21 Best Palm Springs Instagram Spots (& a FREE Map!)
Palm trees, mountain views, and an iconic history make Palm Springs one of the top places to visit in California. Well-known for its mid-century modern design, the city and surrounding area offer SO many opportunities to take gorgeous photos. For the best Palm Springs Instagram spots, you’ve come to the right place!
Although my home base is Los Angeles, I’ve traveled to Palm Springs countless times over the past decade because I have family there. It’s virtually my second home! I always enjoy sharing my local insights with anyone who’s planning a visit.
Don’t forget to make it till the end of this post to snag your FREE map of all the locations mentioned!
Let’s dive in:
1. PS <3 U Sign
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What’s more classic than a photo with a sign declaring your love for the city? Snap a pic with this adorable and fun sign located right on Palm Canyon Drive in front of the Kimpton Rowan Hotel.
Address: In front of Juniper Table, 100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
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2. Kimpton Rowan Hotel
Then, once you’ve grabbed your shot at the red sign outside, head just a few steps over to the entrance of the Kimpton Rowan itself. I grabbed this pic in front of the building because the facade was so cool. But you can also head inside.
I love this hotel because its interior design is so well crafted. While you’re snapping pics of the lobby, press the elevator up to check out the hotel’s rooftop. It’s a total vibe, and one of the highest places in the city for the best views!
Address: 100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
3. In front of the windmills
A classic Palm Springs shot! I recommend coming at either sunrise or sunset for the best shot, because the sunlight between noon and 3pm is often way too harsh to get a good pic.
How to get a photo with the windmills: Head west on Garnet Avenue past N Indian Canyon Drive. Take Garnet for about a mile, until you see a bunch of side roads. You can take any one of those side roads where you can carefully pull off and walk a little closer to the windmills.
Pro tip: It gets windy here, so be prepared! Don’t wear a hat – you might lose it – or a short skirt.
Coordinates: 33.90441, -116.55569
4. Moorten Botanical Garden
My favorite location for a photoshoot! You have to be a bit discreet here, since Moorten Botanical Garden requires a photo permit to take pictures if you’re using a professional DSLR camera. Cell phone shots are fine though!
Cost: $5 entrance fee.
Address: 1701 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
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5. In front of the Marilyn Monroe Statue
You can’t miss the huge Marilyn Monroe statue in between Palm Canyon Drive and the Palm Springs Art Museum. It’s an adorable photo opp that says “I’m in Palm Springs!” like almost nothing else.
However, if you aren’t familiar, many of the local residents are against the statue depicting the late actress. Monroe, who was sexualized her entire life, remains objectified in this statue, too. Louis Grachos, the executive director of the Palm Springs Museum of Art, stated in an article: ““You come out of the museum and the first thing you … see is a 26-foot-tall Marilyn Monroe with her entire backside and underwear exposed.”
Quite frankly, I agree. Grachos adds: ““What message does that send to our young people, our visitors and community to present a statue that objectifies women, is sexually charged and disrespectful?”
Aside from the controversy, I don’t see harm in getting a pic with the statue from the front, but unfortunately there’s nothing stopping anyone from taking a picture straight up her dress without her consent… a message that reeks of rape culture.
Address: Museum Wy, Palm Springs, CA 92262
6. Rooftop of the Parking Garage by the Palm Springs Art Museum
So if snapping a pic with Marilyn isn’t your thing, a GREAT alternative is heading to the top of the parking garage just across the street. We climbed the stairs and got these cool shots with the mountains as a backdrop. You’d never know these shots were taken in a parking lot!
Coordinates: 33.82501, -116.5491
7. The Palm Springs Art Museum
What could be better than a selfie with art? Virtually nothing! At the Palm Springs Art Museum, there are SO many great spots to take photos with art.
There’s a sculpture garden downstairs which always prompts some fun poses. And the outside of the building has some very intriguing architecture.
Address: 101 N Museum Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
8. The Parker Hotel
Stepping inside the Parker Hotel is like stepping into the 1960s. The upscale retro vibe here is simply irresistible. You’ll want to spend some time exploring the grounds, finding the mysterious chess set, and admiring the hotel’s lobby.
Address: 4200 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
9. The Saguaro Hotel
For a super dreamy, colorful, and fun Palm Springs aesthetic, head to The Saguaro Hotel. You might recognize the hotel’s multicolored walls by now, since they are practically Insta-famous by now! I have been there many times for ALT Summit and always enjoy taking pictures. El Jefe, the hotel’s onsite restaurant, is delicious!
