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The Ultimate Guide to Palm Springs Architecture

Take yourself on an architecture tour of Palm Springs to see some of the most unique and beautiful buildings in SoCal.

January 11, 2021

You can’t avoid mid-century modern architecture when spending time in Palm Springs. In fact, many people treat the city as a living museum and visit just to revel in the unique, desert-chic Palm Springs architecture . Contemporary with touches of Old Hollywood glamour, the prized houses in Palm Springs beckon to all—there’s a reason why this town in the Sonoran Desert was home to the likes of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Marilyn Monroe.

So, don’t let the glitz and glamour of Palm Springs distract you from the sheer architectural marvels scattered around the area. There are numerous homes in Palm Springs’ neighborhoods that are worthy of seeing. (It just so happens that the most impressive, ahead-of-their-time houses were once owned by the rich and famous—who would’ve thought?) Whether you’re escaping to Palm Springs for the weekend or planning to attend Modernism Week , you’ll want to make time for an architecture tour of Palm Springs. 

Why are there so many mid-century modern homes in Palm Springs?

Believe it or not, Palm Springs wasn’t always an architectural mecca for modernism fans. Palm Springs architecture didn’t become what it is today until it captured the attention of Hollywood A-listers, pioneering architects, and visionaries. Actors, actresses, musicians, and more creatives bought homes in the largely unexplored town because it allowed them to escape from L.A. but still be close enough to get to work if need be.

Leading architects and designers were commissioned to develop the elite’s houses. These architects took inspiration from the Bauhaus and international styles and modified them to accommodate the SoCal climate and surrounding desert. This led to the creation of Desert Modernism, which perfectly blends the indoors and outdoors.

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Notable Palm Springs Architects

Before jumping into the architecture tour of Palm Springs , let’s also take a moment to recognize the innovative, highly influential architects behind the mid-century Palm Springs homes we love today.

1. Richard Neutra emigrated from Austria to the U.S. in 1923 and became one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. His notable Palm Springs architectural creations include the Grace Miller House and the uber-famous Kaufmann house—created for businessman and philanthropist Edgar Kaufmann.

2. Donald Wexler served in the Navy during World War II before moving to L.A. to pursue his architectural dreams. He worked for Neutra for a while and then partnered with Richard Harrison, with whom he created many banks and schools around the Coachella Valley. Wexler and Harrison were also the masterminds behind the Steel Development Homes—a housing model that was low-cost, easily replicable, and suited to the desert climate—which were built by the Alexander Construction Company.

3. Albert Frey was another architect who built Palm Springs. Originally hailing from Switzerland, Frey came to Palm Springs in 1934 to help supervise a construction project and ended up staying in the region, continuing to build his most influential buildings. Noteworthy architecture by Frey includes the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Frey Houses I and II (his own homes), Palm Springs City Hall, and Tramway Gas Station.

4. The son of an American diplomat, William Krisel was born in China but returned to the states with his family at the age of 13. He studied architecture at the University of Southern California and later stayed in the area to develop affordable homes, especially tract housing, with a modern aesthetic. He is responsible for designing more than 30,000 residences in SoCal—yes, you read that right—including many that were built by the Alexander Construction Company.

5. Stewart Williams also significantly shaped the architectural landscape of the Coachella Valley. He designed the Palm Springs Art Museum, Coachella Savings and Loan building, and Twin Palms —also known as the Frank Sinatra Estate. All are notable stops on most architecture tours in Palm Springs.

6. Prior to embarking on an architectural journey, Hugh M. Kaptur was a marine. He moved to Palm Springs in 1956 (where he still resides), and his notable creations include the Musicland Hotel Palm Springs , Tahquitz Plaza, and houses for Steve McQueen and other celebs. 

