{"id":780330,"date":"2025-12-27T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-27T20:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.palmspringslife.com\/?p=780330"},"modified":"2025-12-26T16:59:41","modified_gmt":"2025-12-27T00:59:41","slug":"museums-tours-and-track-time-17-adventures-for-a-desert-getaway","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.palmspringslife.com\/the-guide\/things-to-do\/museums-tours-and-track-time-17-adventures-for-a-desert-getaway\/","title":{"rendered":"Museums, Tours, and Track Time: 17 Adventures for a Desert Getaway"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<h6><span style=important;font-weight:400;color:#fff!important;background:#ccc;padding:3px 5px 3px 5px\">SPONSORED<\/span><\/h6>\n<h3 class=\"p1\">BMW Performance Center<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p5\"><span class=\"s3\">Buckle up and get ready to unleash your inner driver at the <a href=\"https:\/\/bmwperformancecenter.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BMW Performance Center Driving School<\/a>, nestled inside the exclusive Thermal Club near Palm Springs \u2014 the only place on the West Coast where the \u201cultimate driving machine\u201d truly roars to life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s3\">Whether you\u2019re looking to sharpen your teen\u2019s skills or push your own to the limit, there\u2019s a course (and a BMW) for you. Zoom through high-speed straights, tackle technical corners, and master precision driving with help from pro instructors and a fleet of the latest BMWs.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.palmspringslife.com\/media\/2025\/12\/18235244\/DSC_8902-1-1-cc.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;DSC_8902-1-1 cc&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;891ded8d-bfb6-4883-9783-3a50da9dba2e&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<p class=\"p1\">Go off-roading in the BMW X5.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;e6b43398-9dc0-46ed-9cc4-b9de69bf0e6a&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Photo courtesy BMW performance center <\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.palmspringslife.com\/media\/2025\/12\/18235237\/DSC_8661-1-1-cc.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;DSC_8661-1-1 cc&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;891ded8d-bfb6-4883-9783-3a50da9dba2e&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<p class=\"p1\">Instructors guide you through each experience.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;e6b43398-9dc0-46ed-9cc4-b9de69bf0e6a&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<p>Photo courtesy BMW performance center<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s3\">Choose a quick thrill with our half-day experiences or go full throttle with one- and two-day driver\u2019s school courses. Want more? Conquer off-road terrain in a BMW X5, race against the clock in autocross, or throw on a virtual reality headset and drive a digital track \u2014 yes, while actually driving!<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s3\">Hosting a group? We\u2019ve got you covered with a modern facility, private meeting spaces, and gourmet catering. Fast cars, fast fun \u2014 this is more than just a day at the track.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s3\"><span class=\"s1\"><em>86050 Jasper Lane, Thermal<br \/><\/em><\/span><em><span class=\"s1\">888-345-4269<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.palmspringslife.com\/media\/2025\/12\/18235437\/Couple-at-SAF-cc.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Couple at SAF cc&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;e6b43398-9dc0-46ed-9cc4-b9de69bf0e6a&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<p>Photo courtesy Red Jeep Tours by Desert Adventures<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.palmspringslife.com\/media\/2025\/12\/18235446\/Photo-18-2-2024-9-06-48-am-cc.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Photo 18-2-2024 9 06 48\u202fam cc&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;e6b43398-9dc0-46ed-9cc4-b9de69bf0e6a&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<p>Photo courtesy Red Jeep Tours by Desert Adventures<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<h6><span style=important;font-weight:400;color:#fff!important;background:#ccc;padding:3px 5px 3px 5px\">SPONSORED<\/span><\/h6>\n<h3 class=\"p1\">Red Jeep Tours by Desert Adventures<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p5\"><span class=\"s2\">Get up close and personal with some of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the desert, from the badlands of the San Andreas Fault to the lush palm oases in the Indian Canyons to the scenic landscape of Joshua Tree National Park. Since 1988, Desert Adventures has been one of the area\u2019s most highly regarded tour companies, offering entertaining tours in classic open-air Jeeps as their expert naturalist guides describe the flora, fauna, geology, and history of the scenic surrounds. Signature San Andreas Fault <a href=\"https:\/\/www.red-jeep.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jeep Tours<\/a> explore the company\u2019s private location in the Indio Hills, where riders get to visit a natural palm oasis, a replica Cahuilla Indian village, and the narrow canyons of the San Andreas Fault zone. Guided hikes take you through slot canyons to amazing overlooks. Desert Adventures also offers customized private and group tours and VIP experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><em><span class=\"s1\">74794 Lennon Place, Suite B, Palm Desert\n<\/span><span class=\"s1\">760-324-5337<\/span><\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.palmspringslife.com\/media\/2025\/12\/18235355\/IMG_20250401_105037-cc.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;IMG_20250401_105037 cc&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;891ded8d-bfb6-4883-9783-3a50da9dba2e&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<p class=\"p1\">Drag &amp; Fly Tours owner\/guide Anita Doll with bus.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;e6b43398-9dc0-46ed-9cc4-b9de69bf0e6a&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Courtesy drag &amp; Fly Tours<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<h2 class=\"p1\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span class=\"s1\">Guided Tours<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><i>Learn about the area\u2019s fascinating history with an expert guide.<\/i><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\">Five-Star Adventures Tours<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\">Peek behind the<a href=\"https:\/\/fsatours.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> gates of celebrity homes<\/a> and soak in Palm Springs\u2019 midcentury design legacy on this classic architecture and star tour.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\">Drag N Fly Tours<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\">See Palm Springs through a sassier lens on this lively, laughter-filled tour <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dragandflytours.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hosted by a local drag queen<\/a>. Expect celebrity gossip, campy history, and plenty of photo ops as you cruise in a custom air-conditioned tour bus.