Thanksgiving in Palm Desert!

Fall is the season of giving, so give your family or friends the gift of a desert getaway this Thanksgiving!

The heat of the summer has faded, golf courses are in full swing, and the town is bustling. With average temperatures of high 78 and low 50, November is the perfect time to experience and enjoy all the delights Palm Desert has to offer.  

Here are some ideas for a memorable Thanksgiving in Palm Desert: 

Hit the Links 

Palm Desert is known for several award-winning golf courses. Spend the morning playing a round of golf with friends or family. 

Explore the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens 

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a unique attraction in Palm Desert. You can see a variety of desert animals and learn about the local ecosystem. The zoo also hosts fun events like Hoppy Hour and WildLights! Don’t miss the delight-ful additions to WildLights this holiday season. Experience several new and reimagined light exhibits, such as the new 30-foot-tall holiday tree and lighted animal-themed displays as well as your returing favorites – the Tunnel of Lights, smores station, holiday carousel, photos with Santa, and much more!  

Aim for New Heights 

Take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – the world’s largest rotating tram car. During the almost ten-minute journey, tram cars rotate slowly, offering stunning views of the cliffs of Chino Canyon and the valley floor below. Once you reach the Mountain Station – elevation 8,516 feet – visitors can enjoy two restaurants, observation decks, a natural history museum, two documentary theaters, a gift shop and over 50 miles of hiking trails. 

Thanksgiving Meal

If you are embracing being on holiday and don’t feel like cooking this Thanksgiving, many restaurants in the Coachella Valley offer special Thanksgiving menus and buffets. Make reservations well in advance, as these can fill up quickly. Some popular options are the Thanksgiving buffet at Desert Willow and dining with a view at Pine’s Café. 

Shopping 

Visit El Paseo, known as the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert,” for some retail therapy. You can find boutique shops, art galleries, and high-end stores – perfect for scooping up some Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales. 

Outdoor Activities 

Before tucking into your Thanksgiving feast, grab the group and hit the trails in nearby Joshua Tree National Park or Indian Canyons, or take a leisurely walk afterwards in one of the area’s scenic parks. 

Palm Desert Thanksgiving Weekend Street Fair 

Located at the College of the Desert, this fair hosts nearly 200 merchants and vendors selling a variety of items including arts and crafts, home goods, clothes, vintage goods, fresh farm produce, delicious food, and much more. Free admission. Hours: 8am – 2pm, November 25th–26th. 

Ready to Book Your Thanksgiving Desert Getaway? 

As you can see there is endless fun to be had in the desert! We have an amazing collection of Palm Desert vacation rentals to suit all sizes and budgets. Many of our homes are designed and appointed for entertaining and gathering with fully equipped kitchens, large dining tables, and outdoor spaces to enjoy sunny blue skies with desert vista views. Book NOW for best availability!