TL;DR: Palm Springs at its most aesthetic—boutique stays, stylish restaurants, mid-century gems, and the most Instagrammable spots in the city. A design-lover’s guide to where to sleep, eat, sip, and shoot.
Welcome to the Desert—She’s Dressed and She’s Dangerous (in the BEST way!). And this Palm Springs Aesthetic Travel Guide is your cheat sheet to doing it the RIGHT way.
Let’s be clear: no one “just” goes to Palm Springs. You arrive. You make an entrance. You check into a hotel with wallpaper hotter than your ex and order a poolside cocktail that costs more than your Uber here—and you love it.
Because Palm Springs isn’t about practicality. It’s about pink hotel doors, oversized sunglasses at brunch, and that specific kind of sunshine that makes everything (and everyone) look 23% hotter. It’s the desert, but make it fabulous.
This guide is your shortcut to doing it right. Where to stay (because the lobby does matter), where to eat (hint: one place has checkerboard floors and a cocktail called the Pink Panther), and where to post up under a palm tree and pretend you’re considering a spontaneous real estate investment.
Minimal effort. Maximum vibes. Sunscreen highly encouraged.
Planning your Palm Springs moment?
Before you pack your SPF and your cutest sunglasses—you’re gonna wanna download this guide so you don’t miss a moment.
Grab the Palm Springs Aesthetic Travel Guide (PDF Edition) — all my favorite hotels, brunches, cocktails, cactus stops, and poolside hangs, wrapped in one very cute download.
Easy to save, share, or skim over brunch.
Restaurant: Kings Highway | 701 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Kings Highway Restaurant at the Palm Springs Ace Hotel
Kings Highway is that perfect mix of nostalgic and now—a diner that feels like it’s been waiting for you, hungover or not. Housed in what was once a Denny’s (truly), it’s all terrazzo tables, leather booths, and desert sun slanting in like a soft filter.
This isn’t some sanitized “desert chic” photo op. It’s lived-in, low-key, and exactly what you want in the morning after a night that started with one martini and somehow ended with karaoke and a cactus tattoo. (It happens.)
This is where you go to recalibrate—with huevos rancheros, vintage mugs of diner coffee, and the kind of low-slung booths that make you question your life choices in the best way.
Yes, you’ll eat here. But you’ll also people-watch, playlist-shazam, and probably text someone “OMG this place” before the server even takes your order. It’s retro without the kitsch, cool without the ego, and an effortlessly hip staff that somehow makes a faded motel feel aspirational.
Come for the carbs, stay for the charm. And don’t skip the photo booth on the way out—it’s basically a rite of passage.
Hotel: The Sands Hotel | 44-985 Province Wy, Indian Wells, CA 92210
The Pink Cabana Restaurant at the Sands Hotel
Ah, the Pink Cabana. The jewel box. The flirty one. The restaurant that knows it’s being photographed and dares you to look away. It’s not just Palm Springs Chic—it’s Palm Springs on her third glass of rosé, in heels, blowing a kiss.
You could drive past the Sands Hotel and miss it—low-slung, a little mysterious, hiding behind a screen of palms like it’s guarding a very stylish secret. And honestly? It kind of is.
Pulling up to the Sands feels like a whisper—blink and you’ll miss it, tucked behind a row of palms and a slightly mysterious stucco wall. But that’s kind of the point. It’s not screaming for attention. It’s waiting for the right people to find it.
Inside, though? Whole different story.
Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s redesign takes “desert boutique hotel” and adds a dash of Marrakech, a sprinkle of Wes Anderson, a pop of desert glam…
This place looks like it was designed to be in a movie where someone wears a scarf and oversized glasses to hide from the paparazzi… at brunch. It’s that good.
Designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard (yes, that Martyn), the interiors balance rosy stucco walls with arched doorways, patterned tile, and a very specific kind of “I don’t need to try that hard” attitude. It’s not a spectacle. It’s a vibe.
But don’t get too cozy yet. We’re heading outside.
☀️ Poolside at the Palm Springs Sands Hotel: Desert Leisure, Refined
The pool at the Sands feels like a private club where everyone happens to have incredible taste. Lined with blush cabanas and ivory loungers, it’s equal parts serene and smug (in a good way). You’ll spot honeymooners sipping cold rosé under fringed umbrellas, solo travelers reading something “accidentally profound,” and friend groups posing like it’s a Vogue travel spread—because, frankly, it kind of is.
