Palm Springs: Still Partying Like It’s 1959 (Just With Better Sun Protection)

🤷‍♂️ Why should I care about this destination? There are a few solid (and slightly questionable) reasons why you might consider stopping in Palm Springs: maybe you're planning a classic road trip and need to break up that super fun ten-hour drive between Los Angeles and the Grand Canyon (because driving until your legs go numb is apparently not ideal); or maybe you've had it with the chaos of giant cities and need a chill spot with actual sunshine, zero clouds, ideally a poolside cocktail or two, and; dream of dreams; free parking downtown.

Or maybe you're a secret fan of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, and Frank Sinatra and just want to time-travel back to the 1950s without judgment. Or hey, maybe you’re simply obsessed with palm trees, cacti, and the general concept of a stylish desert life. All valid. All a little extra. Welcome to Palm Springs!

Treat yourself and plan a night or two in Palm Springs. You won't regret this little detour in the midst of this pleasant oasis in the California desert, which turns out to be fun, retro, colorful, and full of good surprises.

From Indian Tribes and Their Palm-Tree-Surrounded Hot Springs to Marilyn Monroe, Sinatra, and the Whole Hollywood Gang Seeking Some Peace and Quiet

Like most places in the United States before the arrival of European settlers, the lands of Palm Springs and the entire valley were occupied by an Indian tribe for over two thousand years: the Cahuilla tribe.

The Cahuilla had actually named their place (Palm Springs) "se-khi," which translates to "boiling water." This name reflects the region's natural hot springs, which were significant to the Cahuilla people. The hot springs not only provided a source of warmth and relaxation but also held cultural and spiritual importance. The bubbling waters of se-khi were seen as a gift from the earth, offering healing properties and a place for community gatherings. The area around Palm Springs was rich in resources, and the Cahuilla people utilized the land for both sustenance and cultural practices, making it a vital part of their heritage.

During the excessively hot summers in the valley, the tribe would climb into the mountains to find some coolness at higher elevations and would return to the valley in the fall. It is still possible today to follow the paths and see the places where the Cahuilla lived in the desert in Palm Springs and the surrounding areas.

For example, there are many hiking trails in the canyon where the Cahuilla lived (a protected area and an Indian reservation that features the beautiful "Palm Canyon" and "Indian Canyon"), as well as trails that lead up the mountain.

If you have the time and are visiting Palm Springs outside of July, August, and September (when temperatures are far too high during the day!), I highly recommend taking a stroll through these beautiful canyons south of the city (shown below). It is even possible to see petroglyphs left by the Indians on some rocks or to go horseback riding on these trails in the surrounding desert.

Around 1770, European settlers in America were trying to reach the west coast and present-day California. During their westward expeditions, the Spaniards discovered the Cahuilla Valley (the "Coachella" valley), which provided an ideal passage to the coast and the Pacific.

Then, in the late 1800s, the Mexicans, in turn, explored the region and discovered the hot springs of the Cahuilla in Palm Springs, which they named Agua Caliente ("hot waters").

Today, the lands of the Cahuilla Indian reservation, established and protected by the U.S. government in 1876, still bear the name Agua Caliente.

In the early 1930s, when cinema was emerging and Hollywood was booming, Palm Springs suddenly attracted a host of celebrities and stars from Los Angeles, becoming the playground and promised land for all those actors and actresses coming from L.A. But why Palm Springs?

The first reason is that at that time, most actors and actresses working in Hollywood were under strict contracts with the film studios, and most of these contracts contained a non-negotiable clause: during filming, no actor or actress could leave to rest or go for a weekend more than two hours away from Los Angeles. Why is that? Simply because if a scene needed to be redone and filmed urgently at the studio's request, the actors and actresses had to be able to be on set in Hollywood immediately, in less than two hours. Fortunately, Palm Springs is just under two hours' drive from Los Angeles.

The second reason is that all these stars were looking for a discreet place to relax or party away from prying eyes, but especially away from paparazzi. At that time, major news agencies paid very little to paparazzi to track celebrities in Los Angeles and only reimbursed the gas expenses of all these paparazzi up to 100 miles. Palm Springs is about 110 miles from Los Angeles and therefore did not attract too many paparazzi.

With its warm and dry climate year-round, Palm Springs has suddenly become the favorite city of all celebrities (Frank Sinatra, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, John Wayne, Judy Garland, Greta Garbo, and many others) who came to spend their weekends there. Many stars also bought homes and second residences in Palm Springs and the surrounding areas. At that time, a must-visit place was the tennis club, the "Racquet Club," where stars and starlets of all kinds would come to exercise and play tennis, but the complex also included a pool and a bar, the Bamboo Lounge. It seems that back in 1945, a 22-year-old blonde named Norma spent quite a bit of time sunbathing and posing by the pool before heading off to sip cocktails at the Bamboo Lounge. Legend has it that just one snapshot by this popular pool, frequented by big-time Hollywood producers, was enough to kickstart Marilyn's career.

