Spanning 1,200 acres, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is home to a fascinating array of wild animal species from the deserts of North America and Africa. More than just a zoo, its mission is to preserve desert ecosystems and educate visitors about the importance of these unique environments and the species that thrive in them. Explore the expansive desert habitats, where you’ll encounter everything from majestic giraffes to desert tortoises, and discover the incredible adaptations that help these animals survive in some of the harshest climates on Earth.

Hobcaw Barony is a nature reserve spread across 16,000 acres and that is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna inhabiting a variety of ecosystems. The Discovery Center is an excellent resource for the natural and cultural history of the area.

Indian Canyons is a true desert gem—an oasis tucked right in the rocky hills just outside Palm Springs. This land, home to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, is rich with history and natural beauty, offering trails lined with California fan palms, trickling streams, and seasonal waterfalls that reach their peak flow in the cooler months. A can’t-miss here is the easy-going 1-mile hike along Palm Canyon, a scenic trail that winds through one of North America's largest palm oases. Walk at your own pace under the towering palms, where sunlight streams through the leaves and creates a natural canopy—miles away from the desert heat and noise. At the trail’s end, you’ll find a small trading post where you can rest, grab a cold drink or hot coffee, and take in the views from under the palms.

The Biarritz Aquarium, also known as le Musée de la Mer, is a great place to take your family for an impressive marine display. The diverse sea life is portrayed in an elegant and entertaining manner. Eagle rays measuring 90cm in width share their tank with about 30 sharks, barracudas, seals, and many more.