THE 5 MOST INSTA-WORTHY PLACES IN PALM SPRINGS

Palm Springs. The ultimate desert vacation for fun, relaxation, and, of course, pool time. Don’t forget about the amazing art, food, entertainment, and shopping! When staying in the desert jewel of Southern California, there’s no way you’ll find yourself without anything to do.

While exploring this city, I found some beautiful spots that are sure to make your Instagram feed pop. To help you spend more time enjoying your vacation instead of searching for the most picturesque spots around town, here are my picks for the 5 most Insta-worthy places around Palm Springs.

The windmill farms along Interstate-10 are something you couldn’t miss even if you tried. The sea of 4,000 large, white windmills is a source of clean energy that generates power for the entire Coachella Valley. The whirling blades are quite mesmerizing. While the windmills alone are beautiful, it is the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio Mountain ranges southwest of the wind farms that make the photos one of a kind.

Best Time: Sunset or Sunrise. If you go any time in between, the sun creates a stark silhouette of the turbines in the mountain pass.

Directions: To get up close, drive North on N. Indian Canyon Drive (between I-10 and W San Rafael Drive). Before you reach the I-10, take a left onto Garnet Ave. Drive for about 1 mile, and you’ll see some side roads to the left where you can pull off and walk closer to the windmills.

You might wonder who would’ve been brave enough to paint a door bubblegum pink? The answer: Moises Esquenazi.

Moises, an interior designer in New York, renovated the vine-covered home, transforming it into what it is today. What’s funny is that at first, there was talk in the neighborhood to change the color of the door. However, over time, it has become an infamous spot for photos and even has its own hashtag: #thatpinkdoor.

Best time: Sunrise or Sunset. Both will have perfect lighting, so there are no harsh shadows — plus, you’ll hopefully miss the desert heat. However, if you don’t want to wait in line for a photo, sunrise is even better. That’s when I went, and there was absolutely no one around.

Address:  1100 E Sierra Way, Palm Springs, CA 92264 (This is a private home, so be respectful.)

UPDATE: Photography is no longer permitted at “That Pink Door.” Due to the overwhelming number of people who stop by for photos, the owners have asked that visitors please respect their private property and not trespass. However, you can still drive by and have a look at this lovely home. 

The rainbow of colors decorating The Saguaro makes it the most Instagrammable hotel in all of Palm Springs.

In 2012, the hotel underwent renovations under the supervision of New York-based Stamberg Aferiat Architecture, whose goal was to mimic the colors of desert wildflowers. 14 beautiful colors were chosen to match the hotel’s longest façade, which is 14 rooms with 14 balconies. These vibrant colors make it impossible not to feel instantly happy as you walk around the hotel.

Don’t miss out on this wonderland of color! There are literally hundreds of picturesque places around the hotel. Some of my favorites were by the pool, the terrace from the ballroom, and inside by the lobby. I promise you’ll have so many photos, you won’t know what to do with all of them!

Plus, if you’re hungry, be sure to check out the restaurant inside The Saguaro, El Jefe.  They have an amazing happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 pm with $5 margaritas! Their Pork Tacos were the BEST I have ever had in my life! However, I’m not surprised since the restaurant is run by celebrity chef Jose Garces!

Best Time: Midday. While the light will be harsh, this is the only time when the pool and the inside area of the complex will be without any shadows. All the colors from the different hotel balconies will be bright and vibrant.

Address: 1800 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264

Website: http://thesaguaro.com/palm-springs/

The hotel’s origins date back to 1959 and were California’s very first Holiday Inn! However, after being bought and sold multiple times, the property was purchased in 2002 by hotelier Jack Parker. He enlisted designer Jonathan Adler, famous for his modern American-glamour style, to lead a $ 27-million renovation of the property. In 2004, the hotel reopened as the Parker Palm Springs, decorated in what Adler likes to call “hippie chic,” with an eclectic mix of vintage treasures decorating the guest rooms and common spaces.

Since then, The Parker has become extremely famous on Instagram for its patterned white concrete wall and vibrant red front door.

WARNING: The Parker does not allow photography with DSLR cameras. If you want to take photos, you must use an iPhone or a digital camera. To obtain a permit to use a DRSL camera, you must apply days in advance, and the cost is $2,500!!!

Best Time: Midday. The hotel faces East and West, so the only time when the infamous white wall and red door entrance is not shaded is around noon.

Address: 4200 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264

Website: http://www.theparkerpalmsprings.com/index1.php

Known as the Rodeo Drive of the desert, El Paseo Drive is located just outside of Palm Springs in Palm Desert. It features over 300 world-class shops, clothing boutiques, art galleries, jewelers, restaurants, and more. What makes El Paseo so picturesque is that it is lined with a beautifully maintained, floral-and-statue-filled mile!

Best Time: Sunrise. There is no one driving down the street or parked alongside the road in the early morning, so take advantage of this for some awesome shots down this fabulous shopping strip.

Address: 73-470 El Paseo St., Palm Desert, CA 92260

Dress: Willow Blue Floral Maxi Dress from Love Verity (Shop HERE)

What are your favorite Insta-Worthy places around Palm Springs? Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear your suggestion!

Cheers! 

Angie xoxo