You’ll Never Want to Leave!
If you’ve been booked and busy for as long as you can remember, it’s time to adopt the new millennial catchphrase, “blessed and well-rested.” And what better place to feel both of these than Palm Desert? It’s time to finally cash in those vacation days you’ve been stockpiling and head to the desert for a sun-drenched getaway! But before you jump to conclusions and think it’s nothing but sand and cacti, think again. Palm Desert has become one of Coachella Valley’s most eclectic vacation destinations, bustling with something fun for people of all ages. You’re going to give all your friends FOMO when you post photos of yourself on the ‘Gram with the picture-perfect mountains and swaying palms as your backdrop. Palm Desert Events
The Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival
From March 25-27, the El Paseo shopping district will be hosting the The Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival, the most celebrated cuisine and beverage festival in the region. Forget Coachella—this three-day food fest is going to be packed with local and celebrity chefs, vintners, fromagers and beer-makers. Guests can expect to witness hands-on cooking demonstrations, experience premium wine tastings, taste unique craft brews and IPAs and indulge in gourmet meals prepared by the nation’s most renowned chefs. This year’s roster of chefs is an impressive one, and it includes Carla Hall and Curtis Stone. There’s even going to be a Biscuit Bake-Off and a wine and cheese pairing event you won’t want to miss, so snag your tickets and get ready for a gastronomic adventure!
Palm Desert Events
Play Pickleball
When you combine ping-pong, tennis and badminton, you get pickleball! This game is growing in popularity among millennials, and the desert is home to the USA Pickleball National Championships, so what better place to learn? Many hotels and resorts offer one-on-one lessons and clinics for guests, but The Palm Desert Tennis Club and Freedom Park are both great spots for a family-friendly game of pickleball too.
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BNP Paribas Open
Former World Champion (and millennial girl-crush) Naomi Osaka is headlining the 2022 Eisenhower Cup at the BNP Paribas Open, taking place at the aforementioned Indian Wells Tennis Garden. If you’ve never witnessed a tournament in person, you’re in for a treat. It’s not like going to a Dodgers game—this is a world-class, extremely well-maintained venue. You’ll see tennis pros like former champion Simona Halep and Grand Slam semifinalist Maria Sakkari getting their serve on up close! And if you’re lucky, maybe you can even get an autograph or a selfie! Since this year’s Championships falls on International Women’s Day, all ticket proceeds will be benefiting local women’s charitable organizations, so get yours now!
Palm Desert Events
The Shops on El Paseo
Where else can you shop, dine and unwind in style? The Shops on El Paseo is Palm Desert’s luxury retail and upscale dining destination. First, load up on a hearty brunch at Café des Beaux-Arts. Yes, of course they have avocado toast! After fueling up, shop at the center’s variety of locally owned boutiques and brand-name designers. Welcome warmer days with floral prints or apparel from big-name retailers like Ralph Lauren, Gucci and Ann Taylor. Pick up something sparkly for yourself or your girlfriends at Tiffany & Co or Brighton Collectibles. If you need a little break, head to the Libation Room for their signature Tanqueray gin cocktails, then wrap up your shopping spree with local favorite Sweet Basil California Eatery—get the lobster lasagna!
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Hot-Air Balloon Ride
If you think Palm Desert is picturesque on land, just wait until you get a bird’s eye view. Balloons Above, a local business operating since 1979, offers hot-air balloon rides for small groups and individuals. You’ll get a unique vantage point of the Coachella Valley, filled with scenic horizons, gorgeous vistas and a landscape that’s sure to make your jaw drop. To make the experience even better, they also offer refreshments for you to enjoy while you’re a thousand feet up in the air. If you have “hot-air balloon ride” as a bucket list item, there’s no better time to check it off your list. Pro tip: opt for one of their seasonal evening tours to experience a sunset like you’ve never seen before!
