Shop, Dine in Downtown Palm Desert

Often called the Rodeo Drive of the Desert, Palm Desert’s El Paseo is a mile-long destination in the heart of the Coachella Valley with manicured flower beds, palm trees, and public art. It’s a place where window shopping is as delightful as the purchases themselves.

Here are some new spots and old favorites to check out when visiting this California favorite:^*

Courtesy Visit Greater Palm Springs

Shopping

The Gardens on El Paseo is an open-air shopping center where you’ll find instantly recognizable brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and more. But these palm-lined sidewalks don’t just feature the world-renowned brands — they’re home to local boutiques as well.

Fashionistas can head to Blonde, a Palm Desert mainstay for more than 20 years. This local shop is where you’ll find trendy clothes for every occasion. Once your outfit is picked out, head to Gorjana to add some sparkle to your look. This Southern California-based fine jewelry brand is known for looks that are both laid-back and stylish.

Looking for something unique? Find handmade pieces that are part art and part clothing at Earth Spirits, a boutique featuring jewelry, textiles, shoes, and one-of-a-kind gifts.

Courtesy Visit Greater Palm Springs

Dining

When you need a break from retail therapy, El Paseo offers multiple dining options. Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a casual brunch, El Paseo’s dining scene is as diverse as it is delectable, with a mix of new and old favorites to check out.

Molé features craft Mexican fare made from scratch with a Southwest twist. This popular eatery comes to you from the Sedona, Arizona-based restaurant group Wild Thyme. If you’re craving some Italian food, head to Ristorante Mamma Gina. Home of the all-night happy hour, this has been a mainstay for classic Italian food for nearly four decades. Another restaurant from Sedona’s Wild Thyme Restaurant Group is Shorebird. This unique restaurant offers fresh, coastal flavors that bring the ocean to your plate. (No easy feat in the desert!)

Porta Via is the perfect choice for the sustainable eater. This bright, contemporary bistro offers California cuisine for lunch, dinner, and their weekend brunch and showcases locally sourced organic produce. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant is a popular date night spot with one of the best patio views in town. And for the perfect end to your meal, check out Perfect Pint. Enjoy handcrafted frozen custard made in small batches in the Coachella Valley. Grab a pint of the date custard for local flavor or opt for something a bit more adventurous, like maple bacon or pistachio raspberry.

Courtesy Visit Greater Palm Springs

Arts and Culture

Beyond shopping and dining, Palm Desert hosts various cultural events and art exhibitions throughout the year, making it a hub for creativity and cultural exploration. The Artists Center at the Galen spotlights the art and artists of Coachella Valley, while the adjacent Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden has 14 pieces and some five dozen desert plants and is open daily from sunrise to sunset. At the 1,127-seat McCallum Theatre, you can see a range of pop and jazz performances as well as theater productions and dance shows.

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas

Where to Stay:

Sitting under the California sun, the Palm Desert region has an adventure for everyone. Be near the old Hollywood glitz and outdoor activities with a stay at Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas or Marriott’s Shadow Ridge. 

Marriott's Shadow Ridge

Or bring your clubs and have a golf escape at The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert, or play the championship courses at The Westin Mission Hills Resort Villas, Palm Springs. When it comes to Palm Desert, there is no wrong way to vacation.

The Westin Desert Willow Villas	The Westin Mission Hills