Not every place within driving distance of Palm Springs deserves your time.

There are plenty of towns, stops, and “attractions” within two hours of the Coachella Valley. But distance alone doesn’t make something a good day trip. A real day trip needs to feel manageable, worth the drive, and not like you’re rushing just to justify the gas.

This list focuses on places that work within roughly two hours of Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and the surrounding desert — without turning into a full travel production.

What qualifies for this list

• Under about two hours each way in normal traffic
• Enough to do for 2–5 hours without forcing it
• Works as a true day trip (not something that really needs an overnight)
• Actually enjoyable when expectations are set correctly

If a destination needs two nights, reservations weeks in advance, or a 6am departure to avoid regret, it’s not on this list.

Joshua Tree National Park

Distance: About 45–60 minutes

Joshua Tree is the most obvious answer, and for good reason. Short hikes, scenic drives, and dramatic desert landscapes make it one of the easiest high-impact day trips from Palm Springs.

The key is timing. Go early in warmer months, avoid peak weekend chaos when possible, and don’t try to “see it all.”

If you’re looking for lesser-known trails and smarter ways to explore, start here: Awesome Lesser-Known Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park.

Pioneertown

Distance: About 1 hour

Pioneertown is small, photo-friendly, and easy to overestimate. As a short stop paired with Joshua Tree or a scenic drive, it works well. As a full-day destination, it doesn’t.

Go in with light expectations and it becomes a memorable detour instead of a letdown.

Full guide: Pioneertown Day Trip Guide

Idyllwild

Distance: About 1 hour 15 minutes

If what you want is cooler air and pine trees without a theme-park atmosphere, Idyllwild delivers. It’s quiet, walkable, and best enjoyed slowly.

Works beautifully as a relaxed day trip. Even better if you don’t overschedule it.

Read more: Idyllwild as a Day Trip or Overnight

Julian

Distance: About 1 hour 45 minutes

Julian is a small mountain town best known for pie, but it’s really about the simple, low-effort mountain-town vibe. Walk the main stretch, eat something, enjoy the cooler air, and call it a win.

It works best when you treat it as a short visit, not a packed itinerary.

Full breakdown: Julian Isn’t Just Pie

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Distance: About 1 hour 30 minutes

Anza-Borrego feels bigger and emptier than Joshua Tree. It’s especially good during wildflower season or cooler months when the desert is at its best.

Outside of peak bloom, it’s about open space, scenic drives, and solitude rather than attractions.

Oak Glen

Distance: About 1 hour 30 minutes

Oak Glen is most famous during apple season, but the cooler weather and mountain setting make it a solid escape when the desert heat is relentless.

Go earlier in the day, especially in fall, unless you enjoy long lines and crowded parking lots.

Full breakdown: Oak Glen Day Trip Guide

Landers

Distance: About 1 hour

Landers is quieter and weirder than its neighbors. If you prefer wide-open desert energy over polished attractions, it can be a surprisingly satisfying detour.

More here: Landers Travel Guide

When a day trip should actually be an overnight

Some places technically fit within two hours but feel rushed if you try to cram them into a single day. If you’re driving at peak traffic times or planning multiple stops, consider whether one night away would make the experience better.

The goal of a day trip is to return relaxed, not irritated.

Salton Sea

Distance: About 1 hour

The Salton Sea is not a traditional “fun” day trip. It’s stark, quiet, sometimes strange, and occasionally smelly. That’s also what makes it interesting.

If you’re curious about desert landscapes that feel a little post-apocalyptic and a little beautiful at the same time, it’s worth seeing once. Go in cooler months, bring water, and don’t expect attractions or polished infrastructure.

This is more about atmosphere than activity.

More here: Salton Sea Travel Guide

The bottom line

The best day trips from Palm Springs aren’t the farthest or the flashiest. They’re the ones that feel manageable, flexible, and worth the drive without overthinking it.

For more curated escapes, explore our full guide to Day Trips & Short Getaways from the Coachella Valley.