ACCOMMODATION UPDATES IN PALM SPRINGS

Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas

Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa will rebrand in September 2024 to Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas. The rebranding is timed to the culmination of a $64 million property-wide renovation and ushers in a new era of luxury for the iconic desert resort. Visitors will experience redesigned guestrooms and luxury villas, an expanded lobby experience, elevated accommodations, refreshed meeting and event spaces, two new dining concepts and a reimagined pool complex with extended cabana offerings. The property's newly enhanced 531 accommodations, including 39 spacious suites have completed renovations, while 43 one- and two-bedroom private villas, are set to debut by November 2024.

Scheduled to open September 2024, Thompson Palm Springs will feature 168-rooms including 18 suites in the heart of Palm Springs. The hotel channels timeless midcentury modern design with an unrestricted 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. Later in 2024, Thompson Palm Springs will also house Lola Rose Grand Mezze, a spirited new concept from rising star chef Quentin Garcia that will showcase a blend of Levantine cuisine and local California ingredients. Additionally, owners Craig & Kathryn Hall will be bringingt a ouch of Napa Valley to Palm Springs through their HALL Napa Valley tasting room, featuring selections from their family of wines.

The iconic Dunes Hotel, a landmark of the 1960s, has been reborn as The Dunes Palm Springs with a nostalgic touch of midcentury modern décor. Located in Downtown Palm Springs, this historic 127-room hotel melds its storied past with contemporary luxury, making it a standout destination.

Two new properties will provide additional hotel room inventory on the east side of the destination. The quickly growing chain of Woodspring Suites has recently opened an extended stay hotel in Indio near 42nd and Monroe with suite layouts, in-room kitchens, and a pet friendly environment. Still at the beginning stages of development in La Quinta is a three-story, 125-room Hampton Inn just south of Highway 111.

ATTRACTIONS FOR ALL AGES IN PALM SPRINGS

Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert

The Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert reopened in May 2024 with new exhibits to captivate the imaginations of children and nurture thoughtful hands-on learning. The whimsical, creative, and exciting new main gallery installations feature nearly 40 new exhibits, each crafted to inspire young minds to "Imagine," "Express," "Move," "Experiment," "Explore," and "Dream." Fan favorite activities including the Pizza Place, Grocery Store, Veterinary Clinic and Train Tables have been updated for imaginative play in the secondary gallery, and outside the Trike Track, Music Garden, Tortoise Habitat and Discovery Garden encourage the pursuit of adventure. All themed program areas offer endless opportunities for discovery and fun for the youngest visitors to the destination.

Paint and Fire, a clay studio has opened in Rancho Mirage. Choose to paint one of hundreds of bisque pieces in-studio using supplied glazes, brushes, sponges and more. Masterpieces are glazed and fired, then available in a week for pick up or shipping.

Construction has begun on DSRT SURF in Palm Desert with an estimated opening of spring/summer 2026. DSRT Surf will feature a fully integrated 139-room boutique hotel and residences built around a world-class surf lagoon and surrounded by the golf courses at Desert Willow. Additional features will include a surf academy for lessons, pickleball courts, fitness center and more.

The new 90-minute "Paint with Meaning " session is now available from Superbloom®. This unique offering is open to all ages and skill levels, allowing participants to explore self-expression and creativity. A curated collection of products is available, or guests may bring personal items to uniquely upcycle. No prior experience is required, as facilitators provide guidance and support in creating a colorful keepsake.

UPDATES FOR PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Palm Springs International Airport

A new, nonstop flight between Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) and Washington Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C. will launch at the end of 2024. United Airlines will operate one daily flight starting Dec. 19, running through April 30, 2025. The service will be the first nonstop connection ever between Washington, D.C. and Palm Springs and will create unparalleled access to Palm Springs from the East Coast and Europe through one of United's fastest growing hubs.

Travelers through Palm Springs International Airport have many new choices for food and beverages as PSP continues to enhance shops and restaurants to deliver a local experience to visitors.

Leading the list of new restaurants, Nine Cities Craft, now open in the Agua Caliente Concourse, immerses diners in the diverse flavors of the Coachella Valley. This full-service restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desert-inspired cocktails in a setting inspired by midcentury modern design. Opening in August, Cactus to Clouds, named after a popular local hiking trail, will offer a menu inspired by the bold flavors of Palm Springs. Among the selection of popular breakfasts, sandwiches and soups are seasonal and vegetarian choices, complemented by a selection of expertly crafted cocktails. Also opening this summer, family-owned Las Casuelas Terraza brings four generations of authentic Mexican culinary traditions in a welcoming atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. Coming to the PSP courtyard this summer is Coachella Valley Coffee, locally roasted and known for its rich and iconic blends.

