Things to do in Rancho Mirage and nearby
Things to do in Rancho Mirage include exploring Sunnylands and using the city as a base for the wider Coachella Valley. Rancho Mirage is a separate city, not a neighborhood of Palm Springs. Nearby places offer very different days: a garden in Rancho Mirage, a mountain tram and urban walks in Palm Springs, or shopping in Palm Desert. Start by choosing a place and checking how you will get there.
A guided electric bicycle ride explores Palm Springs, while a walking food tour combines tastings and time to browse. A guided cart ride visits a private wind farm. Each has a separate meeting point and a different pace, so choose according to the time you want outdoors and the experience you want to share.
Our picks: Palm Springs activities
Take the guided e-bike ride to explore the city, or choose the food walk for tastings at five destinations. The wind farm cart tour offers a guided visit on site.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Palm Springs food and design walk
- Selected food samples
- Selected alcoholic beverage tastings
- Stories about Palm Springs celebrity history
A narrated walk combines tastings at five destinations with time to browse selected shops. The tasting selection can vary.
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Guided Palm Springs e-bike ride
- Premium electric bikes
- Safety equipment
- Water Bottle and Snack
Explore the city with a local guide on an electric bike.
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Guided wind farm cart tour
- Transportation by electric golf cart
- Opportunity to take photos with an operating GE Wind Turbine
A guide accompanies you around the wind farm in an electric cart.
Check availability âDesert excursions
Compare departure points and the details of each guided trip.
Sunnylands and the local landscape
Sunnylands is a local landmark in Rancho Mirage. Its center and gardens are free to visit, while the historic estate is accessible through separately ticketed guided experiences. Check the calendar before travelling, especially around seasonal changes. Allow time for the gardens as well as any booked visit rather than assuming the estate and free areas have identical arrangements.
Golf and resort areas are also part of the city's setting. Courses differ in access: public, private and resort facilities have their own rules and prices. If a round matters to your plans, confirm access for your date and group. The area guide helps compare a Rancho Mirage base with neighboring cities.
Shopping in Palm Springs
The guided food walk in Palm Springs includes tastings at five restaurants and culinary destinations, with opportunities to browse selected shops. Tasting selections may change, and purchases in shops are extra. Meet the group at 415 N Palm Canyon Drive and arrange your own transport to the meeting point. This is a walk with food and local stories rather than a transfer between shopping districts.
El Paseo is a separate shopping district in Palm Desert. It is not a stop on the Palm Springs food walk. Plan it as its own visit, check individual opening times and leave room for a relaxed walk. Keeping the cities distinct makes it easier to choose a practical route for the day.
Restaurants and food
For an introduction to the food scene, a guided tasting walk offers several stops rather than requiring you to choose a single restaurant in advance. The included samples can vary, so review the current itinerary and contact the provider about any dietary requirements before booking. Extra food, drinks and shopping beyond the stated inclusions are paid separately.
The walking route also offers a chance to hear about local architecture and personalities. If you prefer to explore independently, choose an area first, then check the opening hours and menu of a place that suits your group. Leave enough time to return to your next appointment without rushing through the walk.
Entertainment and outdoor experiences
Entertainment in the valley can be planned around the experience you want, whether that means a guided city outing, a meal or time outdoors. A daytime activity should be scheduled for its actual hours, not treated as a late-night event. Check the date, location and return transport when arranging an evening separately.
The wind farm offers a guided cart visit on private property. The Palm Springs aerial tramway climbs from the valley to a mountain station, where conditions differ from the valley floor. For walking, Indian Canyons has its own entry and trail rules. Consult the seasonal guide before spending a long period outside.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sunnylands in Palm Springs?
Sunnylands is in Rancho Mirage, a separate city in the Coachella Valley.
Does the Palm Springs food walk visit El Paseo?
No. El Paseo is in Palm Desert and is a separate visit.
Can I explore Palm Springs by bicycle?
A guided electric bicycle tour includes a bike and safety equipment. Check the meeting point and the terms for your date.