Last updated: 1st June 2026
Garth has always wanted to visit Palm Springs to see the famous mid-century modern architecture and design. Phil’s interest gained in the city after watching the Trixie Motel series on TV. So we decided to book a holiday and visit in October, which is a perfect time to visit after the summer heat. In this post we’ll show you the best Palm Springs photography spots plus some other things to see and do in ‘PS’.
Table of Contents
About Palm Springs
Palm Springs became famous during Hollywood’s golden age when movie stars escaped Los Angeles for sunshine, privacy and poolside relaxation in the desert. At the time, many studio contracts prevented actors from travelling more than around 100 miles from Hollywood, making Palm Springs the perfect glamorous getaway for celebrities including Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley.
Today, Palm Springs is one of the most photogenic destinations in California, known for its iconic mid-century modern architecture, colourful boutique hotels, retro neon signs, vintage cars, towering palm trees, and dramatic desert mountain backdrops. From pastel motel doors and perfectly styled pools to historic celebrity homes and golden desert sunsets, the city feels almost designed for photography.
Garth next to the famous pink door of Palm Springs, 1100 E Sierra Way
10 Palm Springs Photography Spots & Things To Do
1. Discover Mid-Century Modern Architecture
Palm Springs is synonymous with mid-century modern design, and a guided tour or a self-drive tour through the historic neighborhoods will reveal stunning homes once owned by Hollywood icons. We took a guided tour and then went back to some of the streets to explore and photograph some of the stunning homes by ourselves.
Garth outside the iconic yellow home, 1673 Via Roberto Miguel
What is Mid-Century Modern?
Mid-century design refers to the general period from the 1940s to the 1960s. Whilst Mid-century modern (1945–1969) is a specific design movement known for clean lines, open spaces, and a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. In Palm Springs, mid-century modern architecture defines the city, with iconic homes designed by Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, and Donald Wexler.
Driving around Palm Springs looking at all the beautiful homes
So many beautiful mid century modern-homes in Palm Springs
Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern Architecture Tour
To understand why Palm Springs architecture is so fabulous, it’s really best to book a tour with a guide. Garth wanted to see inside some of the homes so we booked an Interior/Exterior Tour with Kurt Cyr (a local tv celebrity and designer) from PS Mod Squad. This is a small group tour with 5 people plus Kurt doing the driving and giving us the commentary as we passed various homes and neighbourhoods. It was excellent, Kurt was an incredible guide from start to finish and made the experience feel personal and relaxed.
His knowledge of Palm Springs architecture, design history, and the stories behind the homes was outstanding. Pointing out many celebrity homes of the rich and famous, which, to be honest, you could only really see the front gates, we thought the residential homes were better to see from the roadside. We could tell Kurt is genuinely passionate about mid-century modern design, he showed us so many fascinating details that we learnt and never would have discovered on our own. The breeze block designs reminded us of the ones we saw in Miami.
Architectural elements we learnt:
- Brise-Soleil – French for ‘sun breaker’, these architectural features were designed to reduce heat whist creating patterns of shadow.
- Breeze Blocks – Decorative concrete screens to provide privacy, airflow and shade. Countless geometric designs.
- Shadow Walls – Textured brick and stone walls designed to catch the desert sun, creating ever changing shadows during the day.
- Hedges as Walls – Landscaping often replaces fences, creating natural privacy and outdoor rooms.
- Desert Colour Palette – Think olive greens, burnt orange, and other desert inspired colours help homes blend into the landscape.
- Indoor-Outdoor Living – Large windows, courtyards, and extended rooflines blur the boundary between inside and outside spaces.
So many brise soleil designs
Notice the bricks sticking out on this wall to create different shadows during the day
Olive Green House – 1070 E Apache Road
This olive-green home is one of Palm Springs’ most iconic mid-century modern residences. Designed by William Krisel, its dramatic butterfly roof, desert-inspired colour palette, and beautifully preserved details make it a favourite with architecture enthusiasts and photographers alike. The distinctive olive-green exterior was chosen to complement the surrounding desert landscape, allowing the home’s striking architectural lines to take centre stage. Against a backdrop of towering palms and blue skies, it’s easy to see why this house has become a Palm Springs design classic.
The iconic olive-green house at 1070 E Apache Road is one of Palm Springs’ most celebrated mid-century modern homes
Swiss Miss home – 855 N Rose Avenue, Vista Las Palmas neighbourhood
This striking ‘Swiss Miss’ home is instantly recognisable thanks to its dramatic A-frame roofline and chalet-inspired design. Created by architect Charles DuBois in the 1960s, these distinctive homes brought Alpine influences to the California desert and remain some of Palm Springs’ most photographed architectural landmarks.