Everything is dialed in: scalloped umbrellas, crisp white loungers, striped towels that feel fresh out of a film set. And the cabanas? More like cabana couture. Black and white stripes. Star-shaped chandeliers. Draped canvas, throw pillows, just enough privacy to gossip without whispering. They’re not trying to be showy—they just naturally are.
Restaurant: The Pink Cabana | 44-985 Province Wy, Indian Wells, CA 92210
🥂 The Pink Cabana Restaurant: Your Flirty, Fabulous Country Club Fantasy
The Pink Cabana is what happens when a Palm Springs country club takes off its pearls, puts on some hoops, and learns how to flirt. It’s elegant without being stuffy, cheeky without being loud.
You don’t go to the Pink Cabana accidentally. You plan. You coordinate. You ask yourself, “Is this pink too pink?” (It’s not.)
I gave The Pink Cabana a very important job: my birthday brunch. That’s a sacred assignment. High expectations. Zero room for mediocre mimosas. And she delivered.
You want vibe, flavor, and a little bit of flirt. And this place checked every box, then handed me cookies.
The room is an aesthetic fantasy—blush tones, Moroccan tiles, and mint-green banquettes. The capiz-shell chandeliers dangle like desert disco balls. There’s a softness to it all, but also a little sparkle. You feel like you should be wearing something vintage and expensive, but somehow your sundress still fits in just fine.
And the food? Pretty and delicious, which is rare. My coffee was strong. My eggs came on the world’s most photogenic plate. The cocktails sparkled in coupe glasses like they’d been dressed for the occasion.
But the real moment? The birthday dessert cookies. Soft, warm, a little salty, a little sweet—I’m still thinking about them. Somehow not overly fussy but just elevated enough that I felt completely celebrated.
We lingered. Took a thousand photos. Giggled too loudly. It was one of those brunches that turns into a core memory—wrapped in blush tones, disco shimmer, and just the right amount of sugar.
This is a restaurant that deserves your best effort. It’s the kind of place where the floor tiles have more style than most Airbnbs and the menu reads like a love letter to summer in the Mediterranean. Every corner is photo-ready, every seat feels like the best seat, and the cocktail list understands its assignment: be cute and strong.
Whether you’re in for dinner, brunch, or “just drinks” that turn into two appetizers and a full photoshoot by the bar, the Pink Cabana turns the volume up on the Palm Springs fantasy.
It’s not about subtlety. It’s about seduction—with saffron, tilework, and a generous pour of rosé.
Whether you’re there for a long, lazy lunch or a dressed-up dinner under pink-tinted lights, the Cabana hits that perfect sweet spot: relaxed, radiant, and ready for its close-up. It’s not trying to be the trendiest restaurant in town. It knows it is.
FAQ’s About the Pink Cabana Restaurant in Indian Wells
Where is the Pink Cabana restaurant in Palm Springs located?
The Pink Cabana is located inside the Sands Hotel & Spa in Indian Wells — about 25 minutes from downtown Palm Springs. Yes, it’s a bit of a hike, but more than worth the effort. Yes, it’s as dreamy in person as it is on Instagram. Bonus: the hotel courtyard and pool deck are just as pretty, even if you’re only stopping by for brunch.
What is the aesthetic style of the Pink Cabana restaurant?
The Pink Cabana is Palm Springs Chic in its purest form: flirty, photogenic, and entirely unbothered.
Think blush tones, checkerboard floors, mint-green banquettes, Moroccan tile, and just the right amount of gold shimmer. It’s retro glam meets tennis club meets design dream. Trust me, you’ll be snapping LOTS of photos.
Is the Pink Cabana restaurant a good place for a special occasion?
Absolutely! I celebrated my birthday brunch here, and it delivered. From the capiz-shell chandeliers to the perfect dessert cookies, it hits that rare sweet spot: visually iconic and legitimately good food. Come for the vibe, stay for the flavor.
What are the best photo spots at the Pink Cabana restaurant?
- The arched blush entryway — the “take it before brunch” moment
- The checkered floor near the bar — chic and symmetrical
- The tile-wrapped outdoor patio — soft lighting and pastel walls
- Those blush pink banquettes — stylish from every angle
- The capiz-shell chandeliers — disco desert perfection
Basically: bring a camera. And wear something you’ll want to see in pictures.
Restaurant: Workshop Kitchen + Bar | 800 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Palm Springs Workshop Kitchen + Bar
Ah yes — Workshop. This is where Palm Springs puts on its sleekest all-black outfit and whispers, “I’m not like the other girls.”
