Desert Life!

Surrounded by four picturesque mountain ranges and long sought-after by travelers for its inspiring scenery and sense of adventure, Greater Palm Springs is Southern California’s most storied resort oasis. Greater Palm Springs encompasses nine cities — Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella — each offering its own blend of experiences as endless as our blue skies.

Desert Life

Restaurants & Night Life

Desert Life

Events Calendar

Desert Life

Attraction & Activities


Desert Life

The Golf

Desert Life

Spa & Wellness

Desert Life

The Shopping

 

The Coachella Valley.

Framed by the majestic San Jacinto, Santa Rosa, and Little San Bernardino Mountains, the Coachella Valley is Southern California’s premier desert playground — a blend of natural beauty, resort luxury, and vibrant year-round energy.

Stretching from Palm Springs to Coachella, the valley encompasses nine distinctive cities: Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella. Each has its own personality — from the modernist design and nightlife of Palm Springs, to the refined golf clubs of Indian Wells and La Quinta, and the agricultural charm and festival spirit of Indio.

Visitors come for world-class resorts and spas, award-winning restaurants, and luxury shopping along Palm Desert’s famed El Paseo. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore scenic desert trails in Indian Canyons, Joshua Tree National Park, and the Coachella Valley Preserve, or enjoy endless days of golf, tennis, and cycling under brilliant desert skies.

Weather & Lifestyle

From November through April, the Coachella Valley enjoys ideal desert weather — clear blue skies, daytime highs in the 70s °F, and cool, starry evenings. This mild winter climate makes it a paradise for golfers, hikers, and sun-seekers alike.

Whether drawn by music, art, fine dining, or simply the tranquil rhythm of palm-lined streets and mountain sunsets, the Coachella Valley embodies the best of desert living — timeless, inspiring, and beautifully alive.

Top 25 Spectator Events. 

The Coachella Valley offers one of the most diverse and exciting event lineups in the country — where world-class music, sports, art, and community spirit converge beneath the desert sun.

Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival   (Indio)
Held each April at the Empire Polo Club, this globally acclaimed festival showcases world-famous musicians, massive art installations, and an unmatched celebration of creativity and desert style.

Stagecoach Country Music Festival (Indio)
The weekend following Coachella, Stagecoach brings together country’s biggest stars for three days of music, dancing, and cowboy spirit, set against the valley’s scenic backdrop.

Palm Springs International Film Festival (Palm Springs)
A glamorous Hollywood-favorite event each January, featuring red carpet premieres, star-studded galas, and screenings of award-worthy films from around the world.

Modernism Week (Palm Springs)
A 10-day festival each February celebrating mid-century modern architecture, design, and culture, featuring exclusive home tours, vintage fashion, and cocktail parties straight from the 1960s.

BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells Tennis Garden)
Known as “the fifth Grand Slam,” this elite tournament draws tennis superstars and fans from around the globe for two weeks of world-class matches and resort-style hospitality.

The American Express Golf Tournament (La Quinta / PGA West)
A premier PGA Tour event combining championship golf, live music, and charitable giving, all set amid La Quinta’s stunning fairways.

Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival (Indio)
A valley tradition celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage with rides, livestock shows, concerts, and signature date milkshakes.

Coachella Valley Invitational (Indio)
Major League Soccer and National Women’s Soccer League preseason matches hosted at the Empire Polo Club, offering fans an up-close experience with professional teams.

Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival (Palm Desert)
A culinary showcase featuring celebrity chefs, winemakers, and gourmet tastings in the heart of the El Paseo shopping district.

Desert X Art Biennial (Various Locations)
A visionary outdoor art exhibition held every two years, with large-scale installations spread across the valley, blending modern creativity with desert landscapes.

La Quinta Arts Festival (La Quinta)
A top-ranked fine arts festival showcasing over 200 artists, stunning lakefront views, and live entertainment — a true celebration of artistic excellence.

Indian Wells Arts Festival (Indian Wells Tennis Garden)
A family-friendly arts marketplace each spring featuring fine art, live music, and interactive workshops.

Tour de Palm Springs Charity Bike Ride (Valleywide)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   A Beloved annual event drawing thousands of cyclists who ride scenic routes across the valley to raise money for local charities.

El Paseo Fashion Week (Palm Desert)
A high-style event featuring runway shows, trunk exhibitions, and designer showcases on Palm Desert’s iconic El Paseo — the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert.”

Palm Springs International ShortFest (Palm Springs)
The largest short film festival in North America, celebrating up-and-coming filmmakers and Oscar-qualifying shorts each June.

Indio International Tamale Festival (Indio)
One of the largest food festivals in the Southwest, this December celebration features hundreds of tamale vendors, live music, and family fun.

