everything
palm
springs
dining, shopping, drinking, staying & Playing recommendations
meet lindsay blake
I migrated to the desert in January 2013 and have been playing tourist throughout this glorious valley ever since. A bonafide gal about town, whether it be restaurants, hotels, boutiques or attractions, I’ve dined, stayed, shopped, explored, traveled, traversed, and, most importantly, weeded out - so you don’t have to! If you’re looking for area recommendations - things to do, spots to eat, places to book, information on current events, basically anything and everything Palm Springs-related - this is your site, and I’m your girl!
RESTAURANTS
The Coachella Valley is rife with stellar eateries, from greasy spoons to foodie havens to trendy hotspots, dishing up comfort food to gourmet cuisine and everything in between. My favorites are chronicled below, with selections broken down into breakfast, lunch, and dinner Spots (though most places I’ve included are great for any meal of the day!), plus fine dining, and arranged by city, along with a dollar rating. Bon Appétit!
BREAKFAST
Situated on the bottom floor of The Rowan hotel and boasting an expansive patio, this fresh fare eatery serves up some of the best breakfast in town. From homemade scones to basic morning dishes like bacon and eggs, as well as exceptional lattes, this is the perfect spot to start your day in downtown Palm Springs.
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This stylish eatery has been a local landmark ever since hitting the scene in 2015. Situated in a spacious 1954 building that originally housed the city’s first official post office, Eight4Nine offers sumptuous modern American cuisine in a hip, minimalist and pristinely retro atmosphere. Great for any meal, it is the brunch menu that keeps me coming back - namely, the Egg White Frittata. Crafted with house-smoked chicken, forest mushrooms, goat cheese, wild arugula and spinach, it’s the stuff of dreams!
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A reimagined former Denny’s located on the grounds of the popular Ace Hotel, this spot is retro in all the right ways - and it serves up some of the best avocado toast in the Valley. While the dish is changed up regularly (it currently comes topped with tomato jam, crispy shallots, opal basil, breakfast radish, and olive oil), I’ve never been disappointed by any variation. And the ambiance (read: globe lights, rock walls, old fashioned counter) can’t be beat! Bonus - the eatery offers 20% off to all locals!
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Offering some of the most stunning views in the desert, this local gem is tucked inside the private Escena housing development but is open to the public for breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails. Morning meals are exceptionally good here, not to mention beautiful, with the expansive, perfectly sited (and pet-friendly!) patio overlooking the adjacent golf course (which is also open to the public) providing a striking setting for stellar omelets and other traditional fare.
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A desert staple since 1957, this greasy spoon is standing room only most hours of the day. But the wait times are certainly worth it! Serving up some of the best pancakes and comfort food in the entire Coachella Valley in an authentic mid-century diner setting, it is not hard to see why this place has been a classic for over six decades.
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Zagat-rated, this spot is best known for its extensive array of homemade baked goods, which are decadent, gorgeous, and delectable, to say the least. But Il Sogno (“the dream” in Italian) also serves up great European Old Country-style breakfasts and lunches! Per owner Mirjana Ilic, who is always on hand to answer any and all questions about her exquisite fare, everything served is artfully crafted on the premises daily. Originally founded in 1990 in the Pacific Palisades (where “The Wall Street Journal” deemed it one of the two best restaurants in all of Los Angeles), it moved to Palm Desert’s exclusive El Paseo shopping district in 2009. The quaint front patio makes for a lovely spot to enjoy a sunny desert morning - iced latte and baked good in hand.
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A newer desert addition, this farm-to-table joint utilizes ingredients sourced from local Coachella Valley farms, with a highly inventive and enticing menu - all prepared via a scratch kitchen. I personally love the Farm Fresh Scramble, but I’ve heard the Huckleberry Hotcakes are a must-try. The restaurant is also extremely accommodating when it comes to customizing dishes due to various dietary restrictions and patrons are always sent off with a “Have a beautiful day” farewell, only adding to the establishment’s charm.
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Like a little slice of Europe right in the heart of the desert, the baked goods served here (all of which are homemade on the premises, along with pretty much everything else on the menu) are bar none! The rest of the fare is as exceptional - especially the omelets, which come complete with melted cheese on top. While La Quinta Baking Company offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, it has become a favorite breakfast spot for my family, with countless mornings spent together on the quaint patio enjoying creamy lattes and buttery croissants.
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LUNCH
One of the desert’s most happening brunch spots, Lulu offers an extensive menu, stellar food, and a bustling ambiance. The Wild Mushroom Soup is a personal favorite (even in the dead of summer!), but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. From sandwiches to pasta to burgers to fresh fish, there’s something for everyone at Lulu.
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As the name implies, this spot specializes in poultry - and they’ve managed to elevate it to an art form! From house-made chicken orzo soup to rotisserie chicken to crispy strips deep-fried to absolute perfection, if it’s fowl you’re craving, this is the spot to head! The bustling front patio is great for people-watching, too!
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This gem sits tucked inside the Sunnylands Center at the fabled Sunnylands Estate, the former home of philanthropists Walter and Leonore Annenberg and a stomping ground of countless U.S. presidents. While the salads here are great and inexpensive, the real draw is the ambiance. Overlooking the spectacular Sunnylands Gardens, this place has views for days! Post-meal, be sure to explore both the Center (admission is free and exhibits change regularly) and the surrounding landscape - every inch of it is spectacular!
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Vegan, gluten-free and, paleo friends – this is the spot for you! Owned and operated by functional nutrition counselor/chef Lorraine Ornelas, the eatery boasts a highly specialized menu offering smoothies, juices, elixir shots, and entrees geared toward every dietary restriction and preference known to man. Need a glow-up, toxin flush or immunity boost? Plant-based, low-carb, celiac? Lorraine has got you covered, no matter what ails you! And the fare is incredibly tasty, to boot!
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A beloved spot for burgers, this place is a mid-day go-to. With basic offerings like the American (topped with Swiss, onions, lettuce, pickles, tomato and special sauce) to the Fresno Fig (served with fig marmalade, melted goat cheese, bacon, tomato, onion, arugula, and spicy porter mustard) you can go high or low-brow here, and will not be disappointed. The salads are also exceptional and the beer and whiskey options plentiful.
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As the name suggests, this restaurant is best known for its gorgeous views of the surrounding Indian Wells Golf Resort, though the food is undeniably stellar, as well. Beloved for its Sunday brunch, the daily lunch offerings are also fabulous, especially the Classic Cobb, which is prepared tableside and best enjoyed seated on the massive sun-dappled wrap-around patio.
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Hands-down the Coachella Valley’s prettiest restaurant, The Pink Cabana is a designer’s dreamland! All soft blushes and subtle greens with incredible tilework, the newcomer (it opened in 2018) is gorgeous! And the food is fabulous, to boot! Go for the Instagram opportunities, stay for the Green Chile Chicken Tacos and Moroccan Club (my two favorite entrees).
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If you’re into franks, Sumo Dog is the place to be! Offering beef, pork, and vegan varieties accompanied by such accouterments as wasabi relish, miso mustard, guacamole, and katsu, the options are imaginative and delicious! My preferred order is an Angus beef frank, bacon wrapped with togarashi cheese sauce, but even the basic Chicago-style dogs make this spot worth a visit.
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This beloved eatery started serving up savory crepes (or what owner Marcel Ramirez describes as a "French burrito") in 2020 and quickly became a sensation, with Guy Fieri (who popped in to shoot an episode of his popular "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”) deeming the BBQ chicken crepe a "destination dish." And Gabino's truly is a destination! Offering little slices of handheld heaven, Marcel's crepes consist of incredibly tasty (not to mention hearty) fillings like pesto chicken and rib-eye cheese steak enveloped in a perfectly crunchy wrap crafted from flour, eggs and cheese. A meal at Gabino's is truly like nothing else in the world! Bonus - there is also a sister location in Palm Springs for those on the west side of town.
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Located 30 miles north of Palm Springs, this eatery is a bit out of the way but is a must-stop if you’re heading to Joshua Tree or Yucca Valley. Boasting a vibrant and thoroughly unique high-desert vibe, the historical movie set turned biker/burrito bar turned bustling restaurant/fabled live music venue is hip, happening, and standing-room-only most days. And don’t let the place’s ramshackle appearance fool you - the food served on the premises is some of the best you’ll find in the entire greater Palm Springs area. As such, Pappy + Harriet’s has attracted the likes of everyone from Paul McCartney to Helen Mirren to Emma Stone.
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Another out-of-the-way spot, this one is also worth the drive, especially if you are visiting Joshua Tree. Featuring an eclectic menu with a slew of vegan and plant-based options, the food is truly out of this world, and the atmosphere is extremely welcoming. The chicken tacos are my personal favorite and, while no longer listed on the menu, are still readily available to patrons in the know.
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DINNER
My family’s favorite restaurant in Palm Springs - so much so that when we spent a week at a local downtown hotel for a staycation, we ended up dining at Zin every single night. With varied menu options, patrons can eat healthily or sinfully (XXX Adult Macaroni and Cheese, anyone?), and either way, it is guaranteed to be delicious! The entrees are also updated seasonally, so there is always something new to try. And be sure not to miss the bottomless champagne, bellini, and Aperol spritz offerings!
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A Palm Springs landmark, Las Casuelas was originally established by Florencio Farjardo in 1958. Known for its stellar fare and vibrant ambiance, the eatery has been a local favorite ever since. (Even Elvis was a fan!) Still owned by the Farjado family today, there are now multiple Las Casuelas restaurants dotting the desert, but the South Palm Canyon Drive outpost is the most beloved - and the most inviting! Comprised of multiple patios befitting of its name (“terraza” is Spanish for “terrace”), it is typically packed most hours of the day, but the long wait times are well worth it.
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Initially established in 1975, Billy Reed's is a Palm Springs icon! Serving up hearty staples in an inspired retro atmosphere, it is not hard to see why the place is so beloved. Boasting ample-sized booths, rich red accents, Tiffany-style lamps and carved woodwork at every turn, the place feels like Disneyland in the desert and is worth a trip the ambiance alone, though the food is stellar, too! The Cobb salad is honestly one of the best I've ever had! The eatery is also well known for its Boston Cream Pie and other sweets, with all desserts homemade daily in-house - "just as your grandmother wished she could make them," per the menu.
