A Day Trip to Palm Springs

Today I have a guest post by my sweet teen goddaughter, MK. I will add some details as well. She is sharing her day trip to Palm Springs, which involved ATV-riding and hiking to a waterfall in the springtime.

Table of Contents

What is Palm Springs?

Palm Springs is a city in the Sonoran Desert with activities in the Coachella Valley. It is less than 2 hours from Los Angeles and Orange County, so it is a good way to take a day trip and experience California’s desert.

What to do in Palm Springs in One Day with Teens

Teens want to stay busy, and Palm Springs has a lot of options. You can go downtown and shop or do what my goddaughters chose and explore Palm Springs’ outdoors.

ATV Ride with Off Road Rentals

Two of my kids under the age of 16 have really wanted to go quad riding, but in New England, we can’t find a place that you don’t have to be 16. Off Road Rentals lets anyone over the age of 6 ride their own quad! It is a self-guided of their desert land just outside of Palm Springs. You can’t make a reservation, but they are open every single day of the year from 10 am until sunset. Be sure to wear closed-toed shoes and give yourself extra time to watch the safety video and wait for a line. The ride is half an hour for $40.

MK’s Review:

ATV riding was really fun. We first watched a video about using the machine; then, we put on safety gear. Lastly, we rode on the ATV. There are practice courses and hills to ride on, but make sure to avoid the tires!

Mid Mod Cafe

Head into downtown Palm Springs for lunch. You can also spend time exploring the town.

From MK:

Mid Mod Cafe has the best BLT sandwiches, Russian sauce, and sweet potato french fries. Mid Mod Cafe also has vegan and gluten-free options. The gluten-free bread was delicious and made locally.

gluten-free restaurant in Palm Springs, California

Visit the Agua Caliente Indian Reserve

As a child, we would camp every year on this reserve. My main memories are bats flying at night in warm desert sunsets.

Hike to Tahquitz Canyon Waterfall

Tahquitz Canyon is important to the culture of the Agua Caliente tribe. At the entrance is an educational center where you can find out more information or watch a movie. You can hike alone or take a ranger-led hike at 8 am, 10 am, noon, or 2 pm.

The hike to the waterfall is a little less than 1 mile in each direction. You must stop at the visitor’s center to pay a fee. The center is open 7:30 am- 5 pm. On it you can see the waterfall, rock art, ancient irrigation systems and plants and animals.

Waterfall hike in Palm Springs, California

MK’s take on the experience:

The hike was challenging but beautiful. There were animals such as bighorn sheep in sight. There are not one but two waterfalls to see, but make sure to pick up your car before 5 pm.

Have you been to Palm Springs? Please leave your favorite things to do in Palm Springs in the comments.

Head on a day trip from Orange County or LA to Palm Springs, California to explore the desert. Things to do in Palm Springs. #palmsprings #thingstodoinCalifornia

4 thoughts on “A Day Trip to Palm Springs”

That Tahquitz Canyon Waterfall hike is pretty neat. We went for a hike in Palm Springs when we visited many years ago but can’t remember its name. Though I know we didn’t see any bighorn sheep or waterfall; it must have been another one. Definitely adding for our next visit!

This looks like a great spot for all ages, not just teens. The Waterfall hike and the ATV sound like great fun. That’s amazing to be able to spot some bighorn sheep and two waterfalls on the hike.

I agree with Renee. It sounds like a great spot to take the ‘bored’ teens who need to get out and keep busy in nature. But, equally as interesting for adults as well. I’m always up for waterfalls in the morning and delicious lunch in the early afternoon to top it off!

How fun that your goddaughter got to be part of your blog! I love the ATV rental place that lets younger kids take part. And the waterfall hike looks beautiful! I’ve only ever driven through Palm Springs, so I’d love to actually stay and explore it one day.