In-the-know visitors make sure to come to the Palm Springs area with room in their suitcases. No matter what you’re in the market for, the desert city and surrounding towns offer a bevy of chic shopping options. From curated vintage stores to luxury outlets to independent galleries, every type of shopper will find treasures worth a splurge.
Bargain hunters should make a beeline for the town of Cabazon, 17 miles/27 kilometers due west of Palm Springs. The 180-store Desert Hills Premium Outlets complex specializes in high-end retail. Think Burberry, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Roberto Cavalli, Tom Ford, and Valentino—all available for a fraction of what you might expect to pay. The nearby Cabazon Outlets offer more great deals from popular brands like Adidas, Columbia, Oakley, Puma, and Le Creuset.
In Palm Desert, the wide artwork-and-flower trimmed street known as El Paseo has boutiques, galleries, and shops posh enough to earn the nickname “The Rodeo Drive of the Desert.” The Gardens on El Paseo retail complex is especially luxurious—a perfect destination for strolling on warm evenings before enjoying dinner at one of its outdoor cafes.
Creativity also plays a big role in Palm Springs, where the Backstreet Art District features artist-owned galleries and working studios that offer you a chance to chat with the creators before you buy their uniquely beautiful pieces. If you’re in town the first Wednesday of the month, don’t miss the regular First Wednesday Art Walk complete with entertainment and live music. For one-of-a-kind finds, browse the shops in the appealing Uptown Design District, a hotbed of vintage and contemporary treasures in mid-century modern buildings that are as retro-chic as the items for sale inside.