10 Must-Visit Addresses on Palm Canyon Drive (2024)

10 Must-Visit Addresses on Palm Canyon Drive (1)

Visiting for the first time, or just haven’t been down the main drag lately? We’ve compiled 10 places you have to see.

Anthony Grant Attractions

10 Must-Visit Addresses on Palm Canyon Drive (2)

The backside of Koffi on Palm Canyon Drive offers spectacular views of the San Jacinto Mountains.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF KOFFI ON NORTH PALM CANYON

Palm Springs’ most popular byway is unquestionably Palm Canyon Drive, which traverses the low desert plain before abruptly turning into the palm-tree lined thoroughfare that hits the heart of downtown, with plenty of stops along with way.

Read on for 10 of our faves:

NO. 1

Today it’s known as the Palm Springs Visitors Center, but when this edifice with a spaceship-style roof debuted in 1963 it did so as the Tramway Gas Station. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Valley Station sits farther up Tramway Road. Designed by midcentury architects Albert Frey and Robson Chambers, it’s every bit as distinctive now as it was then, and fittingly it’s the first thing you see when rolling onto Palm Canyon from Interstate 10. A selfie stop under that famous cantilevered, wedge rooftop is obligatory.

2901 N. Palm Canyon Drive

10 Must-Visit Addresses on Palm Canyon Drive (3)

PHOTO BY GREGG FELSEN
The Visitor’s Center is a perfect place for that first Palm Springs selfie.

10 Must-Visit Addresses on Palm Canyon Drive (4)

NO. 2

Whether or not you’ve snagged an invite to a chic poolside party somewhere in Palm Springs, around here it pays to look the part. Fortunately Wil Stiles makes it easy with his fine range of jaunty midcentury modern–inspired men’s shirts. You can find colorful womenswear and a selection of international labels, too, at this quintessential Palm Canyon boutique.

875 N. Palm Canyon Drive

NO. 3

Koffi is Palm Springs’ ever-cheerful answer to Starbucks and its flagship location has served as a gateway to the Uptown Design District. The expansive lawn in back is where locals perch and sip house-roasted coffee. Meander a couple doors down in the same building to Just Fabulous to peruse the art and design books and a vast range of cool, midcentury modern–themed gifts.

515 N. Palm Canyon Drive

10 Must-Visit Addresses on Palm Canyon Drive (5)

10 Must-Visit Addresses on Palm Canyon Drive (6)

NO. 4

Built in 1936, the 800-seat Plaza Theatre is no longer in use, although there are whispers of a restoration project. Legend has it the theater is where the 1930s classic Camille premiered, with star Greta Garbo incognito in the back row. The adjacent arcade shopping center is a throwback to the Golden Age of Hollywood and worth a stroll anytime of year.

264 N. Palm Canyon Drive

NO. 5

The lovely Welwood Murray Memorial Library anchors the corner of East Tahquitz Canyon Way and South Palm Canyon Drive. Most tourists walk right past without realizing the Welwood is the oldest intact civil structure in Palm Springs, with roots stretching back to 1886. Dr. Welwood Murray built the city’s first hotel with a small adobe building in the back that was a free library. When his son took over the property, he gave the land to Palm Springs in the late 1930s on the condition that the land be used to house a free library. Recently renovated, it serves the Palm Springs Historical Society. Stop by for free tourism information and a peek at the small interior garden.

100 S. Palm Canyon Drive

NO. 6

The Palm Springs Historical Society Museums prove there’s a lot more to this desert oasis than the Rat Pack. You’ll find a microcosm of it amid the Palm Canyon bustle at the lovely Village Green Heritage Center. It’s the parklike setting for a cluster of minimuseums including the McCallum Adobe, a pair of 19th-century pioneer homes, and Miss Cornelia White’s “Little House.” There’s a historical display and film on Palm Springs history inside the restored adobe.