Address: 1800 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
10. The Ace Hotel & Swim Club
Just up the street from The Saguaro is The Ace Hotel, one of the best Palm Springs Instagram spots. You simply can’t get more classically cool than the hipster and mid-century modern Ace. One of the hotel chain’s first few locations, the Ace Palm Springs is a must-visit, if not for the photos, then for the ping-pong tables in the back!
Address: 701 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
11. Joshua Tree National Park
If you have time, definitely try to stop by Joshua Tree National park because it’s a great Instagram spot in Palm Springs. The Joshua trees are just WILD looking… they truly look like they’re from outer space.
It will take a minimum of three hours to visit the park, including drive time from Palm Springs. I recommend entering the park at the West entrance, which is considered the “main” entrance. From here, you can see the most Joshua trees in less time than taking the other entrances.
Address: 6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
12. Azucar at La Serena Villas
The rooftop at Azucar is one of the most intimate and hidden places in Palm Springs. Be sure to book a dinner reservation in advance, since this area isn’t open to the public on most days.
When you enter, you’ll also get to see the beautifully designed restaurant on the lower level as well, which is great for snapping pictures with, too!
Address: 339 S Belardo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
13. Desert X
If you’re planning your visit during Desert X, which comes to the Coachella Valley every two years, you’re in luck! Desert X is a compilation of outdoor art installations that are not only cool to look at, but also spark great dialogue.
The most recent Desert X in 2023 featured artists including Gerald Clarke, Rana Begum, Tschabalala Self, and more.
Address: Varies each year
14. The Famous Pink Door
You can’t visit Palm Springs without getting a photo with The Pink Door! Actually, you can (wink)! Somehow, even after visiting Palm Springs at least six times every year, I haven’t yet taken a photo with The Pink Door. Impossible, right?!
But as a visitor, you might want to snag one! It’s everyone’s favorite shot and a classic part of visiting. P.S., you can only grab a shot from the sidewalk now – just a heads up!
Address: 1099 E Sierra Way, Palm Springs, CA 92264
15. Cabazon Dinosaurs
If you’re driving from Los Angeles to Palm Springs, you’ll want to snag a pic with this classic Palm Springs Instagram spot! The Cabazon Dinosaurs are a popular favorite to get photos with. Get up close and personal with a tremendous beast that feels pretty life-size!
Address:
16. Indian Canyon Neighborhood
Dreaming of a shot with mountains and palm trees in the background? I feel you! Simply drive through the Indian Canyon neighborhood and you’ll get exactly that.
Quintessential Palm Springs Instagram spots are located throughout this area, so you really can’t go wrong. Jaw-dropping architecture, California aesthetic… this is IT.
Address: 50770 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230
17. Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Canyon Drive is considered the main road throughout downtown Palm Springs. Walk up and down this street for plenty of Instagram photo spots and shopping, too!
Address: Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
18. Boozehounds Palm Springs
One of my favorite restaurants in Palm Springs! Boozehounds is a dog-friendly restaurant, which makes it SO much fun. I came here with my pup, Casper, for a tasty meal while Casper enjoyed meeting new furry friends.
The restaurant is decked out in pink and pastel decor, which is super cute!
Address: 2080 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
19. Pink Elephant Car Wash Sign
For those of you who love a vintage look, head to the Pink Elephant car wash sign. Located on Highway 111, you can’t miss this landmark!
You could get a really cool shot here and make it grainy for a “shot on film,” 1970s era aesthetic.
Address: 71490 CA-111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
20. Chase Bank Designed by E. Stewart Williams – 1960
Oh, yes…. One of the most iconic buildings in downtown Palm Springs that doesn’t nearly get enough credit. The Chase Bank designed by E. Stewart Williams is a mid-century modern classic, with swooping arches for pillars. I’m obsessed with this building.
Address: 499 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
21. Palm Springs City Hall
Another architectural gem and one of the top Palm Springs Instagram photo spots in my opinion. Palm Springs City Hall was designed by Swiss-born Albert Frey along with E. Stewart Williams, Robson Chambers, and John Porter Clark.
This building is honestly more like a golf course clubhouse than a government building, but hey, that’s Palm Springs for ya! The futuristic design elements and circular rotunda make for an AWESOME shot.
Address: 3200 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
I hope you enjoyed this guide to Palm Springs Instagram spots. Are you visiting Palm Springs soon? Leave a comment and let me know!
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