Tourism, Development & Destination Highlights for 2026
GREATER PALM SPRINGS, CA (November 21, 2025) – Greater Palm Springs continues to thrive in 2026 with new developments and refreshed favorites across all nine cities. From revitalized icons like La Quinta Resort & Club and The Plaza Theatre to next-generation wellness, design, and cultural developments, Greater Palm Springs continues to evolve as a destination where inspiration and innovation meet under the sun.
As the nation reflects on its story during America’s 250th year, Greater Palm Springs offers its own expression of the American spirit through its midcentury architecture, Indigenous heritage, and agricultural roots that continue to shape the oasis today.
Palm Springs Convention Center
A new partnership with Oak View Group will guide Palm Springs’ $125 million refresh of its convention center, part of a broader plan to elevate the meetings and events experience. The upgrades will include reimagined interiors, enhanced technology, and guest-focused design aimed at attracting new group business and boosting economic impact.
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
Passenger growth continues at PSP, where phase one of a 20-year master plan adds seven new gates, an expanded rental-car center, and upgraded amenities. A new Stay & Play Pass invites non-travelers to enjoy post-security dining and retail, while a $100,000 façade restoration revives the airport’s signature midcentury architecture. Nonstop service will be in full swing for 2026, connecting Greater Palm Springs with more than 30 cities, including New York (EWR and JFK), Washington D.C. (IAD) Charlotte (CLT).
The Plaza Theatre – Palm Springs
After more than a decade dark, the historic Plaza Theatre reopens following a $34 million restoration. The renovation includes state-of-the-art lighting, audio, and projection systems, a restored starfield ceiling, and a refreshed lobby. The reopening season begins December 2025, headlined by Lily Tomlin.
The Palm Springs Air Museum is completing a $2.5 million modernization, featuring a turbine-inspired façade, new exhibits, and the Ronald M. Auen Learning Center. The upgrades are expected to be complete by mid-2026, offering visitors an enhanced look at aviation history and innovation.
Greater Palm Springs is making waves with not one but two world-class surf experiences. Opening Summer 2026, DSRT Surf in Palm Desert will feature a 5.5-acre surf lagoon, a 92- room hotel, residences, restaurants, and recreation spaces, all designed with sustainability in mind. In Palm Springs, the Palm Springs Surf Club invites visitors to enjoy crystal-clear waves, pools, and dining set against the San Jacinto Mountains, blending surf culture with classic desert views.
Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney Community – Rancho Mirage
The 24-acre Cotino Bay, designed for swimming and paddleboarding, anchors the 1,900- home community. The Parr House, inspired by The Incredibles 2, and a new public town center with shops and dining will debut in 2026, bringing Elevare waterfront dining, Artigiano coffee, On the Mark Fine Foods & Provisions, Khaga Yoga, with more to be announced.
Resort & Hospitality Highlights
La Quinta Resort & Club – 100th Anniversary (1926–2026)
An icon of California hospitality celebrates its centennial in 2026. From its 20 original casitas to today’s 45-acre luxury retreat, La Quinta Resort & Club will honor a century of Hollywood heritage, golf tradition, and timeless desert style through special events and guest experiences.
The Riviera Palm Springs (formerly Margaritaville Resort)
A beloved Palm Springs landmark, The Riviera Palm Springs is returning to its roots under IHG Hotels & Resorts. As part of an extensive multi-year renovation reintroducing classic Rat Pack glamour through refreshed rooms and reimagined dining, the resort will temporarily close from June through December 2026 to complete its transformation, with reopening planned for early 2027.
Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa – Indian Wells
The resort continues to elevate its guest experience with a refreshed lobby and meeting spaces, plus a Renew Recovery Lounge at Spa Esmeralda offering treatments like Normatec compression and infrared mats. Seven Olive, a modern gastropub with TopGolf Swing Suites, opens this winter to complete the next phase of upgrades.
The Parker enhances its signature playful luxury with new padel courts, the only hotel offering the sport in Palm Springs, complemented by recovery treatments at the Palm Springs Yacht Club spa. A new stone amphitheater by designer Judy Kameon adds a dramatic setting for weddings and events, while Counter Reformation returns with a refreshed menu and wine list.
Located in the heart of the Design District, Thompson Palm Springs continues to make waves with Bar Issi, a chic new lounge already attracting the valley’s style set. Next door, Lip Lab invites visitors to create custom lip and cheek tints for an effortless, sun-kissed Palm Springs look. The Thompson is expected to open more storefront shops in 2026, attracting luxury fashion brands and more.
The Spa at Séc-he – Palm Springs
The Spa at Séc-he in downtown Palm Springs continues to elevate the destination’s wellness profile. Recently named Best Day Spa in California and #2 in the U.S. in the 2025 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, the spa also earned Best Spa in North America from Spas of America for the second consecutive year. Drawing on the ancient waters of the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring, the 73,000-square-foot spa features private soaking tubs, halotherapy, and treatments inspired by Cahuilla traditions.
Expanding Access & Experiences
The 40-mile CV Link is nearly complete, connecting Palm Springs to Coachella via a 14-foot- wide pathway for walkers, cyclists, and low-speed EVs. Future extensions will reach Desert Hot Springs and the Salton Sea.
Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area
Riverside County is investing $12 million to enhance this family-favorite park, including a reopened pool, new splash pads, and improved campgrounds and restrooms.
The former Indio Fashion Mall is transforming into a vibrant mixed-use center. Phase one includes two retail buildings (totaling 12,800 sq. ft.), slated for completion by Summer 2026.
Thermal Ranch Proposal
Plans for Thermal Ranch call for 862 homes, workforce housing, a hotel, and an equestrian center larger than Desert International Horse Park, plus supporting commercial development. The project is currently under review.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As Greater Palm Springs marks milestone anniversaries—from La Quinta Resort’s centennial to its continued celebration of architecture, agriculture, and Indigenous culture—the oasis remains a timeless reflection of California’s creative spirit, where heritage and modern luxury intertwine under the sun.
Media Contact:
Madison Morgan
Media Relations Manager
madison@visitgreaterps.com | 760-969-1374
