Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Cathedral City, CA

  • Published 2021/12/31

With a wide range of exciting activities, you’re in for a treat with the best things to do in Cathedral City!

Cathedral City, sometimes known as “Cat City,” is a desert resort town in the Coachella Valley of the Colorado Desert in Riverside County, California, the United States.

Located between Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, it is the second-largest city in the Coachella Valley, behind Indio, with a population of more than 100,000.

The Cahuilla Indians occupied the region before the advent of European explorers and settlers.

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians reserve now encompasses every square mile of the city.

It wasn’t until 1981 that a housing development marked the beginning of the town’s growth.

The city got its name from Cathedral Canyon.

According to legend, the canyon got its name because some of its rock formations resembled a cathedral.

The canyon’s cathedral-like features were drastically affected by a flood in August 1946.

It has been said that Cathedral City, California, is one of the country’s “most livable” cities.

Resorts, restaurants, shopping, art galleries, and family-friendly recreational facilities are all located.

There are many reasons tourists return time and time to the Sonoran Desert, including the kind people, beautiful scenery, and exciting festivals and special events.

Discover the best things to do in Cathedral City with our list:

Make a Wish at Fountain of Life

Fountain of Life at Cathedral City, California

The Monarch Creative / Shutterstock.com

Fountain of Life is located in Town Square, located right in front of City Hall.

It is an award-winning dynamic fountain that gives visual beauty and a “sprayground” water feature, is provided by Cathedral City, California Adults and children alike enjoy splashing about in the water at this fun spot.

A municipal rule governs how the fountain may be used. In addition to the interactive fountain, Town Square has a rose garden, beautiful landscaping, benches, seats for public events, and public art installations.

Easter Kidapalooza and the North Pole Village during Snowfest are two events in Town Square each year.

A portion of Town Square Park may be reserved for private parties or other gatherings.

Explore Ancient Civilizations at the Museum of Ancient Wonders

Museum of Ancient Wonders features various artifacts from ancient civilizations and lab-created fossils of prehistoric finds.

There is no other place in the Coachella Valley where people can see exhibits of this caliber and scale dedicated to the latest discoveries in paleontology, anthropology, and archaeology from across the globe.

The museum was created specifically to meet this need for locals and tourists alike.

It features 375 artifacts and fossil specimens.

The Museum of Ancient Wonders offers visitors of all ages the chance to immerse themselves in the Pharaoh’s life, ancient African mysticism, Greek mythology, and diverse and comprehensive fossil collections hardly ever seen beyond their respective countries.

Play Bowling at Palm Springs Lanes

The Palm Springs Lanes is a family-friendly bowling alley located about 10 minutes from downtown Palm Springs.

The adjacent restaurant sells pizzas, burgers, and more.

The bowling facility is reasonably priced, and you may join leagues there.

Bowling is the ultimate social activity, and no place does it better than Palm Springs Lanes.

Grab your friends and go down for a guaranteed good time.

Try Your Luck at Agua Caliente Cathedral City

There is always something to win in Agua Caliente!

This casino in Cathedral City is a gambling haven.

Its three top casinos feature slot machines, video poker machines, table games, and increased gaming.

With the most rewarding players club in town, your gaming experience is elevated to new heights.

Its 71,000 square feet of top-notch slots, video games, and tables make this casino a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

There is never a dull moment when you play at Agua Caliente Palm Springs.

Its 30,000-square-foot casino floor boasts the latest slot machines and table games, so come on and have fun.

Have a Fun Family Day at Panorama Park

One of the oldest parks in the city, Panorama Park, was established as a public park in 1960.

On June 4, 1989, it was officially dedicated after a major makeover that included a slew of recreational amenities.

You don’t have to drive far to relax at Panorama Park on a sunny day.

The seven-acre park is the city’s largest open area and includes many attractions.

In addition to the two tot lots and two tennis courts, the park has a softball field, sand volleyball court, spray pool, shade structure, and seats for visitors to sit on.

A walking track and picnic sites with BBQs are also available.

Swing Your Club at Cimarron Golf Club

Having two distinct golf courses on-site at Cimarron Golf Club is one of the club’s greatest assets.

These 18-hole championship courses are ideal for all skill levels, but they have enough obstacles to make your game difficult.

And did we forget to add that the stunning San Jacinto Mountains frame the golf course landscape?

It’s easy to see why it has been chosen as one of the best in Southern California to play the sport.

After a hard day on the course, stop by the on-site restaurant for a tasty dinner and a cool drink.

Drive through CV Link – Ramon Road Access

CV Link is a game-changing idea in terms of active and alternative transportation.

Passenger, bicycle, and low-speed electric vehicle access will be provided on an elevated dual walkway (CV Link), mostly paralleling Highway 111, the valley’s major thoroughfare, led by the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG).

Because of the CV Link, future generations will be able to enjoy the Coachella Valley in a healthier, more productive, and more enjoyable manner.

National recognition for Coachella Valley’s environmental leadership is the primary goal of this project.

CV Link provides a safer link to schools, workplaces, public areas, and many of the valley’s attractions as biking and walking become increasingly popular forms of transit and pleasure.

CV Link reduces fatal confrontations with automobiles.

Visit the Unique Albert Frey’s Cree House

When Albert Frey designed the Cree House in 1955, it was known as “the Forgotten Frey,” not because the midcentury building is unremarkable, but because private owners owned it and no one ever saw it for years.

In the Coachella Valley, Raymond Cree, a former school superintendent turned real estate entrepreneur, hired Frey to design a single-story building between Palm Springs and Cathedral City.

The original construction elements were carefully repaired during the refurbishment, including the external and interior wall panels, deck pieces, kitchen equipment, cabinets, and glass shower doors.