And just like that, this little town, two hours from Los Angeles and seemingly in the middle of nowhere, became "the place to be," where Hollywood's elite came to chill and soak up the sun.

You can even find the "Palm Springs Walk of Fame" in the heart of downtown (you know, those famous stars on the sidewalk), just like the one in Hollywood.

Palm Springs and its Charming Downtown

The (small) town center, located at the foot of Mount San Jacinto, is very pleasant and can be explored on foot along the two main straight streets lined with palm trees. You will find a whole bunch of charming little shops, cafes, and good restaurants. Even the souvenir shops are very stylish and fun, offering a unique shopping experience that goes beyond the typical tourist fare. Be sure to check out the following shops:

Just Fabulous

This shop is known for its trendy and chic selection of souvenirs, including fashionable apparel, accessories, and home decor items that capture the essence of the local culture. The vibrant atmosphere and carefully curated products make it a must-visit for anyone looking to take home a piece of the destination.

Peepas

Peepas offers a delightful variety of quirky gifts and memorabilia. From playful trinkets to unique art pieces, this shop is perfect for those seeking something a little different. The friendly staff is always ready to help you find the perfect item to remember your trip by.

Destination PSP

Destination PSP stands out with its extensive range of locally made products and artisan crafts. This shop emphasizes supporting local artists and businesses, ensuring that your souvenirs are not only stylish but also contribute to the community. Here, you can find everything from handmade jewelry to beautifully crafted pottery.

Palm Springs is the perfect place to slow down, stroll, and enjoy the sunshine. If you are on a road trip, traveling from state to state, from one national park to another, or if you just left Los Angeles, San Diego or Las Vegas, Palm Springs is the ideal city to take a break and breathe.

Ah yes, let’s not forget the great Palm Springs drama—no, not a heatwave or a sudden martini shortage, but the relocation of Marilyn Monroe’s giant statue. The 26-foot-tall "Forever Marilyn" stands proudly (and very leggy-ly) in the middle of downtown, causing quite the stir. Some locals love it ("iconic!" "glamorous!"), others claim she’s committing a daily fashion crime with that permanently wind-blown skirt. Lawsuits were filed, eyebrows were raised, tourists snapped photos under her undies anyway. Democracy in action, Palm Springs-style.

Mid-Century Modern Architecture and the Sumptuous Homes of Palm Springs

Palm Springs captivates all fans of architecture and beautiful homes. Indeed, in the 1950s, many architects developed entire neighborhoods in Palm Springs that gave the city a unique style. The mid-century modern style is characterized by geometric shapes, clean lines, a minimalist approach, as well as large open spaces and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that provide access and connection to the outdoors.

Palm Springs boasts the largest collection of mid-century homes in the world, and it is enough to drive through different neighborhoods to admire these stunning houses.

You will also notice that many public buildings and hotels in the city have adopted this mid-century style. It’s pretty cool how this architectural trend has made its mark!

For instance, take a look at the Bank of America building. It stands tall and proud, showcasing those classic lines and retro vibes that really make it pop against the skyline. And then there's City Hall, which is equally stunning, especially with those palm trees swaying below. It creates such a laid-back, tropical atmosphere that’s perfect for the city.

Twice a year, in February and October, the Modernism Week rolls around, and it’s a fantastic chance to step inside some stunning homes. Homeowners throw open their doors to the public, giving you a peek into the gorgeous interior designs of these iconic houses. During these lively weeks, the city buzzes with all sorts of events celebrating mid-century architecture from the fabulous 1950s. And don’t forget to check out the most Instagram-famous entrance door of them all—the iconic pink door you see below. It’s a must-see!

... but also the Spanish Colonial Revival style in Palm Springs

The city center is also filled with beautiful houses of a completely different style: the style adopted by migrants (from Spain) during the colonization of America. Elements of this architectural style include clay tile roofs, arched openings, and intricately carved wooden doors.

... and the "Miss Swiss", unique houses not to be missed!

There are about fifteen of these adorable houses in Palm Springs, all built back in the fifties and sixties. They’re inspired by the charming design of a Swiss chalet, complete with those iconic A-frame roofs that give them such a unique flair. You'll find these little gems scattered throughout the "Old Palmas" neighborhood, which is perfectly situated against the stunning backdrop of the mountains. It’s like a mini Beverly Hills, but with a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to relax and soak in the scenery.

Strolling through the area feels like stepping into a postcard, each house has its own personality, and they all come together to create a picturesque scene that’s hard to resist. You can’t help but dream about what it would be like to own one of these charming homes, especially if you happened to strike it rich in the lottery!

Palms, of course ... but also cacti!

In the middle of the desert, planting geraniums or tulips is about as likely as finding a snowman in the Sahara! But the true superstar of the desert is... the cactus! As you stroll through Palm Springs, you'll be amazed at how the locals turn their yards into cactus cathedrals, showcasing prickly plants in every shape imaginable! There are hundreds of cactus varieties—yes, hundreds!

