An ode to Palm Springs
This tiny little desert town holds a special place in my heart.
It seems to be the place I find myself when I need to find myself. It’s been the destination of a cross-country road trip during an extended stint of unemployment. It’s a place I’ve found inspiration in art. It’s where I ideated my eventual exodus from Phoenix to Minneapolis.
The announcement that AAM Summit is happening next May in Palm Springs stirred up a lot of emotions and excitement. Returning to this desert oasis sounds like a dream. Whether you’ll be there or visiting later, here’s my list of tips, tricks, and insights on Palm Springs.
The architecture is top-notch
Building design and architecture has always been something that I’ve enjoyed and photographing, be it the angular stark concrete slabs of brutalism or incredible woodwork in a Craftsman bungalow. Palm Springs takes Mid Century Modern to new heights. There’s a whole multi-week festival to celebrate architecture, art, interior design, landscape design, and vintage culture. (I keep promising myself I’ll go one year.)
Palm Springs was a unique getaway for the rich and famous in the post-war era. A 2 hour drive from Los Angeles, it the perfect place to party and socialize while not straying too far from work responsibilities. There’s a whole neighborhood called the Movie Colony for this exact reason! Cary Grant, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and Bob Hope are just a handful of big names with incredibly designed abodes in Palm Springs.
There are dozens of buildings worth checking out. Many offer private tours. Personally, the next time I visit, a tour of Frey House II is high on my agenda.
There’s some good opportunities for great art
I forget how exactly I found out about Desert X — I feel like it must have been on Instagram. This biannual art installation features unique pieces from artists all across the globe, scattered throughout the Sonoran desert. Sadly, 2026 is a ‘bye’ year, with no new exhibits being displayed.
That doesn’t mean all is lost! You can still see 10 pieces displayed all throughout the Coachella Valley.
The food is amazing
I will never shut up about Farm, the French spot that gives you a personal-sized French press full of fresh coffee. Go in the morning and enjoy a delicious breakfast in the AM on their patio. You won’t regret it.
Eight4Nine is an evening spot that’s a bit pricier but totally worth the investment. Perfect for date night or a little splurge.
Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong here.
Unique outings above and below
Want a cute spot perfect for Instagram selfies? Moorten Botanical Garden has a gorgeous little building filled to the brim with cactus and succulents that’s perfect for the job. Honestly though, at less than $10 to get in, you should check out the entire place. It’s charming and absolutely worth the trip.
Looking for more nature? Look up! Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to access Mt. San Jacinto State Park. Last time I ascended, there were plenty of backpackers, carrying weeks worth of supplies on their backs into the wilderness. If that’s a bit more than what you were looking for, don’t worry. There are plenty of hiking trails at various lengths for every activity level.
Need a place to relax after your mountaintop adventures? There are two restaurants at the summit — though a packed picnic could be just as lovely.
Discover Palm Springs for yourself!
May these tidbits of advice help you as you consider your next adventure. 🤞
