Experience Downtown Palm Springs Along Palm Canyon Drive

Palm Canyon Drive is the heart of downtown Palm Springs, celebrated for its vibrant blend of shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. This pedestrian-friendly area encourages visitors to park their cars and explore. The Drive is beautifully lined with palm trees and often showcases colorful benches painted by local artists. You’ll also notice mid-century modern architecture, with many buildings reflecting this distinctive style. Here are some highlights along Palm Canyon Drive:

Palm Springs Walk of Stars:

The Walk of Stars, a collection of over 400 granite stars embedded in the sidewalks along Palm Canyon Drive, honors celebrities and notable locals, much like Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. It’s a great spot for fans of celebrities or those interested in local history. As you stroll, don’t forget to look down; you could be walking on Bob Hope or Sonny Bono. Who says you need to go to Hollywood?

Boutiques and Galleries:

Palm Canyon Drive offers a shopping experience, from designer boutiques to locally-owned shops and galleries. Notable mentions include places like The Shops at Thirteen Forty-Five and Destination PSP for unique gifts and souvenirs. Revivals Resale Mart, with its original location on Palm Canyon Drive, is famous for its extensive vintage selection. Gypsyland and Queertique are among the vintage and eclectic shops that add character to the shopping scene on Palm Canyon Drive.

Agua Caliente Cultural Museum:

Although it is not located directly on Palm Canyon Drive, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is within walking distance. It is dedicated to the culture and history of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The exhibits feature traditional Cahuilla baskets, olla (clay pots), and archaeological finds such as manos, metates, and projectile points. Additionally, the museum has a 360-degree animation theater that tells the tribe’s creation story. Museum Website.

Forever Marilyn Statue

The “Forever Marilyn” statue is a notable and somewhat controversial piece of public art in Palm Springs. Created by J. Seward Johnson, it captures Marilyn Monroe in her iconic scene from the 1955 film The Seven Year Itch, in which her white dress is blown up by the breeze from a passing subway train.

Palm Canyon Drive Events and Activities:

VillageFest: Every Thursday evening, Palm Canyon Drive hosts this street fair, which is closed to traffic, allowing vendors to set up shops with food, crafts, and entertainment. It’s a local tradition offering a taste of community life in Palm Springs. Villagefest Website.

The Dinah – This annual event during Dinah Shore Week is known for its celebration of women, which includes parties and performances that significantly boost the nightlife scene.

The Palm Springs Film Festival features hundreds of films, including new and celebrated documentaries and narratives. It’s known for showcasing films from around the globe and often serving as a launchpad for films that go on to receive Academy Award nominations.

Fine Dining and Modern Eateries:

Palm Canyon Drive is filled with restaurants offering various cuisines. You’ll discover everything from casual eateries to fine dining; many establishments feature outdoor seating. Here is a taste of dining options along the Drive:

Workshop Kitchen + Bar (800 N. Palm Canyon Dr) – Known for its inventive New American cuisine and seasonal craft cocktails in a former movie house setting. It has received a James Beard Award for its design.

Eight4Nine (849 N. Palm Canyon Dr) – Recognized for its whimsical decor and delightful dishes, offering a vibrant dining experience in the Uptown Design District.

Lulu California Bistro (200 S. Palm Canyon Dr) – A lively, colorful bistro with an eclectic American menu. It’s popular for its all-day favorites, including pizzas, burgers, and signature meatloaf.

Kaiser Grille (205 S. Palm Canyon Dr) – A festive spot with a colorfully lit atmosphere, serving an eclectic American menu with outdoor seating perfect for people-watching.

Rooster and the Pig (356 S. Indian Canyon Dr) – A popular Vietnamese-inspired restaurant known for its inventive dishes and shareable plates.

Tac/Quila (415 N. Palm Canyon Dr) – Celebrated for modern Mexican cuisine with curated cocktails, providing a memorable dining experience.

Palm Canyon Drive Nightlife

Palm Springs’s nightlife often has a relaxed, inclusive vibe. Many venues embrace the city’s history of welcoming the LGBTQ+ community. The nightlife ranges from high-energy dance clubs to more intimate, music-focused lounges.

Copa Nightclub: Located centrally, it’s known for its dance parties and live music during the week and for turning into a full-fledged dance club on weekends with lasers and lights.

Toucans Tiki Lounge – A mainstay of Palm Springs nightlife, especially popular with the LGBTQ+ community, offering drag shows, themed dance nights, and a tropical tiki vibe.

Parking and Weather

Given Palm Springs’s desert climate, wearing hats and sunscreen is recommended, particularly during the hotter months. Alternatively, consider visiting in the fall or spring when the weather is more moderate. Parking can be challenging, but several free garages are available. One such garage is located at the corner of Baristo and South Indian Canyon Drive, offering convenient access to the main attractions without time limits. Enjoy your time in Palm Springs!