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Sunlit barrel cacti in the gardens at Sunnylands.

Golden Barrel Cactus

A globular, slow-growing cactus prized for its bright golden spines and symmetrical shape. It is native to central Mexico but has become a staple i...

 Close-up of a fan palm trunk and hanging dry fronds against a blue sky.

California Fan Palm

The only palm species native to the western United States and is a defining feature of desert oases in the Coachella Valley and surrounding mountai...

 Delicate pink flowers on a desert plant at The Living Desert.

Salvia greggii x microphylla

This beautiful flower belongs to Salvia greggii x microphylla, commonly referred to as Autumn Sage or, more specifically, the 'Hot Lips' sage varie...

 Aerial view of Villa Portofino's tile-roofed villas, landscaped paths and water features in Palm Desert. Photo by Mark Miller, September 10, 2026.

Villa Portofino, Palm Desert

Italian-inspired 55+ living with a clubhouse, dining and landscaped gathering spaces in Palm Desert. Villa Portofino is a gated 55+ community in P...

 Mark Miller playing pickleball at Sommerset in Palm Desert, California

Mark Miller

Retired from pickleball. Mark Miller is a Coachella Valley local, photographer, and writer whose playing years were shaped by friendship, purposefu...

 Aerial view of The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage and the Coachella Valley beyond, photographed September 21, 2026

The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage

A hillside resort above Rancho Mirage, with broad valley views, two pools, a spa and dining at The Edge Steakhouse and State Fare Bar & Kitchen...

 Narrow mountain path on Boo Hoff Trail above La Quinta Cove

Boo Hoff Trail

Boo Hoff is the most demanding of the three main hikes from La Quinta Cove. The complete loop climbs into the Santa Rosa Mountains, opens views tow...

 Salton Sea shoreline and birds viewed from Rock Hill at Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge

Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge

The Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge protects one of Southern California’s most important bird habitats at the southern end of the Sa...

 Chocolate Mountains rising behind Bombay Beach homes and palms, with warm sunlight illuminating the rocky slopes. Photograph by Mark Miller.

Chocolate Mountains

The Chocolate Mountains reward a second look. Beyond the Salton Sea’s eastern shore, warm rock, deep shadow and a broad desert plain create a land...

 Entrance to The Living Desert's wildlife hospital and conservation center.

Marilyn & Bill Tennity Wildlife Hospital & Conservation Center

The Marilyn & Bill Tennity Wildlife Hospital & Conservation Center at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert is one of the most m...

 Fritz Burns Park's lit pickleball courts and surrounding neighborhood seen from above at dusk.

Fritz Burns Park

Fritz Burns Park is one of La Quinta’s most complete public recreation spaces, bringing together aquatic facilities, sports courts, family play are...

 Spiky-leaved desert plants in a landscaped Sunnylands garden.

Agave Tequilana (Blue Agave)

Blue Agave (Agave tequilana) is from the arid regions of Mexico, not the Coachella Valley. Although it grows well here, it’s a cultivated, non-nati...