17 Instagram Worthy Photo Ops in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is one of my favorites and after you check out these top Instagrammable spots you’ll see why! There is some sort of magic in Palm Springs. The layer of haze that sets over the mountains along with the palm trees makes for the perfect backdrop. There are so many great photo opportunities in Palm Springs but these are my favorite places! Really wishing the mirror mirage house was still around because it was epic. Hopefully one day it’ll come back! Where is your favorite place to shoot in Palm Springs?
Check out these 17 Instagram worthy spots in Palm Springs!
Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms Estate
The Saguaro Hotel
The Saguaro Hotel is known as the “rainbow hotel,” as you can see from the brightly colored doors! The entire hotel, both the interior and exterior display bright colors that make for a picture-perfect vacation. My IG post here and here and here and here!
Image: Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism
Moorten Botanical Garden + Cactarium
Established in beautiful Palm Springs since 1938, this arboretum was created to share with everyone the beauty and extraordinary varieties of desert plants from around the world. Featuring desert trees and cacti from miniatures to giants, it offers a collection of more than 3000 varieties of plants designed in concentrated habitats along a natural trail. The highly Instagrammed exhibition of quite rare plants is the world’s first “Cactarium”.
They do have weird hours so plan ahead and check out the Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium before you go!
Old Tramway Gas Station
Now the Palm Springs Visitor Center, it’s the first building to greet you as you approach from the West on Highway 111 from Los Angeles. The building dates back to 1965 and was designed by famous Swiss-born architects Albert Frey and Robson Chambers. This building looks amazing from any angle so get creative!
The Visitor Center also is on the corner of Tram Road which is the entryway to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
Palm Canyon Drive
Imagine the coolest palm tree lined street in town filled with restaurants and shops! Just check out those retro vibes!
Palm Springs Airport
One of the coolest airports for sure. I wasn’t able to snap a photo here since I was traveling alone but the airport with the palm trees and mountain lined back drop make for an epic photo!
The Parker
The Parker Palm Springs dates back to the late 1950s , but it was its reincarnation in 2004 as the Jonathan Adler-designed boutique property that has helped lead to in now being a Leading Hotel of The World. This elegant resort hidden behind this highly Instagrammed iconic wall, has become synonymous with celebrity visits and high profile buy-outs. My obsession came with Gray Malin’s “The Parker” series! It’s legit amazing!
Basically everywhere you look is a photo opportunity at The Parker Palm Springs Hotel, but the grand entrance is particularly photo-worthy. The simple white background, repeating graphic pattern and statement orange door make this spot an Instagram gold mine. Don’t forget to head inside to find a just as impressively decorated interior! The lip prints going up the staircase are my favorite.
Pro tip: Unfortunately DSLR cameras are not allowed without prior permission and a hefty $2500 fee. The bellmen are outside to make sure of that. So have your iPhone ready.
Ace Hotel and Swim Club
The Ace found a neglected treasure in Palm Springs — a mid-century desert modern former Howard Johnson motel with a Denny’s — dusted it off, gave it some love and made it into Ace Hotel & Swim Club. Their custom sign greeting you at the entrance is one of Palm Springs most Instagramed backdrops. But not just that, you’ll find killer wall murals and Instagram worthy spots all over this hotel! The Ace is also home to King’s Highway, a diner that serves up (mostly) local, organic fare and one of our favorites, Stumptown Coffee.
The Arrive
Tiled walls, epic floors, and beautiful food make this North End hotel a must for photos. Make sure to find the outdoor shower/door to the pool pump because it has a super cheeky cut out phrase worth capturing!
The Windmills
The key to getting the best photos at the windmills is to go for sunset! Golden hour here is so magical against an open desert landscape. The mountains will have a misty glow that makes for some amazing photos!
Palm Springs Welcome Sign
Just steps away from the Palm Springs Visitor Center is the ultimate picture! This is a signature image that “proves” you were in Palm Springs and most visitors know its location. The never-ending blue sky and striking mountains in the background can’t be beat!
Ice Cream Shoppe
This place is super cute! Grab some ice cream and shop! The best of both worlds. The shop is adorably filled with Palm Springs perfection. I’m talking pins, floats, neon lights, towels, mugs, and everything “Palm Springs is better”!
My Ice Cream Shoppe post here!
That Pink Door
You know the one. That famous pink door! We emailed ahead of time and got permission to shoot here. Recently the owners decided not to allow photos there so make sure to respect their property.
Party Lions
There’s always new fun floats around the party lions house! It’s just a few doors down from that pink door and super cute!
My party lion post on IG here!
Although not in Palm Springs, these photo opps are worth the drive!
Roadside Dinosaurs
The iconic Cabazon Dinosaurs are located about 20 minutes west of Palm Springs, especially convenient if you’re coming from LA. These quirky roadside dinosaurs, Dinny the Dinosaur and Mr. Rex, were completed in 1975 and 1986 and have been featured in several movies and TV shows. #CabazonDinosaurs
Joshua Tree National Park
Salvation Mountain
Read Next:
20 Photos To Inspire You To Visit Palm Springs
How To Plan A Girlfriends’ Getaway To Palm Springs, California
What To Pack For A Trip To Palm Springs (Including All Things Rainbow!!!)
My Stay At The Colorful Saguaro (The Rainbow Hotel) In Palm Springs
