Palm Desert shines as a true highlight among Southern California vacation spots. I fell in love with this desert paradise as I explored its hidden corners and most celebrated landmarks. This Palm Desert Itinerary and travel guide covers everything you need to know to create your own ideal travel escape.
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Introduction to Palm Desert
Palm Desert was originally known as Old MacDonald Ranch, later renamed Palm Village in the 1920s, and ultimately became Palm Desert in 1951.
Location and Overview
Palm Desert is located in the heart of the Coachella Valley, approximately 14 miles east of Palm Springs. The landscape features dramatic mountain backdrops, swaying palm trees, and expansive blue skies, creating a picturesque setting for your vacation.
Unlike its more famous neighbor, Palm Springs, Palm Desert offers a slightly more relaxed atmosphere while still providing excellent options for luxury, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities.
The city balances resort amenities with natural beauty, creating an environment that appeals to various types of travelers.
Getting to Palm Desert by Air
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is the primary gateway to Palm Desert. The airport is approximately 20 minutes away from Palm Desert by car.
There are direct flights from major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York, and seasonal connections from Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
Airlines serving PSP include American, United, Delta, Alaska, and Southwest.
Tip: An alternative to Palm Springs International Airport is Ontario International Airport (ONT), about 85 miles west of Palm Desert (approximately 1.5 hours by car). This alternative often provides more flight options and potentially lower fares than flying directly to Palm Springs.
Getting to Palm Desert By Road
If you prefer a road trip, Palm Desert is accessible via Interstate 10, approximately 120 miles east of Los Angeles (2-2.5 hour drive depending on traffic) and 150 miles northeast of San Diego (2.5-3 hour drive).
Getting to Palm Desert by Public Transportation
Public transportation options to Palm Desert are limited. However, SunLine Transit Agency operates bus routes throughout the Coachella Valley, including connections from Palm Springs Airport.
Note that the bus service may not be convenient if you are traveling with a lot of luggage or if you are planning to explore beyond the city center.
Palm Desert Itinerary: Where to Stay
Palm Desert has various hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals. These properties provide a range of experiences from luxurious and secluded to family-friendly and activity-rich.
Tip: Busy months (e.g, during festivals like Coachella) cause a sharp increase in accommodation rates.
Luxury Resorts and Golf Properties
Palm Desert excels in luxury accommodations, particularly if you seek resort experiences with extensive amenities. The following are my top recommendations:
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
While in Palm Desert, we stayed at the renowned JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. It is known for its palm trees, water features, stunning rooms, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
The resort has a variety of amenities, including several dining options, a golf course, tennis courts, and more.
Check out our detailed JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa Travel Guide.
The Westin Desert Willow Villas
Westin Desert Willow Villas has spacious villa accommodations with full kitchens and separate living areas, making it ideal for families or extended stays.
The property includes multiple pools with cabanas available for daily rental, and preferred access to the adjacent Desert Willow Golf Resort.
Marriott’s Shadow Ridge
Marriott’s Shadow Ridge also has villa-style accommodations with the added benefit of The Faldo Golf Institute on-site, where you can book private lessons with PGA professionals.
Boutique Hotels and Mid-Range Options
If you are seeking more intimate accommodations with character, Palm Desert offers several excellent boutique options.
Hotel Paseo
Hotel Paseo is a 150-room property and is part of the Autograph Collection. It features a contemporary desert-inspired design, and an impressive modern art collection throughout public spaces.
Best Western Plus Palm Desert Resort
Best Western Plus Palm Desert Resort has reliable mid-range accommodations with 152 rooms, complimentary breakfast, and a pleasant pool area.
The hotel’s central location provides easy access to El Paseo shopping and dining options within a 5-minute drive.
Inn at Deep Canyon
Inn at Deep Canyon provides a more affordable boutique experience. It has 32 rooms arranged around a central courtyard and pool.
Tip: If you are seeking extended stays with kitchen facilities but prefer hotel services over vacation rentals, Homewood Suites by Hilton Palm Desert and Residence Inn Palm Desert both offer suite accommodations with full kitchens and complimentary breakfast.