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Walking through the doors of The Old Spaghetti Factory is like stepping onto a highly stylized movie set. Towering red tufted booths, crystal chandeliers, and wood-beamed ceilings throughout (there’s even a dining room fashioned out of a vintage trolley car!), the place feels more like the Beast’s castle from “Beauty and the Beast” than a restaurant. Fantastical, whimsical, and oh-so-much fun, there’s truly no other spot like it in the desert. And the food is excellent, too!
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In the desert and craving sushi? This is the spot I’d head. Originally opened in 1996, Musashi is a beloved landmark to locals in the know, long renowned for serving exquisite rolls crafted with the freshest of fish in an elegant setting at moderate prices. Not a fan of sushi? The eatery also offers plenty of additional Japanese fare, including chicken katsu, shrimp tempura and yakisoba. Housed in a more intimate space and insanely popular, reservations are highly recommended.
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A friend clued me into this place’s amazing quesadillas, which come complete with buttery mushrooms sauteed to perfection, several years ago, and I’ve been hooked ever since. In fact, when Covid restrictions were lifted and dining out became a thing again, Fresh Agave was the first place I headed. The tacos are also stellar, as is the ambiance, especially on the inviting front patio.
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A Coachella Valley staple since 2001, Armando’s serves up some of the best Mexican food in the desert. As such, it is always packed! One visit and you’ll see why. The food is exceptional, the service friendly and the margaritas strong - so strong, in fact, that the restaurant limits patrons to two per visit. The front patio is a particularly pretty spot to spend a warm desert evening. And be sure to keep your eyes peeled for celebs - Armando’s has been known to attract its fair share.
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A newer addition to the Coachella Valley restaurant scene, it did not take long for this one to become a family favorite. Featuring tasty dishes with fresh ingredients sourced from local farms, sleek but inviting décor, an expansive patio, as well as live music, Larkspur Grill is a truly happening spot!
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While the food here is undeniably excellent (I find myself craving the Enchiladas Verdes at least once a week!), the striking ambiance is what makes this place a must-dine spot. Situated atop the main plaza at the La Quinta Resort, Adobe Grill’s sprawling elevated multi-level patio overlooks a meandering fountain, vibrant red rooftops, towering palms, and the gorgeous peaks of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Strung with twinkle lights and boasting a plethora of seating areas, it is one of the prettiest places in the desert to enjoy a meal al fresco.
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FINE DINING
Craving exquisite French food prepared by a world-class chef and served on a striking patio? Head straight to Le Vallauris, a gorgeous, Zagat-rated eatery housed in one of Palm Springs' most beautiful and historic homes. Originally established in 1974 by Paul Bruggemans (who was also behind Los Angeles’ famed St. Germain), Le Vallauris offers fine dining at its, well, finest. Jerry Berns, longtime owner of New York’s fabled 21 Club, called it “one of the best restaurants in the world,” and that is not hyperbole. As such, everyone from Dustin Hoffman to Loretta Young has enjoyed its fare.
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Housed in the most gorgeous of settings (and what is purported to be Cary Grant’s former guest house!), this fine dining location is a Coachella Valley landmark known for its romantic patio, stellar food and craft cocktails. The Hawaiian Ahi Tacos are a can’t miss!
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Opened in 2000, Spencer’s has been delighting discerning patrons for decades. Nestled on a stunning plot with three lush, light-strung patios abutting the San Jacinto Mountains, the four-star, adults-only restaurant exudes elegance and style and serves up some of the best food the city has to offer. The winner of copious awards throughout its lengthy history (including Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence), one step across the threshold and it’s not hard to see why the establishment has become one of the area’s most renowned and beloved gems.
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While noted for offering fine dining in a casual environment, this newly reimagined spot couldn’t be more chic or picturesque! Reminiscent of Old Hollywood supper clubs (there is even live piano music nightly!), with a design inspired by The Beverly Hills Hotel and accented with breathtaking golf course views, every square inch of the place is dazzling! The menu, crafted by chef Jon Butler, is genuinely inspired, to boot, brimming with some of the best food options you’ll find in the desert!
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They say not to judge a book by its cover, and that is certainly true with this spot, which, from the outside, appears a little rough around the edges. In truth, though, it offers upscale American options in an absolutely elegant setting. Dimly lit, intimate, and reminiscent of the finest restaurants of yesteryear, more than a few luminaries have passed through its doors, including Gena Rowlands, who is a longtime regular, as well as Bob Hope, Andy Williams and Ginger Rogers.
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A truly magical spot boasting a sprawling patio nestled under a grove of trees illuminated by hundreds upon hundreds of twinkle lights, a meal at Lavender Bistro is tantamount to dining in a magical fairyland. The food is also exceptional (I’m partial to the Wild Mushroom Soup). So it is no surprise that the eatery is regularly - and very deservedly - named Palm Springs’ most romantic restaurant by just about every publication out there.
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One of the desert’s most beloved establishments, Arnold Palmer’s was opened by the golf great in 2004. Boasting priceless ambiance, sprawling side and rear patios, mountain views, a club-like interior, and plenty of mementos on display (including one of The King’s four Masters jackets), it’s a truly gorgeous and unique spot to grab a meal.
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DELIS
There’s nothing I love more than a good sandwich. As such, I’ve taste-tested pretty much every deli in the Coachella Valley and compiled a list of the very best. As with my restaurant picks, I’ve arranged my selections by city, stretching from Palm Springs to La Quinta, and have also included a dollar rating for each.
While this place whips up some spectacular sandwiches, On the Mark is so much more than just a deli. A relative newcomer, the upscale market is also stocked with shelf upon shelf of gourmet goods, including small batch olive oils, select wines, unique spices, exceptional desserts, a plethora of culinary-related gifts, and an overwhelming assortment of meats and cheeses, sure to elevate any charcuterie board. Bonus - sandwich offerings can be ordered to go or enjoyed on the front patio.
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Founded by Sherman Harris in 1953, this spot is a Palm Springs institution, with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Bob Hope to Rita Hayworth popping by in its early days! Still going strong more than 70 years later, the eatery’s signature Club (pictured) is hands-down one of the best.sandwiches.anywhere. But there are countless other offerings to be had, such as salads, pasta, incredible baked goods, and pretty much anything else you could ever hope to order, including gluten-free dishes. The deli also boasts a sister location in Palm Desert (which was featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives!”), but the original is the best.
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A little slice of the Big Apple in the heart of the Coachella Valley, Manhattan in the Desert is a genuine New York-style Jewish deli specializing in lox, homemade soups, hot dogs and sandwiches, the latter of which are all served “mile-high,” stacked to perfection and with a free sampling of delicious pickled goods.
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A true hidden gem, this tiny sandwich shop sits tucked away in a retail strip in the middle of Palm Desert’s industrial center. Despite being rather hard to find, The Lunch Spot quickly became a local favorite upon its inception in 2020. Featuring an extensive menu (there are even gluten-free options!) made with the freshest of ingredients, not to mention extremely friendly service, it is not hard to see why this place is so beloved.
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As the name implies, this establishment is a truly authentic Italian deli and, as such, is stocked with a nice collection of European fare, including homemade noodles of every variety, imported meats, fine cheeses, gourmet olive oils, delicious baked goods, and a stunning array of deli sandwiches (all bread for which is baked on the premises daily). Not in the mood to cook dinner? The Real Italian Deli has plenty of to-go options, as well, like the Lasagna Bolognese, which is stacked about 12 inches high and, per the menu, is a “mouthwatering trip to Italy without the jet lag.” Indeed! (Bonus - there’s also a sister location in Palm Springs.)
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A newer addition to the Coachella Valley restaurant scene, this gourmet deli promptly became an area staple and THE premier spot for sandwiches in the desert. Offering the very best in hand-crafted hoagies, artisanal coffees, and fresh cuts of meat, it is upscale in every way and a delightful place to dine! Be sure not to miss the fabulous goods offered in the onsite market.
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Originally established in 1995, this spot is best known for its supreme bread offerings. There are more than 30 varieties to choose from (including gluten-free options), all handmade and stone ground on the premises each day. As such, the sandwiches are stellar, as are the baked goods and salads. With additional locations in Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, Apsen Mills is a true desert stalwart.
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COFFEE
As a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, I adore whiling away lazy Saturdays at the many fabulous cafés that dot the Coachella Valley landscape. From Koffi to Ristretto to D’Coffee Bouteaque, I’ve pretty much partaken of them all and you are the beneficiary of that excessive sampling!
Opened in 2021, this place initially made its way onto my radar thanks to its perfectly pink aesthetic and very quickly became a preferred Palm Springs pit stop due to its stellar coffee and baked goods. (The croissants are especially tasty!) The sprawling sun-dappled patio and neighboring shops inside the Flannery Exchange are the cherry on top of this stellar addition to the Valley’s coffee scene.
This spot is the only independent coffee house in the area serving Stumptown java, but there’s so much more to be had! With cheeky décor, a banana-leaf-mural-adorned patio, and plenty of comfy spots to lounge, Ernest Coffee is a must-visit! Situated in the former Don the Beachcomber space, the café is named in honor of the landmark tiki restaurant’s founder, Ernest Gantt, and even retains some of the Beachcomber’s original detailing, like the bright orange tiki torches displayed above the entrance.
Java at this spot is roasted in-house, so it’s no surprise that Koffi repeatedly lands on “Palm Springs Life’s” “Best of the Best” list. Its most notable feature, though, besides the coffee, is its rear garden. The lush oasis, dotted with small tables and boasting striking mountain views, serves as the center of The Corridor shopping complex and is one of the prettiest spots in the entire valley. Tranquil and serene, even when bustling with people, there’s no more idyllic venue to sip some joe and savor the city’s ever-present sun. Though Koffi has multiple sister locations (all worth visiting), The Corridor outpost is, quite obviously, the best.
This establishment serves up some of the best java in the desert. From iced lattes to americanos, you can’t go wrong with any order here. The ambiance is pretty stellar, too. Situated on the ground floor of The Five Hundred building, a landmark property originally built in 1968 to house Alan Ladd Hardware, the contemporary surroundings are so very Palm Springs! (Be sure to check out the fabulous fountain in the main lobby!) Ristretto (Italian for “narrow,” the name refers to a short espresso pull) also offers baked goods, salads and sandwiches.
