What Makes Greater Palm Springs a Timeless Vacation Destination

You don't have to say goodbye to the sights, sounds, and, most importantly, the summer sun when you visit Greater Palm Springs for a well-deserved warm-weather getaway. The same health advantages and sheer enjoyment of its climate that have made it a popular spot since the early 1900s combine with breathtaking landscapes, mid-century modern design, and the Southern California lifestyle, creating a place that offers everything needed for stylish relaxation.

With nine unique resort cities—Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella—you can experience world-class hotels, exquisite cuisine, vibrant arts and culture, beautiful scenery, and signature events that draw visitors from around the globe. We’ve curated some of the finest local experiences to help you create an itinerary full of wellness, delightful dining, and unforgettable memories.

Hotels Where Style Never Goes Out of Fashion

From family-friendly spots like the Omni Rancho Las Palmas to stylish stays at the Parker Palm Springs, Greater Palm Springs boasts a wonderfully varied selection of accommodations. You can embrace the area’s signature mid-century modern design by choosing from numerous vacation rentals that highlight the natural beauty of breathtaking mountain ranges, gently swaying palm trees, and other native vegetation.

Notable options include the cliffside Ritz-Carlton in Rancho Mirage, ideal for a romantic escape; the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa, known for its plethora of wellness amenities; and the Miramonte Resort and Spa Indian Wells—a Mediterranean-style slice of desert paradise that recently underwent a $9 million refurbishment.

Cultural Inspirations Abound

With its abundant sunshine and close proximity to Los Angeles, Greater Palm Springs has become a vibrant center of creativity. This destination boasts a wide variety of galleries, street fairs, and museums, as well as numerous signature events held throughout the year.

Enjoy a touring Broadway performance at the McCallum Theatre, groove to live jazz at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, and explore contemporary works at the Palm Springs Art Museum (offering free admission on Thursday evenings). Don’t miss Cabot’s Pueblo for an in-depth look at Native American heritage and the rich history of Greater Palm Springs. Download the artsGPS app for information on public art, exhibitions, and events happening during your visit.

The region hosts two major music festivals annually: Coachella and Stagecoach, along with the Palm Springs International Film Festival and Modernism Week, which occur in January and February/October, respectively. Another notable event is Greater Palm Springs Pride—a vibrant three-day celebration (this year from November 3-5) culminating in an extravagant two-hour parade featuring local groups, activists, and LGBTQ+ celebrities as they parade along the famous Palm Canyon Drive.

A lifestyle embraced outdoors

Activities like golf, tennis, and hiking are not merely vacation pursuits; they represent the Greater Palm Springs way of life. The area boasts over 100 golf courses, hosts the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells, and features numerous hiking trails—both guided and uncharted—across its four stunning mountain ranges.

Greater Palm Springs is also adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park, where guests can marvel at rugged rock formations, diverse cacti, and the iconic spiky Joshua trees, along with the desert wildlife that inhabits the area. Other exciting activities include stargazing, enjoying hot springs, hot-air balloon rides, and nature tours available through companies like Fantasy Balloon Flights and Red Jeep Tours. For breathtaking views, don’t miss a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the largest rotating tramcar in the world.

A feast for food lovers

Culinary experiences range from fresh farm-to-table offerings at brunch venues like Farm and health-focused dishes at Miramonte’s Citrus & Palm, to inventive cuisine and craft cocktails at Workshop Kitchen and Bar. Greater Palm Springs is home to an impressive eight Michelin-recommended restaurants, including the dog-friendly Boozehounds and the Hollywood favorite The Barn Kitchen at Sparrows Lodge.

Explore beyond downtown Palm Springs to discover culinary treasures like Willie’s Modern Fare in Rancho Mirage, offering contemporary twists on European classics, La Quinta’s Adobe Grill known for its award-winning tamales, and Pacifica in The Gardens on Paseo, touted for having the "freshest seafood in the desert."

Support local businesses and beyond

For unique souvenirs, Greater Palm Springs showcases curated boutiques filled with stunning handmade items, ranging from contemporary art to ‘70s-inspired home decor, alongside vintage apparel and desert stone jewelry. Notable shops include Destination PSP and The Shag Store, renowned for their exclusive homewares and fine art prints. Every Thursday evening, VillageFest transforms three blocks of Palm Canyon Drive into a marketplace for artists selling paintings, sculptures, and crafts. For a blend of name brands and local boutiques, El Paseo Shopping District features a variety of cherished independent shops, perfect for satisfying your retail cravings.

A haven of opportunities

For an enriching escape that fulfills your travel aspirations—whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or celebration—consider a visit to Greater Palm Springs. Guests may be drawn in by the stunning weather and natural scenery, but they depart with a newfound appreciation for a destination celebrated for its exceptional hotels, gourmet dining, arts, culture, and outdoor adventures across the U.S.