It was debuted during the 2019 Modernism event and went on sale after that.

Play Baseball at Patriot Park

Located next to Big League Dreams Sports Park in Cathedral City, Patriot Park is a great location for a baseball game.

This six-acre park has various shade structures and trees, barbeque stalls, clean bathrooms, and a walkway around the property.

It also has a bronze monument of US Army serviceman Ming Sun from Cathedral City, killed in Iraq.

It is a worthy memorial to a slain American hero.

Along with the Ming, Sun Statue stands Richard Johnston’s “Diamond” Monument, a black steel monument.

You may also enjoy a relaxing lunch amid the trees in Patriot Park.

Enjoy the Luxurious Desert Princess Country Club

Just a short drive from Palm Springs’ historic downtown area, the Desert Princess neighborhood is eager to greet you!

To top it all off, the San Jacinto Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the carefully kept 27-hole championship golf course in this gated enclave.

With the help of Princess Cruises and Watt Industries, Desert Princess Palm Springs has become the greatest bargain in the Palm Springs region for vacation and resort ownership.

This contemporary condominium development features 537 condominiums and 675 freestanding villas that preserve a country club seclusion while offering members and visitors a broad range of community facilities.

The Desert Princess Clubhouse is available to the general public, featuring the Lagos Café, Mountain View Grille, and a well-stocked Golf Pro store.

A full-service spa with a sauna, hot tub, and lap pool is available in the leisure and fitness center, including seven tennis courts, racquetball, basketball, professional pickleball courts, and two bocce ball courts.

It is also within walking distance of various other eateries and services like a grocery store and dry cleaner and is only a 10-minute drive from the Palm Springs International Airport.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Admire the View on Air From Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

View of Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Keep Smiling Photography / Shutterstock.com

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, a 22-minute drive from Cathedral Springs, will transport you to one of the many lovely wilderness regions surrounding Cathedral City.

A ten-minute, 2.5-mile journey on the world’s biggest spinning tramcar takes place.

Before you reach Mountain Station at Mount San Jacinto State Park, you’ll have climbed 8,526 feet in elevation.

There are several tasks to be completed at the summit.

View of Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Jeff Whyte / Shutterstock.com

If you want to go on your own, you may go trekking or camping overnight during the summer months.

In the winter, snowshoeing and skiing are two popular pastimes enjoyed by many people.

At any time of year, the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains and the surrounding desert landscape are breathtaking.

The Peaks Restaurant is a great place to eat if you don’t feel like venturing out into the wilderness.

The Pines Cafe serves light fare such as sandwiches and salads.

View of Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock.com

See Vintage Aircraft at Palm Springs Air Museum

Vintage Aircraft at Palm Springs Air Museum

Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock.com

The Palm Springs Air Museum, only eight minutes away from concentration, is on World War II aircraft history.

You’ll better understand how airplanes and their pilots contributed to the victory via the museum’s different displays.

View of Palm Springs Air Museum

Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock.com

You’ll find aircraft artwork, papers, and artifacts in the displays.

The biggest collection of WWII combat planes is housed in three hangars on the property.

There is also a gift store, a theater, and a resource center on the property as a bonus.

Vintage Aircraft at Palm Springs Air Museum

Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock.com

Relax at Moorten Botanical Garden

View of Moorten Botanical Garden

Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock.com

Just a seven-minute drive from Cathedral City is the Moorten Botanical Garden.

Be sure to keep an eye out for its Cactus Castle as you enter.

Many species from around the globe are represented here, yet the one-acre grounds nonetheless have a homely feeling.

Visitor paths wind their way across the real-world landscape as the species are arranged according to geography.

View of Moorten Botanical Garden

Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock.com

Explore a dozen dry biomes, such as the South African-Succulent Karoo, the Baja California Peninsula, the Mojave Desert, and Mexico-Gran Desierto de Altar.

There are agave, South African aloe, and bombax plants on the grounds.

Breaking up the arid landscape are a variety of rocks, crystals, and fossilized gold mining artifacts.

The gardens are open to the public, but we advise you to book in advance for guided garden tours.

A member of the garden staff is more than pleased to answer any queries you may have.

View of Moorten Botanical Garden

Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock.com

Go Camping at Coachella Valley Preserve

Scenic View of Coachella Valley Preserve

sbedaux / Shutterstock.com

The Coachella Valley Preserve, just 19 minutes away from Cathedral City.

It is an 880-acre wilderness area located in Thousand Palms, is home to various ecosystems and recreational opportunities for visitors.

Scenic View of Coachella Valley Preserve

sbedaux / Shutterstock.com

These ecosystems, including desert wetlands and palm woodlands, are home to a wide diversity of animals and plants as visitors make their way through the preserve’s many habitats and trails.

At various seasons of the year, guided walks are offered on the park’s 28 miles of trails.

There is also a visitor’s center on the premises.

Gaze at Local Artworks at Palm Springs Art Museum

The Palm Springs Art Museum is only 12 minutes away from Cathedral City.

Its primary objective is to showcase and promote area art, making it one of Palm Springs’ most popular attractions.

In this one-of-a-kind 75,000 square-foot structure, an extensive collection of works of art from all disciplines may be found.

While touring the galleries, you’ll come across contemporary paintings, sculptures, and glassworks.

There are performances all year round at the Annenberg theater that exhibit various performing arts, including dance and music.

Final Thoughts

Cathedral City is an emerging tourist site worth a visit, despite its small size.

Some best things to see and do in this charming location will astound you.

Resorts, restaurants, shopping, art galleries, and family-friendly recreational facilities are all located here.

Take a moment and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Cathedral City.

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