Welcome to Palm Desert
Palm Desert is located in the center of the Coachella Valley, situated between Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells. A commercial and residential development hub for the Coachella Valley, Palm Desert offers a burgeoning art scene, fantastic outdoor leisure facilities, some of the best golf communities, and the best shopping available.
A number of exclusive opportunities to experience the visual arts awaits, from the noted Art in Public Places Initiative of the City of Palm Desert to the array of 30+ art galleries. Fans of the performing arts gather at the McCallum Theater for a variety of Broadway traveling plays, sold-out concerts and year-round music festival. You can discover more about these experiences in our guide on 7 ways to enjoy the arts in Palm Desert, CA.
Palm Desert is home to the famous El Paseo Shopping District, a unique nine-blocks filled with shops, art galleries and restaurants. El Paseo hosts the iconic Coachella Valley activities such as El Paseo Fashion Week and the annual Paint El Paseo Pink of the Desert Cancer Foundation. To learn more about local shopping experiences, visit our detailed Palm Desert shopping guide.
If spending time outdoors is what you are looking for, Palm Desert provides 14 public parks, plenty of private and public golf courses, an impressive Aquatic Center and a variety trails for hiking and biking. Let’s not forget one of Palm Desert’s most famous attractions, The Living Desert Zoo & Botanical Garden, which is highlighted in our list of family-friendly activities in Palm Desert.
A number of thrilling experiences await no matter if you are a tourist or local, Palm Desert is an excellent place to call home. Discover why so many residents love it in 6 reasons why people love living in Palm Desert.
If you're interested in exploring the area's most popular communities, be sure to check out Sun City Palm Desert and Palm Desert Resort and Country Club for more options.
Total population in 2020: 54,597
Total days of sunshine: 269
Luxurious Accommodations and Golfing Experience
Palm Desert boasts a range of luxurious accommodations and golfing experiences. The JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa is a prime example of luxury in Palm Desert, offering a range of amenities including five pools, mini-golf courses, and gondola rides. For golf enthusiasts, the Desert Willow Golf Resort provides two championship courses, Mountain View and Firecliff, each offering distinct challenges and breathtaking views of the Santa Rosa Mountains. This resort also features a top-notch restaurant, The Terrace Restaurant, perfect for a post-golf dining experience. Learn more about top-rated local courses in our article on the best public golf courses in the Coachella Valley. If you're considering a move to one of the area's premier golf neighborhoods, explore our selection of golf course communities in Palm Desert.
Art and Cultural Experiences
Art lovers and cultural enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Palm Desert. The CODA Gallery on El Paseo is a celebrated art venue showcasing contemporary works from both local and international artists, offering an array of paintings, sculptures, and photographs. This gallery is part of the El Paseo Shopping District, which is known for its public art installations. For those interested in performing arts, the McCallum Theatre presents a wide range of productions, from music to drama and ballet, all enjoyed in a state-of-the-art setting. To explore more, visit 7 ways to enjoy the arts in Palm Desert, CA.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
Palm Desert is surrounded by natural beauty, offering numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. The Bump and Grind Trail is a popular hiking destination, providing stunning views of the desert foothills and peaks like Mt. San Jacinto and Mt. San Gorgonio. For a different kind of scenic adventure, the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway is a must-drive, spanning from the desert landscapes to the snow-peaked mountains at Banning Pass. Additionally, the Coachella Valley Preserve is a natural haven ideal for hiking, featuring several oases and unique desert wildlife. See more fun weekend ideas in things to do on the weekends in Palm Desert.
Community Events and Local Life
Palm Desert is more than a destination—it's a tight-knit community with a rich calendar of local events and traditions. Highlights include:
- Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade, held every October for over 55 years, where elaborately decorated carts cruise down El Paseo in a playful tribute to community creativity.
- Concerts in the Park at Civic Center Park take place in the spring and fall, featuring free live music performances beneath the stars.
- Palm Desert First Weekend, running from November through May, turns the El Paseo district into a cultural corridor with extended shopping hours, gallery receptions, and live art demonstrations.
Discover upcoming events and seasonal fun in our blog on three upcoming events near Palm Desert.
Local Dining Highlights
In addition to world-class resorts and shopping, Palm Desert boasts a thriving local dining scene. A few standouts include:
- Wilma & Frieda's Café, a brunch favorite on El Paseo known for short rib benedicts and homemade pop tarts.
- Cuistot, a romantic French restaurant near El Paseo offering refined cuisine and a renowned wine list in a rustic, stone-walled setting.
- Armando’s Bar & Grill, a staple for Mexican food lovers, is beloved for its fajitas and margaritas in a lively atmosphere.
- Grill-A-Burger, located on Highway 111, is consistently voted among the top burger joints in Greater Palm Springs.
For more culinary picks, check out our curated list of the best restaurants in Palm Desert and top restaurants in the Coachella Valley.
Education and Lifelong Learning
Palm Desert is home to important educational and enrichment institutions:
- The California State University, San Bernardino – Palm Desert Campus offers degree programs in business, education, and nursing, along with community learning events and lectures.
- College of the Desert (COD), with its main campus in Palm Desert, supports over 10,000 students and hosts the McCallum Theatre, further embedding the arts into local education.
- The Palm Desert Library, part of the Riverside County Library System, hosts regular book clubs, children’s programs, and tech classes for residents of all ages.
If you're interested in real estate opportunities, Palm Desert offers a wide range of options including condos, luxury homes, multi-family properties, and land for sale. For a comprehensive look at available listings, visit our Palm Desert real estate page.
Search homes for sale in Palm Desert and more:
- La Quinta Homes for Sale
- Rancho Mirage Homes for Sale
- Indian Wells Homes for Sale
- Palm Springs Homes for Sale
- Palm Desert Condos
- Palm Desert Luxury Homes
- Palm Desert Commercial Real Estate
