Palm Springs is not Palm Desert

First time visitors to Palm Springs sometimes get a bit confused regarding exactly what is or isn’t “Palm Springs.” The entire Coachella Valley is often referred to generally as the Palm Springs area or the Palm Springs Desert Resorts. But there is a huge difference in ambience between the City of Palm Springs and the remainder of the Palm Springs area.

The City of Palm Springs has an historic, small town feel based around our main street, Palm Canyon Drive. Shopping and fine restaurants, live entertainment, museums, ancient Indian land and oases, local golf courses and tennis courts, hiking trails, a first rate casino and the Palm Springs Aerial Tram can all be reached by foot, bike, or a short drive or cab ride. Depending on what you want from your vacation, a car is nice, but not a necessity when staying in the City of Palm Springs.

The City of Palm Springs offers a variety of small individualized resorts, unique chef-owned restaurants, boutique shops and galleries and a focus on personalized rest, relaxation and fun.

Don’t confuse Palm Springs, however, with Palm Desert (or other desert cities like Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells or La Quinta). These cities are more like typical southern California (albeit with a desert twist) – sprawling and without a central “downtown” area. These cities are home to our most exclusive large convention and resort hotels, many including their own golf courses, and are perfect for those wishing a more “stay at the resort” experience.

Everything off resort property, however, requires transportation. If you choose to stay other than in Palm Springs itself, I strongly recommend a car for transportation to restaurants, activities and attractions.

It all comes down to what you want! As you plan your special vacation, consider carefully the address of your accommodation choices.  It will make a big difference in your experience. Let me know if you want some help with local top pick recommendations based on what you are looking for