After all the pastels, the pool floats, the breezy glam of brunch, Workshop Kitchen + Bar is the dramatic, design-forward palate cleanser. The cool-down that somehow heats up. A little darker. A little sharper. And quietly one of the best meals in town.
I came here to celebrate a milestone birthday. I needed a scene. Not something loud or crowded. Something memorable. Dramatic. Worthy.
And Workshop delivered.
This place is severe—in the best way possible. Concrete, black, gray, and symmetry so sharp it could cut glass. It’s not trying to charm you. It’s letting the space—and the food—speak for itself. Think cathedral-meets-industrial fantasy with just enough glow to keep it warm.
Maybe it’s all those architecture classes I took back in the day, but I was slightly obsessed with the brutalism aesthetic. The way the long, monastic communal table stretches through the room like a runway for well-plated vegetables. The hanging globes, perfectly dropped in line, twinkling like design-savvy stars. It’s cold and striking and somehow still intimate. A restaurant that tells you: you are here for the experience. Be present. Be bold. Order the wine.
And then—perfection. A bachelorette party showed up, not in tiaras and sashes, but in chic fuchsia. Fuchsia! My favorite color. They were glowing under the table’s warm sparkle, sipping sparkling rosé like it was made just for them. The contrast? Iconic. Black and gray, symmetry and stone… punctuated by a burst of hot pink joy.
It was one of those moments. You know the kind. Where place, people, and timing line up so well you almost don’t want to take a photo, because it might break the spell.
But I did. Obviously.
Garden: Moorten Botanical Garden | 1701 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
🌵 The Cactarium, Palm Springs
You don’t just “visit” the Moorten Botanical Gardens. You wander. You meander. You squint in the light and say things like, “Is this the most photogenic garden I’ve ever been in or am I just dehydrated?” (Spoiler: both.)
It’s not big. It’s not flashy. There’s no velvet rope or curated scent experience. Just plants—lots of them. Over 3,000 species of desert flora from all over the world, arranged in a perfectly imperfect sprawl of dusty paths, weathered signage, and shadows that fall just right on cracked desert stone.
But the best part is #SpoilerAlert—the Cacatrium. Yes, let me say that again—cactarium. As in: a greenhouse just for cacti. Not a garden. Not a succulent wall. A full, enclosed, slightly steamy, borderline spiritual space filled with rare and otherworldly desert plants that look like they were handpicked by Wes Anderson’s set designer and an alien botanist.
It’s humid in there. Warm, close, and just quiet enough that your sandals start to sound loud. There’s a smell—earthy, old, sunbaked. The air hangs heavy with history and heat, like you’ve stepped inside a sepia photograph of the Mojave, mid-meditation.
And the plants? Surreal. Some spindly, some swollen, some twisted like coral. Others impossibly delicate, blooming quietly in corners like they’re on a secret timer. There’s something beautifully strange about the way they’ve thrived in this tiny, glowing space, each one stretching toward the light like it knows how photogenic it is.
It’s the kind of space that makes you want to whisper, even though no one told you to. A tiny desert cathedral, filled with spines, silence, and the kind of beauty that sneaks up on you.
One of my favorite moments of the whole trip.
Hotel: the Saguaro Hotel | 1800 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
🌈 The Saguaro Hotel: Color Therapy, Palm Springs Style
The Saguaro is what happens when a standard-issue motel throws on a technicolor caftan, blasts Donna Summer, and decides to become the life of the party.
Originally a pretty unremarkable roadside inn, it got a second life as a color-drenched icon, thanks to a renovation that leaned all the way in on brightness and boldness. Every room, balcony, and breezeway is painted a different citrusy hue—sunset orange, punchy pink, pool blue, lemon yellow, electric purple—stacked like a vertical desert rainbow against the San Jacinto Mountains.
You don’t have to stay at The Saguaro to get the full effect. Just stepping onto the property feels like walking into a box of highlighters that someone left out in the desert sun—and we mean that in the best possible way.
It’s color-blocked joy.
Sunset oranges. Punchy pinks. Teal, yellow, purple, lime—all stacked against that desert backdrop like an adult playground designed by a maximalist optimist. The architecture is pure motel nostalgia, reimagined with serious moodboard energy. Every balcony is a photo op. Every hallway glows.
