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Stagecoach Festival (www.stagecoachfestival.com) The weekend after Coachella, and in the same venue, appear new artists and a who’s who of country and roots: Emmylou Harris, Kenny Chesney, Willie Nelson (again!), George Strait and Garrison Keillor.

Golf Cart Parade ( 760-346-6111; www.golfcartparade.com) Each October, dozens of elaborately decorated golf carts from around the region take to El Paseo in Palm Desert, reputed to be the world’s only parade of its kind. And those folks in Pasadena thought their Rose Bowl Parade was so special.

Palm Springs Pride (www.pspride.org) The region’s gay-pride festival takes place in early November, with a parade, dozens of entertainers including DJs, and dance and cultural events.

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SLEEPING

Most inns serve continental breakfast, though some breakfasts are better than others. If it matters to you, inquire ahead.

Palm Springs

The Official Visitors Center operates a free lodging-reservation service ( 760-322-6368 or 800-325-6875; www.palm-springs.org). Shelling out a little more will put you within walking distance of downtown’s major sights and nightlife.

BUDGET

Alpine Gardens Hotel (Map; 760-323-2231, 888-299-7455; www.alpinegardens.com; 1586 E Palm Canyon Dr; r $65-130; ) All 10 rooms at this beautifully landscaped, impeccably kept motel, c 1954, have redwood beams in the ceilings, refrigerators, and slightly kitsch but extra-charming furnishings. Top in its class.

7 Springs (Map; 760-320-9110; www.7springs.info; 950 N Indian Canyon Dr; r from $80; ) Bargain-priced contempo cool. This former apartment complex has 48 rooms, all laid out differently but decorated with geometric carpeting and marble floors. Shared facilities include pool, Jacuzzis and barbecue grills. Breakfast not provided.

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THURSDAY’S THE NIGHT, DOWNTOWN’S THE PLACE

Every Thursday evening, N Palm Canyon Dr is closed to traffic from Baristo Rd to Amado Rd for Villagefest ( 760-320-3781; 6-10pm Oct-May, 7-10pm Jun-Sep) a certified farmers market with musicians, food vendors and purveyors of art and handicrafts.

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Chase Hotel at Palm Springs (Map; 760-320-8866, 877-532-4273; www.chasehotelpalmsprings.com; 200 W Arenas Rd; r incl breakfast $109-139; ) A classic mid-century motel complex with large open spaces, the Chase has immaculately kept oversized rooms decorated with contemporary furnishings. It’s great value. Friendly service.

Campers can head to Joshua Tree National Park or Mount San Jacinto Wilderness State Park.

MIDRANGE

Pepper Tree Inn (Map; 760-318-9850, 866-887-8733; www.peppertreepalmsprings.com; 622 N Palm Canyon Dr; r $129-229; ) Spanish-style hotel with big, modern rooms, some with Jacuzzi and terrace.

Casa Cody (Map; 760-320-9346, 800-231-2639; www.casacody.com; 175 S Cahuilla Rd; r incl breakfast $99-179, ste $199-389; wi-fi) This country inn with individual Spanish-style bungalows, tucked behind billowing bougainvillea once hosted Charlie Chaplin. Units have desert-themed decor, including some with full kitchens, wood-burning fireplaces and private patios.

Caliente Tropics Resort (Map; 760-327-1391, 866-468-9595; www.calientetropics.com; 411 E Palm Canyon Dr; r $125-240; wi-fi) Impeccably kept 90-room Tiki-style motor lodge where Elvis Presley and Nancy Sinatra once splashed poolside. Children and pets are welcome (make reservations for pets).

Del Marcos Hotel (Map; 760-325-6902, 800-676-1214; www.delmarcoshotel.com; 225 W Baristo Rd; r $150-260; wi-fi) After suffering years of bad remodels, this 1947 gem finally looks like it should. Groovy tunes in the lobby usher you to a saltwater pool and ineffably chic rooms named for local architectural luminaries. Breakfast not provided, but you’re one block from eateries on Palm Canyon Dr.

Korakia Pensione (Map; 760-864-6411; www.korakia.com; 257 S Patencio Rd; r $159-299; ) Featured on Boy Meets Boy, this 1920s Moroccan-style compound is a romantic gem. Antique-filled