Upscale Desert Style. To vacation in Palm Springs is to be surrounded by style. The shops and boutiques in the El Paseo district rival Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills for glamour and glitz. You’ll also find plenty of unique dining spots, many with nightlife and entertainment venues. Palm Springs is also known as a favorite for serious tennis players. Hiking, biking and horseback riding are popular outdoor activities, and you can take a journey through the deserts of the world at The Living Desert, a 1,200-acre wildlife and botanical park.