SIX18 TRAVEL

This desert oasis first lured Hollywood stars in the 1920s for film shoots and weekends away. Frank Sinatra was a regular, and rock 'n' roll legend Elvis Presley even took up residence here in the late 1960s, honeymooning with Priscilla. Today, Palm Springs is still a hub of midcentury modern architecture – some former celebrity homes are even vacation rentals. Its pools, spas and restaurants, many with outdoor seating, attract a wide swath of visitors, from families to LGBTQ travelers. Plus, the surrounding Coachella Valley has blossomed with interesting things to do, from The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in nearby Palm Desert, to the Coachella Valley Preserve with its lush oasis of palm-lined hiking trails.

What's more, the colorful sunsets rival those on the coast, and the magnificent desert scenery, where snowcapped mountain ridges mingle with springtime superblooms, should not be missed. But if you want a true Palm Springs experience, you should take it easy, whether by the pool or in a trendy bar. Palm Springs passed muster for Hollywood’s stars, and still delivers on a great mix of fun and relaxation for today’s travelers.