Hotel coffee shops aren’t typically known for serving up stellar brews, but The Marketplace at the La Quinta Resort is the exception to that rule. The java is on par with high-end roasters and the breakfast sandwiches are truly a marvel! And you can’t beat the setting, with the gorgeous shaded patio pristinely situated overlooking the stunning hotel grounds. It’s a great place to spend a lazy morning or a sunny afternoon!
Stop by this Old Town La Quinta coffee and dessert shop early, as the baked goods sell out by 10 daily. One bite of a delectable huckleberry scone topped with citrus glaze, melt-in-your-mouth buttermilk biscuit or buttery croissant, and you’ll know why! Homemade on the premises each morning by owner Gina Mallano, every item at Yes Please is crafted with the finest ingredients and plenty of heart! The coffee drinks are superb, as well, with the chai and horchata also made in-house, and the patio views are nothing short of stunning!
While the lattes and baked goods at this spot are solid, at Main Street Coffee, it is all about the location! Tucked inside the city of La Quinta’s charming Old Town shopping center, the café boasts a covered wraparound patio with gorgeous desert vistas and fabulous people-watching opportunities, especially on Sundays during the center’s bustling weekly farmer’s markets.
If it’s tea you’re seeking, Cali Rosina should be your first stop! The adorable tea shop boasts a massive and well-curated selection of fresh loose-leaf blends (over 200, in fact!), served both iced and hot, and the finest selection of chocolate I’ve seen in the desert! I’m not much of a tea person, but even I can’t resist Cali Rosina’s refreshing offerings. Opened by siblings Jodie and Josh Smith just a few days before the world shut down in March 2020, it speaks to the café’s excellence that it managed to survive and thrive, quickly becoming a local favorite. The place also features one of the cutest patios around.
A strip mall with a grocery store as its anchor tenant may seem an unlikely place to find some of the best java in the Coachella Valley, but that is most definitely the case with The Vintage Coffee House. Known for being one of the only sites in the area with bulletproof coffee on the menu, all of the offerings are, in fact, fabulous. The café is adorable to boot, and the service is stellar! Even Sylvester Stallone is a fan! Vintage is also situated in extremely close proximity to the Coachella concert grounds, so if you are in town for any of the festivals, this is the spot to grab your daily joe!
This chicly minimalist coffee shop features some of the tastiest java and friendliest baristas you’ll find in the desert! Widely known for its specialty house-made syrups (as per the myriad glowing Yelp reviews), which include butterscotch, Madagascar vanilla, mocha and honey lavender, I am diabetic and, as such, haven’t been able to partake. But I’m happy to report that the standard lattes are nothing short of heavenly and certainly warrant a visit, as well.
This Latin-inspired coffee shop, established by Coachella native Steve Garcia in 2019, is a relative newcomer to the desert coffee scene but has already accumulated legions of loyal patrons thanks to its well-crafted brews, stellar espresso creations and charmingly modernist setting adjacent to the local library. The café is best known for its horchata latte (homemade in-house, of course, along with all of the syrups served on the premises), with “Palm Springs Life” even voting it the best in the entire Valley!
COCKTAILS
In the desert and hoping to imbibe? I’ve got you covered, with all my go-to places for cocktails and Happy Hour detailed below. But be forewarned - I am not much of a “bar” girl, per se, preferring instead a quieter, more upscale spot to grab a glass of bubbly or two. This list reflects that. Cheers!
Situated on the seventh-floor rooftop of The Rowan hotel in downtown Palm Springs, the appropriately named High Bar offers strikingly dramatic views of the surrounding cityscape, the San Jacinto Mountains, and the “Forever Marilyn” statue, as well as solid cocktails and bar bites. It’s al fresco imbibing at its chicest!
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A new addition to the cocktail scene, this stylish watering hole opened its doors in late 2023 and promptly became a local favorite. Designed in spectacular fashion by Christopher Kennedy, the lounge is easily one of the chicest places to grab a drink in the desert, with stunning blush, green and gold accents. The beverage choices, which include over 150 wine options and a plethora of fabulous mocktails, are unparalleled, as well. A fine selection of bites and sweets are also offered.
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Those who prefer their cocktails with a side of Hollywood history should head straight to Copley’s on Palm Canyon, a gorgeous eatery and lounge located at what is purported to be the former guest house of Tinseltown legend Cary Grant. Boasting a gorgeous indoor bar plus a stunning patio complete with firepits and countless tucked-away enclaves, the establishment is one of the most romantic spots in Palm Springs to partake of a glass of bubbly or two!
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Another spot chock full of Tinseltown history, Melvyn’s was established in 1975 on the grounds of the charming Ingleside Estate and promptly became a haven for such luminaries as Liza Minnelli, Joey Bishop, Elizabeth Taylor and the Rat Pack. Frank Sinatra loved the place so much, he hosted the rehearsal dinner for his wedding to Barbara onsite and was known to regularly sing along to the grand piano that still sits on the premises today. If Melvyn’s walls could only talk!
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One of the city’s most upscale eateries, Le Vallauris (which made my fine dining list, as well) also features a gorgeous bar and lounge area. Accented with red and blush hues, frosted glass, soft lighting, and nightly live piano music, the space gives off a definite Old Hollywood aura - and the drinks are stellar, to boot!
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One of Palm Springs’ trendiest spots ever since it first opened in 2007, the vibrant vibe at Tropicale has never gone out of style! Modeled after the supper clubs of yesteryear, this restaurant and lounge is THE place to head for cocktails in the desert! As such, it is always packed to the gills, with stylish patrons bunched into the high-backed banquettes and lining the unique indoor/outdoor bar, which wraps its way from the main dining room through to the expansive, 2,000-square-foot blush-hued patio. Along with the sublime spirits, Tropicale serves up some great eats, as well!
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This watering hole is a full-blown vibe! Old Hollywood glam at its finest, Bar Valerie was designed by David Rios of Trixie Motel fame. Tucked inside boutique lodging The Velvet Rope (which also made my hotel list), the intimate space, named for Amy Winehouse’s hit 2007 song, is stylish, hip and picturesque from every single stylized angle!
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This perfectly pink gem, located inside the equally adorable Trixie Motel, is an Instagram dreamland. Intimate, charming and awash in stunning blush elements and kitschy décor, Barbara Bar is over the top in all the best ways. The drinks and comfort food offerings (animal-shaped chicken nugs, anyone?) are superb, as well. Walk-ins aren’t accepted here, so be sure to make reservations well in advance. A booking
also grants guests a glimpse at the delightful hotel grounds and a visit to the gift shop.
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Easily the area’s most unique watering hole, this speakeasy sits hidden inside Bouschet Fine Liquor Store in a rather non-descript strip mall. Modeled after the interior of an airplane, complete with a perimeter of rounded windows, both first-class and coach seating, and tables fashioned from aircraft wings, imbibing at PS Air Bar is a veritable high-flying experience! Sunday’s Broadway Boozy Brunches are especially popular, but the place is packed every night of the week, so reservations are strongly recommended.
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The recently reimagined Palm Springs Surf Club provides an extraordinary setting for spirits via its artisanal poolside eatery, Amala Restaurant & Bar. The only spot in the desert where you can sip some bubbly while watching waves, the establishment also boasts pristine views of the San Jacinto Mountains and surrounding desert landscape. Most stunning at sunset, when the Surf Club is cast in dramatic pink and purple hues, Amala is a gorgeous spot to imbibe!
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The Valley truly comes alive at The Nest, a longtime area hot spot that attracts locals of all ages who dance the night away to live music until the wee hours of the morning. A scene like no other, The Nest has to be seen to be believed - if you can get in, that is. Lines are typically stretched around the joint most nights. My advice - reserve a table for dinner (the food is excellent!) and spend your post-meal hours enjoying the spectacle on the dance floor!
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This spot, which is also included in my lunch section, is so stunningly gorgeous that the quality of drinks almost seems besides the point. Not to worry, though, the Aperol spritzes and bubbly offerings are stellar, and the Instagram opportunities endless, both inside at the brightly tiled bar and outside on the lush firepit-lit patio.
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A newer addition to the Coachella Valley hotel scene, Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa was unveiled last year, along with a gorgeous signature exterior bar nestled amongst a picturesque grove of lantern-lit olive trees and a smattering of fire pits. Romantic, inviting and accented with Tommy B.’s landmark island style, this is a spot to truly kick back and watch your worries wash away.
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Craving drinks al fresco? Look no further than Adobe Grill. While the restaurant, which is located on the bucolic grounds of the La Quinta Resort, is also included in my dinner section, its lower patio area is reserved for cocktails and is a stunning place to grab a drink! Tucked under a canopy of palms with ample cozy seating and the desert’s neverending blue skies offering a backdrop like no other, Adobe never disappoints!
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There’s a lakeside eatery in the midst of the Coachella Valley? Yes, indeed! And it’s a beautiful one, at that! Nestled on the grounds of the exclusive The Chateau at Lake La Quinta boutique hotel, the California fresh restaurant and lounge offers gorgeous water views and a truly unique desert experience!
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HAPPY HOUR
This casual spot, opened by Florence-born restauranteur Piero Pierattoni in 2011, is best known for its fab Neapolitan pizzas, but the happy hours also can’t be beat! Offering authentic Italian dishes based on Piero’s family recipes, the happy hour offerings are extensive - from pasta to pizza to appetizers, with gluten-free options, to boot! The Fried Zucchini Blossoms and Grilled Artichokes are personal favorites (and affordable at $12 each), but you can’t go wrong with any menu choice. (Happy Hour is offered all day Sunday through Thursday and from 11:30 to 4 on Fridays and Saturdays.)
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Craving a $24 filet? Mamma Gina has you covered! Another Piero Pierattoni hot spot, this El Paseo eatery has been a beloved desert staple since originally opening in 1986. Other delectables on the all-night happy hour menu (offered from 4 p.m. to closing) include Salmone and Carpaccio Di Bue (at $16 and $18, respectively), with each dish more exquisite than the last. As such, it is no surprise that this place is hard to get into, but the long waits are well worth it!
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Securing a seat at this local favorite during happy hour (offered from 3:30 to 6 p.m. daily) is a cut-throat endeavor, to say the least! One drink in, and it won’t be hard to see why! The food is superb, the drinks well-crafted, and the ambiance unparalleled, especially on the gorgeous patio, which is literally built into the side of a mountain and boasts striking views and an open-air fireplace, perfect for those cool desert nights.
