I’ve lived in Southern California my entire life, so I know the region like the back of my hand. I’m brimming with SoCal suggestions, from the best sandwich shop in San Diego (Con Pane) to the most charming under-the-radar hotel in West Hollywood (The Charlie). Right now, I’m focusing my attention on Palm Springs, a desert enclave I’ve been visiting for nearly two decades. I first started coming to the city as a pit stop on my way to attend the professional tennis tournament BNP Paribas Open in nearby Indian Wells, but I soon realized that Palm Springs merited much more than a quick layover.
While tennis was the first thing that drew me to the area, many others associate the desert with Coachella since the famous festival lies just 40 minutes from downtown Palm Springs. If you’ve always made a beeline to the Empire Polo Club, you’re seriously missing out on Palm Springs’ exemplary mid-century architecture, delicious dining, fantastic vintage shopping, and amazing hotels.
To help me curate this Palm Springs travel guide, I tapped Kellie Brown, the content creator and interior designer behind Deeply Madly Modern. After moving from New York City to Los Angeles, she bought a vacation home in Palm Springs and ended up loving it so much she decided to live there full-time. In addition to sharing some of her favorite spots, Brown also offered some advice for your packing list: “Caftans, sunscreen, a large hat, sunglasses with no metal (because don’t want to burn your nose!), sneakers for a sunset bike ride, a good book for poolside lounging, and a Polaroid camera because she’s a cute little town and you’ll want fridge pics!”
Before I delve into specific recommendations, I want to reflect on the city’s history. One of my favorite things about Palm Springs is its iconic connection with Hollywood. Beginning in the 1920s and 1930s, the desert oasis became a fashionable getaway for movie stars seeking relaxation away from the spotlight. Film studios required actors to remain within two hours of Hollywood in case they were called back for reshoots, so Palm Springs became the perfect retreat. By the 1940s and 1950s, the city had blossomed into a glamorous playground for stars like Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley, who not only vacationed there but also owned homes.
This era saw the rise of iconic mid-century modern architecture, as many celebrities commissioned stylish homes that matched the area’s desert landscape and luxurious vibe. The Rat Pack often held parties and performed in local venues, embedding Palm Springs into the lore of classic Hollywood culture. As time went on, the city remained a beloved spot for Hollywood’s elite, especially during major events like the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
Palm Springs has also become a popular filming location. Don’t Worry Darling, starring Florence Pugh and Harry Styles, is perhaps the most memorable recent movie set there. All in all, this lasting relationship between Hollywood and Palm Springs has helped shape the city’s identity as a stylish spot.
Where to Stay
I’ve never been one to gravitate toward sprawling mega resorts, instead favoring more intimate boutique hotels. If this sounds like you, allow me to introduce you to Korakia Pensione. It’s one of the most charming and unique hotels I’ve ever stayed at. I spent a few nights in the Bedouin Suite, which came complete with a private patio, wood-burning fireplace, kitchen, and, to my surprise, a huge stone tub with a rain shower.
The hotel combines two special properties, both with storied pasts. On one side of the street is a series of Moroccan-inspired villas, suites, and rooms built by painter Gordon Coutts in the 1920s to mimic his life in Tangier. The villas on the other side of the street are more Mediterranean in style and were owned by silent-screen star J. Carrol Naish. I encourage you to scroll through the photos and descriptions of each room before choosing your favorite, as they’re all unique.
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