Desenzano del Garda is bordered by Castiglione delle Stiviere, Lonato, Padenghe sul Garda and Sirmione.Desenzona has from the early beginnings been a place of leisure for Italian families. Even from the 1st century BC, the area of the Garda, including what is now Desenzano del Garda, became a favourite resort for rich families coming from Verona, then the main Roman city in north-eastern Italy.

The beautiful views of the Alps on this southern shore of Lake Garda combined with its three large beaches (Desanzanino Beach, Spiagga D'oro Beach, and Porto Rivoltella Beach) and its 27 hotels make it one of the best places to visit and a hub of local activity. Recognised as being a night life sensation (remember however this isn't Ibiza) of southern Garda Lake with several nightclubs and pubs. In the summertime its main squares, "piazza Malvezzi" and "piazza Matteotti" are crowded wit people enjoying themselves.
The town centre has a series of interconnected piazzas that have many "sit and watch" open-air cafes, shops, gelaterie & bars.

The town has one main port near the Piazza XXV Aprile which operates several ferries around the lake. Also, at the southwestern outskirts of the city is a large train station ('Stazione Ferroviaria') that connects the city to the European railway system.

There are a number of popular historic churches with Frescoes and ancient sculptures in addition the villa and castle ruins.

- The Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene.
- The House of St. Angela Metric.
- The Tower of St. Martin (Tore did San Marti no).

The town also had more exposure became when on March 13, 1994, Russian swimming star Alexander Popover set a world record in the 50m freestyle in Desenzano del Garda's local pool, clocking 21.50.