The Most Insta-Worthy Spots in Palm Springs

From that famous pink door to quirky roadside dinosaurs, these are the best places to snap photos in and near Palm Springs, Calif.

By: Laura James

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That Pink Door

Palm Springs is a destination for lovers of midcentury architecture and design, and this house, in particular, is a visitor favorite because of the bright pink door. #ThatPinkDoor has been tagged on Instagram more than 8,500 times and is the perfect Palm Springs photo op. If you want to dive into midcentury architecture even more on your visit, check out the Architecture and Design Center.

Roadside Dinosaurs

Road trippers can't resist making a pitstop to snap photos of the iconic Cabazon Dinosaurs, located about 20 minutes west of Palm Springs, especially convenient if you're coming from LA. These quirky roadside dinosaurs, Dinny the Dinosaur and Mr. Rex, were completed in 1975 and 1986 and have been featured in several movies and TV shows. The hashtag #CabazonDinosaurs has been used more than 19,500 times.

The Parker Palm Springs Hotel

Designed by Jonathan Adler, basically everywhere you look is a photo opportunity at The Parker Palm Springs Hotel, but the grand entrance is particularly photo-worthy. The simple white background, repeating graphic pattern and statement orange door make this spot an Instagram gold mine. Plus, the breezeblock facade is quintessential Palm Springs.

Integratron

About 45 minutes north of Palm Springs, Integratron is a one-of-a-kind white, wooden dome structure in the Mojave Desert. Built by George Van Tassel on an intersection of geomagnetic forces that, when focused by the unique geometry of the building, concentrate and amplify the earth's magnetic field. Integratron was originally designed to be an electrostatic generator for the purpose of rejuvenation and time travel.

Now owned by three sisters who have been a part of the restoration and maintenance of the structure for more than 30 years, Integratron is open to the public to rent for yoga retreats, corporate events and more. Visitors can also book what they call a Sound Bath experience, a 60-minute sonic healing session which their website describes as "kindergarten naptime for grownups in a sound sphere."

Riviera Palm Springs Resort

What's more Palm Springs than palm prints? The beautifully designed Café Palmetto at the Riviera Palm Springs Resort features mid-mod vibes you won't be able to resist sharing with Instagram. Café Palmetto is open for breakfast and lunch and serves light, delicious fares like acai bowls and omelets for breakfast and salads and sandwiches for lunch.

ARRIVE Hotel

One of the newer hotels on the growing scene of hip hotel options, ARRIVE Palm Springs was backed by former Facebook employees and has tech-forward features like the ability to use texting for reservations or room service. So, yes, you can order a pizza to your room after a night out through text message. From the design of the individual rooms to the sleek aesthetic of the exterior, this property boasts many spots worthy of a photo. Check out the property's latest addition, the Palm Springs Fan Club, a cocktail lounge and event space adjacent to ARRIVE Palm Springs.

Moorten Botanical Garden + Cactarium

If you enjoy #plantparenthood, this spot is for you. With 3,000 species of cactus and other desert-adapted plants, the Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium is a must-visit for plant lovers.

Kaufmann Desert House

Designed by architect Richard Neutra in 1946 to emphasize the connection to the desert landscape, the Kaufmann House is one of the most famous homes in Palm Springs and a must-see for architecture lovers.

The Saguaro Hotel

The Saguaro Hotel is known as the "rainbow hotel," and you can see why. The interior and exterior both display bright colors that make for a picture-perfect vacation.

Joshua Tree National Park

When you're ready for a change of scenery from lounging by the pool, head to Joshua Tree National Park, about an hour away from Palm Springs, for some outdoor adventures. The seasonal gardens of the cholla cactus are one of 16 attractions that are accessible from the park's 18-mile auto tour. The tour takes approximately two hours round trip.

Ace Hotel and Swim Club

The Ace Hotel and Swim Club fits all kinds of travelers' bills. Hipsters love it, and folks with kids in tow are welcome. Rover wants to go, too? Book one of the dog-friendly rooms. Housed in a former Howard Johnson motel — which automatically amps up the hotel's hipster cred — the Ace is also home to King's Highway, a diner that serves up (mostly) local, organic fare and one of our favorites, Stumptown Coffee.

Salvation Mountain

About an hour and a half outside of Palm Springs is a one-of-a-kind sight called Salvation Mountain. Created by Leonard Knight, the colorful mountain is covered in religious words and general messages of love as well as colorful nature scenes. People of all walks of life stop to see this unique, colorful spot, and #SalvationMountain has been tagged more than 133,000 times on Instagram.

Frank Sinatra's Twin Palms Estate

Frank Sinatra's Twin Palms Estate is one of the most iconic Palm Springs houses and is also available to rent. The pool is shaped like a piano and the awning is designed so that when the sun shines in a certain spot, the shadows appear to be piano keys. Take a tour of the house.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Since its completion in 1963, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has carried millions of visitors up the stunning cliffs of the San Jacinto Mountains. Get a higher vantage point and snap some photos from the tramway. Adult tickets cost $25.95.