855 N Rose Avenue — a classic Palm Springs Swiss Miss home designed by Charles DuBois in the 1960s.
Blue Doors house – 890 E Granvia Valmonte
Located in Palm Springs’ historic and prestigious Movie Colony neighbourhood, Garth loved this beautifully preserved mid-century modern home, it’s a great example of the city’s timeless desert architecture. The curved stone feature wall was designed to create dramatic shifting shadows throughout the day, adding texture and movement to the minimalist facade, while the bold blue double front doors provide a striking focal point for photographers.
Movie Colony, Palm Springs – love the curved stone wall and vibrant blue double doors of this home
Love the breeze block design too
1350 Ladera Circle – Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway
One of Palm Springs’ most famous celebrity homes is the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway in the Vista Las Palmas neighbourhood. Originally designed by architect William Krisel in 1960 as the futuristic ‘House of Tomorrow’ the home became legendary after Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley spent their honeymoon here in 1967. With its dramatic circular design, sweeping glass walls, and space-age architecture, it remains one of the most photographed and iconic mid-century modern homes in Palm Springs.
1350 Ladera Circle – the famous Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway home
Sage House – 1608 S Sagebrush Road
This striking mid-century modern home is one of Palm Springs’ most distinctive architectural gems. Known as Sage, the house combines a crisp white facade with playful blue circular accents and geometric detailing inspired by the Space Age. Built in 1964, its futuristic design, desert landscaping, and backdrop of towering palms make it a favourite with photographers and film crews alike.
Known as SAGE, this space age inspired house is one of Palm Springs’ most distinctive mid-century homes
Even the mosaic door handle at SAGE is a work of art
Private Home – interior tour
The highlight of the tour was when Kurt took us inside a fabulous home, which belonged to one of his friends. We absolutely loved the terrazzo floor throughout the house, made from polished stone chips set into concrete. The interior spaces were lovely – light and airy, and very private. At the front of the house, it has small windows at the top to create that privacy, whilst the back of the home had floor to ceiling windows, just stunning. Garth, being a graphic designer, loved all the eclectic touches everywhere, from the wall art to the patterns in the rugs and pottery, so classy. Phil loved the outdoor space, especially the swimming pool and the adjacent ‘granny flat’.
Kurt showed us inside the home of one if his friends
The homeowners have such good taste
So many lovely design details
The back garden was so private with an inviting pool
The Desert Star – interior tour
Our second interior tour took us inside one of the homes of ‘Desert Star’, an exclusive mid-century modern small community designed by renowned Palm Springs architect Hugh Kaptur. The development is known for its dramatic rooflines, open-plan interiors, and seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living. Stepping inside offered a fascinating glimpse into the design, we could see the roofline continues from inside to outside. Again, super stylish interior design.
Dramatic rooflines and clean geometric forms define the Desert Star aesthetic
Open-plan living spaces were revolutionary when these homes were built
Light, space and simplicity are at the heart of Desert Star’s design
The outdoor space (photographed through a gauze)
Our verdict of the Interior/Exterior Tour by PS Mod Squad.
Kurt struck the perfect balance between informative and entertaining – the tour was 2 hours and never felt rushed, and there was plenty of opportunity to ask questions and take plenty of great photos of Palm Springs stylish homes. It’s not the cheapest tour you can do, but we’d highly recommend it, just for the mix of exterior stops and the chance to go inside some truly beautiful homes. If interiors are more your thing, then visit Palm Springs in late October for Modernism Week when homes open up for visitors to take a peek inside, book ahead as it’s a very busy time.
2. Stay in a mid-century modern hotel
Saguaro
We stayed at the Saguaro Palm Springs for 2 nights. Saguaro is easily one of the most photogenic hotels in Palm Springs. Originally opened in the 1970s and later transformed into the colourful design icon it is today, the hotel perfectly captures Palm Springs’ love of bold architecture, retro style, and mid-century modern culture.
From the moment we arrived, Garth couldn’t help taking photos of the lobby’s vibrant rainbow walls and geometric architecture, Phil thought it was like stepping back into an old Habitat or Athena high street store in the UK from the 1980s.
The Saguaro colourful and kitsch lobby
What makes The Saguaro stand out is how playful and unapologetically colourful the entire property feels. The design was inspired by the colours of desert wildflowers, giving each section of the hotel its own bright personality while still feeling unmistakably Palm Springs. Morning light around the pool was especially beautiful during our stay, while golden hour made the colours feel even more saturated and cinematic.
