9 Neighborhood Hangouts to Visit on Your Next Trip to Greater Palm Springs

Things to Do

From buzzy boulevards to art-lined old towns, these nine neighborhood hubs deliver a sense of place — and plenty to do once you get there.

by | Jun 16, 2025

Spanish charm in Old Town La Quinta.
PHOTO COURTESY VISIT GREATER PALM SPRINGS

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El Paseo Shopping District

Luxury boutiques, art galleries, and stylish dining line this mile-long boulevard. Book your dinner reservation here, then linger for a scenic late-night stroll. elpaseocatalogue.com

Uptown Design District

This Palm Springs hot spot brims with midcentury modern furniture stores, vintage boutiques, and trendy eateries, reflecting the city’s mid-mod design aesthetic. palmspringslife.ca/uptown

Old Town La Quinta

Cobblestone-style streets and Spanish architecture make Old Town La Quinta feel like a European square. It’s a hub for dining, gift shops, and evening gatherings among the locals. oldtownlaquinta.com

Downtown Indio

Park near the Outdoor Stage at Miles Avenue and Smurr Street to explore cool new restaurants, shop for vintage finds, and take advantage of the photo-ops with public art installations like Happy Alley and the “Colossal Cacti.” Go for the monthly Second Saturdays event. indio.org

Arenas District

The heart of Palm Springs’ LGBTQ+ scene beats on Arenas Road, where restaurants, bars, and shops line the block and make it easy to bar-hop, dine, and shop. This strip is always packed. visitpalmsprings.com

The Block.

PHOTO COURTESY THE BLOCK

The Block

The center of downtown Palm Springs features an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and public art — including “Forever Marilyn,” who towers over the Downtown Park. Find free parking in the public lot adjacent to the Kimpton Rowan. Visit on Thursday nights for the VillageFest street fair. theblockps.com

The Perez Art District

Warehouses transformed into vibrant galleries and creative studios anchor Cathedral City’s artsy neighborhood. Don’t miss the monthly evening art walks showcasing local talent. theperezartdistrict.com

Pueblo Viejo

Head to historic downtown Coachella to check out the vibrant murals known as Coachella Walls. Make a day of it and grab a bite at any one of the authentic Mexican restaurants: Jalisco is a favorite for birria, Las Tres Conchitas specializes in sweet breads, and El Tranvia delivers tasty chavelas and lip-smacking mole. coachella.org

Backstreet Arts District

Tucked off the main drag in Palm Springs, this eclectic neighborhood buzzes with working artist studios, small contemporary galleries, and art walks on the first Wednesday of the month from 5 to 7 p.m. backstreetartdistrict.com

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