Photo: Patrick Pelster · CC BY-SA 3.0Photo Spots
The best photo spots in Palm Springs: Frey's swooping gas station, the Aerial Tramway, palm canyons, Forever Marilyn, midcentury homes and the wind farms.
Palm Springs is a photographer's dream of blue skies, palm trees, mountains and midcentury modern architecture.
The San Jacinto Mountains rise almost straight up from the city, so dramatic backdrops are everywhere, and the low desert sun paints the peaks pink and orange at sunset.
Between the hills and the desert, you will find butterfly roofs, colorful front doors, palm oases, giant statues and fields of wind turbines. This guide gathers the best places to photograph Palm Springs, from famous icons to quiet viewpoints, with tips on timing and angles.
The top pick in each category, at a glance.
| Category | Our pick | |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Palm Springs Visitor Center | 📍 View |
| Mountain & Valley Views | Mountain Station | 📍 View |
| Most Iconic & Instagrammable Spots | Palm Springs Visitor Center | 📍 View |
| Views From Above: Observation Decks & High Points | Mountain Station decks | 📍 View |
| Spots to Photograph Palm Springs at Night | VillageFest | 📍 View |
| Sunset Spots | Mountain Station | 📍 View |
| Views From the Water | Hotel pools | 📍 View |
| Aesthetic Streets & Architecture | Palm Springs Visitor Center | 📍 View |
📍 North Palm Springs
◷ Morning
Albert Frey's former Tramway Gas Station, with a swooping roof that seems to take flight toward the mountains.
Where to shoot: Shoot from across the parking lot to frame the roof against the peaks.
Pro tip: A low angle exaggerates the curve of the roof.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Chino Canyon
◷ Morning
Rotating tram cars gliding up the cliffs of Chino Canyon toward Mount San Jacinto.
Where to shoot: Shoot from the Valley Station deck as a car climbs, or from inside the rotating car.
Pro tip: Sit near the window as the car rotates for views down the canyon.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Mount San Jacinto
◷ Afternoon
Pine forests, granite boulders and views over the desert from the top of the tram.
Where to shoot: Shoot from the viewpoints on the Desert View Trail toward the valley.
Pro tip: Winter snow adds a striking contrast with the desert below.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Indian Canyons
◷ Morning
A long oasis of California fan palms along a stream on Agua Caliente land.
Where to shoot: Shoot from the trail near the trading post down into the palm grove.
Pro tip: Arrive at opening time for soft light and fewer people.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Indian Canyons
◷ Morning
A shaded stream, palms and dramatic rock formations in the Indian Canyons.
Where to shoot: Shoot along the stream with the rocks and palms framing the scene.
Pro tip: Look for reflections in the calm pools.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 South Palm Springs
◷ Morning
A sacred canyon with a seasonal waterfall at the end of a rocky trail.
Where to shoot: Shoot from the viewing area at the base of the falls.
Pro tip: Visit after winter rains, when the waterfall is fullest.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Downtown
◷ Morning
Nearly 500 stars set into the sidewalks of Palm Canyon Drive, honoring celebrities with ties to Palm Springs.
Where to shoot: Shoot straight down on a star, or along the sidewalk with palms behind.
Pro tip: Look for Frank Sinatra's and Elvis Presley's stars.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Old Las Palmas
◷ Golden hour
Richard Neutra's 1946 glass-and-steel house, famous from Slim Aarons' Poolside Gossip.
Where to shoot: Shoot only from the street, with respect for the residents.
Pro tip: A longer lens helps from the sidewalk.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Vista Las Palmas
◷ Golden hour
Streets of Alexander homes with butterfly roofs, breeze blocks and palms against the mountains.
Where to shoot: Shoot from the street to frame a roofline with the peaks behind.
Pro tip: Late afternoon light warms the facades.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Downtown
◷ Morning
A midcentury civic building by Albert Frey and partners, with a striking entrance canopy and palm trees.
Where to shoot: Shoot the entrance from the front lawn.
Pro tip: Visit on a weekend for an empty scene.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Downtown
◷ Morning
Stewart Williams' dark stone museum at the foot of the mountains, with sculptures outside.
Where to shoot: Shoot from Museum Way to include the mountain behind the building.
Pro tip: Combine with photos of Forever Marilyn nearby.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Downtown
◷ Golden hour
A former savings and loan building by Stewart Williams, with a floating roof and glass walls.
Where to shoot: Shoot from across Palm Canyon Drive.
Pro tip: Evening light reflects nicely on the glass.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 North of Palm Springs
◷ Sunset
Thousands of wind turbines spread across the windy pass at the entrance to the valley.
Where to shoot: Shoot from roadside pullouts with a long lens to stack the turbines.
