Palm Desert vacation rentals

Book unique homes, vacation rentals, and more on Airbnb

When results are available, navigate with up and down arrow keys or explore by touch or swipe gestures.
0 of 0 items showing
1 of 3 pages

Popular amenities for Palm Desert vacation rentals

Stay near Palm Desert's top sights

Marriott's Shadow Ridge Golf Club15 locals recommend
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens889 locals recommend
Palm Desert Country Club11 locals recommend
Desert Falls Country Club14 locals recommend
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa49 locals recommend
Indian Wells Tennis Garden340 locals recommend

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.

Destinations to explore