The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage

Photographer Jaime Kowal created The Amado, a five-unit long-term rental property the heart of town. After putting the property through an extensive top-to-bottom renovation, she decorated each apartment-style suite (private kitchens, vintage fireplaces, and pool access are standard) with one of the five elements in mind. Overall, the aesthetic is minimal with jolts of Southwestern patterns and photography thrown in for good measure.

Situated just off Palm Springs’ main drag, this Spanish colonial hotel revolves around the main pool (trust us, it’s a good pool). It’s kind of a party hotel, but in a nice way, which means that while there’s generally always a scene, it’s not particularly loud and the hotel itself is really charming. As an adults only hotel, you won’t see any Swimmies in the pool. All of the guest rooms are lovely and done up in eye-pleasing neutrals and pops of print. That said, the freestanding bungalows are a worthy splurge for romantically inclined couples—they're quite a bit more private and some come with an outdoor bathtub sized for two.

Holiday House isn't particularly posh (The Pantry restaurant in place of room service). And it isn't over-the-top luxurious (no spa here). What it is, however, is one of the most comfortable, and, like its name suggests, happy places to spend a weekend in Palm Springs. It looks like a revamped motel—an achingly chic, fun, cool revamped motel—set up a block behind the main drag of the city. The twenty-eight rooms and the surrounding property (pool, café-slash-bar, lounge area) are purposefully intimate. The pretty, blue-themed rooms look like they belong in Mykonos or Santorini; a breath of fresh air in the arid desert heat. Best of all, you can catch sweeping views of mountains and towering palms from pretty much every corner of the perfectly manicured property. Note: this is an adults-only place, so leave the kiddos with grandma.

It feels more like Tangier than Palm Springs at this family-run pensione that channels the rustic romance of Morocco and the Mediterranean. Villas are filled with hand-carved wooden furniture, with lemon and olive trees right outside your window. Fountains, fire pits, and colored glass lanterns decorate the outdoor courtyard where group yoga and evening screenings of old movies happen (there are no TVs or phones otherwise). Ask for the Moroccan villa.

Between the big beds covered in the softest Frette linens, the fireplaces, and the private outdoor patios with firepits and clawfoot tubs, it’s easy to never leave your bungalow. But then you’d miss out on the freshest watermelon salad and ahi bruschetta at Azucar, the hotel’s poolside restaurant. Or a reflexology massage at the spa. And it’s all a short walk from Palm Canyon Drive, where you’ll want to spend at least a couple hours exploring the shops, cafés, and galleries.

This part of the desert is a treasure trove of mid century architecture—The Lautner Compound gives guests a chance to call one of these gems home, even if its just for the span of a weekend. As the name suggests it’s the handiwork of renowned architect John Lautner and structurally, it’s more of a four-unit compound with a shared outdoor common area than a freestanding house or hotel (there’s no concierge on duty but maid service can be requested for extended stays). Taking in the surroundings, complete with succulent gardens, dipping pool, and fire pits, and bumming around the spectacular rooms (all are outfitted with vintage-modern furniture, kitchens, and a selection of architecture-themed books) is the extent of on-property activities, which is pretty great in its own way. There’s also an event space attached that can easily fit 200 or so people making it the ideal spot for a wedding.

Originally built in 1952 by William F. Cody, L’Horizon began as the home of Hollywood producer Jack Wrather (of Lassie and The Lone Ranger fame), who used to host Marilyn Monroe and Betty Grable, among others. L’Horizon is considered one of Cody’s finest works, and a lasting example of Palm Springs’ 1950s heyday. In 2015, the property opened as the region’s swankiest hotel, reimagined by its new owner, LA-based designer Steve Hermann. Hermann spent two years renovating the interiors, modernizing everything along the way—and the result is an open-air spa and restaurant and twenty-five bungalows that recall the original glamour but don’t feel stuck in a mid-century time warp. Each bungalow is outfitted with exposed post-and-beam wood ceilings, stone walls, custom Italian furnishings, wide plank floors, and a marble bathroom with a rain shower—in other words, the best of the past and present.

