This fall, the Greater Palm Springs area in California is buzzing with fresh experiences, new accommodations, and vibrant dining options that highlight the unique charm of the desert oasis. From historic resorts to innovative restaurants, there’s something new for every visitor to enjoy in the nine-city destination.
Stay and new (or newly updated) accommodations
Thompson Palm Springs – courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs
La Quinta Resort & Club, an emblematic desert destination and former Hollywood haven, approaches its centennial year with a stunning renovation. 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. Set for a December completion are brightened guestrooms with modern bathrooms and a chic new main pool experience.
The Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas has undergone an impressive $64 million renovation and rebranding which includes reimagined rooms, two new dining concepts: Carmocha and Tia Carmen, and a spectacular pool complex with extended cabana offerings. The renovated accommodations also include spacious luxury villas that will debut in November.
The Riviera Resort and Spa Palm Springs is making a celebrated return, transitioning from its previous identity as Margaritaville. Embracing a blend of midcentury modern guest rooms, rejuvenating spa treatments, and dining experiences, this renewed Palm Springs favorite will offer a unique destination for both leisure travelers and meeting attendees. The transition will begin in October 2024, with a complete renovation and rebranding expected by mid-2026. Operations will remain unaffected as the property continues to deliver unparalleled service to guests.
The Thompson Palm Springs features 168-rooms including 18 suites in the heart of Palm Springs. The newly constructed hotel channels timeless midcentury modern design with an open concept layout complemented by a custom art collection. Overlooking downtown Palm Springs are two skyline pools, each accompanied by an adjacent, full-service bar with menus of al fresco bites, craft cocktails and more.
The newly renovatedMojave Resort in Palm Desert welcomes adults to a tranquil oasis just steps from the El Paseo shopping and dining district. This midcentury retreat features 25 stylish guestrooms, an outdoor pool with a hot tub spa, and experiences designed for ultimate relaxation.
The iconic Skylark Hotel has completed its renovation with 28 updated boutique rooms and enhanced outdoor spaces that are perfect for events. The Skylark now introduces Lost Property Restaurant & Bar, a culinary gem with a reputation for excellence, showcasing tantalizing dishes alongside handcrafted cocktails.
Indio welcomes two new hotels this fall: WoodSpring Suites, offering extended-stay options with spacious in-room kitchens and modern amenities, perfect for families and business travelers. The Signature Inn by Sonesta features contemporary comfort with stylish decor and a welcoming atmosphere, making it ideal for both short getaways and longer stays.Enjoy amazing cuisine
Carmocha – courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs
Culinary innovation is at the forefront this season with numerous new eateries joining the Greater Palm Springs dining scene. Leading the charge is Lola Rose Grand Mezze at The Thompson Palm Springs, helmed by rising star chef Quentin Garcia, and offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes that highlight local ingredients.
The highly anticipated Kestrel Kitchen at Indian Wells Golf Resort, envisioned by celebrity chef Richard Blais makes its debut this month. This restaurant features a menu of wood-fired steaks, handmade pasta, and delectable desserts, reflecting the region’s rich flavors and innovative gastronomy.
At the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas, acclaimed chef Angelo Sosa has introduced two exciting dining concepts: Tía Carmen and Carmocha. Tía Carmen pays homage to Sosa’s familial roots with a menu celebrating local ingredients and traditional flavors, while Carmocha promises an exciting array of international small plates that showcase culinary flair from around the globe.
In November, chef Gabriel Woo will unveil Liv’s, a new culinary destination at the Palm Springs Art Museum, where diners can indulge in thoughtfully crafted dishes that blend artistic presentation with the vibrant flavors of the Coachella Valley, perfectly complementing the museum’s inspiring cultural atmosphere.
Lost Property Restaurant & Bar has opened at The Skylark in Palm Springs, bringing over a decade of national and international acclaim from its Hollywood origins as a renowned cocktail and whiskey bar, now offering a signature blend of craftsmanship and creativity in the desert.
La Provence Café is now open in Palm Desert, showcasing a diverse menu by Chef Farshid Hakim that includes specialties made with the finest artisanal ingredients, featuring fresh soups, Mediterranean salads, and panini sandwiches on homemade baguettes.
Palm Springs International Airport invites passengers to experience two new dining options. Family-owned Las Casuelas Terraza offers four generations of authentic Mexican cuisine in a warm atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. Meanwhile, Coachella Valley Coffee serves locally roasted coffee with rich, iconic blends in the PSP courtyard, perfect for a quick pick-me-up before flights.
New in brew, Hot Lips Coffee Shop in Cathedral City exudes pop-art charm, while Bonitas Coffee in Indio features a vibrant floral theme, both promising unique caffeine experiences for coffee lovers.
New menus are rolling out as Boozehounds welcomes Executive Chef Corey Baker, proudly offering a globally inspired menu that reimagines California comfort food with a creative twist. Amala at Palm Springs Surf Club, led by renowned Chef Michael Hung, will unveil an enticing new menu that highlights innovative dishes celebrating fresh, local ingredients. Additionally, Azucar at La Serena Villas proudly announces new chef Lexy Smith-Ohanesian presenting a menu of modern contemporary cuisine with a focus on flavor utilizing high quality and local ingredients.
Visit brand-new attractions
Slinging360 has opened at The River in Rancho Mirage, offering both guided tours and premier rentals of the Polaris Slingshot. This three-wheeled open-air roadster seamlessly combines the excitement of a motorcycle with the comfort of a car, allowing guests to explore the desert at their own pace or with an expert guide.
The Palm Springs Vintage Market brings its twelfth season back to downtown Palm Springs this fall, offering vintage and retro treasures on the first Sunday of each month from October to May in a new location on Encilia, north of the Agua Caliente Casino.
New tour operator Magic Cart Ride offers unique city tours aboard a charming 6-passenger electric cart, providing a sightseeing adventure through downtown Palm Springs and celebrity homes. Participants can enjoy stops for appetizers and adult beverages or mocktails.
Attend a fun, seasonal events
October 24-27: Modernism Week returns to Palm Springs, offering an array of tours, lectures, and events celebrating midcentury modern architecture, design, and culture
October 31-November 3: A street fair, a music festival, parade and a gathering place, Greater Palm Springs Pride celebrates all that is LGBTQ+ in Palm Springs. “Be You” is the 2024 theme and Sister Sledge will perform on the Pride Stage.
November 14-17: La Quinta Art Celebration Encore highlights exceptional local and national artists, featuring unique artwork, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere for art enthusiasts and collectors alike.
November 15-16: Desert Air is a new electronic music festival premiering in 2024 at the Palm Springs Air Museum, featuring two stages with an array of international performers.
November 22-24: The Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival will brighten the desert skies with vibrant balloons during morning launches and enchanting evening balloon glow events. Country music star LeAnn Rimes will also headline the 2024 festival which is celebrating its 10th Anniversary.
November 26-28: The Acrisure Series at Acrisure Arena will feature a thrilling lineup of competitive college basketball combining three events – the Acrisure Classic, Acrisure Invitational and the inaugural Acrisure Holiday Invitational – to create the nation’s largest combined multiple team event at a single site.
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