Newly opened shops at PSP offer curated and local products to travelers. Las Palmas Oasis features an array of breezy resort wear, upscale golf apparel, and spa-quality skincare products. It is also a perfect spot to pick up locally made gifts or gourmet snacks sourced directly from the Palm Springs Certified Farmer's Market. Hey Joshua encapsulates the rugged charm of the High Desert. This store offers an authentic taste of Joshua Tree, featuring a collection of handcrafted goods from local artisans from unique home decor to bespoke jewelry.
* Visit Greater Palm Springs

RENAISSANCE IN INDIO PALM S[RINGS

Indo

The oldest city in Greater Palm Springs is experiencing an exciting transformation this summer. The City of Indio was incorporated in 1876 as a railroad town by the Southern Pacific Railroad and has evolved in recent years into a vibrant festival hotspot, attracting over a million visitors annually. This surge in popularity has prompted a renaissance of Downtown Indio, with new shops, restaurants, breweries, public art, and entertainment venues.

The Urban Donkey Collective of shops is a community-centered retail space focused on vintage apparel. Located at the historic Johnson Photo space, sellers include Cool Cat Threads, Return of the Goods as well as the local juice bar Forbidden Fruit. Rocks and Records offers a carefully curated selection of rare and classic vinyl records from a large variety of genres as well as vintage music accessories like speakers and turntables. The store also sells crystals and fossil rocks, hence the name.

New Dining in Downtown Indio includes Victoria's Café, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with popular diner favorites and Frosties, the cafe's signature frozen libations. Gabino's Creperie East serves savory crepes in flavors that include Carne Asada, Chicken Pesto, and Chopped Cheese. Distinctively Italian, the new speakeasy Italica, presents a menu, cocktails, and decor that have all been choreographed to deliver an immersive experience. All three restaurants are on Miles Ave.

Beer enthusiasts will appreciate the new offerings in Indio. Desert Beer Company Pizza and Pints will offer an easygoing selection of food options in addition to drinks at their new location at Indio Blvd and Smurr St, slated to open mid-2024. Around the corner on Miles Avenue is Indio Taphouse which opened in April featuring 120 brews and mouthwatering twists on pub classics.

Between the brew pubs is Center Stage, the City of Indio's new outdoor entertainment venue that was featured as the location for American Idol Season 22 winner Abi Carter's hometown performance in the season finale of the show. Little Street Music Hall, a block further down Miles, is an all-ages music venue featuring local acts and serving coffee. A colorful addition to the downtown culture is Happy Alley, with a canopy of colored umbrellas and vibrant murals on the alley's north and south side that crosses Miles between Towne and Oasis Street.

Food Truck Fridays take place weekly from 5 to 10 p.m. at the corner of Towne Street and Bliss Avenue in downtown Indio. Here, you can find a diverse range of local vendors who offer a variety of entertainment and family-friendly activities.
* Visit Greater Palm Springs

The Ultimate California Desert Road Trip

Death Valley

California's vast desert region is a land of hidden oases and canyons, towering snow-capped mountains, and sweeping panoramas that conjure visions of early California and the Old West. Unlike anywhere else in the world, the California Deserts feel like one giant natural theme park—connected by scenic open roads and a network of character-rich lodging properties.

From colorful, otherworldly rock formations, expansive dunes, and natural mineral hot springs to old mines, hidden ghost towns, and outdoor art installations, the desert has no shortage of sights to behold. Travel from elevations that are thousands of feet high to lower depths of 280 feet/85 meters below sea level. Discover a region that is vibrant yet remote, colorful and camouflaged, and rustic but luxurious. Whether you power through in a week's time or linger longer in each destination, this itinerary delivers a series of unforgettable experiences in picture-perfect backdrops.

Leg 1: Los Angeles to Death Valley

Driving Distance & Time: 276 miles/444 km (5.5 hours)
Stops & Attractions: Ridgecrest, Mosaic Canyon, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Badwater Basin, Devil's Golf Course, Zabriskie Point, Artist's Palette, Dante's View
Dining & Drinking: Classic Gyros and Desert Brew (Ridgecrest), Last Kind Words Saloon & Steakhouse and The Inn at Death Valley Restaurant (Furnace Creek)
Accommodations: The Cottages at the Oasis in Death Valley

Hit the highway and leave the city crowds behind as you head inland to Death Valley National Park. Stop to stretch your legs, refuel and have lunch in Ridgecrest, a military town and recreation area that has set the stage for many feature films such as Top Gun: Maverick. Continue to Death Valley, the largest national park in the contiguous United States at 3.73 million acres (13,848.44 km2). Death Valley is defined by extremes. It's North America's driest and hottest spot, averaging fewer than two inches (5 cm) of rainfall annually and a record high of 134°F (56°C). It also boasts the lowest elevation on the continent at Badwater Basin, which sits 282 feet (86 m) below sea level. You could easily spend a few days exploring all sides of the expansive park, which abounds with hiking opportunities, fascinating landscapes, and dark night skies. Given the sheer size, it's best to plan your journey around three or five main stops a day.

