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PalmDesert
El Paseo boutiques, premier restaurants, vibrant nightlife, the Art & Food & Wine Festival, and world-class wildlife — Palm Desert is the valley’s most vibrant and sophisticated destination.
~54K
Population
233
Ft Elevation
26
Square Miles
1973
Incorporated
Featured Attractions
The Best of Palm Desert
From the boutiques and galleries of El Paseo to premier restaurant destinations, vibrant nightlife, the acclaimed Art & Food & Wine Festival, and The Living Desert — Palm Desert has something extraordinary for every visitor.
Signature Street
Shopping & Arts District
El Paseo Shopping District
Often called the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert,” this mile-long boulevard is lined with high-end boutiques, art galleries, sculpture gardens, and world-class restaurants. The outdoor sculpture collection alone makes it worth the stroll — over 50 rotating works displayed along the median year-round.
Shopping
Art Galleries
Sculpture Walk
Must-Do
Nature & Wildlife
The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
Over 500 animals across 1,200 acres of living desert habitat — feed giraffes, walk with wallabies, and explore beautifully curated native gardens. Voted the valley’s #1 attraction. Kids enjoy the new water park splash pad. Enjoy the seasonal themes of the zoo around the holidays.
Family Favorite
Annual Event
Fashion & Events
Fashion Week El Paseo
The desert’s premier fashion event — a week of runway shows, designer trunk shows, and VIP events set against the backdrop of El Paseo’s world-class boutiques each spring. This community event brings awareness and funds to local nonprofits.
Seasonal
Shopping
Retail & Boutiques
The Shops on El Paseo
An open-air shopping street featuring luxury brands, independent boutiques, and stylish cafés — all set within El Paseo’s beautifully landscaped pedestrian environment. Known as the Rodeo Drive of the valley for its fine dinning and shops.
Retail
Full Directory
All Attractions & Things to Do
From world-class outdoor trails to the valley’s finest gallery — everything Palm Desert has to offer.
PALM DESERT CIVIC PARK
CONCIERGE TIP
“Start your morning on Bump & Grind at sunrise, then spend the afternoon on El Paseo. Evening at McCallum rounds out a perfect Palm Desert day.”
— THE DESERT CONCIERGES ASSOCIATION
01
Shopping & Arts District
El Paseo Shopping District
The “Rodeo Drive of the Desert” — a mile-long boulevard of luxury boutiques, art galleries, sculpture gardens, and acclaimed restaurants. Home to Fashion Week El Paseo each spring.
Shopping
02
Aquatics & Recreation
Palm Desert Aquatic Center
An eight-acre public aquatic facility with three pools, multiple waterslides, diving boards, a splash playground, swim lessons, and cabana rentals. One of the finest public pools in the Coachella Valley.
Family
03
Hiking & Outdoor
Bump & Grind Trail
A beloved 4-mile loop through the Santa Rosa foothills above Palm Desert with sweeping panoramic valley views. Moderate difficulty — most rewarding at sunrise or in the golden hour before sunset.
Outdoors
04
Scenic Drive
Palms to Pines Scenic Byway
Highway 74 rises from the palm-lined desert floor to forested mountain peaks over 67 breathtaking miles. Just 9 miles south of El Paseo reaches Vista Point — a sweeping overlook of the entire Coachella Valley.
Scenic
05
Fine Art Gallery
CODA Gallery
A premier fine art gallery on El Paseo representing contemporary artists for over 30 years. CODA specializes in original paintings, sculpture, and limited editions — one of the valley’s most respected art destinations.
Gallery
06
Parks & Community
Palm Desert Civic Park
A beautifully maintained community park at the heart of Palm Desert — featuring open lawns, shaded walkways, an amphitheater, and a setting for community events, concerts, and seasonal celebrations throughout the year.
Park
07
Performing Arts
McCallum Theatre
A 1,127-seat performing arts center presenting Broadway tours, world-class concerts, comedy, and dance year-round. The undisputed cultural anchor of Palm Desert and one of the finest mid-size theaters in Southern California.
Theater
About Palm Desert
City Profile
Palm Desert sits at the heart of the Coachella Valley, combining resort luxury with an energetic cultural scene. Built around the legendary El Paseo shopping district, the city has grown into the valley’s premier destination for fine art, fashion, festivals, premier restaurants, and nightlife — with the Art & Food & Wine Festival drawing tens of thousands to its world-class culinary and arts events each year.
Population
~54,000 residents
Founded
1973 — incorporated as a city
Location
Central Coachella Valley, east of Cathedral City
Known For
El Paseo, Art & Food & Wine Festival, McCallum Theatre, Living Desert
Plan Your Palm Desert Visit
Let our concierge team create the perfect Palm Desert itinerary — from morning hikes to evening theater.