In the heart of California’s Coachella Valley lies Palm Springs, a destination where the stark beauty of the desert meets a tapestry of cultural and culinary experiences. It’s a sun-drenched oasis, with clear skies, palm-lined streets, a rich back story, and activities that range from world-class art and drag shows to rough desert adventures.
Palm Springs: A Mid-Century Celebrity Hideaway
Palm Springs is famed for its history as a hideaway playground for Hollywood’s elite, including among many others Gary Cooper, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe (more on her later), Liberace, Elvis, Ginger Rogers, and Bob Hope. More recent celebrities owning homes or visiting Palm Springs include Leonardo DiCaprio, the Kardashians, and Michelle and Barack Obama.
It’s also known for its striking mid-century architecture, a distinctive style known as “desert modernism.” You’ll find examples all over town, from the art museum to the hotels to the celebrity homes built along the surrounding hills and ridges.
Beyond the City, Connecting with Nature
Two of the city’s best-known outdoor attractions connect you with the desert landscape and the mountains.
- The three Indian Canyons offer options ranging from comfortable strolls to demanding hikes in the heart of the desert.
- The famed Aerial Tramway, an engineering marvel, whisks visitors from the desert floor to the lush alpine forest of San Jacinto State Park.
As it was in decades past, Palm Springs remains a prime golf destination, with designs by legendary course architects like Jack Nicklaus, many set against a backdrop of the stunning San Jacinto Mountains.
Leisure, Culture, and Instagram-Worthy Sights
The city is historically renowned for its variety of spas, catering to wellness seekers of all preferences. The Sec-he Spa, a creation of the Agua Caliente Band of Indians, is a standout, offering a tranquil environment for “Taking the Waters” and other rejuvenating treatments.
Cultural highlights include the Palm Springs Art Museum, which features an eclectic mix of contemporary art and historical pieces, including Western and desert art. Nearby stands the Forever Marilyn statue by Seward Johnson, a towering (and controversial) tribute to the Hollywood legend who visited Palm Springs to play and recharge.
The city’s streets are alive with art, from whimsical painted benches to vibrant murals, each demonstrating the local creative spirit.
The drag scene in Palm Springs is another distinctive facet of its culture, with shows like Rosemary Galore offering a mix of color, humor, and talent. Featuring a rotating cast of California’s finest drag queens, these performances are not just entertaining. They’re a celebration of diversity and artistic expression.
A Culinary Journey Through Palm Springs
The culinary scene is as diverse as its landscape.
El Mirasol at Los Arboles Hotel stands out for its authentic Mexican cuisine, a nod to the area’s rich heritage. Beyond Mexican fare, the city’s eateries cater to all tastes, from classic American to contemporary farm-to-table to exotic international cuisines.
Boutique Hotels and Beyond
The city’s boutique hotels are a showcase of its architectural heritage, particularly its mid-century modern design. Each hotel offers a unique experience, from retro-chic to contemporary luxury.Read our reviews of the Velvet Rope boutique hotel, whose suites are tributes to the personalities that shaped Palm Springs’s colorful history.
A Dog-Friendly Retreat
Embracing an inclusive ethos, Palm Springs is notably dog-friendly. You can’t walk down a city sidewalk without seeing a water bowl or two outside local storefronts. The city’s welcoming nature ensures that both humans and their furry companions can enjoy everything it has to offer.
Just remember to protect your pup: use dog-safe sunscreen and protect those paws. If it is too hot for you to walk barefoot, the same goes for your four-legged friend.
Our group of food and travel journalists, representing the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association, were guests of Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels.
Dannelle Gay blogs at the Traveling Cheesehead.