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A desert icon since its 2004 inception, this place gets my vote for some of the absolute BEST pies in the entire valley (thin crust with pepperoni, Canadian bacon and olives is my preferred order). But there is so much more to be had here, especially the daily happy hour, hosted from 3 to 6 p.m., with offerings including Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Rib Bites and Street Tacos - all affordable and delicious. There is also a sister location in Palm Desert, but the patio at the La Quinta outpost is where it’s truly at!
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Hotels
There is no shortage of stellar lodgings in the desert. As a big staycation-er, I’ve amassed many favorites. Save for a few spots, this list is compiled of lodgings where I have actually checked in and, as always, is organized by city and includes a star rating for each. I’ve kept my picks to high-end and/or unique venues offering a specialized experience. For more standard bookings, I’d suggest the Renaissance Palm Springs, Hilton Palm Springs, Embassy Suites by Hilton Palm Desert, and Embassy Suites La Quinta Hotel & Spa, all spots I’ve stayed at and thoroughly enjoyed.
A desert icon, the Parker started life as a Holiday Inn (California’s first!) but was transformed by legendary designer Jonathan Adler into Palm Springs’ inaugural five-star resort in 2004. Boasting stellar eateries, an 18-hole golf course, an award-winning spa, three pools, pétanque and croquet courts, and 13 acres of impeccably manicured grounds, the property still offers the utmost in luxury today. As such, it has become a stomping ground for Hollywood’s elite, with everyone from Drew Barrymore to Liam Neeson to (perhaps most famously!) Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie checking in for some upscale R&R.
★★★★★
A hidden gem, The Willows is one of Palm Springs' most unique and extraordinary lodgings. The boutique, adults-only, 17-room property is situated in two adjacent former private residences that have been reimagined as intimate and luxurious accommodations. With tasteful guest rooms, three-course breakfasts served daily against the backdrop of a striking 50-foot waterfall, and hors d’oeuvres offered aside a roaring fireplace each night, the site is more of a home away from home than a hotel. I recently had the pleasure of spending Christmas on the premises, and it was a magical experience. The location, just a block from Palm Springs’ main drag, also can’t be beat!
★★★★★
The Rowan is one of the few spots on this list where I haven’t actually stayed the night, but I have spent a considerable amount of time on the premises, dining at the many restaurants/lounges and enjoying cocktails at the rooftop bar. And I can honestly say it is an absolute delight! Though undeniably pricey, the property is downtown Palm Springs' most upscale full-service hotel with a slew of amenities to offer. And its location at the heart of pretty much everything couldn’t be more prime! You can’t go wrong with a stay here.
★★★★
One of Palm Springs’ most intimate, serene, and tranquil properties, this 30-room, adults-only boutique hotel is a genuine landmark. My husband and I actually got engaged at the property in 2009 and have returned several times since, with each stay seemingly better than the last. Boasting gorgeous grounds, a 24-hour pool and hot tub, and a stellar onsite restaurant and lounge, the Ingleside is the place to stay when you want to get away from it all. As such, it has become a Hollywood haven, hosting everyone from legendary crooner Frank Sinatra to Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, who honeymooned in Room 148.
★★★★
It is hard to describe this Morrocan-inspired boutique lodging in words other than to say it is absolutely magical. My husband and I once checked in for a brief two-day staycation and wound up extending our reservation to a full week as we just couldn’t bear to check out. The Korakia has that effect. Stunning, peaceful, with grounds begging to be explored and not a TV nor phone in sight, at Korakia you can check in and truly check out. Be sure not to miss the classic movies shown each evening al fresco in the tranquil courtyard.
★★★★
Oozing Hollywood history, this spot started life as a private home before becoming the Ambassador Apartment Hotel in 1939 and welcoming such guests as Lana Turner, Elizabeth Taylor and Tyrone Power. In 2014, it was revamped by Marriott into the Mediterranean wonderland it is today. While chock full of amenities, including three pools, two bars, a restaurant, and a gym, the place remains intimate with a boutique feel. One of my family’s favorite staycation spots, we’ve spent many a weekend at Triada, enjoying the plush rooms and gorgeous grounds.
★★★
Teeming with Old Hollywood glamour, this newly reimagined adults-only boutique lodging was masterfully designed by David Rios, who was also behind the iconic Trixie Motel. Featuring nine suites, each with its own distinct Tinseltown personality, The Velvet Rope is stylish, sexy and utterly chic. Offering highly personalized service, a plethora of elevated touches, and the glittering onsite Bar Valerie, a stay here is truly luxe!
★★★
A bit removed from most Coachella Valley attractions, this 77-acre, wellness-inspired, adults-only retreat is known for being an exclusive haven. Legend has it the place served as a hideaway for Al Capone in the 1920s, but today, you’re more likely to find a bevy of A-listers on the premises. With upscale amenities like prime spa services, a stellar vegetable-forward eatery, a gym, two healing mineral pools, a lap pool, a grotto, a yoga dome, a lagoon and a multitude of tranquil tucked-away corners, Two Bunch Palms offers a desert experience like no other.
★★★★
Planning a desert getaway with children? Omni Rancho Las Palmas is the spot I’d book. Boasting a two-acre Splashtopia water park complete with a lazy river, a pool, two waterslides and a man-made beach, this lodging is kid-friendly in all the best ways. The sprawling 240-acre resort has plenty for adults to enjoy, as well, including a golf course, a spa, four restaurants, a bar, two additional pools, stunning grounds, a fabulous gift shop and one very memorable “Beverly Hills, 90210” connection.
★★★★
The Ritz is one of the desert’s premier properties! Situated atop a 650-foot bluff, the views of the surrounding area are unparalleled – as are the amenities, which include four restaurants, a gym, multiple pools and a truly luxe spa. They say you get what you pay for, and a stay here is definitely an exclusive experience. As such, the place has welcomed quite a few celebrities like Katharine McPhee, Robert Herjavec, and Justin Bieber. Most famously, the hotel hosted the much-watched nuptials of OG Bachelorette Trista Rehn and her pick, Ryan Sutter, back in 2003.
★★★★★
Surrounded by huge lakes, which guests can tour via manned gondolas, the JW Marriott provides a resort experience like no other. Boasting an incredible 450 acres, the lodging is unbelievably massive, with 884 rooms, seven restaurants, two golf courses, three pools, a Starbucks, a putting green and a myriad of shops. It’s like Disneyland in the desert! Even if you don’t book a stay, the hotel is a must-see for its grand scale and overall spectacle alone - especially during the holidays. Each Christmas, the property truly comes alive with a smorgasbord of activities for children such as story time with Santa, cookie decorating and games galore. Bonus - the hotel is also a filming location! It was here that Jesse Spano’s dad got married on “Saved by the Bell.”
★★★★
A newer and thoroughly welcome addition to the desert scene, Hotel Paseo is situated in one of the best locations in the area, just steps from the tony El Paseo shopping district. But there is plenty more to be had! Featuring thoroughly modern and whimsical décor, the property is hip and trendy in all the right ways, with amenities including the stellar onsite eatery Larkspur Grill (which also made my dinner list), a fitness center, a putting green, a café, a pool, daily outdoor yoga, and comfortable rooms.
★★★
My favorite part about this hotel is its wide array of culinary options, with everything from pizza to burgers to tacos to sushi available via four onsite eateries. My family (a disparate bunch when it comes to food) stayed here a few years back and would grab nightly takeout from whichever restaurant struck our fancy before meeting in the central cocktail lounge, The Place, to dine together. We spent three nights at the hotel and were never bored with our food choices once! Additional amenities (all of which are bar none!) include a coffee bar, a spa, a pool with a sandy beach, two tennis courts, a gym, and a family game center complete with an escape room.
★★★
This spot, newly reimagined by the Tommy Bahama lifestyle brand, is, simply put, stunning! Sunsets are especially gorgeous on the sprawling central patio, which sits nestled under a canopy of lantern-strung olive trees overlooking the main pool. With dramatic mountain views, lush grassy expanses and towering palm trees at nearly every turn, it is easily one of the area’s most gorgeous lodgings. The resort also boasts two additional pools, an award-winning spa, the popular Grapefruit Basil restaurant, and multiple bars - all of them outfitted with Tommy Bahama’s signature island stylings.
★★★★
Every square inch of this adults-only boutique hotel has been styled to within an inch of its life – but in the best way possible! A relative newcomer, the one-time timeshare was reimagined by designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard in 2018 into what is easily the Valley’s most Instagrammable hotel. Accented with romantic silver, green, and blush hues, the lodging is major #décorgoals! Amenities include The Pink Cabana restaurant (featured in my lunch section), bucolic grounds, an ethereal spa, 46 chic rooms and a pool lined with inviting daybeds. The neighboring Nest restaurant (a must-visit spot listed in my cocktails section) can get a little lively at night, so if you are seeking a quieter stay, ask to be placed on the opposite side of the property.
★★★
Easily my favorite Coachella Valley hotel, the La Quinta Resort was built in 1926 (before the city was incorporated!) and is teeming with history. A longtime playground for the rich and famous (Frank Capra even wrote “It’s a Wonderful Life” on the premises!), the 45-acre property boasts 785 rooms, many of which are standalone casitas situated around lush courtyards, four restaurants, a café, 23 tennis courts, 41 pools, 53 hot tubs, six shops and five golf courses. Despite the grand size, the lodging feels intimate and private. While the rooms do need some updating, the hotel’s undeniable ambiance, history, and charm more than make up for that fact. The La Quinta Resort is a true desert treasure!
★★★★
This hidden gem (most locals don’t even know it’s there!) sits perched overlooking the 25-acre man-made Lake La Quinta. While small (the boutique lodging features 24 rooms, each with a lake view), the site is not short on amenities, which include an onsite restaurant (listed in my cocktails section), a sprawling lawn, a pool, a jacuzzi and a charming light-strung patio outfitted with a fire pit and plenty of spots for lounging. Thoroughly idyllic, the property, which was voted “Best of the Best” boutique hotel in La Quinta by Palm Springs Life magazine, is often booked out for weddings, so stays should be reserved far in advance.