The Saguaro,Palm Springs
So many colourful photo spots at The Saguaro
It’s hard not to take a bad photo here
So many cool photo spots inside and out
Phil by the pool
Saguaro is unapologetically colourful
Trixie Motel
Easily the most visually inspiring stay we had in Palm Springs was The Trixie Motel, where we checked in for 1 night in the Atomic Bombshell Room. The entire property feels like a playful reimagining of classic Palm Springs mid-century modern design – blending retro architecture, bold pink colour palettes, with over-the-top themed interiors.
Originally a 1960s style roadside motel before being transformed by drag artist Trixie Mattel and designer Dani Dazey, every space feels like an immersive art installation. From the pink pastel pool area and neon signage to the retro-futuristic Atomic Bombshell suite, the motel is packed with creative details that make it perfect for photography lovers and designers like Garth. You can read a full review of our stay at the Trixie Motel in a separate post.
Phil and Garth at the fabulous Trixie Motel, Palm Springs
The Atomic Bombshell Room
Phil and Garth selfie at the Trixie Motel, Palm Springs, photography spots
3. Cocktails at a Chic Resort Bar or Pool
No trip to Palm Springs is complete without sipping on cocktails at a chic hotel bar or by a fancy pool. We visited The Parker Palm Springs for a few cocktails in their fabulous retro-style lobby bar and lounge. There’s so much incredible art in the lobby with fabulous interior design by Jonathan Adler. The Parker has an amazing brise soleil entrance for photos.
Other chic resorts include Korakia Pensione or Ace Hotel & Swim Club. Many boutique hotels have heated pools, making evening dips just as inviting.
Garth enjoying a cocktail at Parker’s Lobby lounge
Phil enjoying cocktails at The Parker, Palm Springs
Statement pottery display in the lobby
Statement pottery display in the lobby of Parkers
The fabulous entrance to Parkers
4. Explore Joshua Tree National Park
Just an hour from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park makes for an unforgettable day trip. We visited in October when the cooler temperatures made exploring much more comfortable. Entering via the West Entrance, we stopped at several viewpoints and car parks along the main road before enjoying an easy one-hour hike following the Barker Dam Nature Trail.
Before visiting, we imagined Joshua Tree would be a flat desert landscape filled with Joshua trees stretching to the horizon. In reality, we were amazed by how varied the scenery was, with enormous boulder formations, dramatic rock piles, and rugged desert landscapes around every corner.
Garth particularly enjoyed photographing the twisted Joshua trees and giant granite boulders. The trees were named by Mormon settlers who believed their distinctive branches resembled the biblical figure Joshua raising his hands towards heaven. They’re also incredibly slow-growing – a 6 foot tree can be around 50 years old, while larger specimens reaching 3 metres may be over 100 years old.
Phil and Garth at Joshua Tree National Park near Palm Springs
So many textures and desert colours
Joshua Tree National Park is fantastic for photography
Barker Dam Nature Trail
5. Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
One of the best ways to appreciate the scale of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley is aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The rotating tram car slowly climbs over 8,500 feet from the desert floor to the top of Mount San Jacinto, taking around 10 minutes and offering spectacular views throughout the journey. It reminded us a little of the cable car we rode in Cape Town, South Africa, with the rotating cabin ensuring everyone gets a great view.
Don’t be fooled by the sunshine below, though, temperatures at the top can be dramatically cooler than in Palm Springs, as we discovered! We visited in October and wished we’d packed an extra layer as it’s pretty chilly at the summit. Garth captured some stunning photographs across the Coachella Valley, with dramatic mountain scenery and sweeping desert views in every direction. Rather than tackling the hiking trails, we opted for lunch at Peaks Restaurant, where the floor to ceiling windows provide one of the best dining views in Palm Springs.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes you from palm trees to pine forests in just 10 minutes
The contrast between the rugged mountains and desert below makes for incredible photos
From the cable car – one of the most dramatic views in Southern California
Garth capturing the vast desert landscape of the Coachella Valley from the top of Mount San Jacinto
Phil striking a pose at one of the many viewpoints
Lunch with a view at Peaks Restaurant overlooking the Coachella Valley
6. The Iconic Marilyn Monroe Statue
The monumental, larger than life statue of Marilyn Monroe, titled ‘Forever Marilyn’, is a must-see landmark to photograph in downtown Palm Springs. Whether capturing it against a bright blue sky or during sunset for a golden glow, this 26 foot tall statue is a striking piece of Palm Springs history. The statue recreates her iconic pose from the 1955 film The Seven Year Itch, making it one of the most recognisable photography spots in Palm Springs.