Where to visit on an architecture tour of Palm Springs

Tramway Gas Station

Address: 2901 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

You can’t miss the Palm Springs Tramway Gas Station—seriously, it was intended to be the first building people would see on their way into town. Designed by Frey and Robson C. Chambers, this wedge-shaped building is a classic example of modernist architecture. The building is now the Palm Springs Visitors Center, so if you have any questions, this is the place to drop by.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Address: 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs

In addition to being a highlight on virtually every architectural tour in Palm Springs, this site boasts the title of the world's largest rotating aerial tramway. Conceived by Albert Frey in 1963, the tramway was created to offer a unique transportation method from the Coachella Valley's base up to the natural beauty of Mount San Jacinto State Park, close to San Jacinto Peak's summit.

On the way up, the tram cars rotate slowly, offering picturesque vistas of the landscape below. Trust us, you’ll want to experience the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway—this is one of the coolest things to do in Palm Springs .

Coachella Valley Savings and Loan

Address: 499 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

Coachella Valley Savings and Loan is definitely not as boring as its name makes it sound. The structure is a landmark example of mid-century modern architecture. C reated by Williams, the minimalist building is actually a bank today—the snazziest bank in SoCal—featuring a flat roof, deep overhangs, and steel-frame construction.

Hope Residence

Address: 2466 Southridge Drive , Palm Springs

Although Bob Hope is renowned for his movies, comedy, and Academy Awards hosting gigs , his real estate investments are no less impressive. His house in Palm Springs is truly one of a kind and is often compared to a spaceship, thanks to its looming, undulating triangular roof and large light shaft. Visiting during Modernism Week is your best bet to take a peek, as it is located in a gated community.

The Kaufmann Desert House

Address: 470 West Vista Chino, Palm Springs

Constructed in 1946 by Neutra, the iconic Kaufmann House has played a pivotal role in shaping the modernist look that would come to characterize future constructions in the resort destination of Palm Springs. Recognized by the Palm Springs City Council as a Class 1 Historic Site, this home has undergone several renovations over the years, yet has managed to preserve essential aspects of its initial blueprint.

Sinatra House

Address: 1148 Alejo Road, Palm Springs

Also known as Twin Palms, Sinatra’s estate is another creation by Williams. This lavish 4,500-square-foot home is situated in the Movie Colony neighborhood and is famous for stories of star-studded parties, brawls, and celebrations—there’s a good reason why every Palm Springs mid-century modern tour features Sinatra House as a prominent stop.

Palm Springs architecture guide by style

Alexander Homes

Where to find Alexander homes: Twin Palms neighborhood and Vistas Las Palmas

The Alexander Construction Company came to Palm Springs in 1955 and constructed more than 2,200 mid-century modern homes, many of which were designed by notable architects. The company is credited with being one of the biggest influences behind the established modernist style that continues to be imitated all around the world.

Alexander Steel Houses

Where to find Alexander Steel Houses: East Molino Road and Sunny View Drive

Prior to making steel residential houses, Wexler had designed many school buildings using steel construction. He believed that the same methods could be used to build stylish and affordable homes, so he did just that with The Alexander Construction Company. Today, steel houses are a staple style of mid-century Palm Springs.

Swiss Miss Houses

Where to find Swiss Miss Homes: Vista Las Palmas

Built by the Alexander Construction Company, many Swiss Miss homes are scattered around Palm Springs and are notable for their A-frame façades. Charles Dubois is a notable architect who designed around 15 of these houses in Vista Las Palmas.

Art Moderne

Where to find Art Moderne buildings: Camino Monte Street and Palm Canyon Drive

Dating back to the early 1930s , Art Moderne is a style native to the U.S. and is like Art Deco, but more enhanced—think bigger, bolder, and brassier than its French counterpart. Featuring rounded, curvaceous forms and contrasting colors, Art Moderne houses in Palm Springs are hard to miss. 

Googie Buildings

Where to find Googie buildings: Palm Canyon Drive and San Lorenzo Road

To get an idea of what a Googie building is, imagine The Jetsons opening a modernist coffee shop. This architectural style also originated in SoCal around the same time as Art Moderne. The Atomic Age and local car culture inspired the signature geometric shapes of Googie buildings, making for wacky creations with exaggerated rooflines and generous usage of glass.

