Palm Desert, California
Palm Desert is right in our backyard — another of the Coachella Valley cities strung along Highway 111, just up the road from our Palm Springs home.
Our experience
We have a night booked there in early 2026 at the Holiday Inn Express. It’s the valley’s upscale shopping-and-dining hub, anchored by the famous El Paseo, often called the “Rodeo Drive of the desert.”
We love it for its galleries, its gardens, and The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, all under the same brilliant desert sun and mountain backdrop we enjoy at home. For us it’s a familiar neighbor more than a far-flung destination — an easy change of scene a few minutes from our own front door.
Palm Desert is home to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, a major desert-focused zoo and botanical garden featuring animals and plants adapted to arid environments. El Paseo is also known for its public-art program, with sculptures displayed along the shopping district and surrounding streets.
Must-sees and must-dos
- El Paseo — stroll Palm Desert’s best-known shopping and gallery district, lined with boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, and public sculptures.
- The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens — explore desert wildlife, botanical gardens, and immersive exhibits focused on arid ecosystems.
- McCallum Theatre — catch concerts, Broadway productions, dance, and other performing arts in the heart of Palm Desert.
- Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center — stop for desert-trail information, exhibits, and access to the surrounding mountain landscape.
- Public art on El Paseo — keep an eye out for sculptures and outdoor artworks while walking the district.
- Desert golf & resorts — enjoy one of the Coachella Valley’s signature pastimes, with courses and resorts spread throughout Palm Desert and nearby communities.
Our pro tip
As neighbors, our tip mirrors Palm Springs: the most comfortable months are generally fall through spring, while summer heat makes early mornings and indoor activities much more appealing. Palm Desert pairs naturally with a Palm Springs stay — they’re only a short drive apart.
Stroll El Paseo for the shops, galleries, and sculptures, and visit The Living Desert early in the day before the desert heat builds.
If you want to add a bookable attraction, check The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens tickets on Klook.
If you want a hotel option in the area, browse Palm Desert hotels on Klook.