Vacation Rentals
Vacation rentals are a great option for families or groups. The city contains numerous gated communities with rental properties ranging from condominiums to expansive private estates.
Find the best vacation rentals here.
Palm Desert Itinerary: Top Attractions
I have a laundry list of favorite things to do in Palm Desert. There is no shortage of indoor and outdoor activities and attractions in this desert oasis.
Flamingo Island
Flamingo Island in Palm Desert is a unique attraction located at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. The island is home to Chilean flamingos, which are a beautiful sight to see!
You can observe their daily feedings and enjoy the serene ambiance created by these elegant birds. This was one of the best things we did in Palm Desert!
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is dedicated to desert conservation and education. Here, you can observe over 450 animals representing more than 150 species, primarily those adapted to desert environments from North America and Africa.
Beyond animal exhibits, the botanical gardens showcase over 1,400 species of desert plants, arranged by geographic region.
Palm Desert Aquatic Center
The Palm Desert Aquatic Center is an affordable swimming option if you are seeking pool time and relief from desert temperatures.
It has three pools: an Olympic-sized competition pool with diving boards, a recreation pool with beach entry and play features, and a therapy pool.
College of the Desert Street Fair
The College of the Desert Street Fair, a long-running market, combines elements of a traditional farmers market, craft fair, and flea market into a unique shopping experience. It operates every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year, drawing over 300 vendors to this community college campus.
Civic Center Park
Civic Center Park has a 2-acre reflection pond with fountains, surrounded by walking paths lined with desert-appropriate landscaping, picnic areas, and public art installations.
Palm Desert Itinerary: Outdoor Adventures
Hiking Trails
The mountains surrounding Palm Desert offer hiking experiences ranging from gentle nature walks to challenging summit ascents.
Use AllTrails to find detailed information about the Palm Desert trails.
Desert Jeep Tours and Off-Road Experiences
Guided off-road tours provide access to Palm Desert’s surrounding wilderness areas without strenuous hiking.
Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours operates the most established tour company in the area, offering several distinct experiences.
Big Wheel Tours specializes in more adventurous off-road experiences, including their Joshua Tree Jeep Tour that explores the eastern sections of Joshua Tree National Park, reaching remote areas rarely visited by standard park visitors.
Golf Courses and Where to Play
Palm Desert is one of the world’s premier golf destinations, with over 100 golf courses located within the Coachella Valley.
Some notable golf courses include Desert Willow Golf Resort, Shadow Mountain Golf Club, and Palm Desert Country Club.
Bicycle Routes
Palm Desert is a bicycle-friendly community. The flat terrain and extensive bike lane network make cycling an excellent option for exploring the city and the surrounding area.
The CV Link is a car-free route ( still under development, but some sections are available for use) that will eventually become a 40+ mile multi-use path connecting communities throughout the Coachella Valley.
Big Wheel Tours offers guided cycling excursions for various greater Palm Springs area routes.
Tip: The Palm Desert Visitor Center provides free cycling maps with suggested routes categorized by difficulty level and points of interest.
Palm Desert Itinerary: Arts and Culture
The Faye Sarkwosky Sculpture Garden
Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden in Palm Desert is part of the Palm Springs Art Museum. The garden has over a dozen significant outdoor sculptures set among desert landscaping.
McCallum Theatre for the Performing Arts
The McCallum Theatre is the premier performing arts venue in the Coachella Valley. It presents approximately 150 performances annually across various disciplines, including Broadway productions, classical music, dance, jazz, popular entertainment, and educational programming.
Public Art Installations and Sculpture Gardens
Palm Desert has over 150 publicly accessible artworks throughout the community.
The El Paseo Exhibition constitutes the most concentrated public art display, featuring approximately 18 rotating sculptures placed along the median of El Paseo.
Tip: The Palm Desert Visitor Center offers free guided tours of public art installations on Thursday mornings from November through April (9:00 AM, reservations required).
Mid-Century Modern Architecture Tours
While Palm Springs receives greater recognition for its mid-century modern architecture, Palm Desert contains numerous significant examples of this distinctive regional style.
