Looking to get lucky in Palm Desert?

Good news. There’s one spot on El Paseo where locals swear you can do exactly that. Bad news: it’s not a bar, a hotel, or anything remotely romantic.

It’s two stone lions.

First, Let’s Set Expectations

This is not about romance. This is not about fate. And this will not magically fix your dating life.

This is about a small, slightly ridiculous piece of Palm Desert folklore that lives right on El Paseo and exists mostly to confuse tourists and mildly entertain locals.

Which, frankly, is very on brand for this town.

The Lions of El Paseo

If you’re walking along El Paseo and pass Ristorante Mamma Gina, you’ll notice two very large, very serious-looking lion statues guarding the entrance.

They’re impressive. They’re dramatic. They look like they should be protecting something far more important than pasta.

Most people admire them, take a quick photo, and move on.

Those people are doing it wrong.

Get Closer

If you walk up to the lions and actually look down near their feet, you’ll notice something most people miss.

No, closer.

There’s a small plaque at the base of each lion.

The Instructions

The plaque reads:

“Rub my nose and it will bring you luck.”

That’s it. That’s the whole thing.

Does It Actually Work?

There is no scientific evidence that rubbing a stone lion’s nose will bring you luck.

There is, however, near-guaranteed evidence that:

• People walking by will stop and stare
• Someone will ask what you’re doing
• You will feel slightly ridiculous
• You will probably laugh

And honestly, in Palm Desert, that already counts as a win.

The Real Reason to Do It

This isn’t about superstition. It’s about breaking the El Paseo rhythm for a moment.

El Paseo can feel polished, curated, and a little too serious at times. Rubbing the lion’s nose is a reminder that not everything here is meant to be taken seriously.

It’s harmless. It’s dumb. It’s local. And it gives you a story to tell.

The Bottom Line

If you’re walking El Paseo, stop by the lions at Ristorante Mamma Gina and rub their noses.

Will it bring you luck? Probably not.

Will it confuse nearby shoppers and amuse you for about ten seconds? Absolutely.

And sometimes, that’s exactly the kind of luck the desert specializes in.