Desert
Best Desert Resorts in Borrego Springs and Palm Desert
The best desert resorts in Borrego Springs and Palm Desert, with dark-sky inns near Anza-Borrego and golf and spa resorts across the Coachella Valley.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 3 min read
Borrego Springs sits inside Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, with dark skies and spring wildflowers. Palm Desert has golf and spa resorts and El Paseo.
This guide covers where to stay in each and when to book.
In This Guide
- Borrego Springs vs. Palm Desert: Which to Choose
- Where to Stay in Borrego Springs
- Things to Do Near Borrego Springs Resorts
- Palm Desert Resorts: JW Marriott Desert Springs and Hotel Paseo
- Nearby Resorts in Indian Wells, La Quinta and Rancho Mirage
- Best Time to Visit the California Desert Resorts
- When to Book Palm Desert and Borrego Springs Hotels
- FAQ
Borrego Springs vs. Palm Desert: Which to Choose
Borrego Springs, California’s first International Dark Sky Community, is for stargazing and hiking. Palm Desert is for pools, golf and restaurants, near Palm Springs and Joshua Tree. They’re 90 minutes apart via Highway 86 and S22.
Where to Stay in Borrego Springs
Borrego has few rooms, and they sell out in wildflower years.
La Casa del Zorro
La Casa del Zorro, opened in 1937, is the full-service resort, with casitas (some with private pools), a spa and tennis and pickleball courts. Some dining closes in summer.
Borrego Valley Inn
Borrego Valley Inn is adults-only, with adobe-style rooms and two pools, one clothing-optional.
The Palms at Indian Head
The Palms at Indian Head is a 12-room mid-century hotel on the site of the 1950s Hoberg Resort, near Borrego Palm Canyon. Its restaurant can close in summer.
Things to Do Near Borrego Springs Resorts
Borrego Palm Canyon, the Galleta Meadows sculptures and Fonts Point are short drives. See my stargazing guide, desert 4x4 trails guide and slot canyons guide.
Palm Desert Resorts: JW Marriott Desert Springs and Hotel Paseo
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa has lakes, golf, a spa and a lobby boat, plus Mikado and Rockwood Grill. Hotel Paseo is a boutique hotel with a pool and spa, walkable to El Paseo.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is nearby, and Joshua Tree’s Cottonwood entrance is 45 minutes away via Interstate 10.
Nearby Resorts in Indian Wells, La Quinta and Rancho Mirage
Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas and the Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa fill for the BNP Paribas Open in March. Sands Hotel and Spa is a smaller boutique option.
- La Quinta Resort & Club: 1926 casitas, dozens of pools
- The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage: hilltop valley views
- Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa: kids’ water park
- Sensei Porcupine Creek: wellness retreat
Best Time to Visit the California Desert Resorts
October through April is the season; summer tops 110 degrees and some Borrego businesses close. Wildflowers usually peak late February into March after a wet winter; stay on trails, and see my superbloom guide.
When to Book Palm Desert and Borrego Springs Hotels
Book two to four months ahead for March tennis and April’s Coachella and Stagecoach festivals. Borrego books early in superbloom years. Summer rates drop sharply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Borrego Springs worth visiting?
Yes, fall through spring, for dark skies and Anza-Borrego.
How far is Borrego Springs from Palm Desert?
About 90 minutes via Highway 86 and S22.
When is the best time to visit the California desert resorts?
October through April. Summer is very hot but much cheaper.
What is the best resort in Borrego Springs?
La Casa del Zorro, the only full-service resort in town.
Which Palm Desert resort is best for families?
JW Marriott Desert Springs or Omni Rancho Las Palmas.
Destination guide
My Palm Springs hotel, Airbnb and tour picks