221 S. Palm Canyon Drive

10 Must-Visit Addresses on Palm Canyon Drive (7)

10 Must-Visit Addresses on Palm Canyon Drive (8)

NO. 7

Set in a former bank building surrounded by urban desert landscaping, the Architecture and Design Center, part of the Palm Springs Art Museum, is billed as “the hub of the museum’s exploration of architecture and design” and always has deftly curated temporary exhibitions. A museum shop with design books and gifts is tucked inside the former vault. Even better, admission is free.

300 S. Palm Canyon Drive

NO. 8

There are Bank of America branches all over Southern California, but only one was inspired by Le Corbusier and it’s parked on South Palm Canyon Drive. Built in 1959 by Victor Gruen Associates, the design was inspired by Corbusier’s groundbreaking chapel in Ronchamp, France (which had only been completed four years prior).

10 Must-Visit Addresses on Palm Canyon Drive (9)

The thick, curved white roof seems to float above the walls, which are mostly white but covered with blue tile on one side. Even if you’re not a customer, it’s worth popping in for the cathedral-caliber view of the mountains from the westward-facing floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

588 S. Palm Canyon Drive

NO. 9

Sure, you can find Louis Vuitton in the desert, but the best part of shopping in Palm Springs is the stuff you won’t find anywhere else. Vintage reigns supreme. While thrift shops and consignment stores abound in the desert, Revivals Resale Mart stands out for its wide selection of absolutely everything under the sun. Sales benefit the Desert AIDS Project. There are different branches, but this one’s the original — and the retro strip mall it anchors is also home to a healthy café that’s a known haunt of Miley Cyrus and Suzanne Somers.

611 S. Palm Canyon Drive

No. 10

V Palm Springs is a retro-chic hideaway from the commercial fray. It’s both a throwback to the Palm Springs motel culture of yore and a nod to the midcentury modern craze of now. You don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy gourmet nibbles poolside at Elixir, the property’s beachless gourmet cabana with a chef-driven menu and creative co*cktails.

333 E. Palm Canyon Drive

10 Must-Visit Addresses on Palm Canyon Drive (10)

10 Must-Visit Addresses on Palm Canyon Drive (2024)

FAQs

What is the most famous street in Palm Springs? ›

Palm Springs' most popular byway is unquestionably Palm Canyon Drive, which traverses the low desert plain before abruptly turning into the palm-tree lined thoroughfare that hits the heart of downtown, with plenty of stops along with way.

Is Palm Canyon Drive walkable? ›

The first thing you need to know about Palm Canyon Drive is that you can walk the popular downtown Palm Springs strip in about an hour, so break out those walking shoes if you're looking for a fun urban hike with lots of pitstops.

Does Palm Springs have a strip? ›

The compact downtown strip along Indian Canyon and Palm Canyon drives is packed with everything you need for a laid-back desert hang, from museums, shopping, and casinos to top restaurants, nightlife, and breweries – all accessible on foot, by bike, or via apps like Lyft and Uber.

What is Palm Springs known for? ›

A popular resort city for many years, Palm Springs is known for its natural hot springs, hotels, restaurants, golf courses, and sunny weather. It's been a favorite destination for Hollywood stars since the 1930s, and many celebrities maintain homes in the Palm Springs area.

Where do celebrities hang out in Palm Springs? ›

The swanky Parker Palm Springs hotel is often a go-to spot for celebs when they come to the desert.

Do any celebrities live in Palm Springs? ›

Leonardo DiCaprio became Palm Springs' most famous resident when he purchased Dinah Shore's former home at 432 Hermosa. When he isn't using his Palm Springs residence, the Oscar-winning actor rents the property out. The mid-century modern home includes 6 bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms.

Is it illegal to walk a camel down palm canyon drive in Palm Springs between the hours of 4 00 and 6 00 pm? ›

When in Palm Springs, please remember that you can't walk your camel down Palm Canyon Drive from 4 to 6 p.m. Apparently it is OK at other times of the day. If you head to San Francisco and you bring your elephant, please know that you can't walk it on Market Street – unless it is on a leash.