Before you set up camp by one of the resort’s retro-glam pools, be sure to explore the winding pathways and sprawling grounds of this desert oasis: You’ll find outdoor fire pits, hammocks, cricket courts, and the Gene Autry Villa (the cowboy crooner’s former residence is always available, for a sizable fee). Much like the rest of the property, each of the 131 guest rooms and 14 suites are decked out in color-happy accessories, geometric throw pillows, and other mid-century elements, courtesy of Jonathan Adler’s interior decor skills. The spa and its Moroccan-themed indoor pool (no kids allowed) are the ideal sanctuary for whiling away a rainy afternoon with the hotel’s signature Pimm’s Cup in hand.

The Rowan is right in the thick of downtown’s bustle. It’s convenient when you want to step out and have a big range of dinner options—though one of the best meals in town is right here at its restaurant, 4 Saints. Small plates with a Mediterranean bent are the work of chef Stephen Wambach and include gorgeously plated dishes like Fish in the Forest (kampachi, wild juniper, matsutake mushrooms, and baby leeks). And the rooms are nothing to sneeze at either: they all offer sweeping views of the San Jacinto Mountains thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows.

Including this gem of a hotel in the Palm Springs guide is technically cheating. You have to go to Indian Wells, about 30 minutes outside PS, to soak up the Moroccan splendor that is this compound of 46 rooms, cabana-surrounded pool, unapologetically pretty restaurant, and small-but-mighty spa. There isn't much to explore in the town itself, which is just fine: this is a self-contained luxury retreat for those looking to stay put and disconnect. The light salmon tone that pervades the grounds gives you the impression that you're always looking through rose colored glasses. The rooms are done in gentle tones of blue, with massive bathrooms, complete with the kind of soaking tubs that keep you from getting to whatever you have planned. Don't be afraid to take all your meals at The Pink Cabana (find an abridged version of the Mediterranean dishes on the room service menu), everything from the amlou tartine for breakfast to the meze plate for lunch to the harissa chicken for dinner, is just that good. The spa has three treatment rooms, each one prettier than the next. Any of the masages are a safe bet, especially when you tack on an acupressure treatment (just try not to snore on the table).

Just like so many Palm Springs properties, this lodge has lived many lives before it’s most recent incarnation as a beautifully-restored 20-room retreat. Sparrows Lodge is the sort of place where the salt-water pool isn’t much of a scene but rather a serene spot to work your way through a fat stack of magazines. In lieu of a restaurant there’s the barn, which serves as a communal breakfast area and a bar-slash-hangout the rest of the day. There are no phones or TVs in the rooms, but there are Swiss army blankets, rain showers, and rustic furniture. At night, guests tend to gravitate to the fire pit for drinks and conversation.

Built in 1947 to serve as Frank Sinatra’s weekend retreat (according to lore, he paid for the house and architect E. Stewart Williams’ services with his first big paycheck from MGM), Twin Palms has been lovingly transformed into a four-bedroom vacation rental. While the original recording studio, piano-shaped pool, and scattered Sinatra memorabilia are the main draw, the property itself is a pillar of mid-century architecture. The kitchen has been upgraded with brand new Viking appliances and modern amenities are all accounted for, but the mid-century furnishings and famous cracked sink (a byproduct of one of Sinatra’s and Ava Gardner’s many marital tiffs) do a good job of preserving the home’s history.

Located directly next door, this is Cheeky’s more substantial but equally delicious dinner-focused sibling. The atmosphere is just as relaxed, but the garden patio bar—complete with a rich cocktail offering (the gin martini is our go-to)—make it the ideal evening hangout. Come here for inventive interpretations of traditional Italian specialties like mushroom and ricotta lasagna, meatballs, eggplant and burrata, and of course, pizza. While the more topping-rich options are great, the no-frills Margherita is our favorite.

