The Atlas Obscura Guide To Palm Desert

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Palm Desert, California

Updated July 21, 2017

Unusual Attractions in Palm Desert

Palm Desert, California

Smiler's Point

This simple highway curve has become a comedic pilgrimage site.

Palm Desert, California

Curves and Zigzags

A black and white painted wall creates an optical illusion in the California desert.

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Rancho Mirage, California

Sunnylands

You don't have to be a diplomat to visit the so-called Camp David of the West.

4 miles from Palm Desert

Cathedral City, California

Museum of Ancient Wonders

Nestled in Coachella Valley, this museum transports guests from the Mesozoic Era, to the land of Egyptian kings.

6 miles from Palm Desert

Knight of Shields, guiding seekers of dates.

Indio, California

Shields Date Garden

A giant knight, sex education, date shakes, and Jesus coexist happily in this Coachella Valley desert oasis.

6 miles from Palm Desert

The giant metal roadrunner watches traffic from the middle of the rotary.

La Quinta, California

Big Metal Roadrunner

A giant desert bird that once swung music fans at Coachella now has a home in a nearby traffic circle.

7 miles from Palm Desert

Thousand Palms, California

Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve

Hike amid the palm trees that thrive among Southern California's Indio Hills.

8 miles from Palm Desert

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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Palm Desert

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Palm Desert, California

Unusual Attractions in Palm Desert

Palm Desert, California

Smiler's Point

Palm Desert, California

Curves and Zigzags

Rancho Mirage, California

Sunnylands

Cathedral City, California

Museum of Ancient Wonders

Indio, California

Shields Date Garden

La Quinta, California

Big Metal Roadrunner

Thousand Palms, California

Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve

Plan Your Trip

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Palm Desert, California

Palm Desert Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Palm Desert Activity

Popular Destinations

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Palm Desert

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Palm Desert, California

Unusual Attractions in Palm Desert

Plan Your Trip

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Palm Desert, California

Palm Desert Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Palm Desert Activity

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