Address: 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA

An award-winning, little-known zoo just east of Palm Springs in California’s Coachella Valley.

Just a few minutes up the street from Palm Desert’s glamorous El Paseo shopping district, this wildlife park has exceptionally impressive attractions & animals for all ages and interests; i.e. giraffes, camels, cheetah, leopard, hyena, jaguar, zebra, and scores more – full animal list here – in addition to several gardens & trails, nature center, massive model train exhibit, and fully immersive wallaby habitat.

Parking is abundant and free, tickets are $25 for adults / $15 for kids, and pro-tip – pack snacks to enjoy on one of the well-placed bench’s scattered throughout the park (keeping your footprint sensible & subdued).

For a more comprehensive deep-dive, check out the zoo’s website at www.livingdesert.org, and down below enjoy a video showcasing all the property has to offer.

These photos were taken February 2021. Click to enlarge.