Shopping has become one of the ultimate desert adventures. Whether you've got money to burn or you're hunting for bargains, you'll find hundreds of unique shops as well as national retail stores.

Downtown Palm Springs
World-renowned, palm tree-lined Palm Canyon Drive is the heart of beautiful, historic downtown Palm Springs. Known for its many coffee houses and eateries with outdoor seating, eclectic and retro furniture stores, boutiques, antiques, souvenir shops and art galleries, it's a perfect setting for people watching. This thoroughfare is also home to the weekly Thursday night Village Fest and the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, a tribute to Hollywood stars who lived, loved and played in Palm Springs. Be sure to explore Indian Canyon Drive and venture down the many side streets that connect the two.

The River at Rancho Mirage
This chic 30-acre shopping complex is truly an oasis in the desert and has become one of the premiere shopping and entertainment destinations in the valley. The popular, park-like waterfront features an entertainment amphitheater, live music, a host of retail and specialty shops, restaurants and the largest movie complex in the valley.

El Paseo Drive
The "Rodeo Drive of the Desert" features over 300 unique shops, upscale boutiques and art galleries. The pleasant, mile-long boulevard is an art gallery in and of itself with sculptures gracing the grassy median that splits the boulevard, thanks in part to the city's Art in Public Places program. Additionally, you can peruse an abundance of art galleries featuring works by the famous and becoming-famous. Enjoy sidewalk cafés, bistros, bakeries and restaurants as you explore the multitude of opportunities for finding that perfect gift. And now you can walk the entire stretch or catch the courtesy cart for a lift back to your starting point.

Westfield Palm Desert
At the valley's largest indoor mall you'll find friends and family escaping the summer heat or just enjoying the friendly atmosphere while checking out the latest in styles, gadgets and entertainment throughout the year. With more than a million square feet of shopping space and a 10-screen arthouse movie theater known for its popular midnight screenings on weekends, Westfield provides something for everyone.

Old Town La Quinta
This quaint shopping and entertainment village is fashioned after an early California setting, reminiscent of La Quinta's origins as a desert outpost, and offering a mosaic of unique shops, restaurants and art galleries sure to please the most discriminating of shoppers. It's a place where you can shop, stroll and dine. And don't miss Street Affaire the first and third Wednesday each month from 5 to 9 p.m.

Outlets at Cabazon
Miles of high-end stores selling bargain-priced wares in an upscale outdoor setting. This shopping mecca sits next to the Vegas-style Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, enticing many visitors to make a day of this short trek from the valley. Be prepared for a slight shift in weather -- Cabazon is only 20 miles away but it can be significantly cooler, windier and even raining on the other side of the mountain pass while the valley enjoys beautiful weather over winter and spring.