Where is Palm Desert, California, U.S.

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: March 05, 2026, 14:55 ET

Where is Palm Desert, California Located in the United States? - Palm Desert is a city located in the Riverside County in California, United States. Palm Desert lies between 33.7222 Degrees North latitudes and -116.3745 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Palm Desert, Riverside, California

Where is Palm Desert Located in Riverside, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Palm Desert in Riverside County, in the U.S. state of California.

Palm Desert Map, California, USA

About Palm Desert Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.

About Palm Desert, Riverside County, California

Palm Desert is located in Riverside County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the southern part of the state in the state of the United States within the Coachella Valley region of the Inland Empire. The city was incorporated in 1973 and was named for its desert landscape and the palm trees that characterize the region, and it developed from a small desert resort area into a residential, commercial, and tourism center.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Palm Desert is 51,163 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 1,900 people per square mile.

Area and Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Palm Desert covers a total area of approximately 27.0 square miles (about 69.9 square kilometers), including about 26.8 square miles (69.4 square kilometers) of land and 0.2 square miles (0.5 square kilometers) of water.

Location and Surroundings

Palm Desert is situated east of Palm Springs and west of Indio, positioned within the desert landscape of the Coachella Valley surrounded by the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. The city features residential neighborhoods, golf courses, and shopping districts set within a desert environment. Interstate 10 runs north of the city, providing a major transportation route connecting Palm Desert to other communities throughout Southern California.

Attractions and Recreation

Palm Desert offers parks, cultural venues, and outdoor recreation that support tourism and community activities. Popular destinations include the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, El Paseo shopping district, and the McCallum Theatre for the Performing Arts. The city is also home to College of the Desert, contributing to higher education and workforce development in the region.

Transportation

Palm Desert is served by nearby Interstate 10 and State Route 111, offering convenient highway access throughout the Coachella Valley and Southern California. Public transportation includes regional bus services connecting the city to surrounding communities. The nearest major airport is Palm Springs International Airport, located approximately 12 miles to the northwest.

Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official Palm Desert City Website.

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  • Palm Desert City Facts

    CityPalm Desert
    StateCalifornia
    CountyRiverside County
    CountryUnited States
    RegionCoachella Valley
    IncorporatedNovember 26, 1973
    Founded1940s resort community
    Total AreaApproximately 27.0 sq mi (69.9 km2)
    Land AreaApproximately 26.8 sq mi (69.4 km2)
    ElevationApproximately 224 ft (68 m)
    Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 52,000+
    Population (2020 Census)51,163
    Population DensityApproximately 1,900 people per sq mi
    Time ZonePacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST)
    ZIP Codes92211, 92255, 92260, 92261
    Area Code760, 442
    Major HighwaysInterstate 10, State Route 111
    Public TransitSunLine Transit Agency Bus
    Major AttractionsEl Paseo Shopping District, Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Desert Willow Golf Resort
    Official Websitehttps://www.palmdesert.gov/

    Distance from Palm Desert, CA to Nearby Cities

    • Rancho Mirage, CA – 6 miles (10 km)
    • Indian Wells, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
    • La Quinta, CA – 7 miles (11 km)
    • Indio, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
    • Cathedral City, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
    • Palm Springs, CA – 14 miles (23 km)
    • Coachella, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
    • Desert Hot Springs, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
    • Banning, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
    • Beaumont, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
    • Yucaipa, CA – 55 miles (89 km)
    • Redlands, CA – 60 miles (97 km)
    • San Bernardino, CA – 65 miles (105 km)
    • Moreno Valley, CA – 70 miles (113 km)
    • Riverside, CA – 75 miles (121 km)
    • Corona, CA – 85 miles (137 km)
    • Temecula, CA – 95 miles (153 km)
    • Ontario, CA – 80 miles (129 km)
    • Los Angeles, CA – 125 miles (201 km)
    • San Diego, CA – 140 miles (225 km)

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