If you’re planning a trip to California in the next few months, you’ll be excited to know Desert X is coming to the Coachella Valley in February and sticking around until 21 April. The free and interactive art exhibit spanning Greater Palm Springs successfully launched in 2017 and is back for 2019, featuring more than a dozen new installations.
This year there will be three dedicated hubs located in Indio, Palm Desert and Palm Springs, where you can collect maps, information and exhibition merch, along with the newly released Desert X 2019 catalogue.
In a celebration of all things art, nature and play, there is something for everyone to explore, whether you’re heading to Palm Springs for a dedicated exhibition experience, or just passing through. Here’s our hit list of other amazing experiences to check out while you’re there.
Indian Canyons
Palm Springs
Get out in nature and chase a few waterfalls at Indian Canyons, the tall mountains surrounding Palm Springs. Meander through palm trees and cross beautiful streams as you hike on foot, or on horseback.
Mary Pickford Theatre
Cathedral City
After a day of roaming in search of DX19 installations, sit back and relax in a state-of-the-art 4D cinema at Mary Pickford Theatre. After a movie, why not hang around downtown for Peruvian eats at Pollo Doky’s, or eclectic American at Justin’s.
Rancho Mirage Observatory
Rancho Mirage
The opportunity for stargazing in the desert is one not to be missed, and at the Rancho Mirage Observatory you can get free entry to do just that. Get up close and personal with their high-powered telescope, rotating rooftop dome and outdoor observation deck.
Sunnylands Centre & Gardens
Rancho Mirage
This famous and expansive estate is where Frank Sinatra married his wife in 1976, and President Obama hosted China’s president. The doors are now open for guests to tour the Visitor’s Centre and Gardens, as well as participate in free tai chi and yoga classes.
Palm Springs Art Museum
Palm Springs
Combining contemporary pieces with indigenous art, the Palm Springs Art Museum is a great place to admire a wide variety of art. Entry is free on Thursday nights, which happens to be the same night as the Palm Springs VillageFest—a free, open-air market.
Living Desert Zoo And Gardens
Palm Desert
Dedicated to conservation and education, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is home to giraffes, zebras, mountain lions and more. Get hands-on and have a go at feeding a gentle giraffe.
Glow in the Dark Golf
Indian Wells Golf Resort
End a day of exploring with a round of Shots in the Night, aka glow in the dark golf. The Indian Wells Golf Resort, surrounded by neat rows of palm trees and sweeping mountains, is arguably one of the most beautiful places to play a round.
Fantasy Balloon Flights
Indio
Take to the skies and see the beauty of the Coachella Valley with a hot air balloon ride. Checking out the DX19 installations up close is a must-do, but mapping out your plan from above offers a completely unique perspective.
BMW Performance Driving School
Coachella
Just south of the city of Coachella, the BMW Performance Driving School is where guests can get behind the wheel of performance-level BMWs and Mini Coopers. Follow your own course or let a professional driver navigate you through the curves. Burning rubber is encouraged.
Hungry for more amazing experiences which blend travel and art? Here's the lowdown on Japan's Mori Digital Art Museum.
Image credit: Lance Gerber Artist credit: John Gerrard, Julian Hoeber, Nancy Baker Cahill, Pia Camil and Desert X