Cathedral City – Explore the Urban Desert

A fun and informative guide to Coachella Valley cities

David Vaillancourt Hotels & Resorts, Real Estate

Cathedral City MapMany desert dwellers gravitate to Cathedral City for its assortment of independent shops and restaurants. The city’s other attractions include the IMAX Theatre (1)  , Mary Pickford Theatre (2) , and Big League Dreams Sports Park  — where the playing fields resemble scaled-down famous ballparks such as Boston’s Fenway Park, New York’s Yankee Stadium, and Chicago’s Wrigley Field. 

And don’t forget Boomers (3) , a recreation complex with miniature golf, go-karts, bumper boats, a rock wall, and a game room. Soon to join this plethora of available activities is Desert Ice Castle, a massive, full-service skating facility. Until then, enjoy the distinctive shapes and colors — and play in the water — at the Fountain of Life in the Town Square across from the Civic Center (4) , or mountain bike along the Santa Rosa Mountains to the south of the city. 

Tips & Fun Facts 
■    The city was named after a canyon that reminded an early explorer of a European cathedral.
■    Cathedral City named among the top 10 retirement bargain spots by US News & World Report.
■    Desert Memorial Park is the final resting place of former Palm Springs mayor Sonny Bono and Rat Packer Frank Sinatra. www.pscemetery.com
■    Perez Road Design District offers housewares and furniture shops with mid-century modern and vintage merchandise you won’t find at big-box stores.
■    Cathedral City has an expanding art-in-public-places program, with sculptures adorning a variety of locations. www.cathedralcity.gov

Cathedral Canyon Golf Club
Cathedral Canyon Golf Club

Whether you live in the Coachella Valley full- or part-time, or just come a-calling now and then, you know this place is more than simply location, location, location. It’s a feeling, a lifestyle, and most definitely a privilege. It’s also one of the “greenest” deserts around, not only because of the profusion of golf courses and verdant botanical gardens, but also for its collective commitment to sustainability evident in exemplary conservation measures, including recycling programs and xeriscaping implemented by cities, resorts, and residents.
   
What many consider “Palm Springs” is actually a collage of nine quite distinct cities that together fashion a one-of-a-kind resort destination. Included in this potpourri of paradise are Desert Hot Springs, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Indio, Indian Wells, and Coachella — municipalities that make life under our beloved sun, blue sky, and majestic palms ever merrier.