Forget about ordinary florists selling boring bouquets; here, you'll find cactus nurseries where you can pick the perfect spiky friend for your kitchen or garden (if you're planning to move to Palm Springs, that is). Oh, and by the way, when it comes to housewarming parties or Saturday night shindigs, locals don’t bring a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers; they bring a potted cactus for their hosts! In downtown, you can swing by the teeny-tiny Morteen Botanical Garden, where the stars of the show are, you guessed it, cacti! It's super fun and perfect for your Instagram feed.

The Tram and the Mountain

The tramway (at the entrance of Palm Springs) allows you to gain elevation and reach the summit of the mountain, all the way up to 11,000 feet, in less than twenty minutes. The ticket is not cheap but the little journey to the top of the mountain is worth it; first, because the aerial tramway is attached to the mountain wall and ascends (almost) vertically (quite impressive!); and then because from the top, the view of Palm Springs and the valley is stunning. It is also possible to hike in the forest or grab a bite to eat at the small restaurant at the top.

Brunch, Cocktails, and Festivals

Palm Springs is also the perfect place for a brunch and some cocktails by the pool. Brunch is the favorite pastime of the locals, and the city is filled with charming spots for a breakfast/lunch accompanied by fruit juices or alcoholic beverages!

Contrary to popular belief, there are a ton of events happening in town and nearby all year round: in spring, in March, there is the BNP Paribas Tennis Open in Indian Wells (just a quick 20-minute jaunt from Palm Springs) where all the world’s tennis players gather to pretend they’re not secretly judging each other’s outfits; in April, the iconic Coachella Music Festival in Indio (30 minutes from Palm Springs) takes over for two weekends, where you can witness the miracle of thousands of people getting sunburned while trying to look effortlessly cool; then comes Stagecoach, the country music festival where cowboy boots meet hipster beards; in May, we have the massive White Party, a mega gay dance floor where over 300,000 party-goers dress in white, proving once and for all that laundry is overrated; then there’s Desert X, where artists unleash their wildest ideas, resulting in giant sculptures that might just be a cactus wearing sunglasses; in the middle of summer, it’s the Splash House, a music festival that’s basically a mini-Coachella in pools, where hotels turn their pools into nightclubs, making synchronized swimming look like an Olympic sport; in fall, we have Dinah, the music festival for girls, followed by the Modernism Week, where you can tour mid-century homes and pretend you’re in a retro sitcom; and in winter, the city wraps up the year with its famous Gay Pride (the last one in the country, happening in November when it’s still warm enough to wear flip-flops), and kicks off the new year with the International Film Festival. There’s never a dull moment in the desert!

Palm Springs is a city designed for relaxation and enjoying life! Seriously, don’t plan too much in Palm Springs; just kick back and chill. The hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, the 10-mile hikes in Yosemite, or the wild nights in Las Vegas can wait, those places don’t have a poolside margarita waiting for you! So grab a floatie, put on those oversized sunglasses, and remember: the only thing you need to boost is the frequency of your drink refills! After all, the only thing that should be overflowing is your glass, not your stress!

Here's the Quick and Dirty Recap:

🌟 What was the highlight of my trip? Honestly? The gloriously frozen-in-time 1950s vibe. Palm Springs is basically a vintage postcard that never got the memo about modern times. Time has stopped here—and frankly, it's thriving. Between the mid-century architecture, the pastel-colored doors, and the feeling that Sinatra might roll by in a convertible at any second. Also, it’s a small, super chill town that’s always sunny. Like... always. You forget what clouds are.

📅 How many days? Two or three sunny, pool-drenched days—just enough time to relax, explore, and seriously consider early retirement in Palm Springs. (Note to self: start saving. Or marry rich.) PS: PS, I love you.

🎒What to Pack? Sunscreen. The strong stuff. And moisturizers, because your skin will be begging for help in this glorified oven (it’s not dry heat—it’s “turn-you-into-a-crouton” heat). Also, maybe don’t visit in July or August unless you really enjoy feeling like you’re being slow-roasted at 113°F (that’s 45°C for my fellow Celcius users).

⚡ Energy level for this adventure? 0.0001% (mostly for lifting the cocktail glass); if you're looking for a trip that won’t challenge your muscles or your will to live, Palm Springs is IT. The energy required here is virtually nonexistent. Picture this: a light stroll downtown (for the ‘gram), followed by a vital hydration break (aka: cocktail). Then maybe a short walk through a canyon—but only if you feel emotionally prepared. Then yes, you guessed it... another cocktail. After that, a bit of shopping because obviously, you need that cactus keychain. Then it’s time to recover from all that “effort” by laying comatose by the pool, deciding what to wear for dinner (important), and sipping—surprise!—another cocktail. Round off your day with some star-gazing and a final nightcap. Honestly, I burned more calories writing this paragraph.