The Inside Scoop
Desert Springs, CA is part of the larger Desert Cities region that includes Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta, and Cathedral City. Although it doesn’t quite have the name recognition of Palm Springs, it’s part of the same vibrant, sun-drenched lifestyle tapestry that draws in the jet set, design lovers, wellness seekers, and golf aficionados alike.
Many visitors choose to stay in Desert Springs or nearby Palm Desert because the luxury accommodations are more spacious and serene, ideal for longer stays and those who want privacy, views, and resort-style amenities.
Palm Springs, of course, has a cultural cachet. Think Mid-Century Modern architecture, Palm Springs Art Museum, Uptown Design District, and vintage shopping.
Desert Springs gives you access to that scene while offering a more relaxed, country-club chic atmosphere with world-class golf, high-end spas, and elevated dining.
For anyone visiting, think daily rituals in Desert Springs (morning hikes, a massage, poolside lounging), then late afternoon outings to Palm Springs for cocktails, gallery strolls, or dinner under the stars.
Perfect Music Vibes
- Midnight – Lane 8
Atmospheric and slow-burning—perfect for twilight poolside lounging. - Tadow – Masego & FKJ
Saxophone, soul, and smooth rhythm. Effortlessly sexy. - Sweet Disposition – The Temper Trap
Soaring indie classic with big desert road trip energy. - Come and See Me – PARTYNEXTDOOR ft. Drake
Moody, minimal R&B—late-night desert sky material. - Time Moves Slow – BADBADNOTGOOD ft. Samuel T. Herring
Smoky, jazz-infused coolness. For sipping something strong with a view. - Dark Days – Local Natives ft. Sylvan Esso
Dreamy and laid-back, like a sonic mirage in the heat. - Desert Rose – Sting ft. Cheb Mami
Exotic, hypnotic, and a nod to classic desert-inspired sounds. - Electric Feel – MGMT
Psychedelic pop with undeniable retro charm. - Love and Hate – Michael Kiwanuka
Soulful, cinematic, and hauntingly gorgeous. - So Good At Being In Trouble – Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Lo-fi funk with effortless cool—slow dancing in bare feet, anyone
Top Vacation Experiences
Book a private in-villa massage or greet the day with guided sunrise yoga www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com for a guide to spas and wellness.
What to expect: Unwind without leaving your villa or visit one of the many retreats catered for your wellness needs in Desert Springs.
Hike the dramatic landscapes of Indian Canyons or the scenic Bump and Grind Trail
What to expect: Witness the beauty of the desert and the serene solitude on these iconic local hikes.
Tee off at Desert Willow Golf Resort or Classic Club
What to expect: Championship courses with panoramic mountain views and perfectly manicured greens.
Stroll and shop along El Paseo, the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert”
What to expect: Upscale boutiques, and art galleries in Palm Desert’s chicest district.
Wander the iconic Sunnylands Center & Gardens in Rancho Mirage
What to expect: Tour historic mid-century modern grounds and lush desert gardens once frequented by presidents and royalty.
Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to a mountain-top escape
What to expect: Soaring above the valley to cooler temps, pine forests, and sweeping vistas from 8,500 feet
Retro treasure hunting with a retro soundtrack at Palm Springs Vintage market. First Sunday of the month. Live vinyl DJs spinning 60s surf rock, Motown, and California dream-pop while you browse mid-century finds. It’s a lifestyle.
Take in a show or concert at the high-end venue Agua Caliente Casino with major talent and excellent acoustics. This 2,000-seat concert theater books everything from jazz and rock icons to pop stars and comedy acts. Upscale but unpretentious, with VIP seating options
Bars, Venues, & Views
From hidden speakeasies to legendary music spots, Desert Springs and Palm Springs offer a refined yet playful nightlife scene. Sip, Savor, and Soak in the Scene:
The Nest (Indian Wells): Old-school glamour, live music, and a see-and-be-seen crowd
The Pink Cabana (Indian Wells): A design lover’s dream with Mediterranean cocktails and retro Riviera flair
Bar Cecil (Palm Springs): Smart and stylish with bold decor, refined bites, and an A-list following
Seymour’s (Palm Springs): Speakeasy vibes tucked behind Mr. Lyon’s—low lighting, high style
Jazzville Palm Springs: Thursday night live jazz in a swanky supper club setting
V Wine Lounge: Stylish wine bar with live acoustic sets and ‘vinyl listening nights’
Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar (Palm Desert): Breezy terrace, tropical drinks, and laidback luxe
Love to Eat
The desert’s dining scene is as dynamic as its landscape – colorful and unexpected!