Is there a place to stop between Palm Springs and Grand Canyon? ›

The top stops along the way from Palm Springs to Grand Canyon National Park (with short detours) are Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, and Bearizona Wildlife Park. Other popular stops include London Bridge, Don Laughlin's Classic Car Museum, and Hackberry General Store.

What is the nicest part of Palm Springs? ›

Downtown Palm Springs CA is the nicest part of Palm Springs. Palm Springs Canyon Drive is dotted on either side by giant palm trees, a true postcard perspective of the city. Most of the hotels, restaurants, shopping, and bars are found in this convenient downtown area.

What is the fancy part of Palm Springs? ›

Andreas Hills. Andreas Hills is often referred to as the "Bel Air of Palm Springs'' since it's the most exclusive, prestigious, and scenic neighborhood in the desert city.

Where to avoid in Palm Springs? ›

The area that is known as 'Desert Highland Gateway Estates'. It is probably the worst area in Palm Springs. In terms of good and bad areas, stay out of North Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs and parts of Cathedral City. Stay in South Palm Springs and you should be good.

What is the best month to go to Palm Springs? ›

If you're looking to come at the most popular time of year with nearly perfect weather, that would be February, March and April. This is when the average temperature hovers in the 70s and 80s by day with cooler temps rolling in during the dry desert nights.

Why do people like Palm Springs so much? ›

Palm Springs architecture has long made the town a favored destination of midcentury-modern design lovers, and the biggest names of that era (say, Walt Disney or Frank Sinatra) enjoyed the desert oasis plenty.

How many days should I spend in Palm Springs? ›

HOW MANY DAYS IN PALM SPRINGS? Length of stay really depends on how much exploring you want to do in the surrounding region. If Palm Springs, Salvation Mountain, Joshua Tree and Indian Canyon are all a part of the itinerary, I suggest a minimum four-night stay to give you three full days in the region.

Can you drive by celebrity homes? ›

Can you drive by celebrity homes? While a few celebrity homes are tucked away on private roads, you can definitely drive by most of them. It's one of the reasons tours of Hollywood are so popular!

Does Leonardo DiCaprio have a house in Palm Springs? ›

Palm Springs, California has plenty of homes and mansions that are breathtaking inside and out. Leonardo DiCaprio's Palm Springs estate, located at 432 Hermosa, is no exception. Want to see Palm Springs architecture & history for yourself? Check out the tours available TODAY!

Which Kardashians live in Palm Springs? ›

Kylie Jenner's mansion appears to be the crown jewel of an expanding Kardashian-Jenner real estate empire in the Palm Springs, California area, where her mother Kris Jenner and sisters Kourtney Kardashian also have opulent abodes.

Did Marilyn Monroe live in Palm Springs? ›

Today, the exterior of that home remains virtually as it did when Marilyn resided there—and is a popular tourist destination. Of course, Marilyn's history extends well beyond the bounds of Palm Springs. During her Hollywood tenure, she rose to such fame that her films became huge money makers.

What part of Palm Springs does Kris Jenner live? ›

Holiday Home in La Quinta, Palm Springs

Another crown jewel of Kris Jenner's famous string of big-budget finds is a $12 million lavish holiday pad in La Quinta, Palm Springs, California, within the Coachella Valley.

What are some weird laws in Palm Springs? ›

In Palm Springs, it is illegal to walk a camel down Palm Canyon Drive between the hours of four and six PM. In Portola, no person may carry a fish into a bar. In Prunedale, two bathtubs may not be installed in the same house.

Can you drink in public in Palm Springs? ›

(a) No person shall drink, use or consume any alcoholic beverage, as defined in Section 23004 (and related sections) of the Business and Professions Code of the state of California, upon any public street, sidewalk, highway, road, lane or alley, or in or upon any other publicly-owned property which is open to the use ...

How do I get to Joshua Tree from Palm Springs without a car? ›

If you don't want a rental, you can also look into a bus and uber/cab combo on the SunLine Transit Agency. You can take the #2 bus from Palm Springs to Desert Hot Springs and then take an uber/cab from there to Joshua Tree. Just note that the uber/cab can get a little pricey depending on peak times.

What is the ghost town on the way to Palm Springs? ›

Calico is an Old West mining town that has been around since 1881 during the largest silver strike in California. With its 500 mines, Calico produced over $20 million in silver ore over a 12-year span.

What is the only town within the Grand Canyon? ›

Off the beaten path

Roughly 5.5 million tourists visit the Grand Canyon each year, but few realise that this vast abyss is home to a tiny village hidden 3,000ft in its depths: Supai, Arizona.

Did Einstein visit Palm Springs? ›

On March 1, 1933, the Nobel Prize winning scientist, Albert Einstein, and his wife, Elsa, came to Palm Springs. The couple was fleeing from Nazi Germany where the influence of Adolph Hitler was making it more and more dangerous to practice Judaism. They stayed at the Willows, an elegant home owned by Samuel Untermeyer.

What time of day is best to drive to Palm Springs? ›

Most drivers leave late morning to afternoon. Depart early well before lunchtime for less traffic or after dinner.

What is the main St in Palm Springs? ›

All of the spots on this list can be found on Palm Canyon Drive, the main strip in Palm Springs.

What town is at the top of the mountain from Palm Springs? ›

A perfect day trip from the desert of Palm Springs is to escape to the mountain town of Idyllwild, California. Nestled in the San Jacinto mountains, a 1-hour car trip to Idyllwild provides a polar opposite to Palm Springs with tall, majestic pine trees, fragrant cedar trees and legendary rock outcroppings.

Is Indian Wells more expensive than Palm Springs? ›

But more mid-to-east valley, about 30 minutes from Palm Springs, is Indian Wells, which has the area's priciest residential real estate as ranked by median listing price, according to Realtor.com.

Is Tahquitz River Estates safe? ›

It's a quiet safe place to walk. " "love the people and trail, very close to downtown I can walk there and I feel very safe. it is a great area to love in with dog lovers and people riding their bikes. it's a wonderful experience for tourists. "

Is Palm Springs a foodie city? ›

Palm Springs' best local restaurants have helped the Californian city garner a reputation among foodies as a major hot spot for quality dining.

Is Palm Springs a dark sky city? ›

The Greater Palm Springs (GPS) area, comprised of nine communities, is also home to pockets of natural beauty and dark skies.

What is the Palm Springs aesthetic? ›

Since the 1920's, visionary modernist architects have designed sleek, modern homes that have embraced the desert environment. The dramatic geographic surroundings of the Coachella Valley inspired a design aesthetic in the middle of the 20th Century now called Desert Modernism.

What is the best street in Palm Springs? ›

Palm Springs' most popular byway is unquestionably Palm Canyon Drive, which traverses the low desert plain before abruptly turning into the palm-tree lined thoroughfare that hits the heart of downtown, with plenty of stops along with way.

How walkable is Palm Springs? ›

Getting Around. Palm Springs is relatively compact and walkable. The Palm Springs International Airport is about a 10-minute ride into downtown.

What is low season in Palm Springs? ›

Low season in Palm Springs is summer, a bit reversed from many other destinations. As the heat rises, the prices fall, so you'll find some great values across all hotel and resort properties in the summer. The busiest time of year is January – March, and April weekends are busy with Music Festivals.

Is it expensive in Palm Springs? ›

Cost of Living in Palm Springs, California by Expense Category. Palm Springs's housing expenses are 43% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 6% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 13% higher than the national average.

Is Palm Springs hotter than Vegas? ›

Summer daytime temperatures frequently reach 100 degrees, and winter days are mild with highs in the low 70s. Las Vegas enjoys a similar desert climate, with sunny skies and seasonal temperatures only a bit cooler than in Palm Springs.

