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Cathedral City

Attractions and Places To See around Cathedral City - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Cathedral City, often referred to as "Cat City," is a vibrant desert community in the Coachella Valley. Situated near Palm Springs, it offers a diverse range of attractions, from natural features and cultural sites to notable landmarks. The region is characterized by its desert landscape, framed by the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, providing a setting for exploration and outdoor activities.

Best attractions and places to see around Cathedral City

  • The most popular attraction is Palm Canyon, a canyon notable for housing the California Fan Palm Oasis, considered the largest on Earth. It features dozens of tall palm trees that contrast with the desert landscape, making it a popular area for hiking.
  • Another must-see spot is Andreas Canyon creek crossing, a bridge and natural feature that marks the halfway point of a popular hiking loop. This reliable water source offers a small waterfall and is a suitable picnic location.
  • Visitors also love Trailhead and Trading Post, a facility that serves as a starting point for several hiking trails. It provides parking and offers snacks and drinks, ensuring visitors are prepared before exploring the Indian Canyons.
  • Cathedral City is known for its natural features, cultural sites, and notable landmarks. Visitors can explore canyons, art installations, and family-friendly entertainment centers, offering a variety of experiences.
  • The attractions around Cathedral City are appreciated by the komoot community. With more than 20 upvotes and 16 photos, these spots offer diverse experiences for those exploring the area.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Forever Marilyn

Highlight • Monument

Welcome home!
"Forever Marilyn" is back in Palm Springs! Her new home is at the corner of Museum Way and Belardo Road. Seward Johnson's 26-foot-tall sculpture was a tourist phenomenon during its first appearance in Palm Springs (2012–2014). Marilyn Monroe has a rich history with Palm Springs, beginning in 1949 when she was discovered at Charlie Farrell's Racquet Club by William Morris talent agent Johnny Hyde.

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Trailhead and Trading Post

Highlight • Rest Area

Parking is directly outside the Trading Post in the dirt lot.

This land is owned by the local Native American Tribe. When entering the area from Palm Springs a toll booth where you will pay your entry fee. After paying the fee all of the Indian Canyons trails are accessible and you will notice sings for the three canyons. It is advised to park at the trading post and make sure all your water is toped off before you hit the trial.

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PS I Love You Sculpture

Highlight • Monument

Remember when you used to send a postcard from where you visited? You still can, but the convenience of taking out your cell phone, snapping selfies next to a destination spot and posting it to your social media account is what we do now. And it still serves the same purpose: you’re here and your friends are not.

Palm Springs has recently added a new Instagrammable stop in the downtown area, and unlike other selfies, you help complete its message. Mirroring the city’s popular hashtag, #PSILOVEYOU, you get to be the letter ‘I’. They even have the spot marked for you to step on.

The “Love Letters” art piece stands 6 feet tall, spans 18 feet, and is anchored by two 850-pound platforms — one supports the letters PS, and the second has a heart next to the letter “u”. The lettering and heart are in bold red which makes it easily standout where it currently sits in the plaza area adjacent to the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs hotel.

palmspringslife.com/selfie-palm-springs

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Andreas Canyon creek crossing

Highlight • Bridge

Reaching this point, hikers are halfway finished with the loop. The creek crossing has a wood boardwalk over it to avoid wet feet. This water source is reliable but bringing water is still highly recommended due to the heat this area can experience.

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Palm Canyon

Highlight • Canyon

What a fantastic place among the desert and at the foot of majestic San Jacinto? Dozens of tall palm trees form a beautiful contrast to the otherwise quite barren landscape. To hike here, you will have to pay a fee that includes the access to Andreas Canyon and Murray Canyon as well.

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April 15, 2025, Forever Marilyn Statue, Palm Springs

The Forever Marilyn Statue in Palm Springs is an iconic landmark that captures the essence of old Hollywood glamour. Created by artist Seward Johnson, the 1,000-foot-tall statue depicts Marilyn Monroe in her famous pose from the 1955 film The Seven Year Itch. The statue is a must-see in the heart of Palm Springs and a popular photo spot.

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Beautiful little trail in the desert. Enjoyed the water rushing through the path that the Palm Trees created.

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Welcome home! "Forever Marilyn" is back in Palm Springs! Her new home is at the corner of Museum Way and Belardo Road. Seward Johnson's 26-foot-tall sculpture was a tourist phenomenon during its first appearance in Palm Springs (2012–2014). Marilyn Monroe has a rich history with Palm Springs, beginning in 1949 when she was discovered at Charlie Farrell's Racquet Club by William Morris talent agent Johnny Hyde.

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Forever Marilyn is a giant statue of Marilyn Monroe designed by Seward Johnson. The statue is a representation of the image of Monroe from Billy Wilder's 1955 film The Seven Year Itch. Created in 2011, the statue has been installed in various locations in the United States as well as Australia. from: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forever_Marilyn

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Parking is directly outside the Trading Post in the dirt lot. This land is owned by the local Native American Tribe. When entering the area from Palm Springs a toll booth where you will pay your entry fee. After paying the fee all of the Indian Canyons trails are accessible and you will notice sings for the three canyons. It is advised to park at the trading post and make sure all your water is toped off before you hit the trial.

