Visitor Center for Palm Desert & Palm Springs

Your Al-Powered Guide to Palm Desert & the Coachella Valley

Stay in the Loop!

Join our newsletter for the latest updates & offers.

DESERT NEWS & BLOG

PALM DESERT WEATHER

Visitor and Residents Information Center for Palm Desert, Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley

Trusted since 1996 for travel deals, events, and up‑to‑the‑minute MLS real estate across the Coachella Valley.

For Visitors

Plan your stay with exclusive hotel deals, promo codes, vacation rentals, and packages.

Explore more than 80 championship golf courses, mountain adventures, galleries, theaters, and boutique shopping.

Dine and discover: curated restaurant guides, entertainment, and “things to do” itineraries.

Book with confidence: highly rated, up-to-date content and insider discounts.

For Locals

Local news and updates: openings, road and park notices, seasonal guides, and community spotlights.

Events today and this weekend: markets, concerts, art walks, sports, and family-friendly activities.

Eat, shop, play: new menus, happy hours, resident deals, and neighborhood favorites.

Services directory: trusted pros, transportation, clubs, nonprofits, and city resources.

Real Estate

Browse up-to-the-minute MLS listings in Palm Desert and across the Coachella Valley.

Smart search tools, saved favorites, alerts, and neighborhood insights.

Connect with local experts for buying, selling, or investing.

Why Palm Desert The diamond in the desert—over 80 golf courses, stunning mountains, fine dining, vibrant arts, and 50 luxurious hotels and resorts. Whether you’re planning a getaway or building a life here, PalmDesert.com connects you with the best of our communities. Online since 1996. Trusted by hundreds of thousands each month for travel planning, local info, and real estate.  

Palm Desert California is a popular tourist destination in Southern California, known for its golf courses, spas, shopping centers, and outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. The area also has many luxury resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals that attract visitors year-round, but especially during the winter months. Additionally, Palm Desert is home to many art galleries, museums, and cultural events that make it an interesting place to visit.

Located in Riverside County, California, Palm Desert is approximately 14 miles (23 kilometers) east of Palm Springs and 122 miles (196 kilometers) east of Los Angeles.

The Cahuilla Indian farmers of the now extinct San Cayetano tribe were the first residents of the area.

In 1920’s, when date palms were planted in the area, the name of the city was changed from Old MacDonald Ranch to Palm Village.

In the 1930’s a few homes were built and lots sold in the area.

When World War II attracted General Patton to Portola Avenue and the Colorado Desert to train for African warfare, no one dreamed the area would one day be a world-class resort destination.

In 1943, residential development connected to Army maintenance camp began in the area. This site was developed into El Paseo, an upscale shopping district resembling Rodeo Drive.

In 1948, the Palm Desert Corporation began to develop real estate in the area.

In 1951, the city changed its name to Palm Desert.

On November 26, 1973, the community was incorporated. At the time, Palm Desert was a master planned community situated in the desert that once stretched from Palm Springs to Indio.

Today many celebrities keep homes in the area including Rita Rudner, the professional golfer Michelle We, Bill Gates, and the late film producer Jerry Weintraub. Palm Desert also serves as a popular retreat for “snowbirds” from colder climates in addition to permanent residents who are attracted to the area due to its affordable and high-valued homes.

 

Scroll to Top