The Coachella Valley is filled with plenty of exciting things to do, especially if you’re a Mid Mod aficionado. Palm Springs may the be the most well-known of the desert cities, but that certainly doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do elsewhere. A few miles south of Palm Springs sits the town of Rancho Mirage— and it’s filled with unique activities, delicious restaurants and beautiful resorts.
Still not convinced? Check out some of our must-see sights in Rancho Mirage.
1. Explore the night sky at the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory
Opened in 2018, this recent addition to Rancho Mirage brings a research-level facility to the Coachella Valley. Tours are offered twice daily Tuesday through Saturday and nighttime stargazing events occur monthly. The observatory holds 5 different telescopes and the main one offers views up to 50 million light years away!
2. Get a welcome from Frank Sinatra at the Micheal S. Wolfson Park
Enter this unique park and hear a welcome from Sinatra himself! The fun doesn’t stop there, though— you can find a fountain, multiple benches, a Braille-marked trail and a fragrance garden hidden inside. The picture-perfect park wonderfully demonstrates the beauty of the resilient desert flora.
3. Tour a Mid Mod mansion that’s been visited by presidents and princes alike at the Sunnylands Estate
Sitting on 200 carefully landscaped acres, the Sunnylands Estate was built in 1966 by architect A. Quincy Jones. It was designed for Walter and Leonore Annenberg, ambassadors who wanted a place to live, host and give back. The home has been visited by people like Presidents Nixon and Obama and even Prince Charles! The estate boasts a golf course, 11 lakes and an outdoor sculpture garden. Explore the grounds and garden or book a tour to see the inside of this showstopping home.
4. Eat a 5-star meal with a 5-star view at the Edge Steakhouse.
Floor-to-ceiling windows are the star of the show at this Ritz Carlton restaurant. But with dishes like Center Cut Petite Filet Mignon and Black Truffle Winter Pasta, a meal here promises to be a feast for the stomach just as much it is for the eyes.
5. Live in luxury at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort
With a 27 hole golf course and 5 onsite restaurants, this amenity-filled resort promises to be more than just a place to lay your head. Cool off in the waterpark, which holds a lazy river and a cliffside hot tub or unwind from a long day of traveling at the 20,000 sq. ft European spa. Whatever you choose to do, chances are: you’ll love it.
6. Spend the day on the greens at the Shadow Ridge Golf Club
With the valley receiving over 350 days of sun per year, it’s always a great time to play a few holes. Set against the backdrop of the San Jacinto mountains, the course is filled with a mix of challenging and easy holes. Throughout the years, the exquisite course has received numerous accolades and remains the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon.
7. Head down the road to learn about and tour a brand new Desert Eichler
If you’re already in town for Modernism Week, why not stop by our exciting talk-and-tour? Located just a few miles north of Rancho Mirage, join us as we partner with KUD Properties to learn about how they built a Desert Eichler and the challenges of updating Mid Mod design for the 21st century.
Ready to head west yet? Check out some more of our favorite things to do in the Coachella Valley. And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more Mid Century Modern inspiration!
