Things to do / Travel Guide
Shop 'til you drop in the California Desert! From the fancy boutiques of Palm Springs to the local farmers market in Big Bear Lake to the outlet mall in Barstow, this region truly has it all. Read on for some highlights of what is waiting for you.
Shopping in Palm Springs
Palm Springs offers a large variety of shopping opportunities. Palm Canyon Drive, in the center of town, features many shops, arts galleries, and boutiques. Most stores here are geared towards luxury shopping, but even if you're shopping on a budget, there are plenty of good deals to be found. The classic thoroughfare of downtown Palm Springs, this is the place to find everything from Palm Springs souvenirs to luxury wines, and even lingerie boutiques and fine artwork, all while strolling down the famous star-lined Palm Springs walk of fame.
Every Thursday evening from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Palm Springs Villagefest is held on Palm Canyon Drive. The street is closed to traffic and several blocks are transformed into a shopper's paradise of arts and crafts stands, souvenirs, fine restaurants, food stands, street vendors, and live music in a small-town, village-type atmosphere that can't be missed!
Shopping in Palm Desert
In recent years, some of the major retailers that had stores in the city of Palm Springs moved out to the big malls in and around Palm Desert. Nowadays one of the best places in the region for high-end shopping is the main shopping drag of Palm Desert, El Paseo. Home to more than 300 stores, El Paseo is known locally as the “Rodeo Drive of the desert.” The shopping district lies on a mile-long palm tree-lined boulevard, full of flower and sculpture displays. A wide variety of one-of-a kind art and collectibles stores are located on the boulevard, as are a number of unique fine clothing stores.
Shopping in San Bernardino County
In San Bernardino, large retail chains as well as one of California's largest shopping malls provide ample opportunity to satisfy shopaholics. The town's famous Antique Row on Redlands Boulevard features a bevy of antique shops all near downtown. And, a local institution for 40 years, the San Bernardino Outdoor Market features over 650 different vendors selling all types of unique artwork, souvenirs, and countless other types of items, with great bargains waiting to be found all around. Host to over 10,000 visitors each weekend, the outdoor market is one of the largest and best in the entire state of California.
For another popular outdoor shopping experience, nearby Redlands has a big weekly farmers market. Held every Thursday night from 6 p.m.-9 p.m., the Redlands Market Night attracts thousands of people looking for fresh produce and flowers. The market also has over 100 merchandise booths selling all sorts of other non-food products. Located on a beautiful historic street, delicious aromas from nearby eateries entice shoppers as they peruse the selection. Redlands and neighboring Yucaipa also feature a large number of antique stores, as well as small arts-and-crafts and souvenir shops.
Shopping in Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake has several great spots in the city, as well as in nearby Lake Arrowhead Village to shop for one of-a-kind gifts. A stroll around either spot will take you past family-owned shops and a number of art galleries, with souvenirs easily found for even the hardest-to-please shopping tastes. A farmers market, held every Tuesday morning in front of the Big Bear Convention Center, offers fresh produce along with antiques and hand-made crafts.
Barstow Outlet Mall
Originally gaining notoriety for just being a good stopover point while driving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas or vice versa, the outlet mall in Barstow is located just off I-15 and has developed a reputation in its own right for offering excellent shopping. With dozens of brand-name stores offering clothing and other items at significantly reduced prices, it's definitely worth peeking your head in to find a bargain or two.
Shopping Malls in Palm Springs, Death Valley and the California Desert
Shopping
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