Blog created in partnership with the Meet the Mentor Program. Sabrina Ho visited Greater Palm Springs in April and shared her experiences below.
More than just a Southern California desert oasis comprising of nine unique cities --- Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella. Greater Palm Springs offers an endless amount of activities and places to see. While the region is often known for downtown Palm Springs and international tourist-frequented destinations like Joshua Tree National Park, there is beauty and adventure to be found in every community, with each having its own distinct voice and personality.
For visitors looking to shop and dine, downtown Indio is an emerging dining and shopping hub with one-of-a-kind establishments. Meanwhile, those who just want to relax and lounge will find tranquility in Desert Hot Springs award-winning resorts and spas. With attractions in every part of the region from one end to the other, there is so much to explore. Here’s how and where to explore destinations in Greater Palm Springs that are less traveled but are absolutely worth the visit.
Azure Palm Hot Springs
Most people might not think of hot springs when they hear the word “desert,” but Desert Hot Springs has some of the best natural minerals in the world due to its proud community and thriving recreational resources. Enjoy a day of relaxation by visiting the healing waters of Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis, the first hot springs resort in Greater Palm Springs. Visiting a hot spring in the desert might not make sense, but Azure Palm has so much to offer to combat the heat. Owner and visionary Maria Lease emphasizes the benefits of mineral water for the human body and mind, as it can relieve pain and reduce stress. Naturally heated in the ground, the mineral water found in Desert Hot Springs is pulled from Miracle Hill, a block of land that is situated atop mineral-rich aquifers. The water is always heated at 174 degrees and filled with beneficial minerals such as silica, calcium, and magnesium that smooth the skin and rejuvenate sore muscles.
The outdoor oasis embraces the desert’s beauty while also taking inspiration from Japanese onsens, or hot springs. Date palms and desert flowers decorate the landscaped paths that lead to private mineral tubs, each shaded under canopies and spaced apart to allow for privacy. Guests can take a peaceful walk in the trickling reflexology stream and feel grounded to the natural beauty surrounding them. Alternate between the spring pool, naturally heated free flowing mineral pools, and saunas to take full advantage of the wellness facilities.
Guests looking to enjoy Azure Palm for longer can book a stay in one of the luxurious guest rooms on the property and enjoy access to all of the mineral water pools, saunas, and spa services, including the Himalayan salt room and ice room. There aren’t many better ways to feel one with the desert than at a wellness resort like Azure Palm. Lease is constantly looking to improve the space, and there are plans to expand the outdoor oasis to accommodate more guests and offer an even larger selection of pools to detox in.
Downtown Indio
For an emerging downtown spot that is full of life and character, head southeast to the city of Indio. This city is home to the famous Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival that is held every year in April. But what most people don’t realize is that the festival is actually located in the city of Indio, not the city of Coachella, despite its name. Indio’s Economic Development Director, Miguel Ramirez-Cornejo, has a vision to attract more attention to the downtown area and rebuild the community into one that reflects the bright art and music scene.
Ramirez-Cornejo aims to bring color and vibrancy to the area by promoting the local businesses and art scene that Greater Palm Springs is well-known for. In fact, the city has already acquired fun eclectic decoration in the form of art installations donated by Coachella. One such sculpture features a cactus hand holding up a rock n’ roll hand gesture, very on theme for the prominent music culture in the region, and it also makes for a great photo-op.
As another homage to Coachella and a treat for the locals, downtown Indio holds their own free music event in April named “Chella” in tandem with the actual Coachella Festival happening in the city. First premiered in 2018, Chella is held in partnership with music festival promoter Goldenvoice. The lineup this year included rising artists who also performed during the Coachella weekends, such as reggaeton Mexa artist El Malilla who debuted at Coachella for the first time this year. Only held once a year between the weekends of Coachella, Chella takes place at Center Stage and is free to attend and open to all ages. The sound stage brings visitors and locals together for a night of dancing, singing, and a beautiful display of community in Indio.
A community feeling can also be found in local businesses such as Rosemary HiFi, a beer and natural wine bar that is perfect for vinyl lovers and sommeliers alike. Local-owned businesses like Rosemary HiFi bring a charm and authenticity that can’t be found in chain stores and is what makes communities like Indio so special. The space was founded in 2022 by Adrian Romero who was inspired by Japan’s jazz kissa movement, and its influences are heard in the curated tunes played and seen in the shelves of vinyl records placed all around the cafe.
A Growing Community
In just the few short years he’s been with the city, Ramirez-Cornejo has turned downtown Indio from one that has had few yearly visitors to a bustling hub filled with unique dining and thrift shopping options. He says there were 160,000 more visitors in 2023 to 2024 alone, and that number is expected to grow as development advances. Ramirez-Cornejo isn’t worried about overtourism as it is the support and love from visitors that keep local businesses thriving for many years to come. His work is far from done as downtown Indio’s next step is to build a boutique hotel for guests to stay at, to explore more of Indio and Greater Palm Springs as a whole.
The love and passion of these community members are pivotal to preserving the beauty and culture of Greater Palm Springs. In every part of the region, a commitment to cultivating the desert’s natural beauty and its local businesses is what makes visiting Greater Palm Springs feel like coming home. For the next visit to the desert, take the path less traveled and discover all that Greater Palm Springs has to offer.
From music festivals to golf and tennis tournaments to LGBTQ+ events, there is never a dull moment in Greater Palm Springs. Learn more about our signature events and start planning your next visit!