★★★★
Shopping
The Coachella Valley is a sublime spot to engage in some retail therapy, with countless establishments geared toward giving your credit cards a workout! I’ve accumulated a list of more than 20 favorites, where you can pick up everything from clothing to gifts to cards to artwork and more.
This former-bank-turned-retail-destination wins my vote for best desert shopping center. Heavily stylized with millennial pink accents and a slew of fabulous boutiques, the mixed-use site is both an Instagram dreamland and a shopper’s delight. Every store on the premises is can’t-miss (two of which, Bobo and Covet, are detailed below), as is the onsite coffee shop, Café La Jefa, which made my coffee list above. You won’t find a prettier place to shop in the Valley!
The cutest stationery store you ever did see - and the only one of its kind in the area! Founded by Angie Chua of the popular Bobo Design Studio, this high-end paperie is adorable, inviting and chock full of such enviable goods as gel pens, tote bags, stickers, washi tape, the company’s signature Wanderlust Passport travel journals and more! It’s feel-good through and through! Be sure to check out the shop’s “Greetings from Palm Springs” mural, hand-painted by Angie and a must-stop photo op for anyone visiting the area.
Located next door to Bobo, this chic spot boasts an exquisite inventory of clothing, gifts, cosmetics and accessories but is best known for its line of in-house jewelry, all of it dainty, classic, classy, and handcrafted by owner Adrienne Wiley. The shop even offers permanent jewelry via its onsite zapping station - making it a must-visit for anyone on a girls’ trip. Though Covet’s selections are elevated and personally selected by Wiley on her many world travels, prices are entirely reasonable.
The most whimsical shop you’ll find in the desert, Just Fabulous stocks a highly curated selection of gifts, books, accessories, home décor, artwork and thoroughly irreverent greeting cards, all housed in a chic setting that feels more museum than store. The boutique also hosts regular book signings and celebrity events, with everyone from Tippi Hedren to Lily Tomlin popping by. Although the place really does it up during the holidays, Just Fabulous is a good time every month of the year! As the website notes, “If you’re not feeling fabulous when you enter our store, you will when you leave.”
Looking for a souvenir that genuinely reflects Palm Springs and its fab midcentury vibe? Head straight to Destination PSP, an upscale boutique populated with countless desert-inspired items, including t-shirts, books, postcards, artwork, collectibles, glassware, and high-end baubles, all custom-designed in-house. Be sure not to miss the highly popular tissue box covers shaped like midcentury homes, which were prominently featured in The New York Times Style Magazine’s T List.
A longtime landmark, Peepa’s is loaded with an alluring array of specialty items like cheeky greeting cards, Palm Springs-inspired clothing, and colorful barware. There’s even an entire line of “Golden Girls” trinkets available - from mugs to ornaments to books and more. The place is most beloved for its artwork offerings, though, which include Palm Springs Life posters, Norman Korpi prints, and (my personal favorite) Chris Burbach’s charming line of celebrity portraits. Bonus - the employees are some of the friendliest around!
This gorgeous establishment features a cheeky collection of gifts, clothing, candles, makeup, tchotchkes, and more, most of it with an NSFW slant guaranteed to garner a laugh. The best part? The store’s inspired aesthetic, modeled after that of the fabled Beverly Hills Hotel, complete with a green and white striped awning-covered entrance! It’s the perfect spot to pick up a birthday/holiday/hostess/fill-in-the-blank gift for a stylish friend or a little something for yourself during your desert travels.
As the name suggests, this truly inspired and pristinely styled boutique offers a well-curated selection of items for the discerning traveler, including desert-themed books, art showcasing various cities, chicly functional luggage and unique tokens to gift those back home who couldn’t make the trip. As such, Gallivant is one of my favorite spots to peruse!
Who doesn’t love an independent bookstore? And this is pretty much the only game in town! A true hidden gem, the inviting spot sits tucked off downtown Palm Springs’ main drag and is definitely worth a pop by. From best-selling titles to little-known finds, the store is tiny but mighty, chock full of a wide catalog of tomes that will please any bibliophile. Bonus - the front table is populated with scintillating gems hand-selected by the enthusiastic staff.
An endlessly hip emporium housed in an enchanting space (complete with a fireplace!) that originally served as one of Palm Springs Plaza’s historic studio apartments. Here you’ll find a chic inventory of jewelry (all made in-house), skincare items, home goods, kids’ wares, décor and THE softest t-shirts known to man! If all that doesn’t entice you, the place is worth a visit if only for the wonderful scent of palo santo bundles that constantly permeates the interior.
A chain hardware store might seem like an odd inclusion on this list, but not all Ace Hardwares are created the same, and the Palm Springs outlet is truly singular! Stocked with pretty much everything you’d ever need to stylishly outfit your yard, including lighting, dishware, garden accents and BBQ accouterments, the place is best known for its incredible array of stylish patio furnishings, with plenty of design consultants on hand to help with your selections. In Palm Springs, Ace is definitely the place to bring your outdoor living space to the next level.
So much more than your ordinary hotel gift shop, the boutique at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa is stocked with high-end clothing, shoes, gifts and more! From a huge selection of OluKai and Havaianas sandals to Ray-Ban sunglasses to Sugarfina candy to Pura Vida bracelets to Homesick candles, you’ll be hard-pressed to leave without buying something!
This wholesale nursery, nestled against a stunning mountain backdrop with a plethora of paths to meander, boasts a distinct botanical garden feel and is one of my favorite spots to wander on an aimless afternoon. Stocked with myriad cactus varieties and countless perennials, Moller’s is the ideal location to familiarize yourself with the desert’s extraordinary landscape. The friendly employees are veritable walking/talking encyclopedias of plant knowledge and the onsite gift shop is absolutely unparalleled, offering a fine stock of upscale gifts, décor, and antiques.
Considered the “Rodeo Drive of the desert,” El Paseo is the Coachella Valley’s premier shopping destination. Spanning about a mile and boasting such upscale boutiques as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co. and Ralph Lauren, you can really do some damage here! For the more budget-conscious, there are a multitude of staples to be found, as well, including Sephora, Anthropologie, and Talbots. Not into shopping? There are also salons, restaurants and art galleries to explore. Dotted with gorgeous foliage, fountains and plenty of tucked-away chaises to rest your weary feet, you won’t want for anything on the premises!
Looking for an area florist? This is the spot I’d recommend. Offering spectacular, show-stopping arrangements, you won’t find more beautiful flower designs anywhere in the desert. And there is plenty more to be had, as well, such as high-end gifts, furnishings and garden items. Decorated to the nines, the place reads like a museum or a decorator’s showplace and, as such, is worth a drop-in if only to peruse the fantastical retail displays, including the whimsical parasol-adorned front counter.
Whenever I find myself at a loss for birthday gift ideas for a friend, I head straight to the Lobby Shop at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The stylish boutique sells all of your typical hotel sundries like wine, snacks and first aid items but also offers a fun stash of desert and California-themed pieces, including artwork, purses, clothing, jewelry and more. I always wind up leaving with the perfect gift in hand. Bonus - the Marriott’s other onsite shops (there are eight in total!) are also fabulous!
A genuinely singular desert find, this designer showroom, initially established in 1982, is teeming with exquisite art and lavish permanent floral arrangements. A faux botanical dreamland, the custom pieces offered are costly but absolutely stunning. A bit outside your budget? Not to worry! The emporium also stocks a wide array of succulents and floral accessories (I’m talking shelves upon shelves upon shelves!) to craft your own masterpiece! An arrangement I created years back using Art in Nature wares still garners more compliments than pretty much anything else in my house!
If it has to do with cooking and it’s not in here, maybe it doesn’t exist! This longtime Coachella Valley staple was founded in 1979, remains family-run today and is chock full of every kitchen item known to man. Although the customer service is unparalleled and the selection massive, the prices rival Amazon! I don’t even like to cook, and I can’t seem to walk out without purchasing something! Also offering a plethora of classes and special events, there is literally something for everyone at Kitchen Kitchen!
If it’s toys, clothes or games for kids you’re after, JadaBug’s is the place to be! A children’s wonderland, the sprawling store offers a bright inventory of the chicest clothing for little ones (I often find myself wishing some of the dresses came in my size!), educational toys and an entire wall of softer-than-soft stuffed animals. This is also the spot to head if you’re in need of any child-related rentals while in town, including cribs, strollers, car seats, etc. JadaBug’s is a one-stop shop for parents, grandparents and anyone with littles in tow! And for those in the market for more bargain buys, there’s a sister shop, JadaBug’s Elite Repeat, just three doors down featuring “gently used” kids’ clothing, maternity attire and more.
While pricey (as all hotel gift shops tend to be), there are some great finds here, including many unique desert-related items and handcrafted wares. The inventory of Coachella Valley-related books is especially vast, with a heaping of landscaping, cooking, and design tomes that will satisfy anyone looking to learn more about the area and/or hoping to incorporate some of Palm Springs' fab desert aesthetic into their own homes.
With a bevy of restaurants and shops, as well as a fabulous Sunday morning farmer’s market and monthly art show, one can easily while away countless hours at this charming plaza. My favorite stores are detailed individually below, but additional not-to-miss spots include Main Street Coffee (featured in my Coffee section above), Stuft Pizza (listed in my Happy Hour section), La Quinta Olive Oil Company, and elizabeth & prince.
A delightful clothing, jewelry, gift, and card shop with a decided farmer’s market vibe, this newish spot (it opened in 2022) boasts a splendid selection of fashionable finds, many hand-crafted by local vendors and artists. Attractively arranged, reasonably priced and geared toward the desert’s younger set, Roam.e Boutique is an extremely welcome addition to the desert’s shopping scene.
Bright, colorful and sourced mainly from Bali, Coco Rose features some of the area’s most beautiful goods. Started by a mother-daughter team who vacation regularly on the Indonesian island, the establishment stocks necklaces, bracelets, earrings, purses, hats, cover-ups, dresses, home décor and other bohemian treasures – many handmade by Balinese artisans. It’s a great place to pick up presents for jewelry-obsessed friends. The company also has numerous sister shops in the area, so you’re never far from a Coco Rose fix anywhere in the Valley!
A new endeavor from the Coco Rose team, this beautifully curated home store is the stuff of dreams! Outfitted with myriad chic items to enhance any home, this is the spot I’d head when in need of the ideal hostess or housewarming gift. From colorful dishes to sumptuous candles to handcrafted wall hangings, you can’t go wrong with a Coco Rose Home pick! Bonus - there's a shop dog often onsite, ready with a friendly greeting to all who cross the threshold.
