Palm Desert has made a name for itself by integrating art into daily life. Sculptures along the sidewalks, galleries tucked between restaurants and boutiques, and theaters that attract national talent—it’s all here. Whether you're browsing public art on your morning walk or taking in a live performance after dinner, the city makes it easy to stay connected to creativity.
Here are seven of the most enjoyable ways to experience art in Palm Desert, each offering something unique for residents and visitors alike.
1. The Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden
Location: 72-567 CA-111, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Just off El Paseo, the Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden offers one of the most tranquil and engaging outdoor art experiences in Palm Desert. This thoughtfully designed space features more than a dozen large-scale sculptures set among desert-friendly landscaping and winding walking paths. The garden is part of the Palm Springs Art Museum’s outreach in the Coachella Valley and remains open and free to the public year-round. Whether you're seeking a quiet afternoon stroll or a scenic spot to unwind with friends, it’s a relaxing way to enjoy art in a setting that feels both natural and curated.
Just off El Paseo, the Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden offers one of the most tranquil and engaging outdoor art experiences in Palm Desert. This thoughtfully designed space features more than a dozen large-scale sculptures set among desert-friendly landscaping and winding walking paths. The garden is part of the Palm Springs Art Museum’s outreach in the Coachella Valley and remains open and free to the public year-round. Whether you're seeking a quiet afternoon stroll or a scenic spot to unwind with friends, it’s a relaxing way to enjoy art in a setting that feels both natural and curated.
2. El Paseo Art Walk
Location: 73956 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260
The El Paseo Art Walk is a standout event in Palm Desert, taking place on the first Friday of each month through April. From 4 to 7 PM, the renowned gallery district comes alive with energy as more than a dozen galleries open their doors for evening receptions, artist meet-and-greets, and live art demonstrations. It’s a lively atmosphere that brings together residents, visitors, and the creative community to celebrate the diversity of Palm Desert’s art scene.
As you stroll the boulevard, you’ll encounter everything from bold contemporary paintings to intricate sculptures and Southwest-inspired works. Many of the galleries offer refreshments and the chance to connect directly with artists, making the experience personal and interactive.
The El Paseo Art Walk is a standout event in Palm Desert, taking place on the first Friday of each month through April. From 4 to 7 PM, the renowned gallery district comes alive with energy as more than a dozen galleries open their doors for evening receptions, artist meet-and-greets, and live art demonstrations. It’s a lively atmosphere that brings together residents, visitors, and the creative community to celebrate the diversity of Palm Desert’s art scene.
As you stroll the boulevard, you’ll encounter everything from bold contemporary paintings to intricate sculptures and Southwest-inspired works. Many of the galleries offer refreshments and the chance to connect directly with artists, making the experience personal and interactive.
3. CODA Gallery
Location: 73400 El Paseo STE B1, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Located in the heart of El Paseo, CODA Gallery is a cornerstone of the Palm Desert art scene and a favorite among seasoned collectors and casual art lovers alike. The gallery showcases a dynamic mix of contemporary artwork, including bold paintings, intricate glasswork, large-scale sculptures, and striking photography. What sets CODA apart is its down-to-earth feel—visitors are encouraged to explore at their own pace, and the staff is happy to offer insight without being pushy. With regularly changing exhibitions and engaging artist events, it’s one of the most consistent and exciting ways to experience local art up close.
Located in the heart of El Paseo, CODA Gallery is a cornerstone of the Palm Desert art scene and a favorite among seasoned collectors and casual art lovers alike. The gallery showcases a dynamic mix of contemporary artwork, including bold paintings, intricate glasswork, large-scale sculptures, and striking photography. What sets CODA apart is its down-to-earth feel—visitors are encouraged to explore at their own pace, and the staff is happy to offer insight without being pushy. With regularly changing exhibitions and engaging artist events, it’s one of the most consistent and exciting ways to experience local art up close.
4. McCallum Theatre
Location: 73000 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260
For those who love live performances, McCallum Theatre is the cultural anchor of Palm Desert. This 1,127-seat venue hosts an impressive lineup of events every season, from touring Broadway productions and ballet companies to Grammy-winning musicians and thought-provoking speakers. With its intimate size and excellent acoustics, every seat feels close to the stage. Many residents consider McCallum a major draw of living in Palm Desert—it’s a rare chance to enjoy world-class entertainment without leaving town.
