Taking family holiday photos is a special way to capture memories each season, and Palm Desert and Indio offer stunning backdrops that bring a unique desert charm to your pictures. From beautiful parks to historic spots, these locations provide great settings for your family photos, whether you’re looking for a natural landscape or something with a little more character. Here’s your guide to some of the best family Indio and Palm Desert photography locations that will make your holiday pictures extra memorable.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert is one of the most scenic places in the area. It features an array of native desert plants, beautiful trails, and animal exhibits that bring the desert to life. The gardens are particularly beautiful, providing a variety of backdrops for family photos, from lush, desert flora to rocky landscapes. The cacti and desert flowers create a stunning and unique natural frame for family portraits.
The Living Desert is open year-round and is especially charming during the holiday season when festive decorations add a bit of extra sparkle. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to visit if you’re hoping for softer, golden-hour lighting that will make your photos shine.
Civic Center Park
Palm Desert’s Civic Center Park is a community favorite and one of the most photogenic spots in the area. With its large green lawns, pretty water features, walking paths, and sculptures, the park provides a versatile environment for family photos. The reflective pond surrounded by palms makes for a beautiful and peaceful background, while the variety of public art installations adds a creative touch to any holiday picture.
During the winter, Civic Center Park is decorated with seasonal lights, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for capturing holiday memories. The open lawns and scenic bridges are ideal for larger group shots, making it a popular choice for family photoshoots. Plus, the park is centrally located, so it’s easy to include in your plans for a full day out in Palm Desert.
Old Town La Quinta
For a charming, old-world feel, Old Town La Quinta is a beautiful option that’s just a short drive from both Palm Desert and Indio. The area is known for its Spanish-style architecture, with white stucco buildings, terracotta rooftops, and colorful tiles that give it a Mediterranean flair. The cobblestone streets and colorful bougainvillea climbing over archways provide the perfect setting for timeless holiday photos.
This quaint area is especially scenic in the late afternoon when the sun casts a warm glow over the buildings. Strolling around Old Town La Quinta also offers plenty of chances for candid shots as you explore boutiques, cafés, and shaded courtyards.
Shields Date Garden
Located in Indio, Shields Date Garden is a historic and unique spot that adds a rustic touch to family holiday photos. Established in the 1920s, this date farm is surrounded by tall date palms, providing a peaceful and beautiful natural setting. The garden also has charming walkways, benches, and other outdoor features that make it easy to capture special moments.
The garden’s café and vintage shop are also fun stops to check out while you’re there, adding a little extra to the experience. It’s a one-of-a-kind location that brings a bit of history and nature into your holiday photos.
Joshua Tree National Park
Though a bit further from Palm Desert and Indio, Joshua Tree National Park is worth the drive for families who want a dramatic desert landscape in their holiday photos. The park is filled with striking rock formations and the iconic Joshua trees, which create a memorable and unique backdrop. The sweeping vistas and clear blue skies give photos a timeless, almost otherworldly look, perfect for families wanting a nature-inspired feel.
Book Your Holiday Stay with TRAVLR Vacation Homes
To complete your holiday experience in Palm Desert or Indio, book your stay with us at TRAVLR Vacation Homes. Each property is designed to offer exceptional quality, equipped with modern smart home technology, stylish furnishings, and amenities that make for a comfortable and luxurious stay. From cozy family-friendly homes to spacious estates, our vacation rentals offer all the comforts of home, combined with the luxury of a resort.
Our rentals provide a personalized service that ensures each guest feels cared for, making them a top choice for holiday travelers looking for a place to stay in the Coachella Valley. Whether you’re planning a family reunion, a couples’ retreat, or simply need a quiet place to relax after a day of exploring, we have the perfect home for you.
Plan Your Holiday Getaway in Palm Desert and Indio
With so many beautiful locations to capture family holiday photos, Palm Desert and Indio offer a wonderful mix of natural beauty and unique desert charm. Book your holiday rental with TRAVLR Vacation Homes to enjoy a stylish and comfortable stay!
