[2023 GUIDE] The Best Places for Shopping in Palm Springs

Shopping in Palm Springs offers a unique experience from the rest of California. Whether you are looking for designer shops, vintage finds, or favorite retailers, there is something for everyone. Outlet malls, street fairs, and farmer’s markets offer a wide range of options. 

Chic boutiques and independently owned galleries offer locally crafted souvenirs, retro-fabulous vintage clothing, and high-fashion resort wear. You are sure to find just what you are looking for.

The Best Places to Go Shopping in Palm Springs

1. THE RIVER AT RANCHO MIRAGE

The River is a premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination located in the heart of the Palm Springs Valley. It is conveniently close to Rancho Mirage’s world-class resorts and golf courses, making it the perfect combination of luxury and recreation in the Desert. 

The River offers an extraordinary lineup of boutiques, clothing, and accessory stores, including Bath & Body Works and Forever 21. Movie-goers will enjoy Century Theatres, with over ten screens, luxury reclining seating, and self-service ticketing kiosks. 

The River is also home to an array of award-winning restaurants, ranging from authentic Italian bistros to familiar favorites such as Acqua California Bistro, Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewery, Ben & Jerry’s, Five Guys, Fleming’s, PF Chang’s, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Starbucks, The Cheesecake Factory, and Yard House. The River is the ideal way to spend a summer day in the Desert.

2. THE SHOPS ON EL PASEO

The Shops on El Paseo is a premier luxury shopping and dining destination located in the heart of Palm Desert. It houses a dynamic collection of world-renowned designer boutiques, including Ralph Lauren, Connie Roberson, Grayse, Oliver Peoples, and Soma.

This shopping center also features a variety of fine eateries, such as Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Kitchen 86 + Bar, Daily Grill, California Pizza Kitchen, Porta Via, and Molé. With its luxury retail and dining options, The Shops on El Paseo is the perfect place to spend the day.

3. DESERT HILLS PREMIUM OUTLETS

Desert Hills Premium Outlets offers visitors the chance to shop some of the world’s finest brands at discounted prices. Armani, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and Prada are just a few available stores. It is conveniently located just 20 minutes west of Palm Springs and only an hour from Los Angeles and Orange County.

If you are looking to visit, you can find store listings, hours, a map, and nearby hotel information on the official Desert Hills Premium Outlets website.

4. CABAZON OUTLETS

If you’re looking for a great shopping experience close to Palm Springs, you’ll want to check out the designer outlet just 20 minutes away. Accessible by taking Exit 104 off of I-10, this outlet offers a variety of top-name brands for prices you will love. 

Adidas, Under Armour, PUMA, Tommy Bahama, Oakley, Columbia Sportswear, Le Creuset, Karen Kane, Rockport, Merrell, and Brighton Collectibles are all available. Brighton Collectibles is the only outlet in the western part of the United States. 

Make outlet shopping your sport and experience the convenience and great deals at the designer outlet, just 20 minutes west of Palm Springs on I-10.

5. THE GARDENS ON EL PASEO

The Gardens on El Paseo is the Southern California Desert region’s premier shopping and dining destination. Located in the center of El Paseo, the shopping centers feature trendy, upscale, unique-to-market tenants in a beautiful outdoor setting. Anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue, The Gardens on El Paseo and El Paseo Village combine to offer over 50 stores and restaurants.

The directory of stores and restaurants includes many well-known and respected brands such as Anthropologie, Apple, bare Minerals, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Eileen Fisher, Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, Mastro’s Steakhouse, Pacifica Seafood Restaurant, Pottery Barn, Tiffany & Co., Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant & Bar, Williams-Sonoma, Gucci, Bottega Venetta, and TUMI.

Visitors can find more information about each store and restaurant, including their hours of operation, by visiting the website. The Gardens on El Paseo and El Paseo Village provide an unparalleled shopping and dining experience in the Southern California Desert region.

