Welcome to Greater Palm Springs, a sun-kissed sanctuary nestled in Southern California and known for its healing hot springs, outdoor adventure, stylish hotels, and lively public art scene. This enchanting oasis invites you to lose yourself in endless swaying palm trees and expansive valleys and let the hot mineral waters rejuvenate your spirit. Imagine starting your journey with a driver who warmly asks, “Do you ladies mind if I take the scenic route? I always love taking the scenic route.” In Greater Palm Springs, every route is scenic. The mesmerizing mountains and desert landscapes, vibrant public art installations, and timeless mid-century modern structures offer a visual feast at every turn — and beneath the glitz and glamour is a land rich with Indigenous heritage and culture.
Begin your adventure by visiting the Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon, the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, who have thrived here for more than 8,000 years. There, a guide will lead you through a tour of the indigenous flora and fauna, showcasing the Cahuilla people’s expert use of their natural surroundings. The canyons stand out with their soaring palm trees and the majestic Tahquitz Falls, a seasonal 60-foot waterfall that cascades beautifully over a rock face and plunges into a serene blue pool surrounded by lush greenery. This natural wonder, fed by pristine springs, embodies the sacred beauty of the Agua Caliente people’s ancestral lands.
For deeper insight into the Agua Caliente tribe’s culture, a visit to the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is essential. Here, the rich history and creation story of the Agua Caliente people unfold. According to tribal legend, two brothers emerged from a swirling mass of colors during the universe's first moments. They created the landscapes and people of the region. As tribal member Francisco Patencio beautifully described, “Spirits were in the valley before they first arrived. Spirits of rainbows — spirits of the colors — came and stayed here. They came out to visit the dawn in the morning and played games with the sunsets at night.” The museum illustrates the tribe's connection to the land, water, and all living things.
At The Spa at Séc-he, located next door and hailed as America's #1 spa, you can immerse yourself in one of the tribe’s most time-honored wellness traditions. Séc-he, the Cahuilla name for the tribe’s sacred hot mineral spring, means “the sound of boiling water” and underscores the tribe's profound spiritual and physical connection to this place. Since the 1880s, the Agua Caliente people have shared access to Séc-he's rejuvenating mineral waters. . A day pass grants access to a wellness sanctuary, featuring mineral baths, eucalyptus steam rooms, menthol saunas, aromatherapy showers, and halotherapy salt caves. Indulge in the "taking the waters" ritual, a 15-minute session in 105-degree mineral water, followed by moments of serenity in the grounding room or a refreshing plunge into outdoor whirlpools and mineral pools. The spa is a haven where time slows, and those who venture are rejuvenated.
Brian Edson
In Greater Palm Springs, inspiration and rejuvenation have always been closely intertwined, as seen at The Good House, an award-winning hotel and spa in Desert Hot Springs where you can soak in mineral hot spring pools, indulge in aromatherapy and hot stone massages, take mindful walks through the desert botanical garden, and savor fresh, delicious food, such as a delectable berry smoothie with agave or mouth-watering shakshuka. . Whether staying at the hotel or opting for a day pass at $60, visitors can relax in some of the world's finest hot mineral spring waters. Brian Edson’s unique journey from corporate America to real estate to the hospitality industry led him to create this haven in 2020.
Originally from L.A., the co-founder embarked on a journey into hospitality that was far from conventional; it was a path marked by trial and error, resilience, and, ultimately, a profound sense of purpose. Starting in corporate America, Edson navigated roles that never felt right. He ventured into real estate and other entrepreneurial endeavors, some of which came with their own challenges. Despite setbacks, he learned invaluable lessons in perseverance, confidence, and purpose.
While working in real estate, Edson found himself overworked and suffering from insomnia. His friend and now business partner, David Shaker, convinced him to take a trip to Greater Palm Springs. After soaking in the hot mineral springs, he slept better than ever. The evening of restful sleep sparked a vision: to create a retreat where others could escape the grind and find the same sense of renewal and peace. And so The Good House was born.
Reflecting on his journey, Edson says, "Everything I've done has prepared me for what I do today." His transformative visit to Greater Palm Springs led to his passion for helping people, cultivating community, and creating inspiring spaces. “I believe in people,” he adds. “I found out my whole thing is people. My purpose is providing opportunities and resources to allow you to be the best you.” With an ethos deeply rooted in Edson's love for people, the hotel goes beyond offering luxurious accommodations and spa treatments and embodies a commitment to sustainability and community.
From sourcing produce locally and hiring Desert Hot Springs natives to eliminating single-use plastics, every decision reflects the dedication to preserving the natural beauty that drew Edson to Desert Hot Springs in the first place. Here, where the waters hold stories of ancient wisdom and modern renewal, The Good House is a testament to its founders' journey and the transformative power of embracing life's scenic routes.
Tysen Knight
Greater Palm Springs is also a canvas for entrepreneurs and artists like Tysen Knight, whose vibrant pop art illuminates downtown Palm Springs. Knight also took the scenic route here, and the
path is almost as colorful as his work. He never attended a traditional art school, but his parents noticed an artistic gift and put him in private art lessons as a child. By his teenage years, Knight was filling streets with art. After working as a barber for years in New Jersey, a twist of fate led him to pivot entirely. Unable to find consistent barber work after relocating to Palm Springs, Knight had no choice but to take a leap of faith. "I got forced into a corner to full-time pursue art," he explains. While watching documentaries on Netflix, he shot up in bed and decided, “I need to make a documentary.” The late-night breakthrough led to his decision to capture the vibrant world of street art.
The resulting film caught the attention of film festivals, including Palm Springs' own AmDocs Film Festival, where fate intervened once more, leading to a collaboration with the Palm Springs Arts Commission's Russell Pritchard, which brought Knight’s work, a fusion he calls "pop urban art," to city benches and walls, revitalizing urban spaces with bold colors and inspiring narratives.
Knight’s art brings new life and color to downtown Palm Springs, complementing its iconic modernist architecture with a dynamic vibrancy. The bold strokes and electrifying colors transform mundane benches into interactive art pieces, sparking conversations and inspiring passersby. Through initiatives like The Tysen Knight Scholarship Fund, he empowers aspiring young artists to pursue their dreams, breaking down financial barriers and nurturing creativity in the next generation of Greater Palm Springs students. Embracing the flow of life, Knight reflects, "I’m just taking everything that’s coming to me and riding the wave — I’m not going to force it." His creative process, rooted in inspiration, highlights his belief in taking the scenic path and letting fate guide our journeys.
Unique paths led Edson and Knight to the destination’s waters and walls to build community havens. In Greater Palm Springs, every experience — from soaking in healing waters to walking Indigenous trails and marveling at street art — offers a chance for exploration and inspiration. Whether you seek relaxation, cultural immersion, or artistic exploration, Greater Palm Springs invites you to take the scenic route and soak in the magic of this desert oasis.
