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What's New in Greater Palm Springs

AutoCamp Joshua Tree: The latest development from AutoCamp is bringing a new glamping experience to the desert in fall 2021. Just outside of Joshua Tree National Park, guests can overnight in an upscale airstream and relax in the mid-century modern Quonset Hut Clubhouse before grabbing a cocktail at the outdoor bar and exploring the local artist installations around the property. In warmer months, guests will be able to enjoy a refreshing dip in the large plunge pool, which will be converted to a hot tub during cold desert nights.

Bar Cecil: Bar Cecil will debut in Palm Springs in March paying homage to 20th century bon vivant, artist and designer, Cecil Beaton. The bar will be a love letter to Beaton’s vision of life and art: a celebration of what’s good, of eliminating that which is only pomp, and in the process creating memories through food, drink and hospitality. The bistro menu honors local provisioners and the finest seasonal produce with a nod to the great American and European bistro experiences. The 75-seat jewel box dining room and bar is a modern take on English wallpapers, warm woods and brass finishes, complete with intimate patio dining.

Desert X Returns with New Dates & Artists: The third installment of the internationally acclaimed biennial desert art exhibition returns in 2021, starting March 12 through May 16. The 2021 Desert X artist lineup includes a diverse group of 13 artists ranging from locals like Kim Stringfellow to international representatives like Zahrah Alghamdi. Visitors can explore new outdoor art installations across the desert region for an exciting socially-distant experience. Additionally, Gucci is this year’s premier sponsor and will be introducing The Pit Stop - a unique geodesic dome welcoming visitors to Desert X and showcasing the recent Gucci and The North Face collaboration, which celebrates the spirit of exploration and adventure both brands embody.

New Restaurants: Following the major trend developed during the pandemic, the newly renovated Renaissance Esmerelda in Indian Wells has created a new ghost kitchen restaurant concept, G&G Burgers and Lemonades. Created by the hotel’s talented kitchen team, the restaurant is serving handcrafted burgers and freshly squeezed lemonades to locals through Uber Eats and Doordash. The restaurant is also serving in-house guests via room service. Additionally, 1501 Uptown, a collaboration between Chad Gardner (Roly China Fusion and 533 Viet Fusion) and Willie Rhine (Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge), is opening this week. The restaurant will be a modern gastropub serving a range of seasonal freshly prepared food and a comprehensive drinks selection.

“Trailicious” Pass: With the new “Trailicious” Pass from Greater Palm Springs, locals and future visitors can enjoy hikes, bites and win prizes throughout the desert region. Through the mobile pass, users can choose from 30 trails, filtered by experience level or location, as well as suggestions for nearby things to do. Additionally, the pass is loaded with discounts and specials from a variety of Greater Palm Springs restaurants for take-out or alfresco dining Users can check in on their hike or redeem one of the special restaurant deals featured on the pass for a chance to win a $50 gift card from a Greater Palm Springs eatery. Find more information on the pass and some of the suggested hikes here.

Revised Dates:

While many of Greater Palm Springs newest attractions are on track to open soon, there have been a few updates in opening timelines: