10 cool things to see in Palm Springs
FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT THE MARLEY Palm Springs
Mid century architecture!
If you visit Palm Springs without at least getting a taste of the extraordinary range of mid century architecture—you’ll be massively missing out. One of the best ways to get your bearings (along with lots of fun historical facts and local lore) is to take an architectural tour (hey, that rhymes). Fear not, these tours are far from bor-ing. See what we did there?
Palm Springs Art Museum
For a town as small as Palm Springs, this is a surprisingly good collection of modern and contemporary art. Be sure to walk the sculpture garden and view the photography section.
Palm Springs Architecture Museum
The art museum’s sister property features rotating exhibitions of famous local architects and artists. So if you’re up for something cultural—and quick—before cocktail hour, definitely plan a visit. And don’t miss the gift shop for some really fabulous only-in-Palm-Springs finds.
Trina Turk/Mr. Turk
Nothing captures Palm Springs glam (at least in the fashion sense) quite like Trina Turk. Serious resort wear for girls and guys, too. Friendly service to help you find something fabulous. Gentlemen, if that crazy perfect floral print jacket feels a little snug (it will), know that they have larger sizes in the back.
Moorton Botanical Garden
Yes, it’s tiny. But look at it this way, at least you won’t get lost. Spend an hour. Wander the cacti garden, enjoy the hummingbirds, and get in touch with your inner ecologist.
Destination PSP
Need a gift for those jealous friends who didn’t make the trip? This is the perfect spot. Where else are gonna find votive candles featuring famous architects and vintage travel trailer tissue boxes? You’ll also find some very unique books, t-shirts, ice buckets and place mats and more.
Pioneertown/Pappy & Harriet’s
Originally built as a set for Hollywood westerns, Pioneertown is now perhaps best known as the home of Pappy & Harriet’s—the definitive desert road house. Sure, you can stop in for lunch and grab some barbecue and a beer. But try to catch a show if you can. Pappy’s attracts bands you’ve definitely heard of—as well countless up-and-comers. You’ll not only be nose-to-nose with the performers, you can step out for a smoke break underneath a blanket of stars.
Joshua Tree
Since interplanetary travel isn’t in the cards right now (at least until Elon Musk gets his Martian base up and running), Joshua Tree is the next best thing. But an alien landscape is just the beginning. JT is also known as a spiritual vortex (it was sacred land to Native Americans) and an artistic mecca. If it’s hiking you have in mind, a whole range of treks are available, from completely casual to inarguably ambitious. So pack plenty of water, and stop at the visitor’s center to find out which one’s right for you.
The Integratron
Built in the 1960 by Dr. George Van Tassel (supposedly based on plans provided by aliens), the Integratron is a one of a kind cupola structure that sits all alone smack dab in rural Landers. Some say it’s also an energy machine capable of rejuvenation, anti-gravity and time travel. We know only this. After a sound bath inside the “acoustically perfect” chamber, you’ll leave either really relaxed or really electrified. Maybe both? Reservations required.
The Salton Sea
An hour or so east of Palm Springs lies one of the world’s largest inland seas, and a surreal landscape you have to experience to believe. From the hand-built monument to God’s love that is Salvation Mountain, to the free wheeling, free living alternative community called Slab City, this is a barren, but strangely beautiful destination (and every photographer’s dream locale).