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Palm Springs
Our photo guide to the modernist city’s mid-century charm, thriving cultural scene and natural wonders
Words: Alexandra Owens
Photography: Jessica Sample
Once known as Hollywood’s Playground, Palm Springs has provided an escape for stars needing a little R&R since the 1920s. Now, the desert oasis attracts people from all over the world with its architectural masterpieces, sophisticated restaurants and opportunities to spend time outdoors surrounded by soaring mountains and golden sand.
Palm Springs is home to one of the largest concentrations of mid-century modern architecture in the world. Book The Modern Tour to step inside some of the area’s most historically significant houses — many of which belonged to A-list celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Elizabeth Taylor.
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Immerse yourself in Old Hollywood glamor while dining at Melvyn’s, a legendary restaurant and lounge beloved by the Rat Pack, Marilyn Monroe and Marlon Brando. Enjoy classic American dishes with a twist, like red beet deviled eggs and steak with blue cheese crust. On Sundays, you can listen to live jazz in the bar while sipping a perfectly chilled martini.
The creative scene in Palm Springs is as vibrant as ever. Head Downtown to Palm Springs Art Museum, which features 28 galleries of paintings, photography, sculptures and other media, and an on-site theater for live performances. Then, take a short drive to the four-acre Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden, where contemporary artworks are situated among verdant native plants.
The Uptown Design District is the cultural heart of the city. Stroll the palm-lined streets to find vintage mid-century pieces at the boutiques, cutting-edge art galleries and trendy cafes. Be sure to stop by the design emporium Phylum, above, and The Webster, below, which sells trendy designer clothing and accessories out of a stylish 1970s revival property.
Just next door, you’ll find Workshop Kitchen & Bar, which is located inside another repurposed building — a former movie theater. A James Beard Award winner for best design, this spot also shines when it comes to food. Try wood-fired favorites like artisan pizza, a bone-in pork chop with chestnut demi-glace and swordfish loin.
Take in the natural beauty of the Greater Palm Springs area aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tram car. The 2.5-mile journey takes you along the dramatic cliffs of Chino Canyon to the serene wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area. There, you can hike over 50 miles of trails, visit the natural history museum or simply soak in the panoramic mountain views.
With more than 110 courses in the region, Palm Springs has rightfully earned its reputation as a golfer’s paradise. Test your skills at Desert Willow Golf Resort, above and below, known for its sand traps and hilly terrain carved from the foothills of Henderson’s Black Mountains. Or, perfect your swing at SilverRock, an Arnold Palmer-designed course that blends beauty with playability.
If tennis is your preferred game, check out Indian Wells, one of the sport’s most iconic venues, just 15 miles southeast of the city — which doubles as a concert venue during major events. Play a friendly match and cool off with a cocktail at the Pink Cabana, a chic but fun interpretation of the great old-school tennis and racquet clubs.
Palm Springs offers more than your typical spa experience with several therapeutic hot springs. Book a session at Two Bunch Palms, a holistic, modern wellness retreat centered around 600-year-old, mineral-rich waters. Take a deep soak, release the tension in your shoulders and finish the session with a soothing massage.
Images by Lexi Wimberly & Stephanie Pia
For a more rugged experience, head to Joshua Tree National Park, a longtime muse for painters and musicians like Jim Morrison and Ed Ruscha. You don’t have to be an artist yourself to appreciate it. Go rock climbing among rare boulder formations or join a ranger-led hike to stargaze under some of the clearest skies in California.
For a bird’s-eye view of Sedona’s red rock formations, buttes, mountains and juniper forests, take a hot-air balloon ride with Red Rock Balloons. You’ll have to rise before dawn to greet the sunrise from above, but the magnificent views are well worth the early morning wake-up call.
Where to Stay
Located in Coachella Valley, Palm Canyon, a Hilton Vacation Club offers a relaxing escape close to Palm Springs’ top attractions. Golf lovers can also enjoy some of the country’s top championship courses while staying at Hilton Grand Vacations Club Palm Desert.
Palm Canyon, a Hilton Vacation Club
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Palm Desert
Discover Palm Springs and beyond with Hilton Grand Vacations.
Visit bluegreenowner.com or club.hiltongrandvacations.com to book now!
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Club Traveler Magazine is published three times a year by Hilton Grand Vacations Club, LLC, and distributed exclusively to Owners, Members and Guests of Hilton Grand Vacations properties. All rights reserved. The publisher is not responsible for omissions or errors. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this magazine in any format or medium without written permission from Hilton Grand Vacations is prohibited.
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