Cheeky’s is notorious for having some of the most agonizing wait times on weekend mornings. But once you do get a seat (either on the mist-equipped outdoor patio or at one of the indoor communal tables), you’ll see the wait is entirely justified. Here, brunch is all about the classics: Chilaquiles, the fluffiest pancakes, and a really good eggs Benedict. There are some unexpected options too, like a Piña Colada waffle (caramelized pineapple may sound weird but is actually quite tasty) and a spicy pork shoulder dish. Though not nearly as in-demand, the lunch menu is solid.

Much like the color-happy Saguaro Hotel it’s situated in, El Jefe is super casual (communal seating, reclaimed wood-paneled walls) and great for accommodating kids and larger groups. Inspired by Mexico City’s thriving street food scene and helmed by chef Jose Garces (of Iron Chef fame), the small-plates menu is extensive yet easy to navigate. For breakfast there’s torrijas (a delicious citrus-vanilla French toast dish) and loads of egg-centric options. Lunch and dinner are devoted to South-of-the-border favorites like ceviche, sopas, and of course, tacos—our go-to is the veggie-and-mushroom Hongos con Rajas.

Though there are 25 locations of this Portland-born diner throughout the Northwest, this is the only California outpost and it’s the furthest thing from a run-of-the-mill franchise. Yes, there’s a massive laminated menu but that's half the fun. Lunch and dinner bring in a good amount of guests, but it’s the all-day breakfast that’s the true standout. German pancakes, oversize skillet omelets, and smokehouse bacon are particularly adored by both kids and those nursing wicked hangovers.

Owner Liz Ostoich modeled Farm after the places she visited in her travels through southern France. This explains the Provençal aesthetic in the garden dining area (green shutters, wicker chairs, rustic wood dining tables), the French-press coffee, the house-made jams, and the truly impressive variety of paper-thin sweet and savory crepes. When we're there, we participate in an (almost) all-Brie diet, made possible by the pear, Brie, arugula, walnut, and date jam baguette, followed by the hazelnut, fig, and brown-sugar-baked Brie.

As the name suggests, it’s not just ice cream that’s sold here. Aside from the horchata, sweet corn, Mexican chocolate, and (our personal favorite) Coachella Valley date scoops, there are shelves lined with kitschy gifts. The store, in the lobby of the Arrive hotel, is an instant pick-me-up of cacti-covered coffee mugs, coloring pencils, and flamingo pool floats.

This is the sort of neighborhood eatery that goes above and beyond the call of duty to make patrons happy. For one thing, dogs are wholeheartedly welcome to dine with their owners on the outdoor patio (real-life Jake is a actually the owners’ beloved pup), the food offering is of the comfort variety (salads, sandwiches, awesome weekend brunch), and the overall vibe is super chill.

Occupying an old Denny’s and decked out with mod fixtures and faux taxidermy, Kings Highway is exactly what one might expect from Ace hotel’s riff on a roadside diner. In addition to providing the hotel with room service, the restaurant serves elevated versions of standard diner fare (burgers, omelets, pie) as well as random but welcome additions—grilled Monterey squid, shrimp vindaloo, black eyed pea hummus—all day long and well into the night on weekends. Next door is the Amigo Room bar, a former rancher watering hole which was purposely left out of the renovation to keep its gritty ambiance. There are 21 craft beers on tap and a killer craft cocktail menu that goes perfectly with the slew of campy activities (bingo is a fan favorite) hosted at the bar pretty much nightly.

There are three Koffi outposts (the biggest of the three is within walking distance of the Ace hotel), which is great since the coffee here is some of the best in the desert. While there are loads of complicated espresso drinks to choose from, we’re partial to the no-frills single-origin iced coffee. To compliment the miles-long beverage menu, there’s also a nice selection of muffins, cakes, and more substantial small bites.

