Lodging
Tourism has always played a major role in the economic makeup of the desert resorts and the City of Palm Desert.
With more than twenty hotels/resorts in town, with a combined total of over 2,000 rooms, there is no dearth of hotel space here! Palm Desert is home to the largest five-star destination resort in the valley, the smallest bed and breakfast, and everything in between.
The hotels
in Palm Springs are known nationally
for their capability of handling business conferences
and management/sales meetings of 100 to 1,000 registrants,
but are also hugely popular with the family getting away
for the weekend. The numerous world-class golf
and tennis
tournaments draw significant numbers of tourist as well.
Whether you are coming to Palm Desert with a convention, to follow the stars at the Frank Sinatra Invitational Golf Tournament, or to enjoy pampering at a local spa, there is a perfect place in Palm Desert to accommodate your needs.
Dining
After spending a day shopping or gallery hopping... what better way to unwind than savor the variety of dining delights that await you in Palm Desert. From Tex-Mex to sushi, fast food to fine dining, a long list of popular eateries and their friendly staff are waiting to serve you. You can choose from more than 150 restaurants to find what best suits your mood and pocketbook.
Intimate atmospheres, piano bars with professional entertainment and lovely desert settings add to the enjoyment of dining out in Palm Desert.
Attractions & Entertainment
Palm Desert is home to such celebrated golf tournaments as the "Bob Hope Chrysler Classic" and the "Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational" which is hosted by the city's own Desert Willow Golf Resort.
If tennis is your game, choose from over 150 tennis courts in the city. And that's not counting those at private residences! Indian Wells Tennis Garden is home to the world's sixth largest tennis tournament in the world in March. The Desert Seniors Cup Tennis Tournament is also held here.
Shopping
Palm Desert is home to over 1,050 retail establishments in more than 14 shopping districts including the area's only regional mall. El Paseo, an upscale boulevard of fine clothing shops, art galleries and quaint restaurants, is aptly called the "Rodeo Drive of the Desert." The every weekend College of the Desert Street Fair brings vendors from throughout southern California to sell their wares in an outdoor setting. And then there are literally hundreds of additional retail stores offering anything and everything you can imagine.
From a large scale mall to outdoor stalls, from special events to specialty boutiques, exclusive avenues to expansive factory outlets, you won't find a greater variety of shopping anywhere.
Museums & Cultural Attractions
The McCallum Theatre is a state-of-the-art performing arts center located in the heart of Palm Desert. Founded in 1988, it has earned a reputation for diversified, high quality programs. The theater founders committed to a goal of enriching the lives of desert residents by making the performing arts affordable and accessible to as many people as possible. Today, the McCallum annually enjoys the patronage of a quarter million theatergoers.
An astonishing variety of entertainment and cultural experiences have been presented by the McCallum over the years, award-winning plays, Broadway touring productions, international stars of dance and opera, major concert artists from classical, pop, jazz, country and rock music, and a rich variety of family and children's programming.
The valley is home to annual jazz festivals, fascinating lecture series and several highly acclaimed art shows including the La Quinta Arts Festival and Southwest Arts Festival. Special cultural events abound. Watch for information in the local media.
The Palm Desert area is a work of art itself, with a majestic mountain backdrop and prolific Art in Public Places program that integrates works of art into medians, parks, buildings and the latest Interstate freeway overpass bridge with lizards carved into the cement entrance. The nationally recognized program enhances the appearance of literally every portion the city. More than 90 sculptures and public artworks greet you wherever you go - in Civic Center Park, along El Paseo, and at the entrance to most centers and resorts.
Abundant art galleries are available for your pleasure. We invite you to stroll along El Paseo or Corporate Way and visit some of the dozens of galleries that offer every type and medium of art you could possibly desire. Visit one of many artist demonstrations, exhibits or outdoor art shows. It is easy to see why Palm Desert has become known for its innovation in promoting public art throughout the city.
Nature & Wildlife
Widely known and highly regarded, the Living Desert Reserve is the pride of Palm Desert. Privately endowed, the 1,200 acres are comprised of a superior collection of desert plants and wildlife in a natural setting. In addition to the warthogs, Arabian oryxes, desert unicorns, mountain lions, cheetahs, Mexican wolves, bighorn sheep and more, there are magnificent botanical gardens, nature trails, and the new Wa Tu Tu African Village.
The exotic desert flourishes in the region, within a short drive in any direction, there are new vistas for camping, hiking, rock hounding, and bird and wildlife watching. The desert and mountain trails are perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the region. And don't be surprised to see a bighorn sheep or two on the hillsides.
Text Courtesy of www.pdcc.org |
