When driving to Palm Springs, you鈥檒l know you鈥檙e almost there when you鈥檙e greeted by a crowd of windmills that look as though they鈥檙e waving you in. Soon, you鈥檒l be cruising down sunny streets lined with palm trees, punctuated with mid-century buildings that exude as much charm as they did in the Rat Pack days.
I first visited Palm Springs for my sister鈥檚 wedding at , Frank Sinatra鈥檚 estate. He was among the many stars who started flocking to the area in the mid-century, drenching it in Hollywood glitz 鈥 but that鈥檚 hardly the only allure of the desert town. Today, Palm Springs continues to attract architecture buffs for its sleek and simple that complement the landscape.
On your next visit here, you鈥檒l want to check off the essentials 鈥 have a date shake, go on a celebrity home tour, lounge poolside under a striped umbrella 鈥 but to truly appreciate the city, explore these treasures, too.銆
For a lesson in mid-century art and design: (300 S. Palm Canyon Dr.)
The Palm Springs Architecture and Design Center celebrates mid-century art and design.
Ren锟絜 ReardinAfter meandering through the three-storey Palm Springs Art Museum, don鈥檛 miss the museum鈥檚 Architecture and Design Center, located just down the street in an architectural gem, of course. The classic mid-century space was designed by E. Stewart Williams (who also designed the Twin Palms) in 1961, when it was a bank. Today, it鈥檚 home to rotating exhibitions that celebrate artists whose work features the clean lines, geometric patterns and unabashed use of colour the city is known for.
For the buzziest restaurant right now: (1555 S. Palm Canyon Dr.)
Book well ahead if you’re hoping to check out buzzy Bar Cecil.
Renee ReardinBar Cecil, which opened in April 2021, continues to be booked up weeks in advance 鈥 but it鈥檚 clear why. Named after fashion photographer, painter and interior designer Cecil Beaton, the restaurant reflects its namesake鈥檚 love for creating visual excitement through a jewelry-box interior and cosy plant-covered patio. The menu is American bistro-French fusion, featuring roasted chicken (the most popular main), bread rolls with date and sage butter, and pavlova with raspberries and Chantilly.
For late-night sips: (200 W. Ramon Rd.)
Hidden behind a wall of lush bushes and inside the historic Ingleside Inn, there鈥檚 the restaurant and bar 惭别濒惫测苍鈥檚 鈥 a favourite among Hollywood stars in the 鈥50s. Here, you鈥檒l want to do like Elizabeth Taylor and have a drink in the piano lounge. Walk past the gleaming bar towards the purple lights at the back, and take a seat beside the piano. Order a martini, and make a song request to the pianist-vocalist (think more 鈥淐ome Fly With Me鈥 than 鈥淲atermelon Sugar鈥).
For dressing the part: (664 N. Palm Canyon Dr.)
Shop for resort-worthy dresses where the locals do, at the Frippery.
The FripperyIf you want to blend in with the locals, you鈥檒l need to pull out your brightest, airiest, most 鈥70s-inspired pieces. If you don鈥檛 have anything quite right (or even if you do) you鈥檒l want to check out the Frippery to get an authentic retro piece. Choose one of the vintage resort dresses sourced from local estates, or select a piece from the owner鈥檚 caftan line, O鈥檖ell, made primarily from vintage fabrics. After you slip it on, all that鈥檚 left to do is choose a lounge chair by the pool and do your best to recreate your own Slim Aarons photo.
For a journey through history (and spectacular views):
To catch Tahquitz Falls flowing, plan your trip between about February to April.
Marc Deslauriers / GETTY IMAGESAfter marvelling at the city鈥檚 mountainous backdrop, you may be inspired to get up close and personal. Head here to the base of the peaks, just a five-minute drive from downtown. Take a self-guided or ranger-led hike to learn about Palm Springs鈥 native plants and how the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians used them for food and medicine. After hiking for about an hour, you鈥檒l reach Tahquitz Falls, a 60-foot waterfall (but note: water only flows from around February to April, which makes it all the more special if you catch it).
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