Best Picnic Spots and Exploration Sites in Greater Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs offers endless opportunities to immerse yourself in breathtaking desert landscapes, scenic panoramas, and lush gardens—perfect settings for unforgettable picnics.
Discover our curated list of top picnic locations in the oasis, plus recommendations for sourcing delicious picnic provisions nearby.
Premier Picnic Destinations in the Oasis
Moorten Botanical Garden
Nestled in downtown Palm Springs, the historic Moorten Botanical Garden is a cactus enthusiast's paradise. This family-owned gem showcases over 3,000 varieties of desert plants, birds, crystals, relics, a nursery, and a stunning cactarium.
Open to visitors of all ages, the garden welcomes picnics in the designated seating areas. Bring your own lunch and relax amid the natural beauty. Admission: $5 for adults and seniors, $2 for children 15 and under; free for kids under 5.
Moorten Botanical Garden operates year-round with seasonal hours: closed Wednesdays; 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in winter, spring, and fall; 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in summer. Located at 1701 S Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.
Sunnylands Center & Gardens
Delve into the rich history and artistry of Sunnylands Center & Gardens in Rancho Mirage, part of the esteemed estate built by Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg. Explore educational exhibits, the Sunnylands Collection of fine art, and nine acres of meticulously designed gardens.
Picnickers may bring food to enjoy on benches or the Great Lawn; bags and coolers up to 12x14 inches are permitted. Free admission, no reservations required.
Open Thursday through Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Located at 37977 Bob Hope Dr., Rancho Mirage.
Indian Canyons
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians/Kate Anderson
Step into the ancestral lands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Hike through Palm Canyon, Andreas Canyon, or Murray Canyon, where ancient rock art, house pits, foundations, irrigation systems, dams, reservoirs, and food preparation sites remain visible.
Picnic at tables along trails or near streams. Admission: $9 adults, $7 seniors/students, $5 children (6-12), free for military with ID.
Located at 38520 S Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs. Open daily 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. October 1–July 4; Fridays–Sundays July 5–September 30.
Tahquitz Canyon
A 2-mile loop trail leads to a seasonal 60-foot waterfall, with streams, rock art, native wildlife, and plants en route—an ideal picnic setting. Admission: $12.50 adults, $6 children (6-12), free for military with ID.
Located at 500 W. Mesquite Ave., Palm Springs. Open daily 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. October 1–July 4; Fridays–Sundays July 5–September 30.
The Living Desert
This unique zoo and botanical garden in Palm Desert highlights desert ecosystems from around the world, offering unparalleled natural beauty and abundant picnic spots at benches, tables, or secluded paths.
Admission: $19.95 adults, $17.95 seniors (62+), $9.95 children (3-12), free under 3.
Open daily October 1–May 31, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; June 1–September 30, 8:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Located at 47900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert.
Coachella Valley Preserve–Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve
Explore 20,000 acres of trails, the San Andreas Fault, and the Thousand Palms Oasis fed by natural springs. Picnic under fan palms at tables in Tamarisk Grove, McCallum Grove, or Pushwalla Palms. Free entry; donations appreciated.
Open 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. October–April; 6:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. May–September. Located at 29200 Thousand Palms Canyon Road, Thousand Palms.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Ascend to 8,516 feet via the world's largest rotating tramcar for panoramic views, hikes, and picnics at Mountain Station or along trails. Admission: $25.95 adults, $23.95 seniors (65+), $16.95 children (3-10).
Hours vary; check here. Located at 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs.
Whitewater Preserve
Near Interstate 10, this 2,851-acre preserve offers hiking, fishing, kids' activities, and picnics by the year-round Whitewater River. Free entry; ranger registration required for hiking/camping.
Open daily 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Located at 9160 Whitewater Canyon Rd., Whitewater.
The Gardens at Shields Date Garden
In Indio, explore 17 acres of date palms, shop for dates, nuts, citrus, and novelties, or grab café bites and date shakes for picnics (no outside food).
Open daily 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Located at 80225 CA-111, Indio.
Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area
La Quinta's multi-activity park with equestrian trails, camping, hiking, fishing, and pool. Picnic at tables amid Santa Rosa Mountain views. Fees vary by activity.
Hours vary; see park’s website. Located at 58075 Jefferson St., La Quinta.
Top Spots to Pick Up Picnic Essentials
TKB Bakery & Deli
Renowned for exceptional sandwiches like The Trump, Pesto Chicken Ranch Club, and Mexican Meatloaf on fresh breads. A local and Yelp favorite in Indio.
Open Monday–Saturday 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Located at 44911 Golf Center Pkwy., Indio.
Nature’s Health Food & Café
Over 100 vegan, vegetarian, organic, and gluten-free options, including juices and espresso. Ideal for healthy picnics in Palm Springs.
Open daily: 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Mon–Fri; 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. weekends. Located at 555 S. Sunrise Way #301, Palm Springs.
The Real Italian Deli
Authentic Italian sandwiches, cheeses, breads, meats, oils, pastas, and wines at Palm Desert and Palm Springs locations.
Palm Desert: 44795 San Pablo Dr., Suite 1. Palm Springs: 100 South Sunrise Way, Suite B. Hours vary.
Sherman’s Deli & Bakery
Kosher-style Jewish deli with New York favorites and desserts. Famous sandwiches perfect for picnics at Palm Desert and Palm Springs spots.
Open daily 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Palm Desert: 73-161 Country Club Dr. Palm Springs: 401 E Tahquitz Canyon Way.
For more inspiration, explore our must-read list for visiting Greater Palm Springs in winter.