A Palm Springs classic, Las Casuelas has been serving live music and killer margaritas (the blood orange with Casamigos is our favorite) since the ’70s. And it’s the perfect spot to hit before a night on the town, thanks to the central location. Foodwise, we love the crunchy taquitos, tortilla soup, and the achiote chicken lettuce wraps (for health-conscious LA weekenders). Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the house-made guacamole.

Located within the historic Ingleside Inn, Melvyn’s was the go-to spot for Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, and other Hollywood royalty back in the 50’s—luckily, the space has held up over the years. This is the sort of throwback establishment that insists waiters wear linen jackets and hosts live music and dancing nightly at the adjoining piano lounge. The menu is heavy on the classics (Oysters Rockefeller, pork loin medallions, filet mignon) and is not for everyone, but having a drink—the wine list is plentiful and the cocktails are potent—is worth it just for the ambiance.

Whether you’re staying at The Parker or just checking out the meticulously manicured grounds, retreat to the dimly lit and aptly named, Mister Parker’s for a good meal and even better people watching. Beyond the velvet curtained entrance, the vibe is unapologetically sexy (mirrored ceiling, an all-white baby grand piano, and eyebrow-raising artwork) and the menu is decadent to say the least. Pistachio-crusted scallops, Steak au Poivre, and the shoestring parmesan fries take top billing. It’s also important to note that every meal is kicked off by a mini loaf of piping-hot sourdough bread. Needless to say reservations are a must.

It may be located inside the swanky Parker hotel but there’s nothing precious about Norma’s take on classic diner food. For breakfast—served all day on the covered patio or inside if it gets too steamy—we swear by the famous Waz-Za waffle (stuffed with fruit and brûlée-d to perfection) and the upstream eggs Benedict (tiny pancakes topped with smoked salmon and smothered in some of the best Hollandaise we’ve ever had).

While the strip mall location doesn't exactly channel the glamor of Paris, this is our go-to for fresh breakfast pastries (the almond croissants and pain au chocolate are insane) and dinner party desserts. It’s owned by a French couple who whip up the delectable baked goods daily and put a ton of effort into quality—the bread selection, for example, is on par with the stuff you’ll find in authentic Parisian boulangeries...definitely try the olive loaf.

Pork belly fried rice with spicy okra is a standout at this dinner-only Vietnamese-American spot. Arrive early to avoid a line out the door, though if you have to wait, know that it’s worth it. We’d come just for the cocktails, especially the Floating Orchid, made with vodka, pear nectar, elderflower, lemon, and cava.

This no-frills, feel-good restaurant has been around for over twenty years—and not much on the menu has changed since it opened. Locals swear by this lunch-only burger joint, famous not only for the burgers (we love the turkey burger, though the tuna and egg salad sandwiches are excellent, too) but for the homemade potato salad and the blissfully old-fashioned chocolate malts and root beer floats.

Uptown Palm Springs is quickly becoming the culinary epicenter of the desert, thanks in no small part to chef Michael Beckman's Workshop Kitchen + Bar. The oft-changing menu is devoted to fresh, seasonal dishes like roasted heirloom carrots, house-cured gravlax tartine, and Iron House ranch rib eye, the ingredients for which are all sourced locally—even the craft cocktails are mixed with them (the scotch-heavy Carrot Penicillin is insane). Other than a singular communal table and a dozen or so private booths, the minimalistic cement dining room doesn't overwhelm with decor.

Brainchild of Jaime Kowal and Chris Pardo (the dynamic duo behind neighboring Ernest Coffee), Bootlegger Tiki—with its totem poles, novelty lighting, and various pictures of topless ladies on the walls—is the epitome of a kitschy tiki bar. Best part: happy hour is a daily occurrence here, meaning the elaborate rum-centric concoctions (Mai Tai, Daiquiri, Blue Hawaii, and more) can be enjoyed at deep discounts from four to six.

