JOY OF SPRINGS DESERT HOT SPRINGS
California’s hidden gems in Palm of your hand...
A SUNSHINE oasis with desert landscapes, midcentury architecture and luxury experiences, Greater Palm Springs is a happening destination with endless travel opportunities.
Made up of nine Californian cities and four surrounding mountain ranges, tourists can easily go from hiking and hot spring bathing to luxury shopping and alfresco dining.
Widely known for its world famous Coachella and Stagecoach festivals, you can explore Greater Palm Springs’ under-the-radar cities year-round.
Here’s our guide to five of the best.
North of Palm Springs and recognised worldwide for its health and wellness offerings, Desert Hot Springs is the go-to city for a relaxing break.
Ideally situated at the foot of the
San Bernardino mountains and on the edge of Joshua Tree National Park, outdoor experiences from hiking to horse riding are just a stone’s throw away.
Enjoy a relaxing stay with health and wellness retreats offering holistic therapy treatments, yoga classes and mineral water pools.
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT IN CATHEDRAL CITY
A vibrant residential city ten miles south of Palm Springs, Cathedral City is a hub of art and entertainment.
One of America’s most liveable cities, visit for its downtown arts and entertainment district, annual events and desert resorts.
Its recent public arts initiative means visitors can discover several works on display throughout the city, while the arts and entertainment district hosts gallery openings, theatre shows, and events such as the annual LGBTQI+ days and the Hot Air Balloon Festival.
In central Greater Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage is a stylish desert city where a luxury lifestyle meets exciting Coachella experiences.
The River at Rancho Mirage is the city’s open-air shopping centre with upmarket shops, restaurants and entertainment spots, one of the best shopping destinations in Greater Palm Springs.
Outside of the boutique-lined streets the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory is a delight for astronomical fans, while the historic estate of Sunnylands Centre and Gardens, which has welcomed world leaders and royalty since the 1960s, brings landscaped gardens and desert architecture.
CULTURE AND HISTORY IN INDIO
The home of the festivals Coachella and Stagecoach, Indio is a cultural haven not to be missed.
One of the oldest cities in Greater Palm Springs, Indio is home to the Coachella Valley History Museum for visitors to learn about the desert valley and its culture.
Also in Indio is the world’s only date museum Shields Date Garden, paying homage to the date palm and its history in Southern California.
You can also attend the annual Riverside County Fair and National
Date Festival, celebrating date harvest and the city’s link to music.
South of Greater Palm Springs and bordering the Mojave and Colorado Deserts Biosphere Reserve, La Quinta is a chic town-like city which embraces its surrounding nature.
The Old Town has charming cobblestoned streets full of cafes, boutiques, salons and architectural vistas ideal for alfresco dining.
Meanwhile, La Quinta XPark holds the El Gato Classic skateboard competition each year, led by the skateboard legend Eddie “El Gato” Elguera. This year it will take place on November 11 and 12.
See www.visitgreaterpalmsprings. com for more.