Marilyn Monroe’s connection to Palm Springs is legendary. In 1949, at just 22 years old, she was ‘discovered’ at Charlie Farrell’s Racquet Club by influential talent agent Johnny Hyde, a meeting that helped launch her rise to Hollywood stardom. Many of Marilyn’s most famous early photographs were taken around the Racquet Club’s swimming pool, and her glamorous poolside images helped define both her iconic public image and Palm Springs’ reputation as a classic Old Hollywood playground.
Photograph the iconic Marilyn Monroe statue
Marilyn’s famous derrière
7. Rancho Car Wash Sign
The vintage Rancho Mirage Car Wash sign is a classic roadside landmark that perfectly captures the retro Palm Springs aesthetic. It took us 15 minutes to get there from the Saguaro hotel, it’s become a popular stop for photographers exploring the area’s mid-century modern design and vintage Americana.
Originally built in the 1960s, the sign is famous for its bold Googie design style, featuring oversized typography and futuristic roadside architecture typical of Southern California’s golden age of travel. Framed against the desert sky which was sadly a bit cloudy on the day we visited it must look great against blue or photographed at golden hour. It’s one of the Palm Spring’s most iconic photography spots, which we saw lots of prints of for sale in downtown gift shops.
One of the best Palm Springs photography spots – the iconic 1960s Rancho Car Wash elephant sign
Phil at the Elephant Car Wash, Rancho Mirage
8. Pick Up a Souvenir at Destination PSP
If you’re looking for a unique Palm Springs souvenir, head to Destination PSP. Filled with quirky design led gifts, colourful artwork, retro homeware, and plenty of mid-century modern inspiration, it’s the kind of shop where you’ll want to browse every corner. Garth absolutely loved it, and we think it’s one of the best places in Palm Springs to take home a little piece of desert style. We bought 2 fridge magnets for our collection.
The perfect place to pick up a stylish Palm Springs souvenir
Destination PSP is located in downtown Palm Springs
9. Enjoy Cocktails at Lulu California Bistro
We loved the people watching at Lulu California Bistro on Palm Canyon Drive. Overlooking the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, it’s a great place to relax with a cocktail and watch the world go by. We particularly enjoyed the chicken tenders, coconut sauce with grilled pineapple, a delicious snack while soaking up the downtown Palm Springs atmosphere. Thanks to Robert for suggesting this place!
Cosmos and negronis at Lulu
10. Eat Tacos at El Jefe
Our final tip for things to do in Palm Springs is go to El Jefe (at the Saguaro) for its excellent Mexican inspired menu. It’s a great place to refuel after a day of exploring, we both loved the tacos and margaritas, shame they didn’t have spicy Margs! but its lively Palm Springs vibe makes it a fun place to end the day. The tacos are the perfect portion size and so delicious.
El Jefe Palm Springs Mexican serves up amazing tacos
Tacos, margaritas and colourful Palm Springs vibes at El Jefe
Phil and Garth’s Tips for Visiting Palm Springs
- Tip #1. Pack layers for October, days are warm, but nights can be cool. So bring a light jacket.
- Tip #2. Stay hydrated as the desert air is dry, so drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Tip #3. Wear sunscreen the sun is strong year round, so protect your skin while exploring.
- Tip #4. Book in advance, popular hotels and attractions can fill up quickly, so plan ahead.
- Tip #5. Visit midweek if possible, it avoids weekends for fewer crowds and has better hotel rates.
- Tip #6. You’ll need a hire car, while downtown is walkable, a car is essential for exploring homes and visiting Joshua Tree.
- Tip #7. Deffo have lunch and cocktails at LuLus, it’s great!
- Tip #8. Hike or explore the desert in the morning to avoid midday heat.
- Tip #9. Enjoy a spa day, many resorts offer relaxing treatments with natural hot springs.
- Tip #10. Look out for VillageFest (Thursdays) and Modernism Week (if visiting late October)
Final Thoughts on Palm Springs in October
We visited Palm Springs in October which is a sweet spot for visiting Palm Springs – great weather (we only had 1 cloudy day), fewer crowds, and an array of activities for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re hiking through desert landscapes, exploring the arts and architecture, or simply soaking up the sun by a glamorous pool, Palm Springs in October is a getaway worth taking. So pack your sunglasses, a light jacket for the evenings, and get ready to experience the magic of the desert in its prime season!
October is also the perfect time to photograph Palm Springs. Whether you’re capturing architectural gems, desert landscapes, or lively street scenes, every corner of this oasis offers something photogenic. So grab your camera like Garth, chase the light, and create stunning images that showcase the timeless beauty of Palm Springs!
Phil and Garth at the Saguaro Palm Springs
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