx. drive time from resort |
|---|---|
| Living Desert Zoo and Gardens | About 10–15 minutes |
| McCallum Theatre | Short drive within Palm Desert |
| Acrisure Arena | Short drive (check event schedule) |
Mountain escapes: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and San Jacinto Mountains
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway lifts visitors up to Mount San Jacinto State Park and is a common day trip from Palm Desert. The tramway ride itself takes about 10 minutes; allow extra time for the alpine trails and viewpoints at the top.
The San Jacinto Mountains are listed as a nearby natural landmark and can be included in routes that combine the tramway with light hiking, scenic overlooks, or a picnic. Driving times vary by destination, so check local conditions before you go.
- Tramway ride to higher-elevation trails and vistas
- Hiking and lookout points near the tramway summit
- Seasonal clothing recommended — mountain temperatures are cooler
| What to pack | Why |
|---|---|
| Layered clothing | Mountains are cooler than the valley |
| Sun protection & water | Desert sun and dry air increase sun exposure |
| Sturdy shoes | Trails at elevation can be rocky or uneven |
Desert day trip: Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is a popular longer day trip from the resort; driving distances and times vary by entrance and route. Many travelers plan a half- to full-day visit for short hikes, rock formations and photography.
Because travel times can range significantly depending on which park entrance you use, check driving routes before you leave and bring ample water, sun protection and a map or GPS.
- Plan for at least 3–6 hours if you want to visit a few key viewpoints and short trails
- Carry extra water and sun protection — services inside the park are limited
- A car is the most practical transport option for visiting Joshua Tree from Palm Desert
| Visitor tip | Reason |
|---|---|
| Start early in summer | Avoid peak heat later in the day |
| Check park alerts | Road or trail closures can affect itineraries |
| Use a full tank of gas | Fuel stations are limited near park entrances |
Dining and evening options nearby
If you want to eat off-property, El Paseo and nearby Palm Desert neighborhoods offer restaurants and casual cafés for dinner or cocktails. Back at the resort, Rockwood Grill, Blue Star Lounge, Aquifer65 & JW Sushi Bar, Mickeydo (Mikado) Japanese Steakhouse, Fisherman's Landing and Spa Bistro provide a range of on-site choices.
For late-evening plans, check event listings at Acrisure Arena and the McCallum Theatre, and consult the resort concierge for reservations or transportation options.
- Rockwood Grill — breakfast, lunch, dinner (on-site)
- Blue Star Lounge and Aquifer65 — lounges for drinks and small plates
- Fisherman's Landing and Mikado — dinner options on property
| On-site venue | Typical service |
|---|---|
| Rockwood Grill | Breakfast, lunch, dinner |
| Aquifer65 & JW Sushi Bar | Evening small plates and sushi |
| Oasis Poolside Bar & Grille | Poolside casual daytime service |
Planning and practical information
If you plan to visit several destinations in one day, a rental car or rideshare is usually the most practical option. The resort does not provide an airport shuttle; Palm Springs International Airport is the closest major airport.
Use the hotel's concierge to arrange guided excursions such as Big Wheel Tours, make restaurant reservations (including Mikado or Rockwood Grill), or confirm current hours and availability for attractions.
- Closest major airport: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
- Rideshare apps operate in the area; local bus service (SunLine) covers the Coachella Valley
- Ask concierge about guided tours, bike excursions, and ferry/gondola details
| Hotel contact | Use for |
|---|---|
| Concierge / Front Desk | Reservations, tour bookings, local directions |
| BookResorts agents (24/7) | +1 (888) 605-1350 for third-party booking assistance |
| Resort restaurants | Call ahead for table availability |
