El Paseo, often called the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert,” brings together upscale shopping, colorful public art, and inviting restaurants and outdoor spaces in the heart of Palm Desert. With plenty to see and do, it’s an easy place to spend the day wandering, tasting, and discovering.
What to Do in El Paseo
Give yourself plenty of time to explore. First, you’ll want to see all the art. A roughly 1-mile strip and adjacent streets are home to one of the largest concentrations of art galleries anywhere in Southern California. As inviting and engaging as a European salon, these galleries let you get close to art, chat with knowledgeable gallery owners and staff, and even meet the artists during special openings and events.
There’s also the photo-worthy public art installations along El Paseo Drive that make the stroll that much more memorable. The renowned El Paseo Art Walk, happening on the first Friday of every month, November through May, is a great opportunity to attend exhibit openings and artist receptions.
El Paseo Shopping
And of course—there’s the shopping. There’s a reason El Paseo reminds people of Rodeo Drive, what with the impeccably appointed boutiques of top designers, including Bottega Veneta and St. John, tempting you to come in brandishing your credit card. But what really sets El Paseo apart is the atmosphere: palm-lined sidewalks, mountain views, and an easygoing desert elegance that invites you to linger between shops. Many visitors spend the day strolling shaded walkways and browsing window displays, stopping for an iced latte or a long lunch on a sun-drenched patio before diving back into the next find.
Find more shops at the largely open-air (and exquisitely manicured) Gardens on El Paseo complex, which boasts a boutique of the quintessentially Californian designer Trina Turk (who celebrated her brand’s 30th anniversary in 2025), plus Saks Fifth Avenue, Ann Taylor, Brooks Brothers, Tommy Bahama, and more. The art galleries, pop-up installations, and seasonal events further enrich the district, making it much more than simply a retail experience.
Where to Eat in El Paseo
El Paseo’s dining scene is as vibrant and varied as its boutiques, offering everything from elegant sit-down meals to casual bites perfect for refueling between shops. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant remains a standout for its fresh, sustainably sourced seafood served with sweeping views of the mountains—an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or refined sunset dinner. Nearby, order a juicy steak accompanied by jazz in the more sequestered environs of Sullivan's Steakhouse. For something more relaxed, visitors can enjoy artisanal pies and family-friendly fare Piero’s Pizza Vino.
Beyond these dining destinations, El Paseo offers a diverse mix of cafés, bistros, and global eateries, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Those seeking budget-friendly options will find plenty of casual cafés, sandwich shops, and grab-and-go counters sprinkled throughout the mile-long stretch, making it easy to enjoy a delicious meal without splurging.