One mile of galleries, boutiques, and restaurants along Palm Desert's palm-lined boulevard.
El Paseo runs for approximately one mile through Palm Desert, lined with more than 230 shops, art galleries, and restaurants beneath a canopy of palm trees. The boulevard has been called "The Rodeo Drive of the Desert," a comparison that overstates the luxury positioning but captures the general idea: this is the valley's upscale commercial corridor, with independent boutiques, national brands, and gallery spaces occupying street-level retail from one end to the other.
The art galleries are worth separate mention. Several carry desert and Southwestern art with rotating exhibitions, and the quality at the better galleries approaches what a traveler would find in Scottsdale's gallery district. The restaurants along El Paseo range from casual lunch spots to proper evening dining, and the concentration makes it the valley's best single-street dining option outside of downtown Palm Springs.
El Paseo requires no booking, no tickets, and no advance planning. It is the default afternoon or evening destination for visitors who want to walk, browse, eat, and return to the hotel without a structured itinerary.
Shops typically open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Restaurants operate into the evening. Parking is available along the boulevard and in adjacent lots. The district is located on El Paseo between Monterey Avenue and Portola Avenue in Palm Desert, accessible from Highway 111.
The concentration of 230 shops, galleries, and restaurants on a single walkable boulevard. For non-golfing companions or post-round evenings, El Paseo provides the valley's most complete commercial experience.