Greater Palm Springs is renowned globally for its festival season, with the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival set to take place over two weekends, from April 10-12 and April 17-19, transforming this California oasis into a vibrant playground throughout the month. However, a festival is almost always more than just the attendance, and Greater Palm Springs welcomes all with a plethora of additional activities and experiences, from shopping and sightseeing to relaxation and wellness for the perfect festival getaway.
Shopping Haven
Whether you are exploring the area’s endless retail options or looking for the perfect piece to add to your festival outfit, Greater Palm Springs is a haven for both luxury and local shopping. Elizabeth & Prince has three locations (Palm Springs, Palm Desert and La Quinta), stocking women’s brands like Ulla Johnson, A.L.C. and Mara Hoffman, and the Palm Springs location also carries menswear. In downtown Greater Palm Springs, shop at a number of stores and small shops, including Free People, H&M, and Johnny Was. Thick As Thieves in Palm Springs also carries festival-friendly clothing and accessories. For a variety of stylish finds under one roof, visit The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five, where you can browse vintage and contemporary fashion, unique jewellery, and statement accessories. On El Paseo in Palm Desert, there are a number of great stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Anthropologie, and Trina Turk. Moreover, check out El Paseo Shopping District to find shops like Blonde, House of Lolo, and Louis Vuitton. Specifically for vintage fashion finds, head to The Frippery in Palm Springs and The Fine Art of Design in Palm Desert. Discover something different and new at Mojave Flea Trading Post, where a variety of vendors offer a unique selection of items.
Exploring the Area
Art is alive on every corner in Greater Palm Springs. Start by taking a mural tour and explore the art oasis of captivating murals, offering a visual and immersive experience of culture, history, colours, and more. No trip to the area is complete without a little cactus hunting. For this unique experience, visit Moorten Botanical Garden in Palm Springs to see the world’s first “cactarium,” filled with rare specimens, or head to The Cactus Mart in Morongo Valley to pick out some plants to bring home. Also, make sure to explore the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza in downtown Greater Palm Springs and learn about the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, where exhibits showcase their history, traditions, and connection to the land.
Recharge and Rejuvenate
Festival nights can be exhilarating, but they also take a toll on your energy especially if you are a regular. Fortunately, Greater Palm Springs offers the perfect setting to unwind and restore, thanks to its renowned healing mineral waters and relaxed desert ambiance. Take time between festival weekends to indulge in some well-deserved self-care at one of the region’s many exceptional spas. For a truly revitalizing experience, head to The Spa at Séc-he in downtown Palm Springs, where you can soak in ancient mineral waters and enjoy luxurious, state-of-the-art treatments. If you’re seeking a tranquil retreat, The Spa at Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs provides mineral-rich soaking tubs and holistic therapies designed for deep relaxation. For a contemporary wellness escape, Spa Rosa at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa offers rejuvenating massages, body treatments, and facials to help you reset after days of dancing. No matter where you choose to unwind, you will leave feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready to dive back into the festival fun.