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\">Palm Springs Historical Society Walking Tours<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pshistoricalsociety.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Downtown walking tours<\/a> guided by knowledgeable docents cover a variety of topics \u2014 architecture, famous residents, civic history, and more. Great for visitors who want something on foot.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<h3 class=\"p1\">Desert Tasty Tours<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/deserttastytours.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">guided food tour of Palm Springs<\/a> with tastings at several restaurants and specialty shops \u2014 ideal for culinary-focused visitors who want to sample local flavors while learning some history.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\">Big Wheel Tours<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\">Explore Indian Canyons, Joshua Tree, and other natural wonders on <a href=\"https:\/\/bwbtours.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a hiking, biking, or SUV adventure<\/a> \u2014 led by a local guide.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\">Adventure Hummer Tours<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\">Climb aboard an open-air or air-conditioned Hummer for an<a href=\"https:\/\/adventurehummer.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> off-road journey<\/a> through some of the region\u2019s most rugged and scenic terrain.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<h3 class=\"p1\">Covered Wagon Tours<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\">The Old West lives on in Indio, where<a href=\"https:\/\/coveredwagontours.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> mule-drawn wagons<\/a> carry guests through the desert by day or under the stars. Expect crackling campfires, cowboy stories, and a step back in time.\u00a0<b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\">Fantasy Balloon Flights<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\">Family-owned since 1981, this company floats guests <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fantasyballoonflight.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">high above the desert<\/a> in colorful hot air balloons \u2014 a peaceful ride with sweeping views and room for two to 10 passengers.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.palmspringslife.com\/media\/2025\/12\/18235615\/cw-712-5-cc.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;cw 712 5 cc&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;891ded8d-bfb6-4883-9783-3a50da9dba2e&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<p class=\"p1\">Off-road with Covered Wagon Tours.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;e6b43398-9dc0-46ed-9cc4-b9de69bf0e6a&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<p>Photo courtesy <span class=\"s1\">covered wagon tours<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<h2 class=\"p1\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span class=\"s1\">Musems Surrounding the Coachella Valley<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><i>Small museums with big stories.<\/i><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p3\">Malki Museum<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p4\">Located on the Morongo Band of Mission Indians reservation in Banning, this is <a href=\"https:\/\/malkimuseum.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">California\u2019s oldest museum<\/a> founded by Native Americans. It preserves and shares Cahuilla culture and heritage through artifacts, oral histories, and educational programming.\u00a0<b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p3\">Gilman Historic Ranch &amp; Wagon Museum<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p4\">Once a stop along the Bradshaw Trail, this preserved 19th-century ranch in Banning includes original adobe structures, a heritage orchard, and a collection of antique wagons that bring frontier-era California to life. <i>951-922-9200<\/i><i><\/i><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p2\">General Patton Memorial Museum<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p3\">Dedicated to the World War II general and the nearby Desert Training Center he commanded, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.generalpattonmuseum.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this museum<\/a> at Chiriaco Summit displays tanks, weapons, and wartime memorabilia along a sunbaked stretch of I-10.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.palmspringslife.com\/media\/2025\/12\/18235606\/BLCC_PSR_SEC_0017-cc.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;BLCC_PSR_SEC_0017 cc&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;891ded8d-bfb6-4883-9783-3a50da9dba2e&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<p class=\"p1\">Fantasy Balloon Flights pilot preps for takeoff.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;e6b43398-9dc0-46ed-9cc4-b9de69bf0e6a&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Photo by daniela stallinger<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<h3 class=\"p1\">Hi-Desert Nature Museum<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hidesertnaturemuseum.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Part science museum, part local history center<\/a>, this family-friendly stop in Yucca Valley features hands-on exhibits exploring desert wildlife, geology, and early human settlement. Rotating displays and events add a lively local perspective.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\">Joshua Tree &amp; Southern Railroad Museum<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\">Located near Joshua Tree National Park, this<a href=\"https:\/\/jtsrr.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> museum offers rides on fully operational 15-inch and 7\u00bd-inch tracks<\/a> during scheduled events. Vintage locomotives, cabooses, and G-scale displays round out the experience.<i>\u00a0<\/i><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\">Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\">This visitor center in Twentynine Palms includes a small museum that explores the Indigenous history and natural wonders of the park. Exhibits, books, and handmade crafts offer insight into the people and environment that define the region.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<h3 class=\"p1\">Western Science Center<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\">In Hemet, about an hour from Palm Springs, this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernsciencecenter.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">regional museum<\/a> houses Ice Age fossils uncovered during the construction of Diamond Valley Lake \u2014 including Max the mastodon. Kids can create their own fossil rubbings.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore the desert beyond Palm Springs with nearby museums and guided tours that highlight history, nature, and thrill.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":780332,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[595],"tags":[11717,14855],"advertiser":[],"poi_city":[],"class_list":["post-780330","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-things-to-do","tag-bmw-performance-center","tag-red-jeep-tours-by-desert-adventures"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ 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