3 Things You Love About Greater Palm Springs
And 3 new things waiting for you to discover!
Photo Credit: Visit Greater Palm Springs
There are three things travelers want for their fall and winter vacations this year: warmth, outdoor activities, and a feeling of safety. Offering all of these, Greater Palm Springs has always been a place where visitors return time and again. Throughout the region’s nine cities, there are many tried-and-true favorite experiences, complemented by a steady stream of new things to do and see.
Perennial favorites and must-sees
Greater Palm Springs’ gorgeous weather, natural beauty, and amazing annual events are just some of the many reasons visitors come back to this Southern California oasis again and again.
1. Outdoor adventure and scenic open spaces
When cooler fall temperatures roll in, sun-kissed skies still shine overhead, making it the perfect time for outdoor exploration. Hop aboard the rotating Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and ride from the Coachella Valley floor to San Jacinto Peak. Explore the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, where you’ll find trails for every fitness level. Rent traditional or e-bikes to cruise through charming neighborhoods and shopping districts on your own, or with an organized tour.
Enjoy simply wandering through beautiful public spaces like Shields Date Garden, home to a 17-acre date grove and botanical garden, or Joshua Tree National Park, which encompasses 800,000 acres of whimsical desert landscape.
Photo Credit: Visit Greater Palm Springs
2. The return of annual events
Signature annual events are making a comeback in Greater Palm Springs. In addition to the BNP Paribas Open, the world-renowned Indian Wells Tennis Garden welcomes back the World Team Tennis playoffs in November. The Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championship follows in December. In January, three local golf courses host the American Express 2022 PGA tournament.
The Modernism Week Fall Preview sets the stage for Modernism Week 2022 – which celebrates a local legacy of mid-century modern architecture and design with over 50 guided tours, events, and parties – held in February. Culture connoisseurs will also love the 32nd Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival in January.
The Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival and Food Truck Fiesta return this November with balloon rides and launches. At the Palm Springs Air Museum, the Props and Hops Craft Beer Festival features over 25 craft breweries and vintage warbird rides.
Photo Credit: Visit Greater Palm Springs
3. Arts and culture
In addition to world-class festivals and events, Greater Palm Springs is the perfect destination for arts-and-culture lovers year-round. Self-guided midcentury modern architecture tours are available for both walking and driving. The extraordinary Palm Springs Art Museum hosts special exhibits and features a permanent collection of modern and contemporary art, design, and studio glass.
New and worth checking out
While Greater Palm Springs has a long history, the destination is always evolving with new hotels, shops, and restaurants.
1. New and updated hotels
Greater Palm Springs has lodging for every budget, from value hotels to luxury resorts and vacation rentals. The newest to open include the adults-only Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis, and the family-friendly Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs. Several properties have invested in multimillion-dollar renovations, including the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, and The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa.
Photo Credit: Visit Greater Palm Springs
2. Love Local Shopping Pass
From vintage treasures and modern home décor, to tasty treats and organic skincare, you’ll find unique treasures shopping throughout Greater Palm Springs. The free mobile “Love Local Shopping Pass” makes it easy to find stores, and features special offers and discounts.
Use it for your holiday shopping, and you can enter to win a grand prize, announced after January 3, 2022. In the spirit of giving, Visit Greater Palm Springs will match each check-in entry with a donation to a local food bank.
Photo Credit: Visit Greater Palm Springs
3. Dining options
Dining al fresco is more popular than ever right now. People watch from the patios of eateries like RD RNNR Libations in La Quinta. And check out the new restaurants that have opened in the last year, such as Boozehounds Palm Springs and Oceana Palm Desert.
Outdoor adventure, al fresco dining, exciting sporting and cultural events, and unique places to stay make Greater Palm Springs an enticing destination. Plus, more than 500 area businesses have taken the Safer Together, Greater Together Pledge to implement the latest COVID-19 safety protocols.
