Palm Springs vs. Palm Desert
 

I'm trying to plan a visit for a 2-3 in the area, but I'm getting a bit confused. Can someone explain to me the difference between Palm Springs and Palm Desert. I found one old thread on another forum that called Palm Springs the "old" area and Palm Desert the "newer" sections?

Is staying at one area better than the other?

Much thanks.

What people have historically referred to as "Palm Springs" is really an area known as "The Coachella Valley." The Valley has nine different cities, each with a unique character. Some are more working class cities without a lot of resort and/or tourism infrastructure.

Palm Springs is one of the oldest cities. It has an interesting history, and a village downtown area (even though it is a linear strip along Palm/Indian Canyons, the major streets) and is very pedestrian friendly.

Palm Springs does not have a major resort hotel with golf on property, if that's important to you. Most of the concentration of daily fee golf is to the east in Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and La Quinta.

Palm Desert is slightly east of PS. It has several major resort properties and is the retail/commercial heart of the Valley, the two main shopping areas being a large mall (Westfield Town Center) and an upscale street (El Paseo) that is often referred to as "The Rodeo Drive" of the desert.

Depending on your interests, one or the other might appeal to you more. There are also the destination cities of Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, and La Quinta.

Hope this helps a little. There are a lot of good posts about the area in this forum, both from locals and trip reports.

One way Palm Springs is distinguished from other towns in the area in that it is possible there to stay in a hotel (such as the Hyatt or Zoso) that is situated on a pedestrian friendly street lined with shops and restaurants.

HTTY

Palm Springs has the history that makes this desert resort internationally famous. It has more of a downtown village atmosphere, and very pedestrian friendly. There's an emerging eccentric and progressive design movement in Palm Springs, with the exploding uptown design district, featuring numerous popular galleries, clothing, restaurant and interior design related shops. Thursday nights is the Village Fest, where they close off Palm Canyon Drive, and the street becomes a pedestrian friendly walking street full of a variety of booths offering arts, crafts, food, etc. The downtown area is filled with interesting boutigues and unigue shopping opportunities.

Palm Springs is also noted for being the mecca of mid-century design. We have probably the largest collection of mid-century architecture dating from the 1950/1960s then any other place in the world. The Palm Springs Museum is world class as well.

If you're looking for golf, there are six public courses in Palm Springs withing 10 minutes of each other, to satisfy any golfer's needs.

Palm Desert is more known for its big box retail and shopping centers. El Paseo is the "Rodeo Drive" of the desert, filled with designer and hi-end shops. Its about a 15 minute drive from Palm Springs.

The Living Desert in Palm Desert, is a high-light as well, for anyone interested in local fauna, landscaping, as well as animal life.

Over all, I'm biased, but I think Palm Springs is more for those looking to spend some time in the city, enjoying the unique offerings, taking in the historical qualifities of this quaint desert oasis.

Enjoy!

Paul

Hey, thanks. I'm getting a better understanding of the area.

Is there any one of the cities that is better to use as a base of travel? From another thread on TA, someone described Cathedral City/Indio as more of a "down" market area.

I think I now get what Palm Springs and Palm Desert has to offer, but not so sure about the other cities, if anyone has thoughts on them.

Thanks!

Cathedral City and Indio ARE more 'downmarket', in some places even more downmarket than PSLocal's description as "working class" would imply (she's being nice :-) ).

PSLocal and PalmSpringsPaul have given you a great description of the differences between Palm Springs and Palm Desert, with one quibble -- I would not describe Palm Desert as being known for "big box retail and shopping centers". Not that it doesn't have those (all along Hwy 111), but I think of Palm Desert as being known more for sprawling condominium and hotel/condominium complexes, both private and public (like the Marriott and Westin).

Here is a thread with some good Palm Springs info:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...lm-springs.cfm

Here is another thread for help:


http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...in-october.cfm

Some of the old, historic motels in PS may be wheelchair friendly. I would try to stay close the the historic downtown in PS. Nice for shopping, eating, strolling.

Palm Springs and Palm Desert both have good golf courses, spas, resorts and dining.

Thanks for the replies! :) Great help as always.

Michelle, I did check out those threads. Good info.

Couple questions. Has anyone heard of the Alexander Inn in PS? Reviews on TA are almost too good to be true, yet I don't see it mentioned much here.

Also, considering that my motherinlaw will be with us and can't do any hiking, is Indian Canyons still worth it? It seems like it's just for hiking. Do they have pullouts where you can take in the view without the hikes?

Thanks!

I think the Indian Canyons will have limited accessibility for someone in a wheelchair. Most of the scenic natural environments, like the palm oases, are better viewed from along the trails rather than in a vehicle. Driving through Joshua Tree is better in terms of car viewing.

I will say that I think the desert is pretty good in terms of ADA compliance and accessibility. Strolling down Palm Canyon is an example. The Living Desert in Palm Desert has paved pathways throughout and offers very good insight into the desert flora and fauna. The tramway is also accessible.

Thanks PS. We may cancel the Indian Canyons drive. Any thoughts on Alexander Inn?

Another data point - second half of my trip report from a couple of weeks ago - http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...say-winter.cfm

Dear trav: I would still take a drive out to the canyons. They are fascinating. The one we visited had parking right at the palm grove. I think it was Andreas Canyon, but it was one of the "easy" hikes. No you will not be able to "hike" but you could picnic there. Also up at the tribe trading post you will be able to look down on another one of the groves.

http://www.palmsprings.com/points/canyon/

Gardyloo....great TR. Thanks.

MichelleY....thanks for the link!

How's the parking in PS (if we decide to stay in another city)? Is it easy and plentiful even on the Thursday night event?

They do block off some of the streets for the Thursday night event which clogs up the traffic. I'd try to go early and maybe have dinner first. BTW it isn't anything to get all enthused about IMHO. I'd rather do a stroll on El Paseo.

I never have trouble parking down near Staples. It isn't that far of a walk, a block or two.

***They do block off some of the streets for the Thursday night event which clogs up the traffic. I'd try to go early and maybe have dinner first. BTW it isn't anything to get all enthused about IMHO. I'd rather do a stroll on El Paseo.***

I'd rather do Village Fest. Love watching the locals with their dogs,friends and families doing their thing and the general 'buzz' in the air.. El Paseo -zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. :)

<i>I'd rather do Village Fest. Love watching the locals with their dogs,friends and families doing their thing and the general 'buzz' in the air.. El Paseo -zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.</i>

This is also be my preference. Why not do both and decide for yourself?

HTTY

Exactly...they are really quite different experiences IMO.