In April, hundreds of thousands of people flock to Indio to get their desert vibes on with good music before they ultimately go home leaving an instagram feed of bohemian desert inspiration to make their friends jealous till the next year. While Coachella is a fun experience, there is so much more around the the famous Polo Fields to wander too. I wanted to share my guide of my favorite places to visit in Palm Desert and the surrounding areas! So Get your California Desert Vibes on in some of the unique places and things to do around Joshua Tree and the Palm Desert Cities!

Take a hike around the unique National Park that is Joshua Tree

Nothing screams Desert Vibes more than Joshua Tree! The national Park is a popular destination for Southern California visiters because there is really no other National Park like it! It gets its namesake from the Tree which is native to the region. While most recognize the park for its iconic tree, the National park actually has 2 ecological systems: the high Mojave desert and the low Colorado desert. In the North, you can take in the sights of the rocky mountain clusters and dispersed Joshua Trees and in the South, you can walk amongst the Cholla Cactus Garden.

Joshua Tree has everything to get your desert vibes going on. Looking for outdoor adventure? Its got hiking, rock climbing, camping, off roading. Looking for the perfect shot? Its the iconic California Desert Vibe backdrop for your insta, fashion shoot. Maybe you're more into astrophotography- the light pollution is so low making it a fantastic place to get your shot!

Get a Spiritual High at Salvation Mountain

Nowadays, you see Salvation Mountain has become a stop on everybody's trip to Palm Springs or Joshua Tree! There's nothing quite like it. What started off as a passion project by Robert Knight has turned into a must-see attraction in the desert. The size alone is quite the spectacle that its no wonder its being used as a backdrop for many fashion shoots to represent and encapsulate the energy of the desert communities surrounding it. I wrote a post about Salvation Mountain before which you can check out here!Add it to your bucket list!

Don't forget the pit stop at the Iconic Cabazon Dinosaurs

Mr. Rex and Dinny!!!! I don't care how many times I visit, they bring me so much joy! To Visit the dinosaurs is completely free! If you want more information about the dinosaur museum check out my post here!

No One will Judge you to get your perfect gram at #thatPinkDoor in Palm Springs

Palm Springs feels like a city preserved in time. Mid-century Modern is celebrated and the architecture style has become the flair of the city. While The famous Pink Door of Palm Springs is the most recognizable - there are tons of beautiful homes to marvel at. I suggest taking a driving tour around the neighborhoods. You will even come across Elvis and Priscilla Presley's famous honeymoon home!

Buy a souvenir cactus at Moortens Botanical Garden

Moortens houses the only Cactarium I've ever heard of- its no wonder that everyone wants to visit! The cactus house houses some really unique and old cacti which is really cool as they take so long to grow. Moortens doubles as a shop so don't forget if you can to buy a small souvenir succulent!

Go back in time to Pioneer Town

The Old West Town pioneered by Hollywood! Roy Rogers and Gene Autry helped invest in this Old West Themed Town as a movie Set in the 20's. The town is not used as an active film set anymore but remains a cute themed town to visit. Get your old west vibe on at Pappy and Harriets and the the Pioneer Town Motel. Or visit one of the business that operate like the consignment leather store and the locally sourced arts and goods store where I snagged this awesome ring to commemorate my trip!

Eat some spectacular grub at Norma's in the Parker Palm Springs Hotel

Norma's is located at the Parker Hotel which is also part of the appeal of having lunch here. The Parker Palms Springs perfectly encapsulates the Bohemian Desert life. The hotel is bright and bold, bringing lots of color to its mid-century, bohemian love child. If you get the chance to stay there, I would take it. If not, stop and grab lunch. The food is just so. damn. good, plus you feel like you're living the 50's high life!

Take a sound bath at the Integratron

Okay- must confess, I haven't tried this one yet. its been on my list for a while and I feel like I can't write up a post about the unique experiences without mentioning this one. In a small summary, this is supposed to be a 'sound bath.' It is not a bath in water but more of an experience of sound that totally and completely fills you. Their website boasts that it is 'an infusion of Art, Science, and Magic.' These 'Sonic Healing' sessions are supposed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. Whether you subscribe to this type of Ayurvedic or holistic practices or not, its sounds totally mesmerizing to try!