Tap into Greater Palm Spring’s more underground arts scene in this vibrant community of independent galleries, studios and supply stores. Perhaps catch the Monthly Art Walk on the first Wednesday of the month at 5pm, or check the website for one-off sales and gatherings.

Every February, Modernism Week draws international lovers of modernism and all things mid-century design to Greater Palm Springs. Visitors can expect a superb programme of talks, open houses, art sales and exhibitions. Year-round, this fabulously progressive museum delivers pioneering events and a relevant roster of exhibits, with a permanent collection housing works by Henry Moore, Ed Ruscha, Helen Frankenthaler, Louise Bourgeois, Mark Bradford and Pablo Picasso.

One of Palm Springs’ most unsung draws is the city’s easy proximity to a wildly varied list of attractions. If you don’t fancy driving yourself, the wonderfully knowledgeable Nancy Cohee runs jaunts to the Salton Sea, wider Coachella Valley and Slab City, a unique and unforgettable community of 150 permanent artists and off-the-grid residents, overlooking the outsider art landmark Salvation Mountain.