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Palm Desert
Where Nature and Elegance Unite
by mark sissons
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 destination 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 boutiques 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 performances and edge-of-your-seat action, all wrapped in an atmosphere as intoxicating as the warm desert breeze.
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 worldwide. 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 Hopalong 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 landscape 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. Navigate 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 stunning fairways, or experience golf history at classic Shadow Mountain.
Chic, Cultural, Tranquil, Breathtaking
Discover Palm Desert DiscoverPalmDesert.com