Royal Hawaiian Estates

Where to find Royal Hawaiian Estates: Palm Canyon Drive and Murray Canyon Drive

When Tiki architecture was in fashion, architects Wexler and Harrison combined their modernist ideas with Polynesian motifs to create the Royal Hawaiian Estates. These slightly less popular, mid-century modern homes in Palm Springs were declared a historic district by the city council in 2010.

Spanish Revival Houses

Where to find Spanish Revival houses: Avenida Palmas and Puerto Del Sol

Red-tile roofs, stone exteriors, and elaborate iron fencing—Spanish-style homes are highly sought-after in the Palm Springs area. These houses offer a more cozy and inviting vibe compared to mid-century modern estates, which feature sharp edges and futuristic details.

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Palm springs offers both guided and self-guided tours featuing the work of midcentury modern architectural legends and those who lived there..

Staff Report September 12, 2022 Attractions , Current Guide , Modernism

Modern Tours Palm Springs offers a self-guided tour to take at your own pace. PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIELA STALLNGER

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You can safely tour more than 80 famous and architecturally significant modern homes and commercial buildings, guided by the Palm Springs Modern: Mid-Century Modern Architecture app. The app also presents in-depth profiles of 12 leading modernism architects among other features. palmspringslife.com/palm-springs-apps/mod-com-app

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Palm Springs is a haven for lovers of timeless design and architectural enthusiasts alike. With its sleek lines, open floor plans, and seamless integration with nature, midcentury modern architecture has left an indelible mark on this vibrant city. Explore the history, characteristics, and notable examples of this architectural style that continues to captivate and inspire visitors from around the world.

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Tour Palm Springs’ Most Iconic Midcentury-Modern Homes by Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, and John Lautner

By Stefanie Waldek

If you ask any architecture enthusiast where to find the best midcentury-modern architecture in America, there’s a good chance you’ll get Palm Springs, California, as your answer. The resort town in the Coachella Valley first drew visitors at the turn of the 20th century, but modernist architecture arrived in the 1930s, when actor Gary Cooper commissioned a home there. Other Hollywood stars followed suit, and soon architects like Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, and John Lautner were busy working on Palm Springs homes. The new book Palm Springs: A Modernist Paradise ( $75, Rizzoli ), with text and photographs by Tim Street-Porters, brings readers on a tour of the city’s iconic properties, many of which have been impeccably restored by their new owners. “Palm Springs is seductive,” writes fashion designer Trina Turk in the foreword. “The air is fresher, the sunshine more intense, the stars at night are brighter, and the cocktails just taste better.” Take a look at of six of the properties featured in the book below.

The Leff-Florsheim House. Designed by Donald Wexler as the Florsheim family’s winter retreat, this 1957 home was restored by a new owner in the 2000s.

The Arthur Elrod House. Local interior designer Arthur Elrod gave architect John Lautner complete creative control of building his residence. The result is a stunning concrete-and-glass construction—perhaps you’ve seen it in the Bond film Diamonds Are Forever .

The Morrison-Strassner Residence. This 1970 hillside house was designed by Patten & Wild, and it was recently restored by designer-architect Tim Morrison and actor-producer Scott Strassner.

Villa Grigio. Architect James McNaughton designed this house in 1964, and today it’s owned by AD100 designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard.

Albert Frey House II. The Swiss architect Albert Frey, who studied under Le Corbusier in Paris, came to Palm Springs in 1934. This was the second home he built for himself here, in 1964.

Palm Springs: A Modernist Paradise , with text and photography by Tim Street-Porter.

By Elizabeth Fazzare

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Modernism Mega Tour

About the modernism mega tour.

This is the tour for those looking to go in-depth on Palm Springs architecture and modernism—and the best value tour in the city. A combination of our Top 10 Tour and the Modern Homes & Buildings 101 Tour, the Mega Tour boasts nearly double the number of tour stops than a regular tour, for 2-3 hours of enjoyment. You’ll learn about modernism and modern architecture though some of the most important and iconic examples of homes and public buildings. We packed this tour with ALL the best homes, buildings and architectural sights to see in palm Springs so you don’t need to choose one tour over another.

