SUNNYLANDS

Locals Vote on Their Favorite Attractions in the Coachella Valley

Readers voted for the best businesses in 24 categories in our annual Best of the Best competition. Here are their picks for fun local attractions.

Site Staff Attractions, Best Of

SUNNYLANDS

Plan a visit to Sunnylands Center & Gardens. 
PHOTO COURTESY SUNNYLANDS CENTER & GARDENS

PALM SPRINGS

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Featuring the world’s largest rotating tram cars, this one-of-kind experience whisks riders on a 10-minute journey from the desert floor to the mountaintops. Once at 8,516 feet, enjoy dining, gift shopping, and outdoor activities.

DESERT HOT SPRINGS

Cabot’s Pueblo Museum: Explore the roots of Desert Hot Springs at this historic museum that was hand-built by homesteader Cabot Yerxa from reclaimed and found materials from throughout the Coachella Valley. Its four floors and 35 rooms contain art and artifacts from Yerxa’s faraway travels.

CATHEDRAL CITY

Museum of Ancient Wonders: This museum gives patrons a closer look at some of the world’s most exciting discoveries from paleoanthropology, archaeology, and paleontology. Explore and learn a thing or two.

RANCHO MIRAGE

Sunnylands Center & Gardens: Step behind the iconic pink walls to relax among 53,000 desert plants in the 9-acre garden or take a tour and learn how late ambassadors and philanthropists Walter and Leonore Annenberg created a power-magnet winter retreat.

PALM DESERT

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens: Embark on an adventure at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, home to diverse desert habitats and the species that thrive there. Private and group tours unveil the wonders of the desert ecosystem; animal encounters include walking with wallabies and feeding giraffes.

INDIAN WELLS

Indian Wells Tennis Garden: Home to the BNP Paribas Open, the state-of-the-art sports complex also hosts live music performances, art festivals, and car shows throughout the year. Public tennis programs cater to players of all ages and skill levels.

LA QUINTA

Old Town La Quinta: It’s easy to spend the whole day enjoying the quaint village atmosphere of Old Town La Quinta. Situated at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains, the popular destination is home to cafés, boutique shops, and hair and nail salons. It also hosts regular art fairs and farmers markets.

INDIO

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival: Perhaps the most famous music and arts festival in the country (dare we say, the world?) takes over the Empire Polo Club for two long weekends in April every year.

COACHELLA

Augustine Casino: Experience the excitement of gaming at Augustine Casino, a favorite among locals for loose slots. Sip signature cocktails at Ayily Bar and savor delicious eats all day (including popular brunch, burgers, and dessert) at Café 54.