6. THE SHOPS AT PALM DESERT

The Shops at Palm Desert is the perfect destination for shoppers looking for an air-conditioned mall experience as one of the only traditional indoor shopping malls in the Coachella Valley, Westfield Mall is the go-to destination for retail and dining needs. Anchored by retail giants like JCPenney, Sears, Barnes and Noble, and Macy’s, the mall offers a comprehensive selection of shops and restaurants. 

For those looking for a more interactive experience, Westfield Mall hosts fashion shows and family-friendly weekend events. Additionally, Cinemas Palme D’or, a movie theater located within the mall, screens independent and international films in addition to blockbuster releases. Because of its wide selection of stores and entertainment options, Westfield Palm Desert is recommended for the best shopping in Palm Springs.

7. OLD TOWN LA QUINTA

Old Town La Quinta is the perfect spot to find unique gifts for friends and family. This quaint shopping district has dozens of independent boutiques featuring handcrafted soaps and lotions, cold-pressed olive oils, desert-inspired home décor, and hard-to-find wines. Not to mention designer resort wear from iconic names like Diane Von Furstenburg and Calypso. On Sundays, the shopping district opens into a street fair, filling the sidewalks with the boutiques’ wares.

For this reason, Old Town La Quinta is highly recommended for the best shopping in Palm Springs. Visitors can enjoy a unique shopping experience thanks to the district’s independent boutiques and weekly outdoor market.

8. UPTOWN DESIGN DISTRICT

The Uptown Design District in Palm Springs is the perfect destination for modernism fans. It is characterized as charming, retro, and uniquely Palm Springs. This stretch of Palm Canyon Drive celebrates modern designs, art, and fashion, which have become synonymous with the city. Here, shoppers can discover antique treasures, try the latest desert designer dresses, and buy retro lamps. 

Additionally, the district is home to contemporary art, high-end furnishings, and the trendiest restaurants. Overall, the Uptown Design District is the perfect place to discover mid-century modern designs and is thus recommended for the best shopping in Palm Springs.

9. DOWNTOWN PALM SPRINGS

A stroll through downtown Palm Springs is an absolute must for any trip to the desert. This area is a shopping mecca for anyone who loves art, boutique clothing stores, and everything modern. Spend a day looking for antique treasures at thrift stores or antique shops, or get the perfect resort outfit for your Palm Springs retreat at one of the designer boutiques on Palm Canyon Drive. Specialty items such as cigars, music boxes, collectible coins, and healing stones can also be found here. 

Downtown Palm Springs is also home to some of the city’s best restaurants. This is why visiting downtown Palm Springs is a must for anyone visiting this sunny desert oasis.

Shopping in Palm Springs FAQ

Is Palm Springs good for shopping?

Yes, Palm Springs is a great place for shopping! There are a variety of options available for every type of shopper. Outlet malls, street fairs, farmers markets, chic boutiques, and independently owned galleries can all be found in the Greater Palm Springs. No matter if you are looking for designer shops, vintage finds, or your favorite retailers, you will be sure to find something to suit your needs!

What is the main street in Palm Springs called?

Palm Springs is a popular destination located in the southern California desert. Its main street is Palm Canyon Drive. This street runs through the downtown area, lined with shops, restaurants, and hotels. It is a popular spot for visitors to explore and experience the city’s unique culture. Palm Canyon Drive is a great place to stroll, shop, and enjoy the warm desert climate.

What is Palm Springs popular for?

Palm Springs has been a popular resort city for many years. It is known for its natural hot springs, hotels, restaurants, and golf courses. Additionally, its sunny weather is a major draw for visitors. Since the 1930s, it has been a favorite destination for Hollywood stars, many of whom live in Palm Springs.

What is the best street in Palm Springs?

Palm Springs’ most popular byway is undoubtedly Palm Canyon Drive. This scenic route traverses the low desert plain before suddenly turning into a lush palm-tree lined thoroughfare. Eventually, it leads you to the heart of downtown Palm Springs, and there are plenty of interesting stops along the way.