Tour Highlights

• 21 stops—2 tours in one!
• Enjoy this tour all at once, or split it into morning and afternoon or even take it over a couple of days; you’re in the driver’s seat!
• Get to know hidden gems in the heart of mid-century Palm Springs with visits to some stunning homes & buildings.
• See the Top 10 most iconic buildings & home
• Stops include the most important and well-known buildings in Palm Springs including Edris House and Kaufmann House, a Hollywood mega-star home and even an iconic family home that may be cursed!
• See stunning converted banks and find out where the architects’ inspiration came from
• Marvel at quirky Tiki architecture
• Navigate iconic neighborhoods like Vista las Palmas, Old Las Palmas and Deepwell Estates, and you’ll see plenty of other amazing homes and architecture as you travel through these areas. Have your camera ready!
• Reflect on the architectural beauty of the city from up close
• Explore buildings many visitors and even some locals don’t know about in Palm Springs
• Learn how these homes and buildings came to be so important—and why Palm Springs wasn’t always the modern architectural and celebrity playground it is today.

What to Know Before You Go

You will need your own vehicle for this self-driving tour (car, van, or bicycle, unicycle, skateboard). This tour features an audio tour guide with interactive real-time mapping and directions that guide you from stop to stop, plus many photos of interiors and exteriors, so you’re fully able to appreciate Palm Springs architecture & modernism—at your own pace.

In some cases you will see the home facades and outdoor spaces, in others, we will get you as close as possible to private, gated or other spaces. We are unable to grant access to gated communities, and some homes are off limits, but we want you to enjoy great spaces and great stories. (Please note that some public buildings including hotels may be temporarily barring visitors from entry due to COVID-19)

All of our audio tours are self-guided and self-driving, so you can see things quickly, or slow it down and really savor the views.

This Tour Includes

• Guided driving tour—at your pace and when you want to depart!
• Detailed directions to some of the most interesting & important architecture in Palm Springs
• Integrated Google maps to help you get around
• Enjoy clear voice narration from your expert guide
• Factual and fascinating information about mid-century architecture
• Original photographs of iconic buildings
• *We will get you as close as possible to private homes, gated areas or other spaces for the best views, however we are unable to grant access to gated communities or private property. (Please note that some public buildings including hotels may be temporarily barring visitors from entry due to COVID-19)

Health & Safety

We take the health and safety of our guests and all Palm Springs residents seriously. We have set a series of standards that we hope you’ll welcome in the spirit of ensuring everybody is safe and comfortable and can courteously enjoy the lifestyle of the desert together.

• Please be safe while cycling or driving.
• In your car, obey all traffic laws.
• On a bike, use recommended safety gear.
• Don't drive or cycle while distracted; use your phone only while stopped.
• Please do not trespass or bother the homeowners.
• Be sure to drink plenty of water. Desert heat can sneak up on you. While fainting was cool back in old Hollywood, it’s not today, so stay safe!

THE MODERN TOUR is the luxury architectural tour of Palm Springs.  We are the oldest architectural tour in Palm Springs.   The historical (including Hollywood) and geological context provide a perspective on the tours in which to view Palm Springs' astonishing collection of high-caliber MidCentury Modern architecture and design, and we will have a lot of fun doing it.

Michael Stern is the Author of the best-selling Rizzoli publication "Julius Shulman: Palm Springs, and the Director and Producer of the film "Julius Shulman: Desert Modern" which has aired on PBS.  He curated the exhibition "Julius Shulman: Palm Springs" which is the largest exhibition of Shulman's work that has ever been done, and the largest exhibition exploring Palm Springs' amazing collection of MidCentury Modern architecture and design.  He has lectured extensively, has appeared on "The Today Show" and has made numerous film and television appearances  discussing the joys of modernism and the Palm Springs modern style.  His new book, "Hollywood Modern" was recently released  and focuses on the relationship between celebrities and works of an extremely high architectural caliber, all done in the modern style.  He was close friends with several of the notable Palm Springs architects, including E. Stewart Williams, Donald Wexler, William Krisel, Hugh Kaptur...

