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HISTORY & COMMUNITY

Palm Desert history and community

Palm Desert is in Riverside County, California. The city’s best-known shopping street combines galleries, shops and restaurants. This central neighborhood reflects an earlier chapter of Palm Desert’s development.

A bust of Palm Desert, California, founder Clifford W. Henderson

Palm Desert is in Riverside County, California. The city’s best-known shopping street combines galleries, shops and restaurants. This central neighborhood reflects an earlier chapter of Palm Desert’s development. Read the linked history sources for more context, then browse nearby restaurants and shops.

Leave yourself a little room.

Pick a starting point and build from there. Confirm opening hours, access and reservations with the venue; this guide does not imply availability or an affiliation with the places mentioned.

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Cultural stops in Palm Desert

Museums, galleries, theaters and landmarks from our directory, ordered by how many Google reviews each has. Check opening days before setting out.

Museum and cultural place

Historical Society of Palm Desert Museum

Museum and cultural place · 72861 El Paseo Drive

The Historical Society of Palm Desert Museum is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving the history of Palm Desert. The museum features exhibits that showcase the city's rich history, including aerial views of…

Historic places in Palm Desert

National Register of Historic Places listings in the city, from Wikidata. Many are private property; view them from the street unless a site says it is open.

More Palm Desert guides

Downtown Palm Desert

The city’s best-known shopping street combines galleries, shops and restaurants.

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Arts and the outdoors

A cultural place with practical details for planning a visit.

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