Top Mid-Century Modern Neighborhoods in Palm Springs
Mid-Century Modern Architecture – Palm Springs is known for it. Since the 1920s, architects have been designing modern homes that shaped what we know as Desert Modernism. You will see lots of clean lines, the use of indoor/outdoor spaces, neutral color palettes (with many colorful doors!), and all sorts of fun roofs. If you’re a fan of Mid-Century Modern architecture like I am, you will be in awe as you drive through the many neighborhoods of Palm Springs. So, in this post, I’m walking you through a photo tour of the best neighborhoods to check out while you’re in the Coachella Valley!
Fun fact: In the residential areas of Palm Springs, homes cannot be built higher than one story. The reason for this? So that no one is blocking anyone’s view of the mountains and so that no one can see into your backyard.
Back in the 1950s and 1960s, Palm Springs became a desert hideaway for many stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, etc. all had homes here. Back then, November-April was the time of year to be in Palm Springs, due to the extreme heat the rest of the year. However, since then, it’s said that a renaissance of sorts has happened. Now, people flock to Palm Springs year-round to relax, rejuvenate, and tour some of the most unique homes and streets.
Before we get started, there are technically five neighborhoods where you can find many of the famous Alexander homes. What’s an Alexander home, you ask? The Alexander Construction company built about 1,200 Palm Springs Alexanders between the years of 1957-1966, which were designed by architect William Krisel. They were highly sought after homes back then due to their function and affordability and are still highly sought after today. Originally selling for anywhere from $20,000-$40,000 many are now selling for over $1 million!
While every neighborhood on my list may not consist solely of Alexander homes, there are certainly many of them to be seen. If you’re interested, you can find my guide and video on 48 Hours in Palm Springs, California here. You can also go on the Legends and Icons Tour which includes a visit to “The Rat Pack Hideaway.”
1. Vista Las Palmas
Directly west of Palm Canyon Drive and west of Monte Vista St, these homes are tucked just underneath the beautiful San Jacinto mountains. The largest Alexander homes were built here and it’s no wonder so many holiday stars had homes in this part of town. In fact, Nat King Cole and Marilyn Monroe lived just a couple doors down from one another! Can you imagine?
This is where you will see the majority of A-frame/Swiss Miss homes.
Favorite Street: N Rose Ave. This is the street where the photo of the above A-Frame was taken. Fun fact: Marilyn Monroe’s former home is just across the street.
2. Indian Canyons
Though I love the old charm you feel in Vista Las Palmas (and those mountains!) I think Indian Canyons has the most impressive collection of homes. Palmer & Krisel, Donald Wexler, and Roy Fey were some of the architects who designed the high-end homes found in this part of South Palm Springs, South of La Verne Way and East of S Palm Canyon Drive. This is where you’ll find the Instagram-famous #ThatPinkDoor but don’t worry because there is no shortage of bright, colorful doors here. Weave in and out of these sprawling streets and you’ll see what I mean.
Favorite Street: S. Yosemite Drive
3. Twin Palms
Just north of Indian Canyons, North of La Verne Way but South of E Palm Canyon Drive, is the first neighborhood in Palm Springs where Alexander homes were built. The neighborhood got its name due to the two palm trees that were planted on each property. This is the best neighborhood for butterfly roofs which, as you may have presumed, are roofs where two panels meet in the middle and slope upward, resembling the wings of a butterfly.
4. Deepwell Estates
Just north of Twin Palms, on the north side of E Palm Canyon Drive and west of Sunrise Way, you’ll find Deepwell Estates. A lesser-known neighborhood, this easily became one of my new favorites. At Christmastime, I also must say, this neighborhood did the most impressive job decorating and it was a joy to drive through at night. During the day, the palm trees towering up into the sky and the variety of homes and architecture will keep your head turning from side to side as you drive by. The houses are not too spread out so you get to see a lot without having to cover much territory. Though all of Palm Springs is quite peaceful, Deepwell Estates felt especially calm and charming.
Fun fact: The white house with the wreath is said to have once belonged to both Audrey Hepburn and Tippi Hedren!
Accommodation
Here are a few of my favorite hotels and resorts to make your stay in Palm Springs complete:
The Saguaro
The Saguaro is the colourful gem of Palm Springs. I’ve chosen this as my home base in Palm Springs several times now and I always recommend it because of how easily accessible it is to everything. Wander around the colourful, beautifully decorated hotel or go for a dip in the pool nestled right underneath the mountains.
The Colony Palms Hotel
This hotel’s iconic history dates back to the 1930s. Take a seat beside the pool where many of Hollywood’s greats such as Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, and Dean Martin used to hang out. I love the Old Hollywood vibes of the Colony Palms Hotel and can definitely recommend it for your stay. Side note: Brunch at their Purple Palms Hotel (pictured below) is the BEST.
Check out more hotels in Palm Springs here to find the best match for you.
A couple other things to add:
Palm Springs is not a huge town but the neighborhoods are fairly spread out. Driving or taking a bike around town is easiest. Or, you can always park somewhere and then walk through the neighborhoods. Just keep in mind, many neighborhoods do not have sidewalks so be mindful, though, you won’t see many cars pass by.
I hope you found this helpful! If so, feel free to save it to your Pinterest board or share on Facebook for future reference.
You can find me over on Instagram @ChelseaDinen posting plenty of other photos of Palm Springs and various other places I travel to.
