Greater Palm Springs is full of Instagram-worthy spots, and we’ve compiled a list of some of local favorite places to visit for the perfect photo op!
 

'Forever Marilyn'

Find Marilyn standing tall at the corner of Museum Way and Belardo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Marilyn Monroe had a lasting love for Greater Palm Springs, leaving behind many pieces of memorabilia. Remember her in another way by stopping by this 26-foot tall sculpture that overlooks downtown Palm Springs. If you are stopping by for a picture, why not make a day out of it? Check out the Forever Marilyn Itinerary to find nearby eateries and shops! 

Happy Alley

Miles Avenue between Towne Street and Oasis Street, Indio CA, 92201

The City of Indio is thrilled to be the home of “Happy Alley,” located on Miles Avenue between Towne Street and Oasis Street in Downtown Indio. This transformative project is set to captivate visitors with its diverse artistic features. On the north side of the alley, a vibrant canopy of colored umbrellas hangs overhead. Below, the alley walls are adorned with colors, culminating in a custom mural that features iconic imagery of palm trees, a Ferris wheel, a classic car, and a hot air balloon — perfect for a vibrant Instagram post all year around.

Hungry Dog of the Desert

Hungry Dog of the Desert Mural located at 1500-1598 4th St, Coachella, CA 92236 (Veterans Memorial Park)

This kaleidoscopic pooch was painted by Oaxacan artist Ricardo Angeles Mendoza in 2017 as part of the Coachella Walls project. Growing up in Mexico, his family made and sold ‘alebrijes’, wooden folk-art sculptures painted with bright colors and intricate patterns. Come snap your photo in front of this vibrant masterpiece.
 

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Flamingos at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, 74855 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92211

The JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert is home to these pink-feathered Chilean beauties! You can find them at “Flamingo Island,” located by the front entrance to the resort.

Moorten Botanical Garden

The Cactarium at Moorten Botanical Garden, 1701 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Moorten Botanical Garden, originally established in 1939, is home to over 3,000 specimens of cacti and other desert plants, as well as a “cactarium” (a greenhouse filled with rare cactus specimens).

Palm Greens Cafe

Mural adjacent to Palm Greens Café, 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262

A narrow space next to Palm Greens Café in Palm Springs is home to colorful murals and mountain views.

Parker Palm Springs

The Parker Palm Springs, 4200 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262

The breezeblock wall and orange doors at the Jonathan Adler-designed Parker Palm Springs hotel are another extremely popular Palm Springs photo destination – so much so that you often have to wait your turn in a queue of photo-takers.

Saguaro Palm Springs

The Saguaro Palm Springs, 1800 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

The Saguaro Hotel in Palm Springs just begs to be photographed, with tons of bright, multi-colored spots around the property

Palm Springs Windmills 

Windmills are located adjacent to Highway 111 and the I-10 Freeway just northwest of Palm Springs

Greater Palm Springs is home to more than 1,200 wind turbines -– that's a lot! Head out to the miles and miles of land that they cover and find the best spot for your photo, whether you are catching the sunrise, sunset or just want to let your followers know what you're up to. 

The Pink Cabana

The Pink Cabana is located at The Sands Hotel on 44-985 Province Wy, Indian Wells, CA 92210

The Pink Cabana is known for its vibrant and stylish ambiance, making it an excellent spot for capturing instaworthy shots. The Pink Cabana features a distinctive interior design with a blend of Moroccan and Mediterranean influences. From the pink walls to the bold patterns and ornate furnishings, the decor provides a visually appealing backdrop for your photos.

Beyond Greater Palm Springs

Salvation Mountain

Salvation Mountain, Beal Road in Niland

If you’re up for an excursion deeper into the desert, Salvation Mountain is a photographer’s dream, with tons of photo ops on and around artist Leonard Knight’s manmade “mountain.”
 

Mural at The End

Mural at The End vintage store, 55872 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, CA 92284

The high desert communities of Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, Landers and other neighboring cities are full of tons of photo ops, ranging from murals, to natural landscapes, to the old western movie sets in Pioneertown, as well as quirky experiences like the Integratron.

Ready to style your next Instagram shoot? Check out our ultimate guide to vintage shopping in Greater Palm Springs!