Palm Desert vacation rentals
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Palm Desert
Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.
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Popular amenities for Palm Desert vacation rentals
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Palm Desert home rentals
Home in Joshua Tree
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 229 reviewsSolis Joshua Tree |Cowboy Pool & Spa
Home in Palm Springs
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 145 reviewsChill in the Hammock Under the Palms at an Airy Estate
Home in Palm Springs
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 129 reviewsThe Perfect 4 Bedroom House To Entertain Every Age
Home in Palm Springs
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 154 reviews2 Living Rooms | Fireplace | Yoga Deck | Spa Heat
Home in Indio
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 125 reviewsHome with Pool• Spa•Game Room• Ping Pong • Firepit
Home in Palm Springs
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 216 reviewsHuge Yard original Spanish style views! - reviews!
Home in Palm Springs
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 244 reviewsPool | Spa | Fireplace | BBQ | Private
Home in Joshua Tree
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 138 reviewsThe Lele, Joshua Tree
Palm Desert condo rentals
Condo in La Quinta
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 112 reviewsPGA West Desert Oasis Getaway Short Term Rental
Condo in La Quinta
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 170 reviewsDesert Design Roomy Condo - Pools, Golfing, Tennis
Condo in Palm Springs
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 129 reviewsRelaxing Townhome w/ Private Pool, Spa and Views
Condo in La Quinta
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 180 reviewsPGA West, spacious condo with community pool
Condo in Palm Desert
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 148 reviewsModern Décor with Enviable S-Facing Location!
Condo in Palm Springs
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 186 reviewsModernist Condo Racquet Club Palm Springs ID #1814
Condo in Palm Desert
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 175 reviewsA Desert Paradise Condo
Condo in Downtown Palm Springs
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 198 reviewsMid-Century Style/Walk to Downtown Palm Springs!
Palm Desert cottage rentals
Cottage in Twentynine Palms
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 163 reviewsJoshua Tree Cottage - Fast WiFi/Central JTNP
Cottage in Joshua Tree
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 216 reviewsJoshua Tree Retreat - Views, Heated Pool, & More!
Cottage in Desert Hot Springs
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 119 reviewsHot Springs, Tiny House, Desert Retreat 718
Cottage in Desert Hot Springs
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 42 reviewsPeaceful hideaway by the lake.
Cottage in Twentynine Palms
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 108 reviewsTam Cottage at 29P
Cottage in Yucca Valley
5 out of 5 average rating, 238 reviewsBoulder Ridge Hideout - Private Joshua Tree Park
Cottage in Yucca Valley
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 436 reviewsJ.T. Cottage
Cottage in Yucca Valley
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 174 reviewsStargazing - Spa - Cowboy pool - Lounging deck
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Palm Desert
Total rentals
5.5K properties
Total number of reviews
70K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
2.9K properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
1.1K properties allow pets
Rentals with a pool
5.2K properties have a pool
Rentals with dedicated workspaces
2.7K properties have a dedicated workspace
Your guide to Palm Desert
All About Palm Desert
Palm Desert is overshadowed by its glitzier cousin to the west, Palm Springs, and locals and visitors in the know are probably just fine with that. Home to upscale shopping and fine dining and surrounded by the dramatic desert landscape that distinguishes the Coachella Valley, Palm Desert is a calm oasis. It’s not uncommon to see a golf cart — street legal here — in someone’s driveway instead of a car. The country club set lives at a slower pace, tooling around to the many marquee golf courses the city has to offer or heading to the Shops on El Paseo for luxury retail therapy. But don’t think Palm Desert is only for upscale tastes — it’s also known for its natural beauty in the form of wildflower blooms and desert gardens.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Palm Desert
March through May in Palm Desert are sublime, with temperatures ranging from the high 60s to low 80s Fahrenheit. Temperatures quickly spike into the 80s and 90s — with occasional forays into the triple digits — June through September. From October through February, those looking to avoid chilly weather in other locales will enjoy temperatures in the mid 70s, although the temperature has been known to dip into the 40s during winter months. If visiting in the summer, pack breathable clothes that will be forgiving in hot weather, and during winter months pack layers.
Top things to do in Palm Desert
Bump and Grind Trail
This trail’s former name was the more demure Mirage Trail, but the descriptive moniker won out, probably because this moderate hike into the mountains will get your heart rate up as you climb 523 feet. Your three-mile trek starts unceremoniously behind the Desert Crossing Shopping Center, where you’ll enter the trail on Painters Path — but you leave civilization behind as you hike further on. Along the way you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Coachella Valley floor and, during spring, wildflowers.
Desert Willow Golf Course
This picturesque municipal course is home to two 18-hole golf courses, Firecliff and Mountain View. A respected golf architect, known for his environmentally friendly approach, designed both, and the grounds are landscaped with native plants and fed with reclaimed water. Lots of bunkers make the courses challenging while also reducing the need for water. So no matter how well you play, you can take some solace in having shown respect for the local terrain.
Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden
This free outdoor sculpture garden, located in the Eric Johnson Memorial Gardens at the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert, features artists from the museum’s permanent collection in a beautifully landscaped desert oasis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the weather in Palm Desert?
Palm Desert has a desert climate with hot summers, reaching up to 108°F (42°C), and mild winters with temperatures around 70°F (21°C). It's sunny most of the year and rain is rare, making it a great destination for outdoor activities.
What are some of the best things to do in Palm Desert?
Palm Desert is known for its nature and outdoor activities. You can explore the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, stroll around El Paseo Shopping District, or engage your adventurous side with a round at the Desert Willow Golf Resort.
What is the best time of year to visit Palm Desert?
The most popular time to visit Palm Desert is from January to April when the weather is cooler. During this period, the city hosts events such as the Palm Desert Food & Wine festival in March and the Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival.
What are the best places to stay in Palm Desert?
Popular areas to stay in Palm Desert include the El Paseo Shopping District, known for its upscale shops and restaurants, the golf-centric neighborhood of Desert Willow, and the tranquil hideaway of Cahuilla Hills.
What are the best places to visit in Palm Desert?
The most popular places to visit include Palm Desert Aquatic Center, Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert, and Sunnylands Center & Gardens. For nature enthusiasts, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument is a frequently suggested destination.
What are some hiking trails in Palm Desert?
Palm Desert has a number of hiking trails. Some of the most frequented include the Bump and Grind Trail, the Art Smith Trail, and the Randall Henderson Trail. Each provides a unique way to explore the natural beauty of Palm Desert.
What are some family activities to do in Palm Desert?
Families can enjoy a day at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center, visit the interactive exhibits at the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert, or explore the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens which has a variety of animals and plants.
What are some of the best day trip ideas in Palm Desert?
For day trips, you could head to Joshua Tree National Park, just 55 miles (88 km) away, or visit the Salton Sea, a 37-mile (59 km) drive southeast. A trip to the nearby city of Palm Springs, 14 miles (22 km) away, is also often suggested.
What types of vacation rentals are available in Palm Desert?
Uncover the perfect home-away-from-home with our diverse selection of vacation rentals in Palm Desert. From over 1,390 house rentals to over 1,230 condo rentals, we've got you covered. For even more variety, explore our Airbnb Categories to find the ideal space for your getaway.
Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Palm Desert?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 2,660 vacation rentals in Palm Desert featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.
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