Only one of Parker’s bars — Photo courtesy of Greater Palm Springs CVB

Palm Springs, California has become famous for being a haven for Hollywood glitz, with stars from Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe to the Sinatra-led Rat Pack using the desert town to stroll and recharge. It is also renowned for its modernist desert architecture inspiring Modernism Week which annually celebrates its form and substance.

But Palm Springs is just one of nine desert towns that make up the golf course-dotted oases flanked by the San Jacinto Mountains and Joshua Tree National Park. These nine cities all have bragging rights. And stretching just 30 miles along I-10, it’s easy to visit even if you only have a day. Start in Palm Springs and head north to Desert Hot Springs. From there, head to the furthest town, Coachella, then discover the rest along Route 111.

Palm Springs

Views go on for miles from the tram — Photo courtesy of Greater Palm Springs CVB

Begin with a ride on the Palm Springs Revolving Aerial Tramway, a two-and-a-half-mile-long, over 5,000-foot ascent to Mount San Jacinto that trades the arid desert landscape for a pine-scented mountain setting that is minus 30 degrees cooler than at the base. Stick around to hike or snowshoe and soak up the views that span the nine cities on a clear day.

The Parker Hotel is an ideal base for exploring. Squarely at the intersection of indulgence and funk, The Parker has fabulous bars, The Norma for breakfast and lunch, and Mister Parker’s Dining Room for dinner.

Mid-century modern desert architecture is everywhere — Photo courtesy of Greater Palm Springs CVB

Where to eat

Casino Agua Caliente’s Steakhouse is an old-fashioned beef palace where the quarter, blackened rib eye and loaded baked potato are the triple crown. For sneaky dining, eat at King’s Highway at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club, a bohemian setting with an eclectic Cal-Mexican menu.

Catch the weekly show Jazzville produced by Barry Martin at the Cascade Lounge — Photo courtesy of Barry Martin

Things to do

Catch the weekly Jazzville show at the Cascade Lounge, a throwback to posh supper clubs featuring artists like the Sandra Booker Quintet. Take a self-guided tour of modernism, by car or on foot. Or go for “starchitecture” and visit celebrity homes from the privacy of your own car – so it’s worth $49.

Desert hot springs

Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort has the largest pool in town — Photo courtesy of Greater Palm Springs CVB

This town just north of Palm Springs is all about the water – drinking it and soaking up its healing properties. Resorts range from clothing-optional accommodations to celebrity havens like Two Bunch Palms. Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa is a new day or night retreat where you can swim in the 100-foot mineral pool, soak in the steam tubs, and enjoy a massage.

Where to eat

Desert Hot Springs isn’t known as a foodie destination, which makes Capri at Miracle Springs Resort a real gem. Try spaghetti and meatballs, scampi with prawns and/or lasagna.

Quirky Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is worth a visit — Photo courtesy of Greater Palm Springs CVB

Things to do

Discover the eccentric Cabot’s Pueblo Museum, a collection of Native American pottery, photographs and Alaskan artifacts housed in 35 rooms in a series of Hopi-inspired pueblo houses.

Coachella

Just one of the Coachella murals — Photo courtesy of Greater Palm Springs CVB

This small farming town, which is actually at the intersection of Grapefruit Boulevard and Cesar Chavez Street, is date-growing country, an industry fueled by generations of migrant workers. Take a self-guided walking tour to see murals honoring farm workers, Cesar Chavez, and Mexican folklore.

Where to eat

Locals flock to Jalisco, steps from the serene Veterans Memorial Park in the postage stamp-sized downtown, for fresh birria tacos, carne asada burritos and more.

The BMW Performance Center is a blast – Photo courtesy of Greater Palm Springs CVB

Things to do

Although Thermal is just across the border from Coachella, it’s pretty close to the super-fun BMW Performance Center, where you can ride hot-blooded bimmers designed to hug those treacherous curves and come to a stop in no time. . Then let the experienced instructor show you how it’s done – hold on for life.

Indian

The Coachella Music and Arts Festival is back in 2022 — Photo courtesy of Greater Palm Springs CVB

Indio is at the crossroads of the festival action, with the two biggies, Coachella Valley Music & Arts and Stagecoach Country Music, reproducing in April 2022 at the Empire Polo Grounds.

