GREATER PALM SPRINGS, CA (October 2, 2025) – As the temperatures cool and the desert air becomes crisp, Greater Palm Springs enters its vibrant fall season with a host of new and exciting offerings for visitors and locals alike. From fresh culinary experiences and new boutique hotels to can't-miss festivals and attractions, the destination is buzzing with activity. This fall, the oasis is showcasing its dynamic evolution while staying true to its iconic mid-century modern charm, inviting travelers to discover a different side of the California desert.
WHERE TO STAY: NEW CHAPTERS AT ICONIC RESORTS
Renovations are underway at some of the most iconic Greater Palm Springs resorts, offering elevated meeting spaces, upgraded amenities, and new dining accommodations that are already some of the trendiest and sought-after places across all nine cities.
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Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells — Guests are now welcomed into a newly redesigned lobby inspired by the desert landscape. The resort also features Seven Olive, a modern gastropub; new Topgolf Swing Suites; and state-of-the-art pickleball courts.
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Parker Palm Springs — Expanding its leisure sports offerings, the resort is adding padel courts this season—bringing the globally loved relaxed take on tennis (with roots in Mexico) to Palm Springs.
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Marriott’s Shadow Ridge, Palm Desert — Giuseppe’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, a family-owned favorite, is now open and perfectly positioned as a 19th-hole reward after a day on the greens.
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Thompson Palm Springs — Bar Issi has quickly become one of the valley’s newest hotspots. Just opened next door: Lip Lab, known for customizable lip and cheek tints—an effortless, sun-kissed finish for a Palm Springs look.
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Casa Palma Hotel & Bungalows, Palm Springs — Now open, this Mediterranean-inspired retreat blends clean, minimalist design across 22 guestrooms and 11 suites. Debuting this fall: signature restaurant Chiquita, centered on fresh ingredients and elevated simplicity.
SAVORY, SWEET, AND SENSATIONAL DINING SPOTS
New dining locations are popping up all over the Greater Palm Springs area, serving everything from locally roasted coffee and artisanal pastries to decadent gelato, burgers, and craft brews.
COFFEE
Mornings just got a little cozier with the opening of Coffeeism in Palm Springs, serving up locally baked fresh pastries, Intelligentsia espresso, and Scandinavian-minimalism with a desert twist. Downtown Indio continues to grow and evolve with Saguaro Coffee, owned and operated by local La Quinta High School grads, and Everbloom Coffee opening their second location with a larger communal space, ideal for casual hangouts or remote workdays. In Cathedral City, the newly opened Les Filles Café blends French and Italian flavors serving savory baguette sandwiches, focaccia, cornetto, croissants, and espresso.
SWEET TREATS
From Italy to Palm Springs, Gelato-A-Go-Go is now open with a 70’s retro vibe and authentic artisanal gelato, including dairy-free vegan options. Hot Cookie in Palm Springs, a well-known LGBTQ+ owned business based in San Francisco, just opened its first location outside of the Bay Area, offering baked goods and ice cream flavors inspired by LGBTQ+ icons. Just a block away, Toast’d is Palm Springs’ newest brunch and late-night spot, serving dreamy buttermilk pancakes, sourdough grilled cheese, and hearty carne asada burritos—perfect after exploring VillageFest on Thursday nights. Coming soon to Palm Desert, New York-based chain H&H Bagels offers classic bagel breakfast sandwiches baked with all-natural, non-GMO ingredients—each packed with 13 grams of protein.
BURGERS AND BREWS
Juicy smash burgers and hot wings are on the way in Cathedral City.at Mark’s Burgers, set to open this fall. In Indio, Burger Box, a longtime local favorite dating back to 1954, has reopened under the ownership of a former employee, keeping the original recipes alive. Also in Indio, Indio Brewing is the latest craft beer company to open, offering a family-friendly space in North Indio and a lineup of rotating brews while collaborating with local homebrewers.
This October, celebrate National California Date Month by visiting Shield’s Date Garden, Aziz Farms, or Temalpakh Farms. Sip a refreshing date shake, discover the story behind California’s world-renowned dates, and honor the hardworking farmworkers who make the east valley’s agricultural heritage thrive.
NEW NON-STOP FLIGHTS: BRINGING SUNSHINE TO EAST COAST TRAVELERS
As Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) continues to expand—supported by a $21.55 million federal grant to enhance baggage claim—PSP is more accessible than ever with new non-stop flights.
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PSP to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Beginning December 18, United Airlines will operate five to seven flights per week. This marks the first time in over five years that United has regularly flown the EWR–PSP route, opening easier access to the New York metropolitan area.
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PSP to Santa Rosa Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County (STS)
Beginning October 26, Alaska Airlines will connect the breezy vineyards of wine country with the sunny, poolside resorts of Greater Palm Springs, operating five times per week during the winter season.
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PSP to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Beginning December 20, American Airlines will provide a direct East Coast escape to year-round sunshine, wellness, and desert adventure. Operating once weekly on Saturdays, the route offers travelers easy access to outdoor activities, midcentury modern architecture, and world-class festivals.
Additional New & Earlier Service
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Delta Air Lines – Austin (AUS): New daily service launches November 15, 2025.
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Southwest Airlines – Chicago (MDW): New service begins November 22, 2025.
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Delta Air Lines – Atlanta (ATL) & New York (JFK): Service begins November 1 and November 8, respectively—both earlier than last year’s December 21 launch.
Seasonal non-stop flights also returning to PSP include United Airlines service from Los Angeles (LAX), increasing to two daily flights beginning in November, and from San Francisco (SFO), increasing to five daily flights in January. United Airlines flights from Washington D.C. (IAD) will return December 18. In addition, Southwest Airlines is extending service from Austin (AUS) through April 2026 and increasing flights from Denver (DEN) and Las Vegas (LAS) beginning in November.