Refreshing drinks like the frozen Aperol spritz and a passionfruit makeover of the gin fizz—plus light bites like ceviche and a minty melon-arugula salad—make swimsuit-clad, poolside dining comfortable in a destination as searing hot as Palm Springs. The rooftop bar is the perfect spot to people watch as the scene shifts from lively in the afternoon to peaceful at sunset.

This speakeasy-style cocktail den occupies a hidden space inside the steakhouse, Mr. Lyons (ask the host to point you in the right direction). Once inside, it’s easy for forget what decade it is. There are vintage photographs lining the walls, antique velvet seating, and even a black-and-white tv to set the retro mood. The whole thing is wonderfully old school, and a quiet place for a nightcap—try the Oaxacan Brunch, made with Gem & Bolt mezcal, lime juice, sage-infused simple syrup, and egg white.

Owners James Claude and Miguel Linares have curated one of the best—and biggest— home decor showrooms in Palm Springs. While the majority of their neighbors peddle mid-century modern wares, you’ll also find pieces from the 80’s and 90’s here. It’s also a great resource for having vintage lighting refurbished or if you’re looking to have something authenticated.

Technically, the outlets are about 30 minutes outside city limits, but anyone who’s been will agree that the drive to or from Palm Springs isn't complete without a stop here. So massive is this shopping complex that it’s actually resembles a small town, with designer stores lining the recently revamped “streets” (though we think they’d benefit from the addition of a few more restaurants). Here, you’ll find off-price outposts for Barneys New York, Frette, Bottega Veneta, Prada, YSL, James Perse and so many more.

This freestanding boutique is a treasure trove of super well-preserved vintage, which we’re sure will be even more enticing once it reopens after a lengthy renovation. Everything from beaded gowns to silk separates to shoes to rare designer pieces is neatly organized, which is nice considering there’s usually tons to get through. If you’re looking to clean out your closet, they also accept pieces on a consignment basis.

The ideal Palm Springs wardrobe calls for airy caftans, loose, ’70s-style dresses, and wide-brimmed hats to ward off the unrelenting desert sun. The Frippery has all of the above in spades (that is to say, vintage clothes made for poolside lounging). Dig deep enough and you can find some real gems, like vintage Pierre Cardin and Pucci dresses.

Come here for a great selection of gently loved furniture from decades past. As the name suggests, the bulk of the assortment is of the mid-century or modern variety so expect to see a healthy assortment of lucite seating, woven wall art, plush rugs, and retro patio furniture. The price points are steep, but a seasoned collector would know how to spot a hidden gem.

We would trek from LA to Palm Springs for a visit to 1345 alone. Aside from everything you can buy there, the building—a modernist structure designed by E. Stewart Williams in 1955—is worth a visit all on its own. Step inside and you’ll find a treasure trove of rare mid-century-inspired home items. Our favorites include wares from Double M pottery: The pastel-patterned, lead-free glazes are all handmade in California, and the mugs, plates, and bowls are all dishwasher-safe.

Midwest natives Jeremy Smick and Samantha Caltagirone opened their lifestyle boutique in 2017 and stocked it with the store’s own line of delicate jewelry, floaty dresses and rompers (godsends in the desert heat), hand-painted dishes, Italian ceramics, and decorative trinkets from their travels around the world. There are also antique rugs and furniture, making it one of our favorite one-stop shops for the home.

We’ve long been admirers of Janssen Artspace, which closed its doors in 2010 after years of great exhibitions and events. In 2019, nearly a decade after its first opening party, artist and owner Steven Janssen brought the space back to downtown Palm Springs permanently. Twice a month, the gallery hosts a drawing workshop where participants have the opportunity to draw a nude model while getting feedback from Janssen as they work. During the day, you’ll find Janssen’s own work on display in the light-filled, open environment (as well as many other artists to come).

