Greater Palm Springs—encompassing the desert communities of Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella—has long been the place for art, architecture and design. Located five hours by car from Phoenix—or a short one-hour flight into a great little airport—here's why Palm Springs is the place for your home décor needs.
Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs and the other communities stretch along the foot of the mountains, just off I-10. California Highway 111 runs the entire length from Indio in the southern part of the valley to north of Palm Springs. Known as Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs, it is a treasure trove for home décor shopping.
Most of the vintage shops are in the Uptown District along North Palm Canyon Drive from Alejo to Vista Chino. You can find everything from vintage to modern. Note that most of the vintage shops open about noon every Wednesday through Sunday or by special appointment.
Staying in Palm Springs
There are so many luxury hotels in Palm Springs that you can choose one that fits your needs. You can go small and classic, book at a resort with something for everyone or go for over-the-top luxury. Favorites include:
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The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage (RitzCarlton.com) with its amazing valley views
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Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa (Marriott.com) featuring a new water slide and heated pool
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La Quinta Resort & Club (LaQuintaResort.com) with world-class restaurants and Spa La Quinta
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Parker Palm Springs (ParkerPalmSprings.com) is a 5-star classic, and you must enjoy dinner at the resort's famous Mister Parker's
More to Do in Palm Springs
When you head to Palm Springs for your shopping excursion, there are plenty of other activities if you want to book an extended stay. Visit Greater Palm Springs (VisitGreaterPalmSprings.com) has suggestions for local activities. You can go hiking, take the aerial tramway up more than two miles above the valley, go off-roading or get some decorating inspiration with a mid-century modern architecture tour.
SHOPPING
Shops at 1345
The Shops at 1345 (TheShopsat1345.com) in the Uptown District transport you to iconic Palm Springs. The mid-century E. Stewart Williams-designed building is host to more than a dozen art and design shops, including:
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Anthony Cochran Design with a constantly changing selection of vintage art, accessories and lighting
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Double M Pottery features fun, handcrafted ceramic pieces
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L'INDY California offers artisan collections of new and vintage accessories
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Soukie Modern blends Palm Springs and Marrakech with colorful textiles
Racquetclub Center
If you head just a few blocks north of the Uptown District, you can find an interesting enclave of shops at the corner of N Palm Canyon and W Racquet Club.
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Haus of Re[x] (Rex.haus) is an eclectic mix of furnishings and décor, from vintage barware to books, and collectibles to furniture
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ModernWay (PSModernWay.com) offers some larger mid-century modern furnishings and outdoor furnishings
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Ventura (VenturaPS.com) specializes in lamps, decorative art and beautiful collections of glassware
Palm Springs Vintage Market
You can find great offerings at the boutique flea market the first Sunday of the month, October through May, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Camelot Theaters parking lot at Tahquitz Canyon Way and South Farrell Drive. (PalmSpringsVintageMarket.com)
Greater Palm Springs
Be sure to get into the surrounding areas to find more offerings, many of them still stretched along Highway 111.
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Revivals (RevivalsStores.com) in Palm Desert and Cathedral City offers upscale consignment
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Maison Felice (MaisonFelice.com) in Palm Desert offers furniture and objects from the 18th century to the present