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Reaching this point, hikers are halfway finished with the loop. The creek crossing has a wood boardwalk over it to avoid wet feet. This water source is reliable but bringing water is still highly recommended due to the heat this area can experience.

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Small Waterfall, also a nice picknick location

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At about half of the trail, where you return back to the parking lot on the other side of the creek

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural attractions can I explore in and around Cathedral City?

Cathedral City and its surroundings offer several natural wonders. You can visit the Palm Canyon, known for housing the largest California Fan Palm Oasis on Earth, which is popular for hiking. The city's namesake, Cathedral Canyon, features unique rock formations. For a breathtaking experience, take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to San Jacinto State Park, where you can enjoy guided nature walks, hiking, and winter sports.

Are there family-friendly attractions in Cathedral City?

Yes, Cathedral City offers several family-friendly options. Boomers! Palm Springs provides miniature golf, go-karts, bumper boats, and a climbing wall. Panorama Park, the city's largest park, has a children's spray pool, play area, and various sports courts. The S.C.R.A.P. Gallery is an environmental art museum with interactive exhibits suitable for children, and Big League Dreams Sports Park features scaled-down replicas of famous ballparks for sports enthusiasts of all ages.

Where can I experience art and culture in Cathedral City?

Cathedral City boasts a vibrant art and culture scene. The Perez Road Art and Design District is home to fine art galleries and unique vintage shops. You can also explore the Agnes Pelton Murals Path in the Cathedral City Cove, showcasing colorful mosaics and murals. The Cathedral City Town Square Area features iconic art installations like the "New Beginning" sculpture and bronze statues. For performing arts, the Coachella Valley Repertory (CVRep) offers acclaimed theater productions.

What are some popular trails for outdoor activities near Cathedral City?

The area around Cathedral City is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find various hiking trails, including those accessible from the Trailhead and Trading Post in the Indian Canyons. For easy hikes, consider routes like the Prescott Preserve Loop or the Jane’s Hoffbrau Oasis Trail. Cyclists can explore routes such as the Desert Hot Springs loop or the Palm Springs to Cathedral City loop. For more options, check out the guides for cycling, easy hikes, and running trails around Cathedral City.

Is there a fee to access the Indian Canyons, including Palm Canyon?

Yes, there is an entry fee to access the Indian Canyons, which includes Palm Canyon, Andreas Canyon, and Murray Canyon. This fee is paid at a toll booth when entering the area from Palm Springs. It's advisable to stop at the Trailhead and Trading Post to ensure you have enough water and supplies before starting your hike.

What notable landmarks or points of interest should I visit in Cathedral City?

Cathedral City features several notable landmarks. The Fountain of Life in Downtown Cathedral City is a beautiful mosaic-tiled fountain with whimsical sculptures. The Cathedral City Town Square Area is home to various art installations. You can also see the Albert Frey's Cree House, a significant example of modernist architecture, which offers tours during Modernism Week. For a classic movie experience, visit the Mary Pickford Theatre is D'Place.

Are there any unique museums in the area?

Yes, Cathedral City is home to the Museum of Ancient Wonders, which showcases exhibitions of replicated and genuine artifacts from ancient civilizations, alongside scientifically produced fossils. Additionally, the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery is an environmental art museum dedicated to raising awareness through interactive exhibits.

What annual festivals and events take place in Cathedral City?

Cathedral City hosts a variety of annual festivals and events. The Hot Air Balloon Festival in November fills the skies with colorful balloons. The Taste of Jalisco Festival celebrates the city's sister city with mariachi music, dancing, and authentic Mexican cuisine. Cathedral City LGBT Days is one of California's earliest pride events, featuring live entertainment and a unique bed race. Other events include the Fountainworks Festival, Youth Festival, and Oktoberfest.

Where can I find iconic sculptures for photos in the area?

You can find several iconic sculptures perfect for photos. The famous Forever Marilyn statue, a 26-foot-tall sculpture of Marilyn Monroe, is located in Palm Springs. Another popular spot is the PS I Love You Sculpture in downtown Palm Springs, where visitors can become the 'I' in the message for a unique selfie.

What do visitors enjoy the most about the Indian Canyons?

Visitors particularly enjoy the unique contrast of the desert landscape with the lush palm oases in the Indian Canyons. The Palm Canyon, with its dozens of tall palm trees, is a favorite for its beauty and hiking opportunities. The Andreas Canyon creek crossing is also a popular spot, offering a reliable water source, a small waterfall, and a pleasant picnic location halfway through a popular hiking loop.

Are there any places to relax and enjoy nature with water features?

Yes, the Andreas Canyon creek crossing is a great spot to relax by a reliable water source, featuring a small waterfall and serving as a nice picnic location. Additionally, the Fountain of Life in Downtown Cathedral City offers a beautiful public space with whimsical sculptures and water features.

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