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Palm Springs, located about 100 miles east of Los Angeles, has long been known as the playground of Hollywood. From the annual Coachella Music Festival (which returns in April 2022) to the picturesque resort pools, Palm Springs has a lot to offer. But there is much more than sun and glamour in this town and the surrounding Coachella Valley. Palm Springs has natural hot springs and an abundance of wellness rituals, from alternative therapies to luxurious spa treatments. Art and architecture are also an integral part of the area, with the desert light attracting and inspiring artists and designers. Modernism Week (open in new tab) and Desert X (open in new tab) are just two of the large art events that Palm Springs hosts, bringing fresh ideas each year.

Greater Palm Springs has nine towns. In addition to Palm Springs and Coachella, there are Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, and Indio. If you are looking for more beautiful and exciting places to visit, the spectacular Joshua Tree National Park (opens in new tab) (you may have heard of it). No matter how far you travel, below is a list of spots not to be missed.

Your first stop in Palm Springs should be the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (opens in new tab). The tramway follows the Chino Canyon cliffs to Mount San Jacinto State Park. Once you reach Mountain Station, at an elevation of 8,516 feet, you can hike or sit on the deck and take in the view. Bring a sweater (even in the summer...) as temperatures can drop considerably.

The gorgeous Palm Springs Art Museum (opens in new tab) has modern and contemporary paintings, photography, and sculpture, and a theater that hosts performances, lectures, and films; the modernist house that architect Albert Frey designed for himself in 1963 is on display; the area and gives visitors a glimpse into the distinctive architecture of the area

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The design of Workshop Kitchen + Bar (open in new tab) won a James Beard Award (the restaurateurs renovated a 90-year-old movie theater), but it's the food that really impresses: at Workshop, local produce is sourced within an hour of Palm Springs They source most of their ingredients from farms within an hour of Palm Springs and create flavorful dishes. Try the beet + citrus, date labneh, mint, ras el hanout with walnuts, and Buddha's hand vinaigrette.

The first inhabitants of Palm Springs were the ancestors of today's Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. This Native American tribe is still an important part of the Palm Springs community. The tribe runs the Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage (open in new tab), a bustling hotel and casino with so much to do that you will forget you ever left the resort.

Palm Springs is known for great shopping, with plenty of vintage stores and one-of-a-kind design retailers. Palm Canyon Drive is a good place to see Moroccan rugs, textiles, and home accessories at Soukie Modern (open in new tab). Also check out El Paseo, and stop by The Body Deli (open in new tab) for fresh, small-batch skin care and beauty products.

Counter Reformation (opens in new tab) doesn't actually turn water into wine, but this Catholic-themed wine bar still feels miraculous. It offers a wide variety of wines by the glass from around the world, including Montevideo, Uruguay, and Areni, Armenia, along with delicious small plates. The bartender will guide you through the pairings.

Sunstone Spa (open in new tab) is the number one rated spa in California. Experience serenity with a massage using gemstone-infused oil or a facial using marine collagen.

Boozehounds (opens in new tab) is a restaurant and bar exclusively for dogs and their owners. Even if you don't have a pooch with you, you can watch them play while you enjoy a cocktail on the large patio.

The enchanting Parker Palm Springs (opens in new tab) is a whimsical retreat with shady hammocks, adult lemonade stands, croquet courts, and sprawling grounds with charming courtyards throughout. To create an "Alice in Wonderland" atmosphere, the Parkers feed the wild rabbits and encourage them to frolic in the trees on the property.

Before heading to the area, don't forget to fill your suitcase with bright clothes in styles that will keep you cool. Desert resort life revolves around the pools, so you'll need plenty of swimwear (open in new tab). For evening, switch to silk dresses and bright accessories (opens in new tab).

If you've fallen in love with Palm Springs, book your trip here (opens in new tab).