Palm Desert

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens 

In the heart of Palm Desert, on an expanse that stretches into Indian Wells, a richly appointed habitat houses a variety of creatures native to arid lands: giraffes and wallabies, rhinos and bighorn, fennec foxes and Cape porcupine. But The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens ministers more than animal encounters and nature walks amid towering native blooms. “Conservation lies at the heart of everything we do,” says Allison Krupp, vice president of marketing.

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, The Living Desert exceeds the organization’s standards of ethical and compassionate animal care. Here, habitats mimic wildlife’s natural environment, and enriching experiences are a primary focus.

“All of our animals are suited for this environment,” Krupp notes.

Desert ecosystems are among the most richly diverse on the planet, a fact that prompts The Living Desert’s conservation efforts both here and abroad, from South Africa to Mongolia. “Few realize we’re an international conservation institution focused on desert wildlife preservation all over the world. We are involved in 80 projects in 12 countries on three continents.”

At any given time, a Living Desert team member is somewhere in the world exchanging information and knowledge. Desert creatures rank among the most vulnerable. “Our mission is the conservation of the world’s deserts and the wildlife species that inhabit them,” Krupp says. “We provide for the animals in our care first and foremost, as well as educate our visitors, but it’s the work we do in conservation that truly will make a difference in the world.”  — JUNE ALLAN CORRIGAN

Palm Springs

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Hop aboard the world’s largest rotating tram car for a 10-minute journey from the desert floor to the San Jacinto mountaintop. Once at 8,516 feet, explore 50-plus miles of trails. 

Desert Hot Springs

Cabot’s Pueblo Museum 

This Hopi-inspired pueblo, hand-built by early homesteader, artist, and adventurer Cabot Yerxa, highlights the culture and contributions of Native Americans. 

Cathedral City

Mary Pickford Is D’Place

The Mary Pickford movie house features vibrating D-Box seats, a three-sided ScreenX theater for immersive action, and craft concessions. 

Rancho Mirage

Sunnylands Center & Gardens

Meander the 9-acre garden, sign up for community programming like outdoor yoga and birding, or tour the historic estate that has hosted dignitaries, presidents, and celebrities over many decades. 

Indian Wells

Indian Wells Tennis Garden

Home of the BNP Paribas Open, this state-of-the-art venue remains open year-round and offers public tennis programs for all ages and stages. 

La Quinta

Gather Yoga + Wellness

Move, breathe, and belong via a carefully curated schedule of yoga, breathwork, meditation, and sound healing classes. 

Indio

Shields Date Garden

Find every date product imaginable, including the obligatory shake, at this century-old establishment with a market, café, theater, and 17-acre date grove.

Coachella

Augustine Casino

Experience the excitement of gaming at Augustine Casino, a favorite among locals for loose slots, from old-school video poker to keno.