Catering to a young professional demographic (an innovative and much-needed concept in the Coachella Valley!) with a “West Coast minimalist chic” aesthetic, this boutique’s offerings are sophisticated, stylish and shockingly affordable. From basics like classic tees and jeans to upscale cocktail dresses and even festival attire, the mother-and-daughter-owned shop is chock full of adorable options (most selected from female-owned, Los Angeles-based lines), and the inventory is updated regularly, so stepping inside is always a new experience!
Sweets
Sadly, I am diabetic and don’t partake much when it comes to sugary treats. But not to worry, as I employed some highly discerning taste-testers to sample sweets across the desert for this section, which is chock full of the Valley‘s best ice cream shops, candy stores and dessert offerings.
This darling creamery serves artisanal ice cream handmade with fresh produce in such flavorful varieties as Dark Chocolate Cacao Nib, Lavender Honey, and Rose Petal. Orders are served via cup, cone, or (best yet!) smashed between two homemade cookies in one of the establishment’s award-winning and much-ballyhooed ice cream sandwich delicacies.
Populated by barrel upon barrel of every saltwater taffy flavor known to man, plus a plethora of retro favorites, as well as gummies, lollipops, chocolates and homemade fudge, this family-owned spot is a candy treasure trove, not to mention an utterly charming spot to secure a sugar fix!
While this spot is part of a chain with nearly 30 locations across the U.S., it is worth a visit nonetheless. Stacked to the brim with gourmet sweets and treats in an adorable Tiffany blue setting, Lolli & Pops's extensive inventory of cocktail-flavored gummy bears, chocolate-covered delights, cotton candy and French macarons (including the shop’s signature Mac Pops, aka "macarons-on-the-go”) is sure to satisfy the sweet tooth of even the most discerning patrons.
Owned and operated by a local family, this den of all things sugary is a true throwback. Offering countless nostalgic sweets like candy cigarettes, Necco Wafers and Jelly Belly jelly beans, stepping inside will bring you right back to your childhood. Also on hand are such scrumptious favorites as caramel apples, chocolate-dipped strawberries and old-fashioned fudge.
Spencer’s has long been one of Palm Springs’ most celebrated eateries. Their stellar dessert menu likely has something to do with the esteem, namely their Banana Split offering, which comes complete with hearty scoops of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream, homemade whipped cream, candied pecans, fresh berries, and chocolate, caramel and strawberry sauces. Absolutely massive in size, it is easily large enough to feed four! I have several friends who head to Spencer’s solely for the pleasure of noshing on this dish.
In need of an insanely artistic special occasion cake? Look no further than Over the Rainbow Desserts, Palm Springs' most celebrated bakery. With absolutely everything handmade from scratch on the premises and offering truly inspired designs, it is not hard to see why this spot is booked out weeks (sometimes months) in advance for custom orders (which even include gluten-free options). But not to worry, as plenty of cupcakes and cakes are available in-store each Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to closing, or until they sell out, which they most often do.
This family-owned breakfast and lunch spot serves up an incredibly large array of enticing homemade baked goods. The website notes, "Our traditional baking methods and attention to detail ensure that every bite is a heavenly experience." Indeed, from cakes to pies to cookies to cannolis, you can't go wrong with a treat from Carousel! Their croissants and double chocolate cake are especially tasty and not to be missed!
As incredible as it may sound, this landmark was established from the family kitchens of Palm Springs high schoolers Brandon Weimer and Lea Post in the pursuit of funding a class trip to Italy in 2006. The enterprise took off like a rocket, sealing the two youngsters' futures and launching one of the area’s most well-known businesses! Today, Brandini Toffee is a stalwart, with three brick-and-mortar locations dotted across the desert, tins of their Sofi Award-winning confections sold in pretty much every local gift shop and such high-profile fans as Martha Stewart and Oprah Winfrey! Buttery, rich, and wholly preservative and GMO-free, Brandini Toffee is the best of the best! Bonus - the Rancho Mirage outpost offers free tours of its candy-making factory on weekdays.
Rich, thick and oh-so-velvety, Handel’s ice cream offerings are hand-crafted daily on the premises - and it shows! Featuring a smorgasbord of flavors, including Buckeye, Oree Do (an Oreo cookie dough concoction that is mouth-wateringly delicious!), and (the most popular) Strawberry Cheesecake Chunk, plus some vegan options, there is something for everyone at Handel’s. The prices are amazingly affordable, to boot! Bonus - the creamery boasts another location in Indio for those who catch a craving on the other side of town.
In the wise words of Peter Clemenza in “The Godfather,” if you’re at Palm Desert landmark Castelli’s, you should definitely “Take the cannoli!” This place became a staple for my family’s cannoli cravings pretty much the day we moved to the Valley. Over a decade later, we still find ourselves picking up to-go orders to serve for dessert at dinner parties or for at-home weeknight treats. The dish is light, creamy and deep-fried to perfection!
This authentic European bakery, which also made my breakfast list above, is worth a visit just for a peek at the wide selection of baked goods alone! Homemade on the premises each day, the front counter is stacked with decadent treats ranging from pastries to muffins to cookies to tarts, each seemingly more exquisite than the last. Il Sogno also offers several gluten-free options and fabulously strong lattes for a nice morning boost.
This adorable establishment serves up gourmet hand-crafted frozen custard in a wide range of flavors out of a gleaming airstream. While on the pricier side, owners Gabby Nagengast and Jordan Panaiotov (who started the creamery in 2021 after losing their restaurant jobs due to the pandemic) utilize only the highest quality ingredients, including Tahitian vanilla beans, Belgian chocolate and the Valley’s own Brandini Toffee. The result is one of the richest, tastiest desserts you’ll ever sample! A second location can also be found at Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Cabazon.
Established 24 years ago by amiable pastry chef Samatha Ward, Exquisite Desserts has grown to become one of the area’s most beloved bakeries, with its fare served at such exclusive spots as The Pink Cabana, Copley’s, On the Mark, and more than 20 area country clubs. Open to the public daily, the charming pâtisserie features a dazzling array of freshly baked goods, including flourless chocolate cakes, French macaroons, bars, brownies and cookies. The bakery is best known, though, for its stellar array of custom cake and specialty dessert items, which include gluten-free and vegan varieties. As such, their calendar books up far in advance, so plan accordingly.
My gluten-free neighbors discovered this delightful spot years ago, and we’ve never looked back since! Serving up some of the best cupcakes in the Valley, with everything made fresh in-house utilizing only the finest ingredients, it is not hard to see how owners Tiffany and Ben Thorpe wound up on the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” back in 2013. Offering more than 20 flavors daily (nearly all also available gluten and dairy-free), Tiffany’s Sweet Spot is my desert dessert go-to!
The front counter at this European-inspired bakery is a confectionery dreamland, brimming with all manner of sugary treats, each homemade on the premises by skilled in-house pastry chefs. Best known for their croissants (which run out quickly), other tempting fare includes cobblers, tarts, muffins, danishes, éclairs, tiramisu and more. The Chocolate Decadent Cake (pictured), a favorite in our house, is especially divine!
date shakes
The Coachella Valley has become synonymous with date shakes, blended confections consisting of milk, ice cream and dates, the area’s signature fruit. While the sweet drinks are available in copious locations across the desert, these are my picks for the best offerings to be found.
This family-owned shake shack is a local favorite thanks to its gourmet shakes crafted sans milk with the shop’s proprietary (and much loved) homemade soft-serve ice cream. The website notes, “Because we produce our ice cream at the perfect temperature, we have no need to add milk and blend it.” The result is a deliciously rich all-ice-cream concoction, especially the date and date walnut varieties. In the mood for a different flavor? Great Shakes has plenty - a good 40 options, in fact (including many dairy-free choices), all of which are a sheer delight!
While many places claim to serve “the best date shake in the desert,” Windmill Market truly has one of the most tasty! Although a bit out of the way, located on a dusty stretch of road about seven miles north of downtown Palm Springs, the establishment is worth the drive. Don’t let the rough-around-the-edges interior dissuade you. Not only are the shakes delectable and teeming with fresh dates, but the rear patio makes for a charming spot to indulge, and the market’s other fare, like tacos, hot dogs, sandwiches and burritos, are solid.
attractions
You will never want for things to do in this fabulous desert oasis known as the Coachella Valley! From unique exhibits to gorgeous gardens to abandoned wonderlands, there is always something to see, do and experience.
Designed by Albert Frey in 1965, this gas station-turned-visitor center is a true desert icon, its signature hyperbolic paraboloid roofline dramatically tilting skyward, beckoning out to all who pass by. Inside, you’ll find a plethora of historical information, as well as souvenirs, postcards, maps and desert-inspired trinkets. Be sure not to miss the Palm Springs signage situated just north of the center, It’s an ideal spot for photo ops.
One of the city’s most beloved attractions - and the world’s largest rotating tram! - the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports passengers nearly 6,000 feet up the face of the San Jacinto Mountains. At the top, visitors are granted jetliner views of the entire valley, as well as access to hiking trails, a gift shop, an informational movie and two eateries, including Peaks Restaurant, a unique top-of-the-tram fine dining experience. Tickets do book up fast, so plan accordingly. And those who experience motion sickness, should take note - the gondolas spin ever so slowly as they make their ascent and descent.
This 26-foot-tall steel and aluminum statue, which captures Marilyn Monroe mid-dress-billow in the iconic scene from 1955's “The Seven Year Itch,” was unveiled by prolific sculptor Seward Johnson in 2011. In the years that followed, it called many different cities home but was relocated to Palm Springs permanently in 2021 and now stands as one of the main fixtures and central attractions of the downtown scene.
If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy backdrop to document your Coachella Valley travels, head straight to Bobo Palm Springs and make a beeline for the stationery shop’s perfectly pink “Greetings from Palm Springs” mural. Hand-painted by store owner (and artist/journal-creator extraordinaire) Angie Chua, the charming display is the ideal spot to strike a pose and even boasts a “shelfie stand” for your selfie-snapping convenience.