For those who love live performances, McCallum Theatre is the cultural anchor of Palm Desert. This 1,127-seat venue hosts an impressive lineup of events every season, from touring Broadway productions and ballet companies to Grammy-winning musicians and thought-provoking speakers. With its intimate size and excellent acoustics, every seat feels close to the stage. Many residents consider McCallum a major draw of living in Palm Desert—it’s a rare chance to enjoy world-class entertainment without leaving town.
5. Art on Main Street in Old Town La Quinta
Location: Old Town, La Quinta
While technically just beyond Palm Desert’s borders, Art on Main Street in Old Town La Quinta is a regular outing for local art lovers. Held on select Saturdays from fall through spring, this open-air market features local and regional artists selling their work directly. It’s a casual, festive environment with live music and nearby cafes, ideal for discovering handcrafted jewelry, fine art, and ceramics. The event draws both weekend visitors and full-time residents who enjoy supporting artists and finding something truly one-of-a-kind.
While technically just beyond Palm Desert’s borders, Art on Main Street in Old Town La Quinta is a regular outing for local art lovers. Held on select Saturdays from fall through spring, this open-air market features local and regional artists selling their work directly. It’s a casual, festive environment with live music and nearby cafes, ideal for discovering handcrafted jewelry, fine art, and ceramics. The event draws both weekend visitors and full-time residents who enjoy supporting artists and finding something truly one-of-a-kind.
6. Desert Art Collection
Location: 45350 San Luis Rey Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Located just off El Paseo, the Desert Art Collection is an indoor-outdoor gallery featuring curated works that reflect both global trends and the local aesthetic. The property includes multiple showrooms and landscaped courtyards filled with sculptures and installations. From contemporary abstracts to Southwest-inspired works, the variety here is impressive. If you’re thinking about investing in art for your Palm Desert home, this gallery is a great place to find a statement piece that resonates with the surrounding landscape.
Located just off El Paseo, the Desert Art Collection is an indoor-outdoor gallery featuring curated works that reflect both global trends and the local aesthetic. The property includes multiple showrooms and landscaped courtyards filled with sculptures and installations. From contemporary abstracts to Southwest-inspired works, the variety here is impressive. If you’re thinking about investing in art for your Palm Desert home, this gallery is a great place to find a statement piece that resonates with the surrounding landscape.
7. Discovering Desert Modernism and Architectural Design
In Palm Desert, art isn’t confined to galleries—it’s built into the structures around you. The area is deeply influenced by Desert Modernism, a style defined by clean lines, natural materials, and seamless indoor-outdoor living. While nearby Palm Springs often gets the spotlight for mid-century architecture, Palm Desert has its own share of standout homes, civic buildings, and commercial spaces that reflect this distinctive design approach.
Driving through neighborhoods like South Palm Desert or exploring mid-century pockets near El Paseo, you’ll find everything from iconic butterfly rooflines to custom estates. Architecture tours and design-focused events during Modernism Week often include stops in Palm Desert, giving residents and visitors a closer look at how form, function, and creativity come together in the desert environment. For anyone passionate about design, architecture is a striking and often overlooked way to engage with art in Palm Desert.
Driving through neighborhoods like South Palm Desert or exploring mid-century pockets near El Paseo, you’ll find everything from iconic butterfly rooflines to custom estates. Architecture tours and design-focused events during Modernism Week often include stops in Palm Desert, giving residents and visitors a closer look at how form, function, and creativity come together in the desert environment. For anyone passionate about design, architecture is a striking and often overlooked way to engage with art in Palm Desert.
Explore Palm Desert Real Estate Today
If a strong local art scene is something you want woven into your lifestyle, Palm Desert is the perfect place to call home. Whether you’re searching for a property within walking distance of El Paseo or a private desert hideaway with gallery-worthy walls, DW & Associates can help you find the perfect match. Their team specializes in properties that connect you with everything Palm Desert has to offer, including its thriving arts culture.