What is the warmest month in Palm Springs? ›

August is the hottest month in Palm Springs with an average temperature of 25.05°C (77°F) and the coldest is January at 13.55°C (56°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 13 in August. The wettest month is January with an average of 48.4mm of rain.

What food is Palm Springs known for? ›

One local ingredient that's truly celebrated in Palm Springs is the date, grown locally in Southern California and blended deliciously into the area's famous “date shakes.”

What's Palm Springs famous for? ›

A popular resort city for many years, Palm Springs is known for its natural hot springs, hotels, restaurants, golf courses, and sunny weather. It's been a favorite destination for Hollywood stars since the 1930s, and many celebrities maintain homes in the Palm Springs area.

What is the 2 hour rule in Palm Springs? ›

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — Allegedly, Palm Springs became Palm Springs through a quirk in contracts old-time Hollywood bosses used to write for their stars: a “two-hour rule” stipulating that no famous face should be more than 120 minutes away in case it was needed for an urgent film shoot.

What age is Palm Springs for? ›

Palm Springs is rated R by the MPAA for sexual content, language throughout, drug use and some violence.

What are the names of the famous streets in Palm Springs? ›

Insider Fact: Andreas Canyon, Andreas Road, Andreas Creek Drive and Andreas Palm Drive are also his namesakes.

What is the richest neighborhood in Palm Springs? ›

As one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Palm Springs, Parc Andreas offers two private tennis courts and numerous paths for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Although it's a relatively small gated community, Parc Andreas remains one of the most desirable places to live in SoCal.

What neighborhood do the Kardashians live in Palm Springs? ›

Kim Kardashian has purchased a lot in the tony area with the intentions of building a home on it. Kim revealed new insights about her nascent Palm Springs home last year in an interview with Vogue.

What is the famous road in Palm Beach? ›

Clematis Street is the historical heart of Downtown West Palm Beach. Starting at Flagler Drive on the Intracoastal Waterway, walk west to experience the indigenous flavor of the area's colorful boutiques, nightclubs, live music, restaurants and historical landmarks.

What is the wealthy street in Palm Beach? ›

Worth Avenue | An enchanting resort destination in Palm Beach, Florida.

How many towns are in Palm Springs? ›

While our nine cities — Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella — have distinct histories and personalities, all enchant and offer endless ways to chill.

What did Margaritaville Palm Springs used to be called? ›

A look at the front lobby area at the Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs, formerly the Riviera.

What celebrities live in La Quinta CA? ›

Other famous La Quinta residents include Lori Loughlin and Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber. The Palm Springs home of decorator for celebrities Martyn Lawrence Bullard, whose clients include Kylie Jenner, Tommy Hilfiger, Cher, and more A-listers.

What is the wealthiest city in Coachella valley? ›

On the western end is Palm Springs, known for its old Hollywood glamour, stylish resorts, and significant architecture. But more mid-to-east valley, about 30 minutes from Palm Springs, is Indian Wells, which has the area's priciest residential real estate as ranked by median listing price, according to Realtor.com.

Where does Kris Jenner go in Palm Springs? ›

53389 ross ave la quinta ca 92253 zillow palm springs houses jenner house mansions. There is also 11,000 square feet of "livable outdoor space," which features a pool, multiple fire pits, and a great deal of seating. The Kardashians just love going home shopping!

Where is Kris Jenner's house in La Quinta? ›

Kris Jenner's Palm Springs abode is located in La Quinta, California, within the confines of the Madison Club, a high-end golf resort.

What city is Kim Kardashian's house in? ›

Kardashian and her former husband purchased this ranch-style home in Hidden Hills, California, for $2.98 million in 2019. The same year Kardashian and Ye welcomed their fourth child together, they also trained their eye on expanding their Hidden Hills empire.

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