Leg 2: Death Valley to Joshua Tree via Baker

Driving Distance & Time: 246 miles/396 km (4.5 hours)
Stops & Attractions: World's Tallest Thermometer, Mojave National Preserve (or Bagdad Café), Roy's Motel & Café, Amboy Crater
Dining & Drinking: Kit Fox Café (Tecopa), The Copper Room (Yucca)
Accommodations: The Bungalows by Homestead Modern or AutoCamp Joshua Tree

The Bungalows

This longer day of driving features many photogenic stops, including the quirky town of Baker, home to the World's Largest Thermometer, the Country Store filled with funky souvenirs and several gas stations. Before Baker, the Kit Fox Café is a good road stop in Tecopa for quality coffee and healthy eats. From Baker there are two routes to choose from: driving through to Mojave National Preserve where the sea of yucca trees calls for photo ops, or via I-15 S to see the filming location of Bagdad Café on the original Route 66 in Newberry Springs. Either way, you'll travel a portion of historic Route 66 to arrive in Amboy, home to the midcentury relic, Roy's Motel & Café. The town of Joshua Tree will be one hour's drive from Amboy, descending into Wonder Valley. Have dinner at The Cooper Room in Yucca, a buzzy spot with vintage vibes on an airstrip.

Leg 3: Joshua Tree National Park to Borrego Springs

Driving Distance & Time: 100+ miles/160 km (2.5 hours)
Stops & Attractions: Hidden Valley Trail, Key's View, Skull Rock Trail, Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Salton Sea, Anza Borrego State Park, Fonts Point Badlands Lookout
Dining & Drinking: Crossroads Café (Joshua Tree), Big Horn Burgers & Shakes (Borrego Springs)
Accommodations: Borrego Valley Inn

Borrego Springs

With nearly 800,000 acres of mystical beauty, Joshua Tree National Park is undoubtedly one of the world's most incredible natural desert treasures. Sweeping, grand in scale, and populated by granite monoliths and voluptuous rock and boulder formations, the park offers wonder to eco-travelers, outdoor adventurists, and naturalists. Evidence of many diverse forms of plant life from creosote and ocotillo are found everywhere, but none as unique or prevalent as the park's namesake: the Joshua tree, standing majestically across the vast topography. After breakfast at Crossroads Café, enter the park from the town of Joshua Tree's West Entrance. Plan your route to exit from Cottonwood Entrance, dropping you onto the interstate. En route to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, stop for photo ops of the Salton Sea. On your way into Borrego Springs, go off roading to Fonts Point for an epic view of the famed Badlands.

Leg 4: Anza Borrego to Palm Springs

Driving Distance & Time: 66 miles/106 km (1.5 hours)
Stops & Attractions: Anza Borrego Metal Sculptures, Uptown Design District, Desert Adventures Indian Canyons Red Jeep Tour, Palm Springs Surf Club, Spa at Séc-he
Dining & Drinking: Kendall's Café (Borrego Springs), Sixth Street Coffee (Coachella), Shields Date Garden (Indio), King's Highway (Palm Springs), Amala (Palm Springs), Boozehounds (Palm Springs)
Accommodations: Ace Hotel & Swim Club

Start the day in Borrego Springs exploring the charming downtown, visiting the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association's gift shop and nature center and walking among the giant Galleta Meadows Sculptures created by Ricardo Breceda. En route to Palm Springs, stop in Coachella to walk the revitalized downtown, see the street art and have some of the valley's best Mexican food. Stop in Indio for date shake at Shields Date Garden. End the day in Palm Springs, where you can check into a resort and relax for a few days of sunbathing, art and architecture, shopping, and fine dining. Book a guided Red Jeep Tours Indian Canyons hiking tour, visit the new The Spa at Séc-he, for a healing treatment and soak in the hot mineral water, and splash around at The Palm Springs Surf Club.

For further information, please visit www.visitcaliforniadeserts.com.
*Website: https://visitgreaterpalmsprings.com