Tip: The Palm Desert Architecture Tour smartphone app facilitates self-guided tours. It provides maps, photographs, and detailed information about 84 architecturally significant buildings throughout Palm Desert.
If you are seeking more structured experiences, the Palm Springs Historical Society offers occasional guided tours that include Palm Desert modernist sites. Modern Tours Palm Springs provides private custom tours by appointment that can include specific Palm Desert properties of interest to architecture enthusiasts.
Local Art Galleries
Palm Desert has one of the desert’s highest concentrations of fine art galleries, with most clustered along El Paseo.
These galleries represent diverse artistic styles ranging from traditional desert landscape paintings to cutting-edge contemporary installations.
Notable galleries include Melissa Morgan Fine Art, CODA Gallery, Heather James Fine Art,
J. Willott Gallery and the Adell Gallery.
Palm Desert Itinerary: Wellness and Relaxation
If relaxation is one of your favorite things about vacationing, Palm Desert has you covered.
Top Spas and Wellness Centers
Palm Desert’s dry climate and mineral-rich waters create ideal conditions for spa treatments, while the dramatic landscape provides serene backdrops for relaxation.
Notable spas include Spa Desert Springs at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort (the largest spa in Palm Desert) and The Spa at Desert Willow.
Desert Gardens and Contemplative Spaces
Beyond dedicated wellness facilities, Palm Desert offers numerous public and private gardens designed for quiet contemplation and connection with desert beauty. These spaces provide accessible wellness opportunities without significant cost.
The Palm Desert Community Garden maintains a labyrinth walking path designed for moving meditation.
El Paseo Gardens, located at the west end of the shopping district, provides a small but meticulously maintained garden featuring desert-appropriate plants and water features.
For a more immersive desert garden experience, The Living Desert’s botanical gardens showcase plant communities from deserts worldwide.
The Westin Desert Willow Villas maintains meditation gardens adjacent to their spa facilities, with seating areas positioned to maximize mountain views and natural desert beauty.
Palm Desert Itinerary: Dining and Nightlife
Palm Desert offers diverse morning dining options ranging from quick casual to elaborate weekend brunches.
Breakfast and Brunch Spots
The breakfast culture reflects both the resort atmosphere and the active lifestyle popular among desert residents.
- Wilma & Frieda’s on El Paseo has established itself as the premier breakfast destination in Palm Desert.
- For health-conscious menu options, Fresh Juice Bar offers acai bowls, smoothies, and cold-pressed juices in a casual counter-service environment.
- Keedy’s Fountain Grill is a classic American diner that serves traditional breakfast plates in a nostalgic setting complete with counter seating and booth service.
- For upscale weekend brunch, try out Pacifica Seafood Restaurant and head to Cork & Fork for a European-inspired weekend brunch focusing on small plates designed for sharing.
Casual Lunch Options
Palm Desert provides numerous midday dining options for various preferences and time constraints. The lunch scene balances resort-style leisurely dining with quick-service options for active visitors. The following are options to consider:
- Tommy Bahama Restaurant combines retail shopping with tropical-inspired dining at its El Paseo location.
- TKB Bakery & Deli has earned national recognition for its creative sandwiches.
- Sherman’s Deli & Bakery represents classic New York delicatessen traditions transported to the desert.
- For a quick Mediterranean option, check out Pita Paradise.
- Luscious Lorraine’s Organic Juice & Food Bar has vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Fine Dining Restaurants
Palm Desert’s reputation as a luxury destination extends to its fine dining scene, with numerous restaurants offering sophisticated cuisine in elegant settings.
- Pacifica Seafood Restaurant on El Paseo specializes in sustainable seafood and has over 50 premium vodkas available in tasting flights. They also have a great happy hour.
- Jillian’s specializes in continental cuisine with French influences and maintains one of the desert’s most extensive wine cellars.
- Cork & Fork combines sophisticated small plates with wine from small production vineyards.
- For Italian fine dining, Mamma Gina offers traditional recipes in an elegant setting on El Paseo.