While Palm Springs packed with modern and mid-century architecture (drive around for a few minutes and you'll see several marquee name homes), the best way to see it all and get the backstory is by guided tour. A three-hour, fully-immersive tour (we told you there's a lot to see!). To keep things intimate and encourage conversation, groups are kept to six people tops. These sell out fast, so a self-guided tour using the Palm Springs Modern app is a great alternative.

The concept for the tramway was born in 1935, but the project didn’t come to fruition until 1963: It was really ambitious. After boarding at the Valley Station, the ride up the mountain (elevation 8,516 ft) takes no longer than ten minutes and the views of Chino Canyon from the rotating tramcar are nothing short of breathtaking. At the top you’ll find Peaks restaurant (the food isn’t too memorable but the setting is extraordinary), the ultra laid back Pines Café, and The Lookout Lounge cocktail bar. There are hikes and the like available (you'll probably share your tram with a troop of eager campers). Because temperatures in the valley and the top of the mountain vary drastically, riding the tramway offers a much-needed reprieve from the desert’s sweltering heat in the summer—off-season, pack a sweater.

If you have a plane-obsessed child, or any interest in military history, this is a pretty great way to pass a couple of hours. Occupying several hangars—and staffed by some pretty wonderful and knowledgeable military veterans—you can explore any number of planes (you can climb into the cockpits of several). There are also some great exhibitions lining the walls.

It shouldn't come as a surprise that this well-cultured city of 50,000 has an art museum that rivals something you'd find in New York or LA. The building is architecturally significant (of course), there's an ongoing calendar of great events (it has a 400+ person theater), and the gift shop is excellent, too.

La Quinta is also home to the PGA West's legendary golf academy (which is, apparently, a big deal if you play). Golf school and private lessons are obviously on offer, but they also do custom club fittings, health and wellness consultations, and high-tech video analysis.

The fact that Sunnylands serves as the Camp David of the West Coast kind of does this stunning estate a disservice: And while it's still frequented by many presidents and politicians, it's open to the public. Designed for the Annenbergs by A. Quincy Jones in the '60s, it is one of the more stunning examples of mid-century architecture, and it's situated on meticulously manicured grounds. Book well in advance for tours, though you can always stop by to see the permanent exhibition, which offers a great survey on some of the home's big moments over time.

While we wouldn't suggest spending an entire weekend at the Two Bunch Palms hotel (unless you’re in the mood for something a bit more quaint and off the beaten path), the on-site hot springs justify the 30 minute drive. Here, the mineral healing waters are pumped into a picturesque grotto which is made up of two pools, one at 99 degrees and the other at 104 (those extra 5 degrees make a huge difference, actually). There’s also a respectable spa menu—some of the services are performed in individual gazebos—and a simple but good restaurant.

It sounds a tad new age-y to the uninitiated, sure, but it's worth taking the 45-minute drive to Yucca Valley for a sound bath (some refer to them as sonic healing sessions) inside the Integration chamber. The hour-long experience consists of listening to a combination of live crystal bowl playing and pre-recorded music, which when combined with the chamber’s extra-strong energy levels, results in intense levels of relaxation. According to Integration’s creator, George Van Tassel, the all-wood structure was built on a geomagnetic vortex with guidance from Nikola Tesla’s writings and, umm, extraterrestrials. Though it sounds unlikely, there's something magical about the place. Call ahead to reserve.

This 1949 hacienda, just 10 minutes from the park, fully encapsulates the slow living vibe that Joshua Tree is known for. The two bed, two bath Airbnb, with its smooth polished stone floors strewn with colorful rugs, an open fireplace, wood-beamed ceiling, and natural light contributes to the space’s rustic, yet supremely comfortable vibe. We love the tent room, a textural sleeping space with a canopied bed and bright layered rugs. This house is the perfect retreat to pack full of friends for a weekend in the desert. Despite the pull of local joints like Pappy & Harriets, La Copine, and the park itself, stargazing in the outdoor tub with only the record player breaking the total silent stillness is a pretty sublime experience worth staying in for. The owners (who instantly fell in love with the area at the tail end of a road trip) have imbued the house with plenty of thoughtful touches—the snug kitchenette is stocked with locally roasted coffee and Chemex for brewing.

