4 Coachella Valley Fitness Groups to Join for Community and Wellness

Some workouts are better together. And with cooler weather returning, it’s the perfect time to get outside and move with a group.

There are plenty of options: Join a run club, a garden yoga flow, or surf lessons — one High Desert destination even offers hiking with goats. (Yes, you read that right.) Come solo or bring a friend. These meetups build community and offer a kind of momentum you just can’t get on your own.

Goat Hikes

The Yogi Goats Farm & Retreat

Pioneertown

Enjoy the company of adorable Nubian goats while learning about local flora during a two-and-a-half-hour hike in the Mojave Desert around Pioneertown. The hikes happen every afternoon at sunset and can be booked through the farm’s Instagram account or via Airbnb Experiences. Hikes are approximately 3 miles and customized to the ability of each group. “We also organize a farm visit every morning at 9 a.m. for 90 minutes, where visitors can meet rescued animals including peacocks, turkeys, ducks, guinea fowl, chickens, a pig, a donkey, horses, and goats,” says Emmanuel Atalaphe, hiking host and animal caretaker at The Yogi Goats Farm & Retreat.

Neighborhood Runs

Just Move Coachella

Coachella

Founded in 2023 by Steve Garcia, owner of Sixth Street Coffee in Coachella, Just Move Coachella meets regularly at the coffee shop — and other locations throughout the desert — for free community runs, and yoga classes taught by SoulZenter. “It’s super fun and we always encourage the community to show up,” Garcia says. “It’s not a race; everyone goes at their own pace. Some run and some walk. It’s more about getting the community together and moving.” The group also launched the inaugural Rancho Run in March 2025, with the next race planned for September 2026. 

Adult Water Polo Classes

Palm Springs Swim Center

Palm Springs

Whether you’re a newbie or looking to grow your skills, the Palm Springs Swim Center offers a free adult water polo program on Saturdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Participants build endurance, sharpen their swimming skills, and learn the fundamentals of passing, shooting, and teamwork through scrimmages and structured drills in a fun, supportive environment. “Water polo gives adults the chance to challenge themselves physically while being part of a team,” says Caylie Pasat, aquatics manager at the city of Palm Springs. “They’ll discover the thrill of competition, the confidence that comes from learning new skills, and the fun of being in the water with friends.” 

Yoga in the Gardens

Sunnylands Center & Gardens

Rancho Mirage

November through April, Sunnylands Center & Gardens presents free yoga classes Fridays from 10 to 11 a.m. Held in the West Gardens, the 60-minute sessions are open to all ages and skill levels; yoga mats are not provided. After class, explore the surrounding 9-acre gardens, home to more than 70 species of native and arid-adapted plants from around the world. Rhoda Coscetti, Sunnylands community program specialist, calls the classes “a fulfilling experience that invites participants to breathe deeply, feel the grass beneath their feet, and reconnect with their bodies.” The views and history of this landmark estate are just a bonus. 

Waikiki Wave Surf Lessons

Palm Springs Surf Club

Palm Springs

Yes, you can learn to surf in the desert. Palm Springs Surf Club hosts classes on Mondays and Wednesdays at 1 p.m. During Waikiki Wave sessions, participants learn how to paddle, pop up, and catch a wave on a beginner-friendly setting. Surfboards and wetsuits are available for rent at the club, and December water temperatures are expected to be in the 50s.