There are plenty of things to do in Cathedral City to keep you busy. View a list of activities and recreation below to help you plan your visit!
Dennis Keat Soccer Par
8 community parks lie within Cathedral City's boundaries and there's another on the horizon. Sports and health enthusiasts take particular delight in Dennis Keat Soccer Park, home to the community's popular AYSO soccer program and Desert Healthcare District's fitness track and exercise stations. Our newest park, Ocotillo Park, is home to Ocotillo Skate Park.There's something for everyone to do in Greater Palm Springs. Area activities and attractions range from the free and family-friendly to thrilling outdoor adventures —and just about everything in-between.
A trip to Greater Palm Springs isn't complete without exploring the natural beauty of the oasis, whether at a national park , natural preserve or even a zoo . Another uniquely Greater Palm Springs experience is a visit to a date farm—especially when paired with a date shake, a local favorite. The many museums of Greater Palm Springs offer a look at everything from historic airplanes to contemporary art. Active travelers can enjoy recreation options including ice skating, baseball and swimming.
1. Palm Springs Art Museum
The nationally noted Palm Springs Art Museum offers “free 2nd Sundays” with children's activities, performances, exhibitions and films. Admission is also free every Thursday night from 4-8 p.m.
2. Palm Springs VillageFest
Every Thursday night, historic Palm Canyon Drive (between Baristo and Amado) is the place to be. This giant “block party,” a Palm Springs tradition, offers music, food and entertainment. Locals shop the Farmer's Market. Find unique jewelry, clothing, art and other perfect gifts for those back home.
3. Free Hiking
Explore the natural beauty of the oasis while hiking along mountainsides and palm trees. Hardcore hikers and outdoor-loving families alike find plenty of free trails to explore in Greater Palm Springs. Be sure to go early in the morning and bring plenty of water.
Hiking in Greater Palm Springs hits all the high notes — serenity, scenery, and fitness — and there's no better way to explore the natural beauty and wonder of the oasis than on foot. Outdoor enthusiasts can choose from dozens of hiking trails that crisscross all types of terrain, from wide-open sandy spaces spotted with cacti and succulents to twisted canyons encircled by fantastic rock formations to lush palm tree oases sheltering trickling streams. You can even venture to the upper elevations of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains, where walks through woodlands and wildflower-filled meadows await.
With such a diverse landscape, there's truly an expedition for everyone: Families can enjoy the fresh air and spy cottontail rabbits, bobcats, and more than 200 species of bird in their natural wetland habitat at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve , while more experienced explorers can journey all the way to the summit of Mount San Jacinto on the San Jacinto Peak trail . And if you're looking for the perfect Instagram-worthy trek, we have plenty, whether it's from the top of Murray Hill looking out across Greater Palm Springs or while skirting the mountainside in the middle of a super-bloom. Regardless of which journey you take, you'll find it's easy to embrace the outdoors in Greater Palm Springs, where wildlife, wellness, and wonder collide.
Ready to hit the trails? Scroll down for our guide to Greater Palm Springs hikes.
With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, many hikers (understandably) can't wait to soak up some rays on their outdoor adventures, but be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and water — 2 liters minimum. Once half your water is gone, it's time to turn back. If you spy a majestic bighorn sheep or other wildlife, observe from a safe distance, and do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve
This delightful haven has no user fees, though donations are greatly appreciated. Enjoy picnicking, hiking and the rustic visitor center, the "Palm House." On the northern side of the Coachella Valley, nestled at the feet of the Indio Hills, the Coachella Valley Preserve is "The Old West" just minutes from Palm Springs, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indio and other desert cities. Enjoy some of the 20,000+ acres of desert wilderness, wildlife and trails. Participate in one of the guided hikes, or help improve the Preserve by joining their trail stewards. Financial assistance is always welcome through your donation. Your support will be used to preserve the "Palm House," keep the bathrooms stocked, eradicate invasive species and improve trail access.
Besides being known as a top golf destination, Greater Palm Springs is a tennis utopia. In fact, the sport's history here dates back to at least the 1930s, when the area's first racquet clubs opened, drawing Hollywood celebrities who loved the idea of playing a little tennis before mingling over martinis by the pool. And with pickleball, a fun blend of badminton, ping-pong, and tennis, becoming a favorite way to chill in the oasis, you'll find plenty of places to practice your overhead volley and get a few rallies in before happy hour rolls around.
There are endless options for improving your tennis game in Greater Palm Springs. Perfect your backhand during a private lesson with a USPTA-certified professional at La Quinta Resort & Club , voted one of the top tennis resorts in the world, or take your pick from a mix of hard, clay, and grass courts at Desert Springs PBI Tennis Club at JW Marriot Desert Springs Resort & Spa , where all skill levels can benefit from world-class tennis instruction and Grand Slam Round Robin clinics.
Join more than 450,000 spectators and fans each March to watch the best tennis players in the world compete during the annual BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Combine one of the most beautiful and largest tennis venues — the Indian Wells Tennis Garden — with a breathtaking mountain backdrop and year-round sunshine and what's not to “love”?