Palm Springs is more than just a destination for sun-seekers and mid-century modern enthusiasts; it’s a vibrant shopping paradise filled with everything from luxury boutiques to vintage gems, farmers markets, and designer outlets. Whether you’re searching for high-end fashion, one-of-a-kind artisan pieces, or everyday essentials, the Greater Palm Springs area has a shopping experience tailored for you.
Palm Canyon Drive: The Heart of Downtown Shopping
Palm Canyon Drive is the pulse of Palm Springs shopping, lined with palm trees, boutique storefronts, and galleries that make every visit a visual and retail delight.
Shopping Highlights:
- Luxury Boutiques & Galleries – Stroll through an eclectic mix of upscale fashion boutiques, unique home decor shops, and contemporary art galleries.
- VillageFest – Every Thursday night, Palm Canyon Drive transforms into an open-air market featuring handcrafted items, live entertainment, and delicious street food.
- Trina Turk – A must-visit for vibrant, retro-inspired clothing and home accessories that perfectly embody Palm Springs’ iconic style.
El Paseo Shopping District: The Rodeo Drive of the Desert
Located in Palm Desert, El Paseo is a mile-long stretch of over 300 world-class shops, art galleries, and fine dining options. This is where high-end fashion meets desert elegance.
Top Spots on El Paseo:
- The Gardens on El Paseo – 73-545 El Paseo, Palm Desert. A two-level open-air shopping center with stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co.
- El Paseo Jewelers – 73-375 El Paseo, Palm Desert. A go-to destination for luxury jewelry and timepieces.
- Art Galleries – Discover an array of contemporary and fine art from local and international artists.
The Shops at Palm Desert
72-840 Highway 111, Palm Desert. Formerly known as the Westfield Mall, The Shops at Palm Desert offer a mix of major retail chains and specialty stores, making it a one-stop shopping destination.
Retailers Include:
- Macy’s
- J.C. Penney
- Barnes & Noble
- Over 120 additional stores and eateries
Old Town La Quinta: A Charming Shopping Escape
For a more intimate and curated shopping experience, Old Town La Quinta (78-100 Main Street, La Quinta) delivers with its cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and relaxed atmosphere.
Must-Visit Stops:
- Local Boutiques – Unique finds in fashion, accessories, and home decor.
- Certified Farmers Market (Sundays 8 AM – 12:30 PM) – Fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handmade goods.
- Spas & Salons – Luxury self-care experiences within a picturesque setting.
Major Shopping Centers and Retailers
Everyday Shopping Needs:
- Bristol Farms Market – 73101 Country Club Drive (at Monterey Ave.), Palm Desert.
- Target: 78935 Hwy 111, La Quinta & 72549 Hwy 111, Palm Desert.
- Walmart Supercenter: 79295 Hwy 111, La Quinta, plus locations in Palm Desert & Palm Springs.
- Costco: Two locations (La Quinta and Palm Desert) known for great wholesale deals and some of the lowest gas prices in the desert.
- Best Buy: 79220 Hwy 111, La Quinta & 44449 Town Center, Palm Desert.
- Sprouts Farmers Market: Locations in Indian Wells and La Quinta.
- Trader Joe’s: Stores in La Quinta, Palm Desert, and Cathedral City.
Popular Shopping Centers:
- Desert Crossing Shopping Center – Hwy 111 at Fred Waring in Palm Desert.
- The River at Rancho Mirage – 71800 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage. Entertainment, dining, and shopping, featuring P.F. Chang’s, Yard House, and Dave & Buster’s.
- La Quinta Hwy 111 Shopping Corridor – A mix of big-box retailers, services, and restaurants from Washington Street to Jefferson Street.
Desert Hills Premium Outlets: Luxury for Less
For designer brands at discounted prices, a short drive west on I-10 leads you to Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Cabazon (48400 Seminole Dr, Cabazon).
Featured Designer Stores:
- Gucci
- Prada
- Burberry
- Michael Kors
- Coach
- Over 130 additional high-end outlets
Unique Shopping Experiences
College of the Desert Street Fair
A true desert shopping tradition, the College of the Desert Street Fair offers over 340 vendors selling new merchandise, arts and crafts, and fresh local produce.