American Documentary and Animation Film Festival (Palm Springs)
Also known as AmDocs, this spring festival highlights groundbreaking documentaries and animated features from around the world.

Palm Springs Air Museum Memorial Day Flower Drop & Air Fair (Palm Springs)
An emotional and thrilling event featuring vintage aircraft flyovers and a breathtaking flower drop honoring fallen veterans.

Dia de los Muertos Celebration (Coachella & Indio)
A vibrant cultural festival celebrating Mexican heritage with traditional music, art, and beautiful altar displays honoring loved ones.

McCormick’s Classic Car Auction (Palm Springs)
A collector’s favorite — featuring hundreds of vintage cars, high-end restorations, and live bidding excitement each November and February.

The Coachella Valley’s calendar is as colorful as its sunsets — blending global prestige with local charm. From star-studded festivals to family fairs and art-filled weekends, there’s always something extraordinary happening under the desert sky.

Top Leisure & Sporting Activities.

Where sunshine meets sophistication, the Coachella Valley offers an unmatched blend of recreation, relaxation, and refinement. From world-class golf to desert adventure and fine dining, every day here is an invitation to live beautifully.

Golf & Country Club Lifestyle

Championship Golf
With more than 120 courses across the valley, including PGA West, Indian Wells Golf Resort, Bighorn Golf Club, and The Madison Club, golf is truly the heartbeat of the desert.

Tennis & Pickleball
Home to the BNP Paribas Open, the Indian Wells Tennis Garden anchors a thriving tennis and pickleball community across Palm Desert and La Quinta.

Polo Matches at Empire Polo Club
Experience the energy and elegance of live polo in Indio, complete with champagne picnics and festive social scenes.

Luxury Fitness & Wellness Clubs
Upscale gyms and private wellness studios throughout Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert cater to health-conscious desert living.

Outdoor Adventure & Exploration

Hiking & Trail Exploration
Discover scenic routes at Tahquitz Canyon, Palm Canyon, and the Bump and Grind Trail, offering everything from leisurely walks to challenging climbs.

Biking & E-Biking
Cruise through La Quinta Cove, Palm Springs neighborhoods, or along palm-lined routes at sunrise.

Off-Road & Jeep Tours
Adventure through Painted Canyon, and Joshua Tree’s hidden desert trails with expert guides.

Horseback Riding
Ride through mountain foothills and open desert trails in Indio, Palm Springs, and Thermal.

Hot-Air Balloon Flights
Float above palm groves and golf courses at sunrise, soaking in spectacular desert panoramas.

Rock Climbing & Bouldering
Joshua Tree National Park offers iconic climbs and stunning rock formations for all levels.

Nature Photography & Wildlife Viewing
Capture dramatic sunsets, native flora, and desert wildlife at the Coachella Valley Preserve.

ATV & Dune Buggy Adventures
Thrill seekers can head to Ocotillo Wells or Desert Hot Springs for guided desert rides across open dunes.

Water & Relaxation Experiences

Resort Pool Days
Enjoy cabanas and lagoon-style pools at La Quinta Resort & Club or the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort.

Spa & Mineral Spring Retreats
Desert Hot Springs offers natural hot-mineral pools, while Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert are home to elite day spas.

Resort Tennis & Pickleball Socials
Stay active and social with community tournaments and group play at luxury resorts.

Water Aerobics & Lap Swimming
Recreation centers throughout the valley provide year-round aquatic fitness programs.

Culture, Art & Lifestyle

Art & Architecture Tours
Explore Palm Springs’ mid-century modern homes, art galleries, and Desert X installations blending creativity with nature.

Shopping on El Paseo
Stroll Palm Desert’s famed shopping district, filled with designer boutiques, galleries, and fine dining patios.

Culinary Experiences & Chef Events
Enjoy celebrity-chef dinners and tastings at the Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival or resort dining showcases.

Wine, Craft Beer & Distillery Tastings
Sample boutique wines, small-batch spirits, and local brews at elegant tasting lounges across the valley.

Live Music & Entertainment
Experience concerts at Acrisure Arena, intimate jazz nights, or major music festivals like Coachella and Stagecoach.

Film & Cultural Festivals
The Palm Springs International Film Festival and Modernism Week attract global attention each year.

Casino Gaming & Nightlife
Agua Caliente, Fantasy Springs, Spotlight 29 Casinos combine fine dining, live shows, and luxury entertainment.

Art Walks & Gallery Nights
Palm Springs and La Quinta host monthly art walks featuring local and regional artists.

Farmers Markets & Local Fairs
Browse artisan goods, fresh dates, and farm-to-table produce throughout the valley’s weekend markets.

