Palm Springs was made for escaping Los Angeles—literally. Back in the day, actors were contractually obligated to be no more than 120 minutes away while shooting, so Palm Springs became ideal. Stars could dip out of town, relax and not be found in breach of contract. Nearly a century later, the desert is still an oasis for overstressed Angelenos looking to blow off steam, but today it has a culture all its own, from world-famous festivals and acclaimed theater productions to rockin’ concerts. Check out what the welcoming desert hamlet has to offer this season and enjoy a side of high-brow culture with your poolside retreat.