International Cuisine
Palm Desert’s dining scene also includes authentic international cuisine reflecting diverse cultural influences. The following are some favorites:
- Mikado Japanese Steakhouse is renowned for its authentic teppanyaki dining experience.
- Koutouki Greek Estiatorio provides traditional Greek dining focused on family-style mezze and grilled specialties.
- For authentic Italian beyond standard American-Italian fare, Castelli’s Ristorante serves regional specialties from Northern Italy.
- Ristorante Mamma Gina provides another authentic Italian option, focusing on Tuscan specialties.
- Thai Smile offers authentic Thai cuisine adapted slightly for American preferences regarding spice levels.
- For authentic Mexican cuisine beyond border standards, El Ranchito focuses on regional specialties.
Bars, Lounges, and Entertainment Venues
Palm Desert offers diverse nightlife options ranging from sophisticated cocktail lounges to energetic live music venues. The following are some options to consider:
- The Nest is a combination restaurant and bar that transforms throughout the evening, beginning as a dinner destination before transitioning to a dance club with live music several nights weekly.
- Fix at Horizon Resort provides a more contemporary cocktail experience focused on craft mixology.
For craft beer enthusiasts, the Eureka! restaurant features 30 rotating taps emphasizing California microbreweries. - Classic Rock House Café combines dining with live music focused on tribute bands performing material from the 1960s through the 1980s.
- For sophisticated evening entertainment, Vicky’s of Santa Fe features live jazz and cabaret performances.
Palm Desert Itinerary: Shopping Guide
El Paseo Shopping District
El Paseo Shopping District is the primary luxury shopping destination in the Coachella Valley.
It stretches for approximately one mile through the heart of Palm Desert and has over 250 establishments, including boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and service providers.
El Paseo Shopping District is a mile-long boulevard that has over 250 businesses arranged in a pedestrian-friendly environment. There are a wide range of shopping options ranging from luxury stores, mid-range national brands, to independent boutiques.
Westfield Palm Desert Mall
Westfield Palm Desert provides conventional mall shopping and is the primary enclosed shopping center for the Coachella Valley.
Boutiques and Local Shops
Beyond El Paseo and Westfield Mall, Palm Desert contains numerous independent retailers offering distinctive merchandise.
Tip: The Palm Desert Visitor Center has a shopping directory that organizes businesses by category and location.
Palm Desert Itinerary: Seasonal Events and Festivals
Coachella and Stagecoach Music Festivals
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is one of the world’s premier music events. It’s held annually in April at the Empire Polo Club in nearby Indio (20 miles from Palm Desert).
The festival features over 150 musical performances across multiple stages, large-scale art installations, diverse food vendors, and camping facilities.
Stagecoach Country Music Festival is also held at Empire Polo Club, the weekend following Coachella’s conclusion. Stagecoach features major country music performers across multiple stages.
Tip: If you plan to attend Coachella and/or Stagecoach, advance planning is essential. Tickets typically go on sale the preceding June, often selling out within hours for Coachella and within weeks for Stagecoach.
Fashion Week El Paseo
Fashion Week El Paseo is an eight-day event held annually in March. It transforms Palm Desert into a couture destination with runway shows, trunk sales, and designer appearances.
Palm Desert Food and Wine Festival
The Palm Desert Food and Wine Festival is a three-day event that is also held in March. It celebrates the Coachella Valley’s culinary scene, featuring chef demonstrations, wine tastings, and interactive food experiences.
Holiday Celebrations and Winter Events
The annual Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade held in late October is a quirky procession that features elaborately decorated golf carts following a route along El Paseo. The event includes a street fair component with food vendors and entertainment stages.
El Paseo Cruise Night is a monthly event held where car enthusiasts can cruise along El Paseo Boulevard, showcasing their vehicles in a relaxed and festive atmosphere. The event is open to all types of cars, not just classics.
WildLights at The Living Desert operates throughout December. It transforms the botanical gardens and select wildlife areas with over a million LED lights creating illuminated animal sculptures, landscape lighting, and animated displays.
First Weekend Palm Desert combines shopping, dining, and cultural experiences during the first weekend of the month between November and May. Participating businesses offer special promotions, complimentary refreshments, and extended hours.
