Just a two-hour drive from bustling Los Angeles, Palm Springs became the ultimate vacation hotspot for Hollywood's A-listers back in the 30s and 40s. Fast forward to today, and you can still see this star-studded legacy in the town's mid-century-modern architecture, opulent spas and resorts.

The Swiper Yoke Tee in Primrose Yellow and The Run Into Trouble Short in Primrose Yellow. Shop Lost & Found.

Palm Spring’s ever-evolving culture and rich glamorous past, strikes the perfect balance between modernity and history. Whether you’re seeking a quiet moment in the hot springs under luscious palm trees or prefer sipping cocktails poolside while listening to a DJ spin your favorite records, Palm Springs has exactly what you need – and so much more. Check out list of the coolest things to do, places to stay, shops to support and food to eat. You can thank MOTHER later. 

Mid-century modern enthusiasts will swoon over the Sinatra House, a four-bedroom estate designed in the late-40s for Frank Sinatra and his first wife, complete with his original recording studio and a piano-shaped swimming pool. For the quintessential Palm Springs experience, L’Horizon Resort & Spa, established in 1952, offers 24 luxury bungalows once frequented by Hollywood elite. Rest easy in a junior suite designated for Marilyn Monroe in the 50s, or cozy up in the Residence, the original home of Hollywood mogul Jack Wrather, which features a wood-burning fireplace, private yard and pool.

The Mock 10 Tee in Hot Coral and The Tune Up Bona Fide Short Cuff in Neptune Green. Shop Lost & Found. 

For a more contemporary escape, Korakia Pensione’s villas and houses will transport you to the Mediterranean. Indulge in breakfast in the Moroccan courtyard, tea service in the afternoon, a dip in the heated saltwater pool with San Jacinto Mountain views, private yoga sessions and nightly outdoor movies under the stars. Sparrow’s Lodge, constructed in the 50s by actor Don Castle, continues to shine as an award-winning hotel and spa. Rooms have a rustic magnetism with barn-like features, including wood paneling, trough bathtubs and French doors opening up to private patios or the communal pool area, while the hotel’s restaurant is one of the best in town.

There’s no better way to settle into the pace of desert life than with a visit to the hot springs, and Two Bunch Palms is a great place to start. Fed by a 600-year-old natural spring, the hot springs boast lithium-rich water over 100 degrees. Book a lymphatic massage, superfood facial or magnesium body wrap off their decadent spa menu to set your trip off on the right foot. 

If the weather is mild, enjoy the breeze with a visit to Sunnyland Center & Gardens, a 15-acre site that houses a desert garden with over 70 arid-adapted species, art exhibits, cafe and gift shop. Or learn about the desert’s native plants at the privately owned arboretum, Moorten Botanical Center. Established in 1938 by Chester “Cactus Slim” Moorten and his wife, the center features an extensive display of desert flora, showcasing over 3,000 varieties of succulents and cacti.

Left and right image: The Tune Up Bona Fide Short Fray in Blue Aster and The Back At You Top in Multi Light Blue Stripe. Center image: The Open Arms Tank in Neptune Green And Blue Aster and The Tune Up Bona Fide Hover in Primrose Yellow. Shop Lost & Found.

For a deeper dive into the city’s history (and a quick AC break), stop into the Palm Springs Art Museum. Founded in 1938, the museum features an extensive permanent collection by artists such as Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol, as well as contemporary exhibitions like The New Black Renaissance, a celebration of Black art and culture, and To Move Toward the Limits of Living, which features the museum’s photography, painting and design collections made by LGBTQ+ artists.

To explore not just the museum but also the best mid-century-modern architecture in the city, consider booking a tour with The Modern Tour, the official tour of the Palm Springs Art Museum. This immersive experience takes you to iconic homes such as the Frey House II, the Frederick Loewe Estate, the William Cody Residence and residences once inhabited by legendary figures like Frank Sinatra, William Holden, Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor and Peter Lawford.

Before heading to dinner, grab a dirty martini at the Pink Cabana at Sands Hotel & Spa, which offers a modern take on the tennis and racquet cubs of the 50s and 60s, or grab a drink at Seymour’s, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked behind a velvet curtain at Mr. Lyons Steakhouse.

With expertly curated vintage shops next to modern boutiques that stock the latest designer goods, shopping can fill an entire afternoon. Find your new favorite piece of furniture at Hedge, Antique Galleries Palm Springs or Modern Way, which all lean into the city’s design history with pieces sourced from the 50s and 60s. We also recommend checking out the impressive vintage clothing archives at The Fine Art of Design, stocking up on MOTHER at Elizabeth & Prince, uncovering a one-of-a-kind shirt or tote at RTH Shop, or exploring a mix of home goods, clothing and furniture at design collectives like The Shops at 1345, Mojave Flea Trading Post and Market Market. 

The Short Sleeve Concert in Antique White And Faded Black and The Tune Up Bona Fide Hover in Primrose Yellow. Shop Lost & Found.

After vintage shopping or touring architectural gems in Palm Springs, you’re gonna be hungry. Need a quick bite? Try Tyler’s Burgers, a 28-year-old lunch spot with juicy burgers, tuna melts and milk shakes (disclaimer: this spot won’t scratch your aesthetic itch) or stop into King’s Highway at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club (disclaimer: this one will), which serves elevated diner food like ricotta pancakes and bourbon bacon. Rooster and the Pig is a walk-in-only eatery with Vietnamese-inspired dishes like crispy pork rolls and a chicken-stuffed rice ball in a coconut curry sauce. 

Left and right image: The Itty Bitty Scoop in Antique White and Blue Aster and The Tune Up Bona Fide Hover in Hot Coral. Center image: The Open Arms Tank in Neptune Green And Blue Aster and The Tune Up Bona Fide Hover in Primrose Yellow. Shop Lost & Found.

For a truly authentic Palm Springs experience, make a reservation at Melvyn’s, an old-school spot (think deviled eggs, Steak Diane and chicken pot pies) frequented by Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe in the 40s and 50s. For the foodies, enjoy a shrimp cocktail and pork chops at the newly established Bar Cecil, or chicken mole and hamachi crudo at The Barn Kitchen at Sparrows Lodge — both of which are Michelin Guide recommended. Then, finish off the evening with a sweet treat from Kreem, an artisanal ice cream shop with flavors like rosemary, prickly pear and vegan hibiscus rose.

The Open Arms Tank in Antique White And Black and The Tune Up Bona Fide Hover in Hot Coral. Shop Lost & Found.

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