Looking for an area florist? This is the spot I’d recommend. Offering spectacular, show-stopping arrangements, you won’t find more beautiful flower designs anywhere in the desert. And there is plenty more to be had, as well, such as high-end gifts, furnishings and garden items. Decorated to the nines, the place reads like a museum or a decorator’s showplace and, as such, is worth a drop-in if only to peruse the fantastical retail displays, including the whimsical parasol-adorned front counter.
Love DIYs, wellness, and beauty? Head straight to It Refills! The “vegan, zero-waste refill station” is stocked with a seemingly endless supply of cruelty-free, all-natural, biodegradable soaps, shampoos, lotions, detergents, and even toothpaste (think Lemongrass Multi-Purpose Cleaner Spray, Un-Bleach, and Orange & Bergamot Wash) – all of which customers fill and package themselves, using their own containers or glass vessels supplied in store! The shop also carries vintage clothing, kitchen tools, and assorted gift items.
El Paseo’s most charming gift store, this is THE place to come when you’re on the hunt for a present of any kind. Whether for a birthday, holiday, dinner party or even just because, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for at Trestle. It’s almost impossible to leave empty-handed! From the shop’s ever-popular cashmere ponchos to Palm Springs-inspired items to pickleball attire to graphic tees, Trestle has it all!
Extremely high-end and finely curated, Blonde offers an elevated shopping experience for those really hoping to splurge! Recently celebrating two decades of operation in the desert, the family-owned boutique stocks fine brands like Moussy, ISMBS, Aviator Nation, Free City and Kerri Rosenthal, among many others. Along with fabulous clothes, you’ll also find dainty jewelry, home décor and greeting cards.
A clotheshorse’s dream, this boutique is a multi-level wonderland of designer duds, sparkly baubles and trendy accessories. Inviting, friendly and well-priced, with many affordable brands on hand, Chrissy’s has something for everyone – including husbands! Yep, even your S.O. will enjoy shopping at this place because tucked away in a nearly hidden enclave is the man cave to end all man caves! Stocked with comfy couches and chairs, a television, magazines, free Wi-Fi and a wide array of snacks, it’s the ideal spot for husbands to relax (sans complaint!) while you shop the day away!
Some of the most vibrant and delightfully unexpected treasures – from formal dresses to colorful resort wear to whimsical accessories – can be found at this charming boutique. The front display is consistently a vibe – precisely themed (Stagecoach sparkle, Valentine’s romance, Fourth of July flair!), constantly evolving and always worth a second look. And then there’s the owner, Tatiana — genuinely one of the kindest souls in town, offering a rare brand of old-school customer service that makes you feel like a regular from the very first visit. Confession: half the time I pop in just to chat . . . though I somehow never manage to leave empty-handed.
Easily one of the most gorgeous spaces in the desert, Kaylie Nicole sits tucked off El Paseo in a charming Spanish courtyard, with an environment that feels like shopping in your chicest friend’s closet. Despite that upscale ambiance, the classy, on-trend wares are all shockingly affordable. Be sure not to miss the regular pop-ups (check the store’s Instagram for dates). Owner Kaylie Nicole Feist-Torres (one of the kindest people I’ve been fortunate enough to meet during my travels) has created a true community via the lively events (which are akin to little celebrations), with guest vendors offering jewelry, skincare, dog adoptions and more!
Considered the “Rodeo Drive of the desert,” El Paseo is the Coachella Valley’s premier shopping destination. Spanning about a mile and boasting such upscale boutiques as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co. and Ralph Lauren, you can really do some damage here! For the more budget-conscious, there are a multitude of staples to be found, as well, including Sephora, Anthropologie, and Talbots. Not into shopping? There are also salons, restaurants and art galleries to explore. Dotted with gorgeous foliage, fountains and plenty of tucked-away chaises to rest your weary feet, you won’t want for anything on the premises!
This wholesale nursery, nestled against a stunning mountain backdrop with a plethora of paths to meander, boasts a distinct botanical garden feel and is one of my favorite spots to wander on an aimless afternoon. Stocked with myriad cactus varieties and countless perennials, Moller’s is the ideal location to familiarize yourself with the desert’s extraordinary landscape. The friendly employees are veritable walking/talking encyclopedias of plant knowledge and the onsite gift shop is absolutely unparalleled, offering a fine stock of upscale gifts, décor, and antiques.
A newer addition to the Coachella Valley restaurant scene, this gourmet deli promptly became an area staple and THE premier spot for sandwiches in the desert. Offering the very best in hand-crafted hoagies, artisanal coffees, and fresh cuts of meat, it is upscale in every way and a delightful place to dine! Be sure not to miss the fabulous goods offered in the onsite market.
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