​Active Recreation & Family Fun

Pet-Friendly Trails & Parks
Homestead Trail and Cahuilla Hills Park are perfect for hikers and their four-legged friends.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Ride to Mount San Jacinto for alpine hikes, snowshoeing, and incredible views.

Bowling, Arcades & Family Centers
Enjoy classic entertainment at Cathedral City’s bowling alleys and modern gaming venues.

Ice Skating & Holiday Rinks
Seasonal outdoor rinks in Rancho Mirage and downtown Palm Springs make winter sparkle.

Mini Golf & Amusements
Boomers Palm Springs offers family fun with mini golf, go-karts, and arcade games.

Pickleball Leagues & Social Play
A desert favorite — casual games and leagues are hosted in nearly every resort community.

Stargazing & Astronomy Nights
Clear desert skies offer incredible stargazing from Thousand Palms Oasis to your own backyard patio.

Scenic Drives & Convertible Cruises
Take the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway for panoramic desert-to-mountain views.

Photography Workshops
Learn to capture the desert’s unique light and landscape through guided photo sessions.

Yoga & Meditation Retreats
Outdoor sunrise yoga, sound baths, and holistic wellness retreats abound across the valley.

Equestrian Training & Riding Lessons
Top stables in Thermal and Indio host both recreational and competitive programs.

Air Tours & Skydiving
See the entire Coachella Valley from above with scenic flight tours or tandem skydives.

Volunteer & Community Events
Participate in local charity golf tournaments, art foundations, or the Tour de Palm Springs bike ride.

The Coachella Valley isn’t just a destination — it’s a lifestyle. Whether your perfect day involves 18 holes, a mountain trail, a spa afternoon, or a concert under the stars, this desert oasis offers an endless array of ways to play, relax, and belong.

Day-Trips & Weekend Adventures.

From desert canyons to coastal cliffs, mountain towns to iconic cities, the Coachella Valley is the perfect home base for exploring Southern California and beyond. Here are twenty unforgettable destinations within just a few hours’ drive.

​Nature & Adventure

Joshua Tree National Park (45 min)
Hike through surreal rock formations, explore hidden oases, and stargaze under crystal-clear skies.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (20 min)
Ascend from the desert floor to over 8,500 feet for sweeping valley views and alpine hiking trails.

Hike the Indian Canyons (15 min)
Discover palm-lined trails, waterfalls, and ancient Native American heritage sites.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (2 hr)
Marvel at spring wildflower blooms, slot canyons, and desert sculptures across California’s largest state park.

Mount San Jacinto State Park (1 hr)
Enjoy high-altitude hiking, pine forests, and cool mountain air just minutes from Palm Springs.

Salton Sea (45 min)
Experience California’s largest inland lake, a striking landscape of reflection, wildlife, and solitude.

Culture & Curiosity

Salvation Mountain (1 hr 15 min)
A colorful, hand-painted hillside masterpiece dedicated to love, faith, and art.

Desert X (various valley locations)
An internationally renowned outdoor art exhibition blending creativity with the desert’s vast beauty.

Idyllwild (1 hr 30 min)
A serene mountain town with art galleries, music festivals, and charming local cafés.

Temecula Wine Country (1 hr 45 min)
Savor fine wines, vineyard views, and hot-air balloon rides at sunrise.

Coastal Escapes

Laguna Beach (2 hr 30 min)
Enjoy ocean-view dining, art festivals, and picturesque coves perfect for swimming or relaxation.

Newport Beach (2 hr 30 min)
Stroll Balboa Island, charter a yacht, or watch whales off the coast.

San Diego (2 hr 30 min)
From sandy beaches to Balboa Park, experience world-class dining and the famous San Diego Zoo.

Los Angeles (2 hr 30 min)
Explore Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and an endless mix of art, culture, and entertainment.

Disneyland Resort, Anaheim (2 hr 15 min)
The classic theme park adventure that never loses its magic.

Mountain & Desert Escapes

Big Bear Lake (2 hr 30 min)
A year-round alpine getaway for skiing, boating, or just unwinding by the fire.

Lake Arrowhead (2 hr 45 min)
Relax in this mountain hideaway surrounded by forests, trails, and boutique lakeside shops.

Death Valley National Park (4 hr 30 min)
An otherworldly landscape of dunes, salt flats, and brilliant desert color.

Weekend Getaways

Las Vegas, Nevada (4 hr 30 min)
World-class entertainment, dining, and luxury — all just across the desert.

Grand Canyon National Park (5 hr)

Scottsdale Arizona (4 hr 30 min)

A bucket-list destination offering some of the most spectacular views on Earth.

Travel Tip: The Coachella Valley offers easy access to mountains, ocean, desert, and city lights — all within a morning’s drive. Whether you’re seeking adventure, art, or relaxation, this sun-soaked region is your perfect gateway to the best of the West.

Skip to content