Held the first Sunday of the month each October through May, the Palm Springs Vintage Market makes for a splurge-worthy weekend excursion. With countless vendors hawking fabulous mid-century, retro and antique finds, it is easy to get lost in the stalls, the wide array of historic memorabilia on display providing wistful walks down memory lane. From purses to clothing to barware to furniture to artwork, if it's vintage you’re seeking, this is the place to find it!
Initially established as a nursery in 1938 by actor-turned-horticulturalist Chester Moorten, this botanical garden is one of the city’s most popular sites. In fact, its cactarium (pictured) has been dubbed “the most Instagrammed greenhouse in the world!” While the grounds measure just one acre, there is plenty to see and do. Home to more than 3,000 plant varieties, nine geographically-themed gardens, a gift shop, and a menagerie of desert animals, Moorten is an idyllic spot to spend a free hour or two on a sunny afternoon.
Easily the desert's most unique attraction, "Robolights" is a massive art installation on the grounds of a private residence in the exclusive Movie Colony neighborhood. The brainchild of artist Kenny Irwin, who began building robot displays as a youngster in the yard of his family's home using trash and scrap materials, the exhibition has grown to encompass an entire two-acre plot. Though it is no longer open for tours during the holidays as it once was, Kenny’s vivid creations can still be seen from the roads surrounding the Irwin home and are a true sight to behold!
An exciting destination for both kids and adults, the Palm Springs Air Museum is dedicated to the history of U.S. aviation. Spread across a whopping 10 acres, the facility boasts one of the largest collections of planes in the world, with everything from a Curtiss P-40 Warhawk to an F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter to Walt Disney’s personal Grumman Gulfstream I displayed throughout five hangars. Visitors can even venture through a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress via tours guided by men who actually flew aboard the massive craft during World War II, affording a truly unique and personalized experience. The museum also features a gift shop, a theater, a canteen, multiple flight simulators and a library stocked with every “Life” magazine ever published.
The 2,000 windmills that crown the hills leading into Palm Springs have affectionately become known as the gateway to the Valley. The colossal structures, some of which stretch nearly 500 feet in the air, may seem rather unworldly, but the Palm Springs Windmill Tours company grants guests up-close-and-personal access via both guided and self-driving excursions. The tours also lead visitors through a fabulous outdoor installation consisting of all manner of turbine parts, as well as providing a plethora of information on the history and future of renewable energy.
Looking for a stellar hike? Araby Trail offers adventurers a 3.4-mile trek through the Santa Rosa Mountains, complete with mesmerizing panoramas of the Coachella Valley skyline and unobstructed glimpses of the exclusive Southridge neighborhood, home to Bob Hope’s famous John Lautner-designed flying saucer residence. While thoroughly worthwhile, the hike is challenging, with steep inclines, rocky terrain and narrow footpaths, and can take upwards of four hours to complete, so come prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks. (The address listed denotes a small parking area at the trail’s head.)
World traveler Cabot Yerxa built this spot as a private residence/public museum beginning in 1941. Fashioned entirely by Cabot’s own hand from reclaimed materials, the Hopi-inspired pueblo is one of the most unique destinations in the area, complete with 150 windows, 65 doors, 30 rooflines and views for days. The surrounding property is even more intriguing, dotted with whimsical installations like a 43-foot Native American bust, towering wood letters spelling out “CABOT,” and street signs half covered by brush. Though not abandoned, the museum boasts a fabulous dystopian feel, affording endless photo opportunities.
Anyone who has driven along CA-111 in Rancho Mirage is familiar with Rancho Super Car Wash’s famous retro signage. The neon pink display, which showcases an elephant showering itself with its trunk, initially stood at the Portland outpost of Dean, Archie and Eldon Anderson’s Elephant Super Car Wash chain, based in the Pacific Northwest. When Eldon’s daughter, Marilyn, and her husband, Richard Fromme, expanded the enterprise to the Palm Springs area in 1966, they carted the sign with them. The piece has been an icon ever since. Recently restored (and designated a historic landmark), it shines brighter and pinker than ever before and is one of the desert’s definitive must-photograph spots. Bonus - Rancho Super Car Wash offers some of the best auto clean-ups in the entire Valley.
The longtime winter home of philanthropists Walter and Leonore Annenberg now serves as a public space where guests can wonder at the stunning desert landscape. Open Wednesday through Sunday, admission to the 15-acre visitors center is free, with plenty to peruse, including changing exhibitions, an informational film, a fabulous gift shop, a café (one of my favorite spots to grab lunch) and myriad garden paths. Guided tours are also offered of the Annenbergs' former home, the Sunnylands Estate, a 25,000-square-foot midcentury marvel designed by A. Quincy Jones in 1960. Tours do book up far in advance, though, so plan accordingly.
“Condé Nast Traveler” rated this spot one of the top 10 zoos in the United States, and it is not very hard to see why. But calling it simply a “zoo” is somewhat of a disservice because The Living Desert is so much more! With expansive vistas showcasing animals in their natural habitats, journeying through the 1,200-acre site feels like being on a safari. There are also gardens, ponds, a massive model train exhibit, walking trails, camel rides, giraffe feedings, a butterfly sanctuary, and an animal hospital to explore! The Living Desert is truly one-of-a-kind, offering a new experience each and every visit. The site’s annual Glow in the Park event, one of my favorite desert happenings, is also not to be missed!
In the heart of the Valley’s most prestigious shopping district is a skincare store that has become a destination for doll lovers. That is all thanks to owner Margaret Skarin Clark, who creates imaginatively elaborate displays featuring her extensive Barbie collection, which she has been accumulating for over 60 years. The fantastical exhibits showcase both vintage and new figurines and are changed regularly with the seasons. Pictured is the March 2023 display modeled in honor of Fashion Week El Paseo, complete with clothing inspired by Karl Lagerfeld, Louis Vuitton and Chanel.
Looking for showstopping views of the region? Head straight to the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway in Palm Desert, a zigzagging thoroughfare that spectacularly winds its way through the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains, offering striking panoramas along the way. A stop at the Coachella Valley Vista Point, a stunning elevated lookout with sweeping views of the surrounding skyline (pictured), is a must. Ascending further along the Byway brings even more dramatic views and eventually leads to Idyllwild, a sweet little enclave with a charming collection of shops, restaurants and cafés to explore.
This bustling certified farmers market is held on Sundays from October through May, with local vendors hawking all manner of goods, including organic fruits and vegetables, juices, artisanal bread and fresh fish, plus jewelry, artwork and more! Numerous food trucks and kiosks are also on hand, such as the insanely popular Chaupain Bakery and, my personal favorite, The Tamale Fiesta. Old Town’s once-a-month Art on Main Street events, which run from November through March, are also not to be missed.
The mission of this 16,000-square-foot facility is to make art accessible to all Coachella Valley denizens, including students, senior citizens, veterans, Alzheimer’s sufferers and those with disabilities. Founded in 2009 by Victory Grund, the studio has certainly made good on that endeavor, with countless classes, workshops and exhibits offered regularly at the gorgeous property, eager patrons trying their hands at everything from needle felting to glass-blowing to paint-your-own pottery (my personal favorite) at both indoor and outdoor learning spaces. Come December, the complex is transformed into an adorable holiday-themed Gingerbread Lane, with special events like Santa visits, cookie decorating, ornament painting, and more taking place each Saturday.
A charming venue filled with an array of exhibits and displays chronicling the history of the city of La Quinta, this fun and informative spot is a great place to spend an afternoon - especially during the summer months when it is too hot to be outside. The site also hosts a plethora of regular events, including music nights (held al fresco in the gorgeous courtyard), author readings, educational lectures, genealogy meet-ups, movie screenings and more! There is always something exciting happening at the La Quinta Museum!
This aluminum statue, modeled after a rocking-out Saguaro cactus, was created in 2022 for the Power Trip heavy metal festival by sculptor/ frequent Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival contributor Don Kennell and his wife, Lisa Adler. The following year, the piece was relocated to a grassy patch in downtown Indio and now acts as a cheeky attraction, beckoning visitors to pose for photo ops beneath its prickly foliaged fingers.
Just down the street from the “Heavy Metal” cactus, you’ll find “Happy Alley,” another whimsical art installation featuring colorful umbrellas strung across a tiny downtown Indio alleyway. Crafted by the city’s Human Resources and Public Works departments, the display is a vibrant and joy-inducing addition to the local art scene - not to mention a fabulous backdrop for pictures.
A day trip to Joshua Tree National Park, located about 40 miles northeast of Palm Springs, is a must for any desert visitor! While the entire 800,000-acre park is worth checking out, offering some of the most beautiful scenery known to man, there are a few stand-out spots that shouldn’t be missed, including the aptly-named Skull Rock (pictured), Jumbo Rocks, Arch Rock, the Cholla Cactus Garden and Keys View, an awe-inspiring lookout point featuring panoramic vistas of the entire Valley, with even the San Andreas Faultline visible on a clear day! (Note - there are three entrances to the park. The address above denotes the visitor center for the entrance closest to downtown Palm Springs.)
This collection of rickety wooden buildings lining a small stretch of desert road about 30 miles outside Palm Springs began life as a movie set. Created by Hollywood heavyweights Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans in 1946, Pioneertown promptly became a popular destination for shooting Westerns. When the genre died out in the late ‘60s, the complex was left intact and still looks much the same as it did when John Wayne and Bud Abbott roamed the dusty grounds. Today, you’ll catch tourists wandering the premises, popping in and out of the wood-shingled specialty shops, taking in Wild West shows, grabbing a meal at local favorite Pappy + Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace (which made my lunch list above) and reveling in the charmingly kitschy atmosphere.
If you’re spending more than a few days in the desert, there’s nothing quite like a road trip to the Salton Sea! In fact, it’s one of my favorite spots to take guests. I recommend visiting the east side, as the west isn’t all that unique. The Sea’s four main attractions are chronicled in detail below, but first a few notes. The journey takes at least five hours to complete, and while there are some bathrooms along the way, they are few and far between. As such, a stop at the Mecca Travel Center at the start of your trip is suggested. You can fill your tank with gas at the Arco on the premises (90480 66th Ave., Mecca) and utilize the bathroom at the neighboring Starbucks (90496 66th Ave., Mecca). The Travel Center is the last major retail you will see on your route.