Pro tip: Strong wind is common, so steady your camera.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Cabazon
◷ Golden hour
Two giant roadside dinosaurs, Dinny and Mr. Rex, along Interstate 10.
Where to shoot: Shoot from a low angle to make them tower over you.
Pro tip: Include a person for scale.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 South Palm Springs
◷ Morning
Giant cacti, succulents and a cactarium greenhouse.
Where to shoot: Get close to the cactus shapes and spines.
Pro tip: Spring brings colorful cactus blooms.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Rancho Mirage
◷ Morning
Desert gardens with sculptural plants and mountain views at the Annenberg estate.
Where to shoot: Shoot along the garden paths toward the mountains.
Pro tip: The gardens are closed in summer, so check dates.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Joshua Tree
◷ Sunset
Twisted Joshua trees, giant boulders and some of the darkest night skies in Southern California.
Where to shoot: Shoot at Cholla Cactus Garden or among the boulders of the park.
Pro tip: Stay after dark for stars and the Milky Way.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Downtown
◷ Golden hour
The city's main street, lined with palms, shops and the Walk of Stars, with mountains at the end of the street.
Where to shoot: Shoot down the street to line up the palm trees in perspective.
Pro tip: Thursday nights bring the color of VillageFest.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Thousand Palms
◷ Morning
Fan palm oases along the San Andreas Fault, surrounded by open desert.
Where to shoot: Shoot from the trail through the palm grove.
Pro tip: Look for shafts of light under the palm canopy.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Downtown
◷ Blue hour
A restored 1936 theater with a classic marquee on Palm Canyon Drive.
Where to shoot: Shoot from across the street when the marquee lights up.
Pro tip: Include passing cars for light trails at night.
📍 View on Google Maps →Palm Springs has no skyline of towers; its backdrop is the San Jacinto Mountains, which rise more than 10,000 feet above the valley. These viewpoints capture the mountains, the desert and the city spread below.
◷ Afternoon
The top of the Aerial Tramway, with views over the valley.
Pro tip: Bring warm layers.
◷ Sunrise
A steep trail behind the art museum with views over downtown.
Pro tip: Start early to beat the heat.
◷ Morning
The swooping roof against the peaks.
Pro tip: Shoot from across the lot.
◷ Sunset
Views of the valley as you drive up to the Valley Station.
Pro tip: Pull over only in safe spots.
◷ Golden hour
Midcentury homes under the mountains.
Pro tip: Shoot from the street.
◷ Golden hour
Palms leading toward the peaks.
Pro tip: Shoot down the center of the street safely.
◷ Morning
Views over the palm oasis from the trail.
Pro tip: Arrive at opening time.
◷ Morning
Mountains above desert gardens.
Pro tip: Check seasonal closures.
◷ Sunset
Mountain views from downtown's rooftop.
Pro tip: Reserve a table at 4 Saints.
◷ Sunset
Turbines with the mountains behind.
Pro tip: Use a long lens.
Palm Springs' most iconic images mix midcentury design, desert nature and a touch of Hollywood glamour. These are the spots that appear again and again on social media.
◷ Morning
Albert Frey's swooping roof.
Pro tip: Shoot low.
◷ Morning
The giant Marilyn Monroe statue.
Pro tip: Come early.
◷ Morning
A fan palm oasis.
Pro tip: Arrive at opening time.
◷ Morning
A rotating car on the cliffs.
Pro tip: Shoot from the Valley Station deck.
◷ Golden hour
Giant roadside dinosaurs.
Pro tip: Shoot from a low angle.
◷ Golden hour
Neutra's desert masterpiece.
Pro tip: Shoot only from the street.
◷ Morning
Bright doors on midcentury homes.
Pro tip: Stay on the sidewalk.
◷ Golden hour
Butterfly roofs in Vista Las Palmas.
Pro tip: Frame with palms.
◷ Afternoon
Patterned concrete screens around town.
Pro tip: Look for shadow patterns.
◷ Morning
Pastel loungers and palm trees.
Pro tip: Ask your hotel about photo rules.
◷ Sunset
Endless turbines in the pass.
Pro tip: Use a long lens.
The Aerial Tramway is the easiest way to see Palm Springs from above, but hikers and drivers will find other high points. Access can change with the seasons, so check before you go.
◷ Afternoon
Views over the valley from about 8,500 feet.
Pro tip: Clear winter days give the longest views.
◷ Afternoon
Viewpoints along a short loop at the top of the tram.
Pro tip: Wear proper shoes.
◷ Sunrise
A steep climb above downtown.
Pro tip: Carry water.
◷ Sunset
Downtown's rooftop views.
Pro tip: Book ahead.
◷ Sunset
Hillside views over the valley.
Pro tip: Visit the bar for the view.
Palm Springs glows after dark, with lit pools, neon signs and the lights of the valley, and the nearby desert offers some of the best stargazing in Southern California.