- Location: 43-500 Monterey Ave, Palm Desert
- Season: October through May, weekends from 8 AM – 2 PM
- Summer Events: June through September with special programming
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the shopping hours in Palm Springs?
Most stores in Palm Springs are open between 10 AM and 6 PM, though hours may vary, especially during holidays and special events.
Is there free parking in shopping districts?
Yes, most shopping centers and districts provide free parking, including street parking and designated lots. El Paseo and The Gardens on El Paseo also offer valet services.
Are there pet-friendly shopping areas?
Absolutely! Many shopping districts, including Palm Canyon Drive and The River at Rancho Mirage, welcome pets in outdoor areas. Individual store policies may vary.
Does Palm Springs offer sustainable or eco-friendly shopping?
Yes, many boutiques and local markets emphasize sustainability, offering eco-friendly clothing, home goods, and handmade artisan products.
What is the best time of year to shop in Palm Springs?
Fall through spring is the most pleasant time to shop due to mild temperatures. Seasonal sales and events like VillageFest and the College of the Desert Street Fair make these months particularly exciting for shoppers.
Your Palm Springs Shopping Adventure Awaits
Palm Springs offers a shopping experience as diverse and stylish as the city itself. From luxury shopping on El Paseo to discovering hidden gems in Old Town La Quinta and finding great deals at Desert Hills Premium Outlets, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, exploring Palm Springs’ retail scene is a must-do, blending fashion, culture, and local flair in a way that only the desert can offer.
Bristol Farms Market: 73101 Country Club Drive (at Monterey Ave.), Palm Desert 760.674.0169
BestBuy: 79220 Hwy 111, La Quinta – 396-9388 / 44449 Town Center, Palm Desert – 776-1068
College of The Desert Street Fair: 43-500 Monterey Ave, Palm Desert, CA
October thru May weekends 8:00 am – 2:00 pm, with special summer events June-September. 340+ Vendors offering new merchandise, arts and crafts, and a farmers market.
Costco: 2 Locations – La Quinta and Palm Desert. Note: Costco offers some of the lowest gas prices in the desert.
Desert Crossings Shopping Center – Hwy 111 at Fred Waring in Palm Desert.
Desert Hills Premium Outlets, Cabazon. A bit of a drive west on Hwy 10 gets you 130 outlet stores.
El Paseo Shopping District, Palm Desert – “The Rodeo Drive of the Desert.” Over 300 world-class shops, clothing boutiques, art galleries, jewelers, restaurants and much, more…all lined along a beautifully maintained picture-postcard floral and statue-filled mile.
The Gardens on El Paseo, Palm Desert – Two level open air center with 40 shops including Saks Fifth Avenue.
La Quinta Hwy 111 Shopping Corridor. Miles of shopping, services and restaurants. Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Coscto, WalMart, Lowes, Home Depot, Sams Club, PetSmart, Staples, Office Depot and many more. All along Highway 111 from Washington Street to Jefferson Street.
Old Town La Quinta – A mosaic of one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, galleries, and spa and salon services in an atmosphere unparalleled in the desert. A certified farmers market on Sunday from 8 AM to 12:30 PM features fresh produce, food, flowers, and baked goods.
The River at Rancho Mirage – Dine at P.F. Chang’s, Yard House, Dave & Busters, Escape Games, and more. Movies.
Target: 78935 Hwy 111, La Quinta – 564-0492
Target: 72549 Hwy 111, Palm Desert – 341-9307
Sprouts Farmers Market: Indian Wells and La Quinta (formerly Henry’s). “Where good things come naturally.”
Trader Joe’s Market: 3 Desert Locations – La Quinta, Palm Desert and Cathedral City.
Walmart Super Center – 79295 Hwy 111, La Quinta – Also locations in Palm Desert & Palm Springs.
The Shops at Palm Desert – Macy’s, J.C. Penney, Barnes & Noble, and more than 120 stores.
El Paseo Shopping and Dining Area of Palm Desert