Just 45 minutes from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree is at its most majestic at night, when the sky glitters with stars and all you can hear are the yelps of resident hyenas (weirdly romantic). At almost 800,000 acres, the stunning terrain should be experienced by everyone at least once. This geologically unique intersection of the Mojave and Colorado deserts was granted national park status in 1994 and is home to all manner of intricate ecosystems. You can get a feel for Joshua Tree by driving through but we recommend booking a spot at one of nine designated camping grounds. There are also a ton of hiking trails, bird-watching expeditions, rock-climbing oops, and historic tours on offer.

This small roadside restaurant is a haven of biodynamic wine and vegetable dishes so tasty and satisfying, you’ll question your meat-eating ways. Even a simple green salad here is a complex bowl of kale, red oak lettuce, pickled carrots, seeds, and herbs—tossed in a lemony vinaigrette. Fingerlings are grilled with duck fat; beets are paired with plums and a pistachio dressing. Check the hours before you go, as opening times vary. The last thing you want is to make the drive out here and find out that it’s closed (sadly, we speak from experience).

You’ll come upon Mojave Desert Skin Shield Spa about a mile off Twentynine Palms Highway. And this desert spot lives up to our sanctuary-in-the-middle-of-the-nowhere expectations: zero cell service but plenty of peace, quiet, and quality treatments. Spa offerings include sound bath healing sessions, tao tea meditation, and their signature 100-minute facial healing session (a deep fascial massage accompanied by breathwork and meditation). We come here for a deeply relaxing, nurturing two hours and leave with a bagful of in-house blended skincare tinctures like their detoxifying pulling oil and the Ayurvedic eye rinse (sweet manna after too many hours behind the screen).

We’re always ready for a night of casual hedonism at Pappy’s. A sprawling bar-meets-restaurant-meets-live-music-venue on the edge of Pioneertown, anything goes here. While you wait (and without a reservation, you will definitely wait), order a beer at the always-packed bar before settling down at your table to racks of ribs, baskets of fries, and another beer. Afterward, jostle for space on the dance floor, which is always packed full of locals in cowboy boots, Angelenos down for the night, bikers, and bachelorettes rocking out to live country music.

It’s made up of a single dusty main road with less than a dozen buildings, but Pioneertown is actually an interesting shopping destination. Especially at the General Store, where vintage clothing (particularly boilersuits), incense, natural beauty products, and stuff that seems to be found only in the desert is available in abundance. The old-time postcards, bandannas, curated road trip books, and palo santo make for perfect keepsakes or gifts from this part of the Wild West.

This mid-century, ranch-style home was built in 1962. A recent restoration by Los Angeles-based design studio Mini Inno transformed this desert sanctuary into a Japanese-inspired retreat. The saltwater soaking tub, outdoor firepit (pure magic at night), tea room, and cactus garden are imperfectly perfect, in line with the wabi-sabi aesthetic that anchors the property. But, before thinking you’ll spend all your time soaking and stargazing outside, the pared-back white walls and warm wood interiors are so soothing and functional you’ll want to cook in the kitchen and read from every comfy corner before (reluctantly) heading home with a bevy of interior upgrade ideas...we did.

Floral designer Veronica Lowe is the driving force behind this Yucca Valley oasis of plant life, just off a parched, dusty stretch of Highway 62. Stopping here is a dose of escapism: pots of greenery, a curated selection of Lowe’s favorite hemp oils, letterpress cards, and ceramics. Keep an eye on the website for a listing of upcoming workshops, including astrology readings, flower arranging, and general magic.