Day trips from Palm Springs, CA

Question

Hello fellow travelers and forum helpers!

Most of the Palm Springs questions seem a little older and I know some things change, but the sites still would rank up there.

My husband and I will be traveling to Palm Springs in mid December. I know some use Las Vegas as a home base, but this time, we want to see this part of California and its surroundings (even in adjoining states).

We don’t mind driving and when possible travel off the beaten path or not with tour groups. I could Google, but I thought some with knowledge of the area and its surroundings at this time of year is the way to go.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. I’m not sure my research came up with the best for our 6 day adventure. These are a few places I heard of, not in any particular order.

* Salton Sea

*Rancho Mirage

*Devils Hole, NV

* San Andreas Fault (I see many tours going here, but can this be done in a rental car?) this is one of the top things I’d like to see!

*Death Valley NP

*The Spa at Séc-he

*Tahquitz Falls and Canyon

Last but not least in Palm Springs, the Aerial Tramway

Any advice would be appreciated!

Answer

Palm Springs makes an excellent base for exploring Southern California and the nearby regions, especially in December when daytime weather tends to be cool, sunny, and perfect for sightseeing. With six days, you can comfortably mix classic Palm Springs experiences with rewarding day trips, scenic drives, and even some off-the-beaten-path desert landscapes. Below is a detailed breakdown of your listed ideas along with practical alternatives, realistic driving times, and what is most worthwhile during mid-December.

First, the time of year is important: December is ideal for outdoor exploring—hiking, canyons, parks, quirky desert towns—without the extreme heat that makes these spots unbearable in summer. Some locations are further than they appear, so choosing a balance of one long day trip and a few shorter ones works best.

Here are detailed thoughts on each destination on your list:

Salton Sea – Very easy and absolutely doable as a half-day or full-day trip. From Palm Springs it’s about 1 hour to the north shore or 1.5 hours to Bombay Beach. It’s not a “beautiful” lake, but it’s fascinating, surreal, quiet, and unforgettable. The art installations at Bombay Beach, the abandoned buildings, and the eerie shoreline make it a unique desert experience.
Rancho Mirage – This is part of the Coachella Valley suburbs, very close to Palm Springs (15–20 minutes). Worth visiting for the Sunnylands estate, some nice dining, and relaxed neighborhoods. It’s not a “day trip” destination, but rather an easy part of your Palm Springs stay.
Devils Hole (Ash Meadows, Nevada) – Beautiful but very far for a day trip from Palm Springs. Round-trip would be around 6–7 hours of driving. It’s interesting for wildlife lovers, but keep in mind the actual Devils Hole is closed to close viewing—visitors can only see it from a platform. If you want a long-day desert adventure, Death Valley is much more rewarding.
San Andreas Fault (DIY driving) – Yes, you can absolutely explore parts of the fault on your own without a tour. The easiest access is via Thousand Palms Oasis in the Coachella Valley Preserve. You can walk directly along visible fault lines, see palm oases formed by groundwater uplift, and drive to several accessible trailheads. No need for 4WD. Guided tours go deeper into the fault zone, but for a self-guided visitor, this is one of the best free experiences.
Death Valley National Park – One of the most impressive day trips and excellent in December. However, it is a very long day. Expect about 2.5 to 3 hours to reach the park boundary, and another hour to reach Furnace Creek. You would need to leave early (around 6am) and return after dark. The payoff: Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Artist Drive, and Dante’s View make it spectacular and worth the distance if you are comfortable with a full, long day on the road.
The Spa at Séc-he – A wonderful in-town relaxation day. This can be done as a break between longer day trips. You can enjoy hot mineral waters, beautiful design, and relaxing amenities. If you enjoy natural mineral water without theme-park vibes, it’s a great pick.
Tahquitz Canyon and Tahquitz Falls – A must-see if you enjoy moderate hiking and Indigenous history. The 2-mile loop leads to a waterfall that sometimes slows in December, but the canyon itself is beautiful. Go early for the best light and fewer people.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – An essential Palm Springs experience. December is magical—cold temperatures, snow at the top, and amazing views. You can easily spend 2–3 hours walking around, enjoying the mountain air, or visiting the viewpoints. Try to book tickets ahead for a morning or late afternoon time slot.

Based on these, here are several curated day trip ideas that work wonderfully in December and give you a balanced trip:

Joshua Tree National Park – Only 45–60 minutes from Palm Springs. Ideal weather in December. Explore Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, Keys View, and the Cholla Cactus Garden. You can easily spend a full day here.
Idyllwild Mountain Village – A cozy alpine town about 1.25 hours away. Pines, coffee shops, galleries, and cooler temps. Makes a wonderful contrast to the desert scenery.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park – 1.75 hours from Palm Springs. Incredible desert panoramas, slot canyons (like Slot Canyon Trail), and metal sculptures in Borrego Springs. Much less crowded than the national parks.
Salvation Mountain & East Jesus – Can pair with the Salton Sea. A colorful, quirky, artistic, and surreal destination. Popular with photographers and desert explorers.
Cable Car + Downtown Palm Springs + Tahquitz Canyon – A perfect in-town day without long drives.

For a six-day itinerary, a nice structure would be:

Day 1 – Palm Springs Aerial Tramway + Downtown strolling
Day 2 – Joshua Tree National Park
Day 3 – Salton Sea + Bombay Beach + Salvation Mountain
Day 4 – San Andreas Fault (Coachella Valley Preserve) + Rancho Mirage/Sunnylands
Day 5 – Desert relaxation (Spa at Séc-he)
Day 6 – Either Death Valley (long day) or Idyllwild Mountain Village (shorter, relaxing day)

With this plan, you get a mix of desert geology, mountain scenery, local culture, outdoor hikes, and relaxation, all perfectly suited for December weather.

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