Once a luxury vacation destination, the Salton Sea is a virtual post-apocalyptic dreamland today due to agricultural runoff that turned the waters toxic and massive flooding that forced residents out in droves. At the height of its popularity in the 1960s and '70s, though, the Sea was THE place to be, and the Albert Frey-designed North Shore Yacht Club THE hangout for visiting A-Listers such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and The Beach Boys. Shuttered in 1984, the structure sat abandoned until being renovated in 2010 and currently serves as a recreation center, with the adjacent parking lot providing stellar views of the sea's gorgeous blue expanses and white sands. Venture closer to the shore, though, and it becomes apparent that the water is actually brown, the picturesque blue seen from afar nothing more than a reflection of the sky. And that pristine beach? In reality, it's crushed fish bones left behind by the many carcasses that regularly wash ashore. Simultaneously beautiful and harrowing, the Salton Sea has to be seen to be believed.
About 20 minutes down the road lies Bombay Beach, a small census-designated town of 200 homes and trailers, many of which are abandoned. The lowest city in America, elevation-wise, Bombay Beach is one of the most filmed and photographed spots in Imperial County - and it's not very hard to see why. Half-populated, half-vacant and dilapidated, it is like no other place in the world. Thanks to the Bombay Beach Biennale, founded in 2015, the area is also home to countless unique art installations, which are dotted around the shoreline and surrounding streets, offering endless photo opportunities. Be sure not to miss the Ski Inn while in town. Though rough around the edges, the restaurant serves decent food in a fun atmosphere (Anthony Bourdain even had his first patty melt there!) and is a filming location! (Bonus - there is a bathroom on the premises available to patrons.)
Next stop, Salvation Mountain! A monument to God’s love created in the ‘80s by visionary Leonard Knight out of adobe, straw, local junkyard trash and gallons upon gallons of paint, the vibrant bluff stands like a beacon on a wide expanse of dusty desert land. Leonard sadly passed away in 2014 after almost 30 years of maintaining the installation, but it remains intact today thanks to his legions of devotees who have painstakingly preserved it. Thousands of visitors make the pilgrimage there each year to meditate, reflect and view the true wonder of it all. (If you need a restroom, the last one out this way can be found just a few miles before hitting Salvation Mountain at the Soco Mini-Mart at 8004 CA-111 in Niland).
Just a mile east of Salvation Mountain is your final destination, Slab City. Originally a World War II training facility, the town takes its name from the concrete slabs left behind after the base was shut down, where those wishing to live off the grid eventually set up homes. With no running water, sewer system, or electricity, most residents inhabit tents erected on the slabs or RVs situated beside them. Though it might sound desolate and dreary, the community is welcoming, friendly and inviting, not to mention truly unique. And there is a great deal to see, from BYOB bar/nightclub The Range (887 Beal Road) to the open-air art museum East Jesus (East Jesus Road). Singular, whimsical and begging to be photographed, Slab City is an extraordinary slice of Americana.
architecture
Palm Springs is an architectural mecca, primarily for fans of the midcentury modernism style! From private residences to churches to public spaces, the region is home to some truly remarkable structures. THE LIST BELOW IS JUST A TINY SMATTERING OF the Valley’s MOST ARCHITECTURALLY NOTABLE SITES.
An architectural tour of Palm Springs kicks off upon arrival at the city’s airport, a true modernist gem fashioned by Donald Wexler in 1966. Laid out in a simple X formation, the architect created the space with navigational ease in mind, noting, “Passengers can see everything from one corridor without the use of confusing signage.” That effortless configuration remains in place today. Capped by an impressive peaked roofline, the airport also boasts floor-to-ceiling glass walls that showcase the surrounding landscape, serving as a glorious welcome to the desert. Those not arriving by plane can still experience all that PSP has to offer via a daily Stay and Play Pass.
Designed by powerhouse architects Albert Frey, E. Stewart Williams, John Porter Clark and Robson C. Chambers, Palm Springs City Hall was constructed over a period of five years beginning in 1952. The one-story concrete block structure is fronted by a handsome brise-soleil forged from aluminum piping and a massive canopy complete with a circular cutout through which three towering palms grow. The striking visage is an impeccable reflection of the city's modernist heritage.
This stunning sanctuary is the work of architect William F. Cody. Erected in 1968 and eloquently described by ”Explorer’s Guide” as ”a modernist contemplation of a Gothic cathedral,” the church is a marvel, featuring sloping walls that cinematically curve upward toward a soaring wood-beamed ceiling. Cody, who crafted everything from the structure’s stained glass windows to the baptismal font, was recognized by the Golden Palms Award Committee for his design, which garnered quite a celebrity following, with everyone from Bob and Dolores Hope to Loretta Young attending mass on the modernist premises. Sonny Bono’s funeral was even hosted at St. Theresa’s following his untimely death in 1998, as was Cody’s in 1978, just a decade after the church’s completion.
One of the most famous residences in the world (let alone Palm Springs!), the Kaufmann House was designed by Richard Neutra in 1946. Famed photographer Julius Shulman's 1947 images of the place turned it into a landmark virtually overnight, and it has gone on to become one of the most photographed pads in history - so much so that when it was listed for sale with Christie's auction house in 2007, it was categorized not as a piece of real estate, but a work of art! The property also boasts a handful of non-architectural claims to fame - not only did singer Barry Manilow call it home for several years, but it appeared prominently as Chris Pine’s pad in 2022's “Don’t Worry Darling.”
First displayed at the 1931 Architectural and Allied Arts Exposition in New York, the Aluminiaire House, designed by Albert Frey and A. Lawrence Kocher, was created as an experimental example of affordable prefab living. Standing three stories, the 22- by 28-foot, 1,200-square-foot structure, which is enveloped in aluminum alloy and steel, took 10 days to complete. Considered a marvel of its day, the piece went into private collection shortly after the exposition and subsequently fell into disrepair. It was ultimately acquired by the Palm Springs Art Museum in 2020 and, after a lengthy restoration, was installed on permanent display. Recognized by Architectural Record as “one of the most important buildings completed worldwide in the past 125 years,” Aluminaire House is open Thursdays through Mondays and admission is free. (Note - only its exterior can be viewed. Interior access is not permitted.)
While this chic pad, designed by James McNaughton in 1973, once belonged to "Kojak" actor Telly Savalas, it is most famous for its towering entrance outfitted in bright blush - so much so that it has come to be referred to as "That Pink Door" on Instagram. If you've ever scrolled through the feed of a California-based influencer, you've undoubtedly come across its gorgeous, pastel detailing. Known in architectural circles as Villa Sierra, not only is the magnificent property visible from the road, but dogged fans can spend a night on the premises as it currently operates as a short-term rental that sleeps eight.
This small collection of midcentury abodes is the work of architect Donald Wexler, who designed a series of affordable prefabricated steel and glass residences for developers George and Robert Alexander between 1961 and 1962. Though initially expected to be part of a large community, rising steel costs thwarted the project, and only seven homes were completed. Today, the septet stands as a block-wide historical landmark and stunning example of preserved midcentury design.
Crafted by Walter S. White in 1956, this modernist gem sits tucked into the mountainside of Palm Springs’ exclusive Little Tuscany neighborhood. Commissioned for psychoanalyst Dr. Franz Alexander, the structure is best known for its striking roofline (as is the case with most White creations). Fashioned from steel and redwood, the piece curves upward in breathtaking fashion toward the rear of the property, cresting over a cantilevered patio to full dramatic effect.
This modern masterpiece, built directly into a craggy hillside out of mint green cement sheeting and yellow fiberglass paneling, was designed by Albert Frey for local developer Raymond Cree in 1955. While remaining largely unchanged from its inception, the property is rarely opened for tours and has become known as the “Forgotten Frey” - not, according to Palm Springs Life, “because anyone ever really forgot about it, but because hardly anyone has ever seen it.” Thankfully, its exterior, at least, is clearly visible to passersby from California 111 just west of Cree Road.
E. Stewart Williams designed this Desert Modern-style treasure in 1957 for wealthy rancher Roderick W. Kenaston and his wife, silent film star Billie Dove. Laid out in a U-shape, the home is accented with rock walls, corrugated aluminum siding and a zig-zagging cement path leading to bright orange double doors. Pristinely preserved (the only Williams design in Rancho Mirage to remain fully intact!), when it was last sold in 2017, listing information noted the place brought in a cool $50,000 annually from photoshoots! Just a few of the celebrities who have posed on the premises include Madonna, James Blunt, and, most famously, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie for W magazine’s much-ballyhooed July 2005 “Domestic Bliss” feature, in which the duo created moody tableaus depicting a doomed marriage against the pad’s sleekly styled walls.
Completed in 1966, this 25,000-square-foot monolith was designed by modernist master A. Quincy Jones as a winter home for Walter and Leonore Annenberg. The couple welcomed U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower to the premises that same year. The residence has gone on to host countless other dignitaries, statesmen and celebrities in the years since, including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, who visited in 1983, and crooner Frank Sinatra, who wed his fourth wife, Barbara, there in 1976. One of the only properties on this list open to the public, Sunnylands offers a variety of daily tours of the estate’s interiors and vast grounds. Tickets sell out quickly, so be sure to plan your visit far in advance.
Another Walter S. White creation, this modernist one-bedroom pad was designed by the prolific architect in 1955. Featuring a striking undulating roofline inspired by the curving San Jacinto mountainscape surrounding it, the property originally served as an artist's studio for sculptor Miles C. Bates. After falling into some disrepair, the dwelling was acquired by Stayner Architects in 2018, painstakingly restored, and today serves as a retro vacation rental/event venue known as the Desert Wave House. Outfitted with chic vintage furnishings and décor, including a "personal whiskey and amaro bar," it is the ideal spot to live out all of your "Mad Men"-esque dreams.
Yet another impressive Walter S. White design, the Wilcockson House, designed for Reverend Max E. Wilcockson in 1959, is best known for its breathtaking hyperbolic-paraboloid roofline, which (believe it or not!) was the first portion of the property to be constructed, with the rest of the residence subsequently erected beneath it! Situated on a small bluff in Indio, the seemingly gravity-defying structure towers above the surrounding streets, an instantly recognizable landmark amongst a sea of homogenous gated communities. Deep-pocked fans have the opportunity for much closer views as the residence, which was recently given a top-to-bottom restoration, is now available as a vacation rental. Offering six bedrooms and six baths on two pristine acres, rates average about $2,500 per night.
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