Palm Desert Itinerary: Practical Information
Transportation Options Around Palm Desert
When visiting Palm Desert, rental cars provide the most flexible transportation option.
Major rental car agencies are available at Palm Springs International Airport and satellite locations throughout the Coachella Valley.
SunLine Transit Agency operates public bus service throughout the Coachella Valley, with Routes 111 and 32 providing primary Palm Desert coverage along Highway 111 and multiple cross-streets.
Route 32 connects Palm Desert to Palm Springs International Airport with hourly service, offering an economical alternative to taxis or ride-sharing services.
The Clean Air Cruiser provides free shuttle service along the El Paseo Shopping District. It runs daily from October to May, operating every 15 minutes between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
Ride-sharing services, including Uber and Lyft, are available throughout Palm Desert.
Traditional taxi services continue operating alongside ride-sharing platforms, with taxi stands at major hotels and shopping centers.
Executive transportation services offer premium options with sedans, SUVs, and vans with professional drivers for airport transfers and custom excursions.
Weather Considerations and What to Pack for Palm Desert
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Palm Desert experiences a true desert climate with important seasonal variations that you should consider when planning your trip.
Your experience in Palm Desert may differ depending on what time of year you visit.
The optimal visiting periods fall between February and April or October and November. During these months, daytime temperatures typically range from 75-85°F (24-29°C), with pleasant evenings around 60°F (15°C). These moderate temperatures allow for comfortable outdoor exploration throughout the day.
Visiting Palm Desert in the Summer
Summer (June-September) brings extreme heat with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F and occasionally reaching 115°F during peak summer months.
These conditions necessitate lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, preferably in light colors.
Breathable natural fabrics like cotton and linen provide greater comfort than synthetic materials in extreme heat.
In the summer, restrict outdoor activities to early morning (before 10:00 AM) and evening periods after sunset, with midday hours devoted to indoor or water-based activities.
Visiting Palm Desert in the Winter
Winter months (December-February) temperatures contrast dramatically, with daytime highs typically ranging from 65-75°F but occasionally dropping below 60°F during cooler periods.
Overnight winter temperatures can fall into the 40°F range, requiring substantial layering for evening activities.
Light jackets or sweaters are essential for morning and evening hours, though midday typically remains comfortable in short sleeves.
Rain occurs infrequently but predominantly during winter, justifying packing a rain jacket.
Visiting Palm Desert in Spring and Fall
Spring and fall represent transition seasons with gradually changing temperatures.
March-April daytime temperatures progress from 70s to 80s°F, while October-November reverses this pattern with gradually moderating heat.
These transitional seasons typically provide the most consistently comfortable outdoor conditions, but consider packing lightweight outerwear for layering.
Tip: The dry atmosphere makes regular application and reapplication of moisturizing skin products and lip protection, regardless of season.
Essential packing items for Palm Desert visits, regardless of season, include:
- High-SPF sunscreen.
- Chapstick or lip balm with SPF protection addressing rapid lip drying in low humidity
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Wide-brimmed hats that provide facial shade beyond what sunglasses alone offer.
- Insulated water bottles that maintain appropriate temperature longer than disposable alternatives.
- Lightweight backpack or daypack for carrying water, sunscreen, and layers during outdoor activities.
- Comfortable walking shoes appropriate for desert terrain if hiking activities are planned.
- Swimming attire, regardless of season, as heated pools remain operational year-round.
Palm Desert Itinerary: Final Thoughts
Palm Desert is a remarkable vacation destination given its picturesque setting combines luxury with relaxation, drawing visitors throughout the year, with each season bringing its own unique atmosphere and considerations.
As you explore Palm Desert, you’ll quickly understand why it is such a popular place. In my experience, the overall desert lifestyle created memorable moments that have stayed with me long after my visit ended!
This desert gem is a good reason to make a trip out to southern California. Just remember your sunscreen, bring your spirit of exploration, and prepare to discover a great place where desert charm, adventure, and refined comfort exist in perfect harmony.
Happy travels!
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