GREATER PALM SPRINGS, CA – As America prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the legendary Route 66 in 2026, Greater Palm Springs invites travelers to take a slight detour—into a destination shaped by the same pioneering spirit and open-road allure that defined one of the country's most iconic highways.

While Route 66 never officially passed through Greater Palm Springs, the region's story runs parallel with the cultural currents of the American West. Nestled just south of the Mother Road, the nine cities of Greater Palm Springs became a haven for those chasing sunshine, relaxation, and new beginnings. Today, it remains a detour worth taking—a place where classic Americana meets Indigenous history, midcentury design, and modern-day wellness.

A Historic Milestone of Its Own

In 2026, Greater Palm Springs will also celebrate a centennial of its own: the 100th anniversary of the legendary La Quinta Resort & Club. Opened in 1926—the same year Route 66 was established—this Spanish Revival-style resort quickly became a hideaway for Hollywood stars, artists, and adventurers seeking space to reflect and recharge. The resort remains an icon of California hospitality and will commemorate its 100th year with special programs, curated guest experiences, and a renewed celebration of the stories that have shaped it.

The Detour That Changed the Journey

While Route 66 linked Chicago to Santa Monica, Greater Palm Springs was the quiet side trip that inspired the extended stay. Vintage travelers took a detour from the main road for a taste of the healing hot mineral springs in Desert Hot Springs, the vibrant modernist design of Palm Springs, or the agricultural bounty and artistic roots of the east valley communities. Today, visitors can still experience that same sense of freedom through architectural walking tours, Indigenous farm visits, LGBTQ+ nightlife, and wellness retreats that reflect the region's evolving identity.

Past Meets Present: A New Chapter in Cultural Storytelling

As these centennial-era milestones near, Greater Palm Springs continues to honor the diverse communities and changemakers who shaped its identity:

• The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, whose deep ancestral roots are honored at the new Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, a destination featuring a dynamic cultural museum, gathering spaces, and the award-winning, state-of-the-art Spa at Séc-he.

• Historic sites such as Cabot's Pueblo Museum and the Coachella Valley History Museum, where tales of migration, creativity, and cultural resilience are preserved for new generations.
• Black pioneers such as Lawrence Crossley and architect Paul R. Williams, whose lasting contributions are kept alive through heritage tours, community storytelling, and preservation efforts.

Nine Cities. One Welcome.

Whether you're tracing Route 66's centennial or making your own modern-day road trip memories, Greater Palm Springs invites you to take the scenic route and experience all nine cities—Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella. Here, every stop weaves together history, culture, and enduring hospitality, proving the journey is every bit as rewarding as the destination.

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About Greater Palm Springs

Greater Palm Springs, Southern California's storied oasis, is known for its year-round sunshine, iconic midcentury design, world-class wellness offerings, and rich cultural experiences. The destination includes nine unique cities—Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella—each offering something distinct for travelers.

Just a short drive from Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, and Las Vegas—and served by 30+ nonstop flights to Palm Springs International Airport—Greater Palm Springs is easily accessible and endlessly relaxing. From poolside retreats and spa escapes to local dining, desert adventures, and vibrant events, it's the perfect summer escape made for chill.