Celebrity Chef Curtis Stone Palm Desert

March in the Coachella Valley is the undisputed “sweet spot” of the year. The desert is in full bloom, the temperatures are hovering in the perfect 80-degree range, and the social calendar is packed with world-class events. This year, two specific experiences stand out as the ultimate way to spend a weekend: ascending the rugged cliffs via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and indulging in the culinary artistry of the 2026 Food & Wine Festival. Whether you are looking for an alpine escape or a gourmet journey through the desert’s best flavors, here is how to make the most of your time in the valley this month. 1. Elevate Your Perspective: The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway remains the most iconic way to see the sheer scale of the California desert. As the world’s largest rotating tramcar, it offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Chino Canyon as you ascend nearly 6,000 feet in just ten minutes. Important 2026 Maintenance Notice: If you are planning a visit, please take note: the Tramway will be closed for scheduled maintenance on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. It is tentatively scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, March 25. This brief closure is a routine procedure to shorten the haul ropes, ensuring the system remains at peak safety following its major autumn overhaul. Once you reach the Mountain Station at 8,516 feet, the air is often 30 degrees cooler than the valley floor. It is a literal breath of fresh air. You can explore over 54 miles of hiking trails in Mt. San Jacinto State Park ranging from the easy three-quarter-mile Long Valley Discovery Loop to more strenuous climbs for seasoned hikers. After your hike, we recommend dining at Peaks Restaurant, which offers culinary experiences above the clouds featuring locally sourced Coachella Valley ingredients. 2. Savor the Flavor: 2026 Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival After coming back down to earth, it is time to head over to the Gardens on El Paseo for the Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival (frequently called the Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival). Running from March 19 to March 22, 2026, this four-day event is a paradise for foodies and wine enthusiasts alike. The festival kicks off on Friday, March 20, with the prestigious James Beard Gourmet Four-Course Luncheon, hosted this year by Michelin-starred chef Curtis Stone. The celebration continues through the weekend with the Grand Tastings on Saturday and Sunday. Attendees can sample offerings from over 60 premium wineries and unique craft brews. You’ll also have the chance to see celebrity chefs like Alex Guarnaschelli, Jet Tila, and Zac Young during live cooking demonstrations. New for 2026 is the “Carte Blanche” experience, offering connoisseurs an even more exclusive luxury tent setting with curated artisanal bites. 3. Creating the Perfect Desert Itinerary The beauty of the Coachella Valley is the ability to experience two different worlds in a single day. To avoid the heaviest crowds, try to book the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for an early morning ascent. This allows you to enjoy the quiet of the mountain wilderness before the afternoon heat. By the time you return to the valley floor, the energy at the Food & Wine Festival will be in full swing. Because this is a high-demand weekend, we strongly suggest purchasing tickets for both attractions in advance. By combining the natural wonder of the San Jacinto Mountains with the sophisticated flavors of El Paseo, you’ll find the true heartbeat of the desert this spring. It is an experience that captures the history, the luxury, and the untamed beauty of our unique home.