About an hour and a half from Los Angeles, Palm Springs is a desert city known for jaw-dropping mid-century architecture, desert plants, rugged mountains, and palm trees shooting high into the blue sky. The dry, sunny climate makes it an ideal spot to visit all year although I would recommend the late winter, early spring months to avoid the hottest temperatures.
Having been to Palm Springs many times, I wanted to plan a trip specifically to discover great spots for photos. I researched different places then plotted out a route Google Maps and I am excited to share the result.
Five Hidden Spots:
It doesn’t matter if you are a professional photographer or someone like myself who is an amateur, all you need is a sunny day, a camera or phone, and a route that will deliver you to the best places in the city.
(1) Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway
Location:
1350 Ladera Cir, Palm Springs, California
Tucked away in a cul-de-sac, this house was known as the House of Tomorrow and its where Elvis and Priscilla lived in 1966 and in 1967.
As you can see, it’s a futuristic, modern-looking place which is a fantastic backdrop for photos!
You can drive up and take pics of the outside only if you want to book a private tour, you can do that for $35 per person. I plan to do this on my next visit!
I recommend a drive through this neighborhood as there are beautiful homes and neat desert landscaping to enjoy.
(2) Pink Door House
Location:
1100 E Sierra Way, Palm Springs, California
Another iconic Palm Springs home is the gorgeous white house with the pink door. It is so well known that if you type “Pink Door House” into a search bar, this home comes up immediately. There are hundreds if not thousands of pictures of this house on Instagram. It’s famous!
This is another private residence so I did not want to linger for too long. I took a few quick pics then walked down the street to another house that’s been made famous on social media.
There were some girls staging a photoshoot here so I snapped a quick pic and moved out of their way. Both of these homes must be seen in person, the entire street features photo-worthy houses with modern entryways, colorful doors, and photo-worthy landscaping.
A word of advice is to stand back, be quick with your photos, and respect the fact that these are private residences.
(3) Ace Hotel & Swim Club
Location:
701 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, California
I saw this huge sign for the Ace Hotel online and knew I had to go see it in person. The Ace Hotel & Swim Club is a fun place to roam around and check out, there is a beautiful view of the mountains here and lots of palm trees.
Many little spots to stop and admire here. Great for taking photos!
(4) Moorten Cactus Garden
Location:
1701 S Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California
For an admission of $5 you can get into the cactus paradise, Moorten Botanical Garden. There are 3,000 different species of cactus and other desert plants growing in this garden.
There are so many unique plants here that it’s well worth the five dollar charge to come in and take photos.
It’s a relatively small place but there is a lot to see. You can buy plants and other little items too.
If you are in Palm Springs, you must visit just for the experience. This cactus garden is always on the “Best of Palm Springs” lists.
(5) The Saguaro Palm Springs
Location:
1800 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California
I didn’t focus too much on the inside which is hip and cool, but I took a stroll around the grounds and was excited by the colors. With the super green grass and a vibrant blue sky, the Saguaro is a rainbow of shades and hues, a photographers dream!
This hotel just exudes a “cool” vibe. Though it wasn’t hot when I visited, the pool was buzzing with activity.
No matter where you stand, you will have great views
5StarTips🌟:
The following are tips that might help you on this wonderful journey to grab those fun pics:
🌟 Plan Ahead
As I mentioned above, I researched and planned my trip so that I didn’t miss anything and didn’t have to backtrack. I used Google maps to help plan my route. I didn’t want to be driving back and forth across town. See map below for following my route:
🌟 Be Respectful Of Private Homes
I cannot stress this enough! Some of the most beautiful places you will see are private property. Stay off the lawn, don’t get too close to the house and be quick. I usually stand across the street to take photos.
🌟 Check The Weather
Before you drive out to Palm Springs, check the weather forecast. I do this whenever I plan a trip. Though it’s usually sunny and warm, we have been getting a lot of rain in Southern California.
🌟 Dietary Restrictions?
Are you a gluten-free traveler? Research Find Me Gluten Free for advice on places to dine. They also have a free app you can download to your phone. I consult this app everywhere I go. If you are out for a day of exploring, you are going to get hungry and this app helps narrow down safe places to eat. Tip🌟: When in Palm Springs, I almost always eat at the Palm Greens Cafe.
Final Thoughts
I love Palm Springs and find that there are so many places to take pictures. The desert and the city have such a wonderful allure. I hope this article has inspired you to grab your camera and spend a day or two taking pictures.
“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
— Elliott Erwitt
A bit about the author: Cindy Bokma
Cindy Bokma grew up in New Jersey but now lives in California. Cindy is the author of
The Blondes of Bel Air, A Thousand Dollars for a Kiss and Here If You Need Me. She has also written a children’s book, Victorious Girls and has pitched television shows to networks such as Disney and Nickelodeon. She is an accomplished screenplay analyst, having worked for a popular Hollywood production company.
Order her book: Low Oxalate Cookbook – The Low-Oxalate Anti-Inflammatory Cookbook: 75 Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Soy-Free, Yeast-Free, Low-Sugar Recipes to Help You Stress Less and Feel Better on Amazon.
Visit her also at Wild Flower and Woods And Visit her also at Cindy Bokma Books
About Pamela Rossi
I am passionate about travel and taking each moment and making it a five star experience. My goal is to create those experiences for YOU!
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