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Modernism Week 2024

Thank you to everyone who participated in and attended an incredible Modernism Week 2024! Be sure to check back for information about upcoming events, Architecture Tours by Modernism Week , and special experiences like Modernism Week@Sea . Upcoming Dates: Modernism Week — October October 24-27, 2024 Modernism Week 2025 — 20th Anniversary February 13-23, 2025

View the Modernism Week 2024 Digital Program

Architecture Tours by Modernism Week

October 28, 2023 to June 2, 2024

Modernism Week and PS Architecture Tours - Palm Springs’ leading providers of architectural tour services - have teamed up to provide the definitive modern architecture tour experience. Join us for a season-long series of carefully curated small group tours spearheaded by Tripadvisor’s top-rated architectural tour operator, Trevor O’Donnell, and a select team of knowledgeable professional guides.

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Modernism Week@Sea: Modernists on the Mediterranean

September 13-23, 2024

Embark on a Mediterranean cruise to explore ancient ruins and old quarters while indulging in thriving food scenes and enjoying sun-drenched beaches. Top sights such as the Vatican Museum in Rome and La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona are easily at hand while the whitewashed villages of Andalusia and the French Riviera become your playground.

Experience the best of the destination like a local – shopping the markets, mingling with residents, exploring historic neighborhoods, and so much more. Join Modernism Week@Sea for this unforgettable guided tour.

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Tickets are refundable on a case-by-case basis up to 7 days before the activity start time.   Refunds are issued for the ticket value only, not including service fees, and are credited to a Modernism Week electronic gift card.  No funds will be returned to your credit card .   Electronic gift card credits never expire and can be used for future Modernism Week events and online programs.

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19 Best Things to Do in Palm Springs, California

From tram rides to stargazing, here's how to get to know this one-of-a-kind desert city.

Palm Springs is an iconic California destination, and the sunny, vibrant, and design-forward town has been a favorite hideaway for relaxation lovers for decades. While it’s certainly a place in which you might lounge by the pool and catch rays all day, you should know that there's more to this desert escape than meets the eye. 

“I think Palm Springs is an international city with a village vibe, and that makes it special,” Liz Ostich, owner of Farm Palm Springs , Tac/Quila , Clandastino , and Front Porch , told Travel + Leisure . “The architecture, climate, restaurant scene, and proximity to countless Southern California destinations make it a unique place to visit.”

Ostich, who was born just an hour outside of Palm Springs, has plenty of ideas about what visitors should do once here — it’s all about seeing the town from every angle, including from inside some of its coolest homes. You can also see the city from above. “Palm Springs is home to the largest rotating tram in the world, taking you up to an alpine forest in minutes,” Ostrich says. She also points to popular local events . “One of my favorite events is Modernism Week. Twice a year, people come from all over the world for well-curated home tours, parties, and presentations.” 

Ready to explore on your own? Here are 19 things you should see and do while visiting Palm Springs.

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Have a date shake at Hadley’s.

Nothing makes for a better start or end to a trip to Palm Springs than stopping in at Hadley’s for a date shake. The fruit orchard, located about 18 miles from Palm Springs in Cabazon, was founded in 1931 and has long been loved for its produce selection. But its thick and perfectly sweet date shakes are what really draw a crowd. Why not get one on the way in, and on the way out?

Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

For a great view, take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway , which travels 2.5 miles up to its peak at 8,516 feet. Once there, you can get off and explore nearly 50 miles of hiking trails before riding the tram back to the base again.

Take flight at the Palm Springs Air Museum.

The Palm Springs Air Museum works to preserve wartime aircraft from World War II and onward, and many of the planes can still fly today. Come see and learn about the planes up close, or book a flight and actually climb aboard one. Flights in restored WWII aircrafts soar over the Coachella Valley.

Get some sun at Sunnylands.

Find a little zen at Sunnylands, a 200-acre desert oasis ranch open to the public. Sunnylands has gardens to explore, an adorable cafe for a quick bite and a coffee, and a mid-1960s estate to tour that will leave you feeling inspired.

Greet the animals at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.

To meet a few of the animals that also call Palm Springs home, head to the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens . Visitors can see everything from leopards and rhinos to mongoose and lizards here — there's even a few wallabies. 

