Palm Desert, nestled in the heart of California’s Coachella Valley, is a desert oasis known for its warm climate, stunning landscapes, and outdoor adventures, making it an ideal destination for family vacations. From hiking in the nearby Joshua Tree National Park to shopping along El Paseo Drive and enjoying family-friendly resorts, Palm Desert offers a diverse range of experiences for all ages. To help you plan an unforgettable trip, we’ve put together a guide to the best family-friendly hotels in Palm Desert, along with a list of top attractions and activities.
Top Picks for Family-Friendly Hotels in Palm Desert
Resort Paradise: JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
Family-Friendly Features: JW Marriott Desert Springs offers spacious rooms, a lazy river, multiple pools, and a kids’ club. Families can enjoy on-site dining options and boat rides on the resort’s waterways.
Why Families Love It: This resort provides a true oasis experience with its lush grounds and recreational activities. Kids have a blast at the kids’ club, while parents can relax at the spa or play golf.
Alternative Options:
- Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa: A family-friendly resort with comfortable rooms and a large pool area, located near Indian Wells.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage: A luxurious resort with beautiful views and an excellent spa, ideal for families seeking upscale comfort.
Villa Retreat: The Westin Desert Willow Villas
Family-Friendly Features: The Westin Desert Willow Villas offers villa-style accommodations with kitchenettes, multiple pools, and a kids’ club. The villas provide ample space for families.
Why Families Love It: Families appreciate the villa-style rooms with kitchenettes, making it easy to prepare meals. The pools are great for relaxation, and the kids’ club keeps children entertained.
Alternative Options:
- Marriott’s Shadow Ridge: A vacation club with spacious villas, water slides, and a golf course, offering family-friendly amenities in a beautiful setting.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Palm Desert: A comfortable hotel with spacious suites, an outdoor pool, and complimentary breakfast, perfect for families on a budget.
Family Oasis: Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Family-Friendly Features: Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort offers comfortable rooms, a lazy river, a Splashtopia water park, and an on-site kids’ camp.
Why Families Love It: This resort is all about family fun, with its water park and kids’ camp. Parents can enjoy golf and spa treatments while the kids have a blast.
Alternative Options:
- Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa: A family-friendly resort with spacious rooms, water slides, and a lazy river, located in a peaceful setting.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Golf Resort Palm Springs: A comfortable hotel with spacious rooms, a golf course, and an outdoor pool, offering a relaxed atmosphere for families.
Comfort and Convenience: Homewood Suites by Hilton Palm Desert
Family-Friendly Features: Homewood Suites offers spacious suites with kitchenettes, complimentary breakfast, and a pool area. It’s a great choice for families seeking value and convenience.
Why Families Love It: Families enjoy the suite-style rooms with kitchenettes, providing flexibility for meals. The complimentary breakfast is a plus, and the pool offers a place to unwind.
Alternative Options:
- Residence Inn by Marriott Palm Desert: An all-suite hotel with kitchenettes, complimentary breakfast, and an outdoor pool, suitable for families on an extended stay.
- Desert Breezes Resort: A vacation rental resort with comfortable condos and pool access, providing a relaxed atmosphere for families.
Budget-Friendly Option: Holiday Inn Express Palm Desert
Family-Friendly Features: Holiday Inn Express offers comfortable rooms, a pool, and complimentary breakfast. It provides affordability without sacrificing convenience.
Why Families Love It: Families on a budget appreciate the comfortable accommodations and the added value of complimentary breakfast. The pool offers a place to cool off.
Alternative Options:
- Motel 6 Palm Desert – Palm Springs Area: A budget-friendly option with basic rooms and a pool, suitable for families seeking affordability.
- Red Roof Inn Palm Springs – Thousand Palms: A budget-friendly hotel with comfortable rooms and a pool, offering simple and convenient lodging.
Family-Friendly Activities in Palm Desert
- Joshua Tree National Park: Explore the unique desert landscapes, hike the trails, and stargaze at night in this nearby national park.
- Living Desert Zoo and Gardens: Discover desert flora and fauna, including animals from North America and Africa, in this family-friendly zoo and botanical garden.
- El Paseo Shopping District: Enjoy shopping, dining, and art galleries along El Paseo, often referred to as the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert.”
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Take a tram ride up the San Jacinto Mountains for breathtaking views and hiking opportunities.
- Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert: Let kids engage in interactive exhibits and hands-on learning experiences at this educational museum.
- Golf and Miniature Golf: Play a round of golf at one of the many golf courses in the area, or enjoy a game of miniature golf with the family.
- Hiking and Biking Trails: Explore the desert’s natural beauty on the numerous hiking and biking trails, suitable for all skill levels.
- Desert Adventures Jeep Tours: Embark on guided jeep tours to learn about the desert’s history, geology, and wildlife.
Conclusion
Palm Desert, California, offers an array of family-friendly hotels and activities to suit every taste. Whether you prefer a resort paradise, a villa retreat, a family oasis, comfort and convenience, or a budget-friendly option, Palm Desert has the perfect accommodation for your family. Combine your stay with the numerous activities and attractions in the area to create lasting memories on your family vacation in this beautiful desert destination.
