(GREATER PALM SPRINGS, CA) - New experiences await visitors to Greater Palm Springs in 2025, with exciting accommodations, diverse dining destinations, and captivating attractions across the desert oasis.
ACCOMMODATIONS
La Quinta Resort & Club, an emblematic desert destination and former Hollywood haven, approaches its centennial year with a stunning renovation set for completion in 2025. Nestled on 45 lush acres at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, the renovation preserves the resort’s legacy while modernizing amenities which includes a renewed lobby featuring hand-painted tiles and locally crafted fixtures. Brightened guestrooms with modern bathrooms and a chic new main pool experience have just been unveiled in December 2024.
The Rowan Palm Springs now offers the perfect mix of relaxation and sportiness with its newly activated pickleball courts, featured in an exclusive Pickleball package including sumptuous stays and gourmet breakfasts.
Ace Hotel & Swim Club has completed room renovations, enhancing the comfort and style that the property is renowned for, along with updates to the Amigo Room.
Two resorts in Palm Springs have returned to their original names. Royal Sun shines anew post-transition from Life House. While the design remains intact, the food and beverage concept will undergo changes that emphasize innovative culinary experiences. Also returning to its roots, the Riviera Resort and Spa, formerly Margaritaville resort, will begin a phased renovation in the fall of 2025, with completion by mid-2026.
SPA UPDATES
Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells introduces the innovative Renew Recovery Lounge, a sanctuary designed for ultimate rejuvenation with cutting-edge therapies aimed at muscle recovery, travel recovery, and sleep recovery, providing an ideal solution for athletes, business professionals, and vacationers looking to recharge.
New on El Paseo in Palm Desert - and first of its kind in the destination - Tranquil Sands Scalp Spa offers innovative scalp treatments including invigorating massages, nourishing hair masks, and personalized treatments targeting specific scalp concerns.
Estrella Spa at the Avalon Hotel Palm Springs has enhanced their transformative offerings with the addition of a cold plunge, dry sauna, new state-of-the-art wellness technology and indoor Wellness Suite.
DELICIOUS DINING
Elevate your taste buds at Palm Springs Surf Club’s Navigator, recently opened under the vision of Executive Chef Michael Hung. This culinary haven marries global surf locale-inspired flavors with California freshness.
Navigator at Palm Springs Surf Club
Wine enthusiasts can now indulge in the new HALL Napa Valley Tasting Room & Wine Lounge, located in the Thompson Palm Springs Hotel. This sophisticated venue offers a curated selection of wines from HALL, WALT, and BACA Wines, providing an immersive experience that blends wine country hospitality with the relaxed desert ambiance of Palm Springs.
Later in 2025, Chef Gabriel Woo will bring flair to Downtown Indio with a new restaurant, Donna Forte. This highly anticipated restaurant will feature artisanal pizza, handmade pasta, and a selection of shared plates, further enriching the city’s Downtown culinary scene. At the Shops on El Paseo in Palm Desert, the Shake Shack opens its 33rd restaurant in Southern California, offering a tantalizing menu of premium burgers made with 100% Angus beef, hand-smashed crispy fries, crinkle-cut fries, and creamy milkshakes, all made with high-quality ingredients in a fast-casual setting.
Final additions to updated food and beverage options at Palm Springs International Airport are arriving in early 2025. Vino Volo will offer a selection of handpicked wines paired with gourmet meals in an elegant setting in the courtyard beyond the security checkpoint. The Pink Door, currently under construction in the main terminal, is a unique boutique experience with a curated assortment of packaged food and coffee.
NEW ATTRACTIONS
Set to reopen in December 2025, the historic Plaza Theater in Palm Springs is a cultural gem at 128 South Palm Canyon Drive, originally opened in 1936 as part of the pioneering La Plaza shopping area. This renovation will revitalize the theater as an independent venue, continuing its legacy as a hub for arts and culture. It will host a rich variety of events, including live performances, film festivals, and lectures, serving the entire Palm Springs community.
Rendering of interior of the renovated Plaza Theater.
The Palm Springs Air Museum is enhancing its educational outreach with the Ronald M Auen Learning Center, a 2,500 square foot multipurpose facility. Central to this expansion is the museum’s commitment to educating youth about veterans' sacrifices and legacies. Scheduled for completion by September 2025, the renovated entryway will improve guest flow and amenities, reinforcing its mission through inspiring exhibits and modernized spaces. This project further solidifies the museum as a key educational and historical resource in Palm Springs.
NEW AND NOTEWORTHY EVENTS
January 3-4, 2025: Coachella Valley Cactus Cup - Dive into the thrilling world of NCAA DI Men’s Hockey at the Coachella Valley Cactus Cup, hosted at the state-of-the-art Acrisure Arena. This high-stakes competition brings together elite collegiate athletes, promising a dynamic spectacle of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. Don't miss your chance to witness next-level hockey in Greater Palm Springs.
January 6-12, 2025: The Masters tournament at Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage is a key stop on the PPA Tour, showcasing top pickleball athletes. Players compete for titles and PPA Rankings points, with ambitions to qualify for the finals in San Clemente, CA.
February 2-3, 2025: AHL All-Star Classic - Join the Coachella Valley Firebirds as they proudly host the AHL All-Star Classic at Acrisure Arena, a prestigious event featuring the finest young talents in the American Hockey League. Fans will enjoy a weekend filled with thrilling matchups, showcasing future NHL stars in an electrifying atmosphere. Celebrate the passion and talent of tomorrow’s hockey legends in breathtaking Palm Springs.
February 13-23, 2025: Modernism Week 20th Anniversary - Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of midcentury modern architecture, art, and cultural history during the 20th annual Modernism Week in Palm Springs. This ten-day extravaganza features over 400 exclusive tours, lectures, and retro-themed parties, offering enthusiasts a rare glimpse into the iconic architectural gems and vintage culture that define this desert oasis.
Poster for Modernism Week 2025
March 8 - May 11, 2025: Desert X - Explore the fascinating world of contemporary art with Desert X, a bi-annual exhibition that transforms the Coachella Valley into an immersive artistic landscape. Renowned international artists create site-specific installations that challenge perspectives and engage the senses, blending the natural beauty of the desert with innovative creativity. Discover groundbreaking works and unique expressions in an inspiring journey across this spectacular region.
March 21-23, 2025: Thermal Club INDYCAR Grand Prix - Rev up for the Thermal Club INDYCAR Grand Prix, an adrenaline-pumping weekend on the renowned Twin Palms track. This premier motorsport event boasts high-speed action and fierce competition, attracting top INDYCAR drivers for an unforgettable racing spectacle. Secure your spot to experience the thrill of world-class racing amidst the stunning landscapes of Greater Palm Springs.
Learn more about signature events and happenings in Greater Palm Springs at visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/events.
IMAGE LINKS
Navigator at Palm Springs Surf Club
Modernism Week 20th Anniversary
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ABOUT VISIT GREATER PALM SPRINGS
Visit Greater Palm Springs (VGPS) is the official destination marketing organization for the nine-city Southern California oasis of Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella. Founded in 1989 with a mission to positively affect the destination’s $7.5 billion tourism economy and quality of life for its residents, VGPS provides sales, marketing and PR, and destination development activities to grow visitation from potential leisure travelers and event, meeting and convention group markets.
