Some Sundays are meant for brunch. Others are meant for polo. In Greater Palm Springs, spectators gather fieldside each winter to experience the “Sport of Kings” unfold under blue skies, framed by swaying palms and striking mountain views.
For more than 65 years, Eldorado Polo Club has served as the area’s go-to spot to experience world-class polo, welcoming guests from January to March for Sunday matches that deliver an elevated and unique experience in the destination. Here is everything you need to know before attending — from lounges and private cabanas to diverse dining options, tailgates, and the traditions that make a day at the polo fields as memorable as the final goal.
Polo is a fast-paced game played on horseback, where two teams use long-handled mallets to drive a ball down the field and score goals. Matches are divided into periods called “chukkers”, typically lasting about seven minutes each, which keeps the pace brisk and intense. With skill, strategy, and speed on full display, the game is easy to get swept up in. Beyond the action on the field, spectators can expect great food, drinks, and the chance to take it all in against a stunning backdrop.
If you want to enjoy Sunday Polo in style, Eldorado Polo Club has you covered. VIP Cabanas give you a luxe spot to catch the action with friends, family, or clients. You can book them for a single Sunday or the whole season, and custom events are also an option. Clubhouse tables offer a more relaxed vibe where you can grab a bite and drink from the full-service menu while watching the matches unfold. Just remember to reserve in advance! New this season, the VIP Polo Lounge is perfect for individual guests, putting you fieldside with all the perks for a next-level polo experience.
Tailgating is another great way to enjoy Sunday Polo! Guests can bring their own food, drinks, and even a pop-up tent for shade, with each ticket granting access for one vehicle for the full day. Just keep in mind that re-entry isn’t permitted once you leave.
Pro Tip: If it’s your first match, consider starting with a Clubhouse table or the VIP Polo Lounge for an easy, comfortable introduction to the sport. You’ll have a dedicated spot, food and drinks within reach, and a prime view of the field so you can focus on learning the flow of the game and enjoying the experience from start to finish.
You’ll also want to make sure you participate in one of the most beloved traditions in polo, which happens at halftime. During the break between chukkers, spectators are invited onto the field for the divot stomp, an age-old ritual where guests help press down and replace the clumps of turf kicked up by the horses’ hooves. It’s a definite highlight of this must-do activity and the perfect chance to snap photos and mingle with fellow spectators.
Pro Tip: Keep your phone handy and wear shoes you don’t mind getting a little grassy. The divot stomp is one of the most photo-worthy and social moments of the day, and stepping onto the field gives you a whole new perspective of the match before the second half begins.
Aside from the great bites offered at the Clubhouse, Eldorado Polo Club is also home to The Cantina, a unique and family-friendly restaurant overlooking the pristine green polo fields and Santa Rosa Mountains that serves up delicious food and drinks.
Their menu features crowd-pleasing favorites. Start your meal with a shareable appetizer like the Camarones Del Sol, hot shrimp tossed in citrus juice, butter, and Old Bay seasoning, accompanied by a side of toast to soak up all the flavor. You can’t go wrong with any of the enticing options on their all-day and dinner menus. From the hearty Eldorado Burger to the satisfying Sizzlin’ Fajitas, you’ll want to make sure you bring your appetite.
During the week, happy hour brings drink specials and discounted appetizers, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Cantina serves brunch favorites like avocado toast, huevos rancheros, steak & eggs, and breakfast burritos. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick bite between chukkers or settling in for a full meal, it’s an easy way to round out your day at the polo fields.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to dine at The Cantina, try timing your meal around the match schedule. Grab brunch before the first chukker or swing by during halftime to avoid the busiest rush, and don’t miss happy hour during the week for drink specials and discounted appetizers.