Take a midcentury modern architecture tour.

Palm Springs is a design lover's dream come true, packed with midcentury homes sure to delight anyone who loves clean lines and pops of color. You can see all the best buildings in town on a self-guided architecture tour , which takes you to some utterly cool homes and teaches you about the architects behind them. Or, book a guided tour with a local operator.

Get inspired at the Palm Springs Art Museum.

After viewing homes that are works of art themselves, make your way downtown to see art of a different kind at Palm Springs Art Museum. The museum showcases stunning works in its two dozen galleries, as well as outside in its sculpture gardens. Check the website for the latest exhibitions and what to see during your visit.

Shop around in the El Paseo Shopping District.

In need of some new threads? Take yourself to the El Paseo Shopping District in Palm Desert, where you'll find everything from luxury brand names to locally owned boutiques, plus a few vintage stores punctuating the streets.

Play a round of golf at Escena.

While there are plenty of places to golf in Palm Springs, Escena is perhaps one of the best. The Nicklaus Design golf course comes with some gorgeous views of the San Jacinto Mountains towering in the distance. And, post golf, you can treat yourself to a lovely meal at the Escena Grill as you watch the sun go down. 

Visit Moorten Botanical Garden.

Explore local flora at the Moorten Botanical Garden . The garden is described as a “living museum of desert lore,” and it has something for everyone, from spiky cacti to colorful crystals and everything in between.

Take photos with the Cabazon Dinosaurs.

This one takes a little driving, but it’s worth making your way about 20 minutes out of town to see the Cabazon Dinosaurs . Located on Interstate 10, visitors will find towering (and extremely colorful) dinosaurs, which they can take as many photos with as they wish to share with their friends on Instagram.

Find your favorite celeb on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.

Hollywood isn’t the only place where the sidewalk is dotted with stars. Celebrate the A-listers and local legends who have loved Palm Springs throughout the years by visiting the Palm Springs Walk of Stars . Count more than 400 names as you stroll, or just hunt down your favorite.

Book an adventure with Red Jeep Tours.

Explore some of the most remote corners of Palm Springs by hopping aboard a signature red Jeep with Red Jeep Tours . The open-air vehicles take guests through some spectacular landscapes, stopping along the way so guides can teach guests a thing or two about the region, and to drink in the fantastic views.

Explore Tahquitz Canyon.

Get even closer to the land by hiking to Tahquitz Canyon , located on the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation. Along the way, hikers can spot native flora and fauna, and at the end, they'll be greeted by a 60-foot waterfall.

Go for a drive to spot Joshua trees.

This is another one that takes a bit of driving, but it’s entirely worth your time — cruise about 45 minutes outside of Palm Springs until you find Joshua Tree National Park . There, you can hike, drive, or do a little bit of both in this otherworldly landscape dotted with puffed-up Joshua trees.

Get behind the wheel at the BMW Performance Center.

Have a need for speed? Indulge that feeling at the BMW Performance Center , where you can learn about the cars themselves and how to drive like a pro, or even take one out and zoom around the track for an hour or two. Want more? Check out some of the BMW Driving Excursions hosted all over the globe.

Attend the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Sure, you’ll have to time your visit just right, but if you consider yourself a film buff, visiting Palm Springs for the Palm Springs International Film Festival is a must. The festival is headed into its 35th year in 2024 and will be held from January 4 to 15, showcasing some of the best new talent from around the world. 

Party at Palm Springs VillageFest.

Palm Springs loves a good party, so much so that it hosts one weekly. Palm Canyon Drive closes down to vehicles every Thursday evening for Palm Springs VillageFest , a street fair filled with food, music, drinks, and plenty of fun.

Spend a night stargazing.

Head to the outskirts of town and you'll trade light pollution for a twinkling night sky. Skywatcher Stargazing Tours gives guests a chance to not only get away from the crowds, but also to gaze at the stars above with a state-of-the-art telescope that they set up and take down for you.

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Photos: What Palm Springs library could look like after a $40 million facelift