Checking out Mid-Century Modern homes was high on my list when visiting Palm Springs. For example, going on a short tour would have been great. On the other hand, seeing the homes on the inside would have been the best! But in the end, given the time I had, I decided to venture out and to explore on my own. I rented a car. And I brought Michael’s sister, Deborah, as designated co-pilot. What fun it was! And truthfully, I think it was the best way to start my Mid Century Modern exploring.
Touring the Neighborhoods
The big week for Modernism in Palm Springs is in February. It is never too early to dream so if your goal is visiting next year, 2025, check it out here to start your planning: https://usmodernist.org/palm.htm com/. Another way to enjoy these unique homes is to rent a bike and cruise the neighborhoods. Or park your car and take a long walk. There are several options for joining a tour. Here is just one to give you an idea: https://bwbtours.com/palm-springs-bike-rentals/
.And if you would really like to live the experience of Mid Century Modern plan to stay in Mid Century Modern hotel. Here’s a link to some favorites: https://moderntourspalmsprings.com/home_iconic_tile/10-best-mid-century-modern-small-boutique-hotels-in-palm-springs/. They included a favorite, The Barn. You can check the post of lunch at The Barn here: https://roadtosuchness.com/palm-springs-lunch/
Or! You can do like I did and get in touch with the Palm Springs Modern Committee: https://psmodcom.org/. For $5.00 they sent me A Map of Modern Palm Springs. Along with pinpointing clearly all the homes/buildings on the map, it includes a brief description along with the addresses.
So I bought the map and we used it as a guide to some of the Mid Century homes. We did a few neighborhoods, followed the map and still got mixed up trying to find Kaufman Desert House. We also circled around until we realized Frank Sinatra’s home was totally surrounded by a wall.
In the end, the homes we most enjoyed were found when I just decided to drive around and tour the neighborhoods both North and South of the center of the city. I was in search of a yellow door, which we found, plus a green door, a purple door…. And this, I am glad to tell you, turned out to be a great way to explore.
I can see coming back to Palm springs one day and deviating a few blocks from the center of town for my long morning walks through different neighborhoods. The houses and their lawns are so well maintained it is hard to believe they have been there since mid 20th century. They are enhanced by red bougainvillea, native cacti and those towering palm trees. You have a beautiful backdrop of the St. Jacinto Mountains. Those mountains can rise up to 10,000 feet! It all makes for walks I would never tire of. Whether it is a walk, a bike ride, or a guided tour, exploring Mid Century Modern makes a visit to Palm Springs complete.
What's Up Next in Palm Springs?
On a previous visit to Palm Springs we spent the day at Joshua Tree. This is a completely different kind of landscape and a beautiful, not to miss, way to spend a day, or even an overnight camping trip. Due to the close proximity to Palm Springs, it would be a shame to miss it. Check my post on Joshua Tree here: https://roadtosuchness.comjoshua-tree-2/