Workshop Kitchen + Bar (Palm Springs): Award-winning architecture meets hyper-seasonal California fare.
Wilma & Frieda’s (Palm Desert): A local brunch favorite with playful comfort food and upscale flair.
Chef Tanya’s Kitchen (Palm Springs): Vibrant plant-based eats from one of the desert’s most beloved chefs.
Lavender Bistro (La Quinta): Romantic patio, twinkling lights, and Mediterranean classics done beautifully.
Seymour’s / Mr. Lyon’s (Palm Springs): A moody speakeasy with vinyl, vintage spirits, and sophisticated grooves behind a velvet curtain in one of the city’s best steakhouses!
Top Vacay Reads
Play It As It Lays by Joan Didion
A raw, hauntingly beautiful novel set in 1960s Los Angeles and the Mojave Desert.
Didion’s razor-sharp prose and existential themes are pure California cool—moody, minimalist, and unforgettable.
Eve Babitz and the Secret History of L.A.by Lili Anolik
The real-life wild child of 70s L.A., art, and literary scenes gets her spotlight.
For fans of glamour, grit, and unapologetic decadence—Babitz is the ultimate California muse.
Less by Andrew Sean Greer
A witty, heartwarming, Pulitzer-winning novel about love, travel, and midlife reinvention.
Breezy yet profound—a joy to read while sipping something cold under the palms.
The Guest by Emma Cline
A sultry, unsettling novel about a woman drifting through elite summer communities.
Think East Coast meets West Coast energy—sharp social commentary wrapped in sun-drenched tension.
The Summer Book by Tove Jansson
Quiet, tender moments between a grandmother and granddaughter on a summer island.
This Scandinavian gem radiates peaceful introspection, perfect for morning coffee on the terrace.
Hollywood’s Eve: Eve Babitz and the Secret History of L.A. by Lili Anolik
Yes, it’s on the list twice for a reason—it reads like both biography and gossip-soaked novel. The ultimate SoCal social history, wrapped in wit and wonder.
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
Evocative, sensual, and full of emotional depth.
This modern literary drama shifts between past and present with the kind of lush storytelling ideal for a poolside binge.
California: A History by Kevin Starr
A richly told, sweeping chronicle of the Golden State’s rise to global cultural powerhouse.
For those who like their beach reads with a little gravitas—learn the layered history beneath the sunshine.
Annual Events
The social calendar in the Coachella Valley is never dull so plan your visit around some of California’s most talked-about events. Whether you’re into design, music, tennis, or film, the region’s year-round events bring in A-listers, artists, and stylish travelers from around the world.
October 16th – 19th 2025 and February 12th – 22nd 2026: Not to be missed if you’re a fan of superb design! An architectural and design showcase celebrating the area’s iconic mid-century style
Coachella Music & Arts Festival
April 10th – 12th 2026 and April 17th – 19th 2026: The global music phenomenon with a VIP desert twist
April 24th – 26th 2026: A luxe take on country music, fashion, and high-desert vibes.
Palm Springs International Film Festival
January 2nd – 13th 2026: Glitz, glamour, and global cinema under the palms
BNP Paribas Open – Indian Wells
March 1st – 15th 2026: Welcome to tennis in paradise. Elite tennis in a polished, resort-style setting
Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival
Check website for dates.
A stunning 3-day celebration of color and light that starts each morning with tethered launches at sunrise, then return in the evening for the dramatic “Balloon Glow.” Expect gourmet food trucks, live music, a beer & wine garden, and kids’ zones. Free to watch with optional VIP ride experiences
Check the website for 2026 dates.
A spirited charity ride through scenic desert roads, accompanied by live music and food, perfect for those who believe active travel should feel elevated!
