Page 68 - 2025-2026 Travel Guide to California

PALM DESERT
Where Nature and Elegance Unite
CHIC,
CULTURAL,
TRANQUIL,
BREATHTAKING
DISCOVER
PALM DESERT
DiscoverPalmDesert.com
RELAX WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY at the
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort, above;
Palm Desert offers championship golf courses
with stunning vistas, below.
You’ll catch your first glimpse of Palm
Desert as morning light washes over
El Paseo’s palm-lined boulevard and
the San Jacinto Mountains glow rose gold
against the desert sky. Here in the heart of
the Coachella Valley, natural beauty meets
cultural richness, with each season
offering fresh experiences in a destina-
tion that balances luxury with true desert
character.
El Paseo: Where Elegance Meets Ease
Stroll down El Paseo, Palm Desert’s premier
shopping district, where designer bou-
tiques and art galleries line a mile-long
boulevard. Explore desert-inspired works
at CODA Gallery, and view contemporary
pieces at Elena Bulatova Gallery. Seasonal
gallery receptions offer a chance to meet
local and international artists.
Arts and Entertainment
Experience premier performances at the
McCallum Theatre, an intimate 1,127-seat
venue showcasing Broadway hits like Cats
and Dear Evan Hansen, alongside jazz greats
and rising stars. Explore Palm Desert’s
Public Art Trail between shows, where
modernist sculptures and murals reflect
the city’s artistic evolution.
Sports and Shows
Acrisure Arena isn’t just a venue—it’s the
dazzling epicenter of desert entertainment
where world-class acts and the electrifying
roar of pro hockey collide under a canopy
of shimmering lights. This state-of-the-art
arena delivers pulse-pounding perform-
ances and edge-of-your-seat action, all
wrapped in an atmosphere as intoxicating
as the warm desert breeze.
66 2025-26 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA
B Y M A R K S I S S O N S
Family Fun
Keep young explorers engaged at the Palm
Desert Aquatic Center, where water slides
and an Olympic-size pool provide a fun
escape from the heat. Later, unwind at Civic
Center Park—spread out a picnic, catch a live
concert, or let the kids roam the playground
while you stroll through the rose garden.
Desert Wildlife Encounters
Visit The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens,
home to wildlife from desert regions world-
wide. Watch giraffes grazing, stroll past
wallabies, or wander through immersive
habitats showcasing North American,
African, and Australian wildlife. Along the
garden paths, discover plant species that
thrive in arid landscapes.
Trails and Natural Wonders
Enjoy panoramic valley views on the Hopa-
long Cassidy Trail, or watch for bighorn sheep
and native cacti along the Randall Henderson
Trail. Looking for a challenge? Hike deep into
the Santa Rosa Mountains on the Art Smith
Trail, where hidden palm oases and soaring
golden eagles reward adventurous trekkers.
As spring arrives, wildflowers paint the land-
scape in bright hues while the air carries the
crisp scent of sage.
World-Class Golf
Tee off on one of over 100 Coachella Valley
courses under year-round sunshine. Navi-
gate Desert Willow’s Firecliff Course, where
natural arroyos and desert gardens add to
the challenge, or opt for the more forgiving
Mountain View Course. Play a round on the
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort’s stun-
ning fairways, or experience golf history at
classic Shadow Mountain.
JW MARRIOTT DESERT SPRINGS RESORT; COURTESY OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT