Desert bound? Take a look at our Palm Springs travel guide, as chosen by the Atomic Ranch team.
Atomic Ranch is no stranger to the mecca of Modernism. We’ve been traveling to the desert since 2016 to create events for the Mid Century Modern enthusiast to experience the history of Modernism in the area through talks, tours and our fair share of cocktail parties. With that comes the pleasure of becoming acquainted with the many things the city has to offer by way of stays, eats and entertainment! So here’s our Palm Springs travel guide, our list of top picks from the desert for anyone planning to visit and enjoy the historic sights and more.
Best Things to Do
1. Palm Springs Air Museum
Home to one of the world’s largest collections of static & flyable aircraft during the mid-century, there is always something new at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Unlike other museums, there are no ropes to keep you from interacting with exhibits here. Get up-close and personal with your favorite aircrafts and enjoy exhibits that allow all ages to gain a fresh perspective of the history of U.S. military operations from the past 100 years.
2. Indian Canyons Golf Resort
Built in 1961, this once-private club was a favorite haunt of Hollywood celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope and Jackie Gleason. Former U.S. presidents, including Ronald Reagan and Lyndon B. Johnson, also walked these fairways.
3. J. Willott Gallery
This 5,000-square-foot gallery with its 22-foot high ceilings and state-of-the art lighting feels like a visit to world-class museum. From Iván Carmona to William Fisk, the gallery has earned its reputation for hosting some of today’s most exciting contemporary artists.
4. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
As the world’s largest rotating tram car, which travels over two-and-one-half miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon, there is no better way to take in Palm Springs. Since 1963, over 20 million people have traveled this 10-minute excursion.
5. The Essential Palm Springs Tour
This tour, hosted by Palm Springs Mod Squad, showcases the local architects that shaped the mid-century look of Palm Springs: William Cody, Albert Frey, Hugh Kaptur, Wiliam Krisel, Donald Wexler and E. Stewart Williams. Along the way, you’ll see how the light and landscape helped guide these architects to create a version of Modernism specifically suited to the California desert.
Best Places to Stay
1. Orbit In Hotel
Enjoy a couple of Orbitinis around the boomerang bar or lounge by the bikini pool for a stay that is a true blast from the past at this small and private boutique hotel. Orbitin.com.
2. Del Marcos Hotel
Opened in 1947 and designed by William Cody, this was one of the first hotel properties to depart from the area’s Spanish Colonial Revival styles to herald the arrival of the mid-century in the desert. Delmarcos.com.
3. Parker Palm Springs
“Groovy modern architecture meets Hollywood glamour” was what designer Jonathan Adler was going for when designing the Parker, which was formerly the Gene Autry residence. His unique vintage finds and artful assemblages certainly make for a memorable and photo-worthy stay. Parkerpalmsprings.com.
4. The Holiday House
At this Herbert Burns-designed property originally built in 1951, you’ll find mid-century furnishings and vibrant color and pattern mixed with rich textures to capture the spirit of Palm Springs resort life. Holidayhouseps.com.
5. L’Horizon Hotel
Another of the famed Golden Era escapes, L’Horizon was built in 1952 and designed by William Cody. It’s a chic pick if you want to stay where everyone from Marilyn Monroe to a couple of U.S. presidents have stayed. Lhorizonpalmsprings.com.
Best Places to Eat
1. Norma’s – Parker Palm Springs
It’s a classic brunch locale that has stood the test of time. Enjoy a simple menu of modern comfort food. While the terrace is most coveted at this spot, the indoor tables are cozy and chic. Parkerpalmsprings.com.
2. Trio
Dine in a beautiful historic building designed by John Porter Clark and Albert Frey with a newly remodeled interior to match. Specializing in quality regional ingredients often from local farmers, Trio has been our pick for a special Atomic Ranch team dinner or two! Triopalmsprings.com.
3. Farm
It’s not hard to pack in the charm when you’re dining in a garden patio setting with a menu straight from the south of France. Farm manages to be a rustic and delicious oasis in the desert. Farmpalmsprings.com.
4. French Miso Café
A delightful pairing of French and Asian cuisine, thanks to owners Tomoko Jones and Eric Bovy, this charming jewel box of a restaurant touts delectable fare with equally special environs. Frenchmisocafe.com.
5. Chicken Ranch
Looking for a fast and fresh lunch? This sunny eatery serves delicious sandwiches and salads along with a nice menu of local beers. It’s often a first stop when the team arrives into town and fuels up for a day of building our booth at the Palm Springs Modernism Show.
6. Kings Highway
We’ve never made it to the Monday night drag bingo, but this cozy and effortlessly cool diner is a fabulous late-night option. Located inside the Ace Hotel, it’s also conveniently adjacent to the Amigo Room bar. Kingshighwaydiner.com.
7. 1501 Uptown Gastropub
With unfussy food that manages to be both hearty and elegant, and a great selection of vibrant drinks, this ticks off all the boxes. 1501uptown.com.
8. Boozehounds
Fun atomosphere, darling décor and dog friendly… what more could you ask for? Well, Boozehounds also serves vibrant, memorable dishes and, of course, great cocktails. And this rather large establishment is great for accommodating big groups or just for scoring a last-minute weekend reservation. Boozehoundsps.com.
9. 4 Saints
Fancy a fancy night out? This spot, seven stories up on the rooftop of The Rowan, has unrivaled 270-degree views of the city. Creative cocktails and a modern American menu guarantee a special evening. 4saintspalmsprings.com.
10. The Sandwich Spot
This is the Atomic Ranch go-to for a quick takeout lunch in-between group projects. Sandwiches don names worthy of the Desert Open like The Racquet Club, the Dinah, the Indian Wells and the Federer. No matter what you get, it’s all about the Dutch crunch bread. Thesandwichspot.com.
Best Places to Shop
1. Just Fabulous
The perfect first stop in town, this delightful gift boutique and bookstore sets the tone for a Palm Springs getaway. With cool artsy inventory, an extensive selection of books about the region and a ton of fun and funny finds, the shop is a whole happy experience. Bjustfab.com.
2. Grace Home Furnishings and Grace Home Gallery
Ready for a dose of refined taste and bespoke style? This stylish pair of shops—with an aesthetic that combines East Coast elegance and Old Hollywood glamour offers just that, with a sophisticated selection of furniture as well as unique and collectible art. Gracehomefurnishings.com.
3. H3K Home + Design Showroom
It’s no surprise that the design duo of Howard Hawkes and Kevin Kemper, known for some of the best and most exciting Mid Century Modern interior design in town have created a shopping destination that encapsulates what the city is all about. Find MCM-inspired furniture, décor, gifts and accessories that allow you to bring Palm Springs style back home with you. H3khome.com.
4. Destination PSP
Like a love letter to the desert, Destination PSP is a boutique that carries everything from books and home goods to clothes and accessories, many of which are store originals. The owner’s goals? To offer a range of finds that celebrate the city’s rich design history, events and people. Destinationpsp.com.
5. Trina Turk and Mr. Turk
Ready to upgrade to the quintessential Palm Springs ensemble? Head to this pair of chic boutiques that offer the designer’s apparel, accessories and home décor that feature her signature use of color and pattern that have become the de rigueur desert uniform. Trinaturk.com.
6. Tile Designs by Fina
Feel like a kid in a design candy store at this must-see showroom filled with more than 90 tile vendors in every application you can think of. Come for the inspiration or to consult with one of Fina’s knowledgeable and friendly staff.
7. Market Market
Wear your comfy shoes. Market Market is 40,000 square feet of fine vintage, repurposed and one-of-a-kind housewares, clothes, accessories and furniture in an elegantly curates space.
Getting excited for Modernism Week? We are too. Read on about the event, and find out where to catch Atomic Ranch specifically. For more information on Palm Springs Modernism Week, visit Modernism-week.com. Before you go, brush up on Key Palm Springs Architecture Terms. And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more Atomic Ranch articles and ideas!