Where to eat

Heirloom Craft Kitchen offers a multitude of vegetables on its menu of homemade soups, salads, sandwiches and signature dishes made from local and organic produce.

A date shake in Shields is a must — Photo courtesy of Greater Palm Springs CVB

Things to do

Have you ever wondered about the sex life of a date? Head to Shields Date Garden, where vintage film is uplifting and the world famous date shake is the unmissable treat. Buy dates to take home for your friends – you won’t get them any fresher.

The fifth

The compact old town is a cobblestone haven of adobe shops, galleries and bougainvillea. Catch the Old Town Farmers Market or rent a bike from Old Town Peddler and explore. Hiking trails are easily accessible in the La Quinta Cove neighborhood, so take a stroll.

RD RNNR is a culinary mecca in Old Town La Quinta — Photo courtesy of Francisco Flores

Where to eat

RD RNNR is the baby of Chris and Anita Chmielak, an artisan American restaurant with a warm, welcoming vibe and a great menu of elevated pub fare from chef Jose Hurtado. The lamb chili is a must, as is the cheesy date salad.

Things to do

PGA West is one of the best golfing experiences in the Valley, a group of nine courses where the American Express Golf Tournament is held each January. Have a drink at Ernie’s Bar and Grill and take in the view.

indian goods

Indian Wells Tennis Gardens hosts the annual BNP Paribas tournament — Photo courtesy of Greater Palm Springs CVB

This well-heeled town is all about tennis and golf, home to the Indian Wells Golf Resort, with its Shots in the Night night golf, and the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens which hosts the annual BNP Paribas tournament.

Where to eat

La Quinta Cliffhouse is literally built into the rock of the desert, a great spot for an early dinner (or late lunch) with $25 specials, happy hour, and a fine menu of sophisticated American fare.

Things to do

Don’t just visit the Tennis Gardens, practice your serve on one of 29 courts – non-members pay $25 for adults, $12.50 for juniors. Or improve your game with a lesson from former world doubles No. 1 Danie Visser.

palm desert

With its El Paseo shopping street (a mini-version of Rodeo Drive), tons of restaurants and galleries, and the McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert is a hub of arts, food, and culture.

Where to eat

Guillermo’s is a family-run Mexican restaurant that offers large portions, friendly service, and mighty margaritas.

The Living Desert is so much more than a zoo — Photo courtesy of Greater Palm Springs CVB

Things to do

The Living Desert is a wild landscaped zoo, rich with giraffes and cheetahs, kangaroos and camels and a new rhino exhibit opening in fall 2021.

Rancho Mirage

This city is full of green spaces, from the ubiquitous golf courses to the many public parks. Discover the magnificent public library where a presidential exhibit donated by Gerald Ford includes some of his favorite books.

Where to eat

Sometimes you have to eat the dessert first. Make it at Brandini Toffee Factory, the family-owned artisanal chocolate toffee shop founded by Brandon Weimer. What started as a fundraiser to pay for a school trip to Europe has turned into a delightful cottage industry.

Sunnylands shows personal memorabilia of royalty and presidents — Photo courtesy of Greater Palm Springs CVB

Things to do

Sunnylands was built by Walter and Leonore Annenberg as Camp David of the West. Take a tour of the mid-century modern home and 200-acre native plant-filled property from October through June to see personal keepsakes, like a wall of Christmas cards sent by the Queen Mom and the bedroom with twin beds favored by Ron and Nancy.

cathedral city

Cathedral City is known for its hot air balloon festival — Photo courtesy of Greater Palm Springs CVB

This residential town has an artsy urban plaza, popular casino, and great hiking options that boast wildflowers and great views. Check out the Fountain of Life in the city center, the same spot that hosts the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival in November.

Where to eat

Trilusa is a modern Italian bistro with vegan options and great wild mushroom ravioli.

Things to do

Hike the Arabian Trail, a four-mile walk that starts in a neighborhood – don’t let that put you off, keep going. You will be rewarded with the views shared by what was once the home of Bob Hope. No wonder he built there.