◷ Evening
Thursday night's street fair on Palm Canyon Drive.
Pro tip: Shoot from the edge of the crowd.
◷ Blue hour
The lit marquee on Palm Canyon Drive.
Pro tip: Shoot from across the street.
◷ Blue hour
Glowing pools and palm trees.
Pro tip: Ask your hotel first.
◷ Night
Stars and the Milky Way above the boulders.
Pro tip: Check the moon phase.
◷ Evening
Neon and nightlife.
Pro tip: Respect people's privacy.
◷ Blue hour
Light trails from passing cars.
Pro tip: Use a tripod.
◷ Evening
The statue lit at night.
Pro tip: Use a high ISO.
◷ Blue hour
City lights from above.
Pro tip: Check the last car down.
◷ Evening
Lit gardens downtown.
Pro tip: Shoot from public areas.
◷ Night
Darker skies away from town.
Pro tip: Bring a headlamp.
In Palm Springs, the sun sets early behind the mountains, so the city falls into shade while the eastern hills glow. For sunrise, the canyons and the desert to the east are favorites.
◷ Sunset
Sunset over the desert from the top.
Pro tip: Bring a jacket.
◷ Sunset
Turbines against a glowing sky.
Pro tip: Use a long lens.
◷ Sunset
Joshua trees silhouetted at dusk.
Pro tip: Arrive early to find your spot.
◷ Sunrise
Golden light on the palms.
Pro tip: Go early in summer.
◷ Sunrise
Sunrise over the valley.
Pro tip: Start in the dark with a headlamp.
◷ Morning
Morning light in the oasis.
Pro tip: Arrive at opening.
◷ Golden hour
Warm light on midcentury homes.
Pro tip: Stay on the street.
◷ Sunset
Alpenglow on the mountains.
Pro tip: Book ahead.
◷ Morning
Soft light over the gardens.
Pro tip: Check opening days.
◷ Sunset
Dinosaurs against the evening sky.
Pro tip: Shoot silhouettes.
Palm Springs is in the desert, but water is everywhere in its photos, from hotel pools to canyon streams and seasonal waterfalls.
◷ Morning
Classic Palm Springs poolside images.
Pro tip: Shoot from a low angle across the water.
◷ Afternoon
Surfers on waves with the mountains behind.
Pro tip: Use a fast shutter speed.
◷ Morning
Water flowing past rocks and palms.
Pro tip: Look for reflections.
◷ Morning
A seasonal waterfall.
Pro tip: Visit after rain.
Palm Springs has one of the world's best collections of midcentury modern architecture, by Albert Frey, Richard Neutra, Stewart Williams, William Cody, Donald Wexler and the Alexander Construction Company, along with Spanish Colonial estates and colorful details.
◷ Morning
Frey's swooping gas station.
Pro tip: Shoot low.
◷ Morning
A midcentury civic landmark.
Pro tip: Shoot from the lawn.
◷ Golden hour
Stewart Williams' floating roof.
Pro tip: Shoot from across the street.
◷ Morning
Dark stone at the foot of the mountains.
Pro tip: Include the mountain.
◷ Golden hour
Neutra's glass house.
Pro tip: From the street only.
◷ Golden hour
Alexander homes and butterfly roofs.
Pro tip: Stay on the street.
◷ Morning
Walled estates and Spanish Colonial homes.
Pro tip: Respect privacy.
◷ Morning
Midcentury storefronts.
Pro tip: Look for signage.
◷ Golden hour
Midcentury homes in a quiet neighborhood.
Pro tip: Shoot from the street.
◷ Afternoon
Patterned concrete screens.
Pro tip: Use side light for texture.
The Palm Springs Visitor Center, Albert Frey's former Tramway Gas Station with its swooping roof against the mountains, is the city's most iconic image. For nature, Palm Canyon in the Indian Canyons offers a classic view of a fan palm oasis.
Vista Las Palmas, Old Las Palmas, the Movie Colony and Twin Palms have the largest concentrations of midcentury homes. Most are private, so shoot from the street without entering driveways or disturbing residents.
Personal photography is generally welcome on the trails, but these are tribal lands with their own rules. Respect posted signs, stay on the trails and ask before photographing ranger-led groups. Commercial shoots and drones require permission.
You can photograph homes from the public sidewalk, but do not walk onto private property, block driveways or knock on doors. Residents of some popular streets have asked visitors to be respectful, so keep shoots quick and quiet.
Early morning and the hour before sunset are best, when the mountains glow and shadows soften. Midday desert light is harsh and summer heat is extreme, so plan shoots for mornings and evenings. Winter often brings snow-capped peaks.
Personal photography in public places does not require a permit. Commercial shoots may need a city film permit, and drones are restricted near Palm Springs International Airport and on tribal lands. Check the rules first.