I didn’t stay overnight, but I hung out in the courtyard, took in the rainbow riot of it all, and promptly made myself at home in one of their striped hammocks strung between palm trees. It’s the kind of spot where you’re not sure if you’re allowed to stay that long… but nobody tells you to leave. You just sway. And let the color therapy work its magic.
The Saguaro doesn’t whisper luxury—it shouts joy. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need between moody cocktail bars and cactus gardens.
A hammock. A breeze. A whole lot of unapologetic color. Yes, please.
FAQ’s About the Saguaro Hotel in Palm Springs:
What is the aesthetic of the Saguaro Palm Springs hotel?
The Saguaro’s aesthetic is bold, bright, and proudly over-the-top. It takes a classic motel layout and wraps it in highlighter hues — think hot pink balconies, citrus-colored corridors, and striped hammocks under palm trees. It’s retro, cheerful, and doesn’t take itself too seriously.
If Palm Springs had a mascot, this might be it.
What is the history of the Saguaro Palm Springs — and how did it become so colorful?
The Saguaro wasn’t always the rainbow wonderland it is today. It started as a standard-issue motel, built in the 1970s with the usual beige-on-beige palette. Nothing to write home about.
It got a technicolor makeover in 2011 by Joie de Vivre Hotels and design firm Stamberg Aferiat. Inspired by desert wildflowers and Mexican modernism, the hotel is now known for its bright, color-blocked architecture, rainbow balconies, and playful, retro energy.
The transformation worked. Today, the Saguaro is one of the most Instagrammed hotels in Palm Springs, known for its neon-bright backdrop, striped hammocks, and a pool scene that’s basically a daytime disco.
It’s retro, it’s ridiculous (in the best way), and it’s unapologetically fun.
Is The Saguaro Palm Springs good for Instagram photos?
Absolutely. It’s basically built for it.
Every wall is a color story. Every corner feels like a Wes Anderson set meets Coachella. If you’re curating a gallery of bold, saturated, sunshine-drenched moments, The Saguaro delivers.
Can you visit The Saguaro Hotel without staying there?
Yes! You can grab a drink at the bar, hang out in the courtyard, or even get a day pass for the pool if you’re not a guest. I popped in just to explore and ended up in one of their striped hammocks with a cold drink and zero regrets.
Cocktail Bar: Truss & Twine | 800 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
🥃 Truss & Twine Restaurant: Desert Nights Done Right in Palm Springs
After a long day of pool-hopping, palette-staring, and generally living your best mid-century fantasy, there comes a moment when you crave something a little darker. A little cooler. A little less curated-for-Instagram and more curated-for-you.
Enter: Truss & Twine.
Tucked into the Uptown Design District with almost no signage and zero ego, Truss is the kind of place you either stumble into by accident—or were smart enough to be told about. Minimalist, moody, and quietly magnetic, it’s part craft cocktail haven, part desert speakeasy with a modernist soul.
Inside, the lighting is low (flattering). The concrete and steel are softened by warm wood and hushed conversation. The bar glows like a promise. The drinks are serious—thoughtful riffs on classics, with a touch of Old Hollywood restraint and desert nuance. It’s the kind of place where you sip, not slam.
I came here on a warm night, open to anything, craving nothing in particular—and left slightly dazed in the best way. The kind of dazed that only comes from a perfectly built Old Fashioned and a very good eavesdrop at the next table.
The bartenders? Attentive without being overbearing. The vibe? Elevated but unpretentious. The crowd? A mix of locals who know and visitors who got lucky. It feels like the end of a great film scene—when the plot pauses, the music swells, and you’re just in it.
And I liked their attitude. A bit of spice and sass (just check out their message board).
Hotel: the Parker Palm Springs Hotel | 4200 E Palm Canyon Dr #5230, Palm Springs, CA 92264
🧡 The Parker Palm Springs Hotel: Maximalism, Mystique, and a Little Mid-Century Mischief
No trip to Palm Springs is complete without a visit to the Parker Hotel. Whether for a stay, or just brunch at Norma’s, this is a classic and a must.
Ah, yes. The Parker. The crown jewel. The fever dream. The hotel that makes you want to redecorate your entire life, hire a butler, and start casually saying things like “We summer in the desert.”
You can’t do Palm Springs without The Parker — it’s maximalist, mystical, and entirely its own universe.
And if you want to do even more of a tour, check out my post here.
From the moment you walk through that breezeblock wall and into the bougainvillea-shrouded mystery of The Parker, you know you’re somewhere else entirely. Not just in Palm Springs—but in a curated alternate universe where color is law, symmetry is sacred, and every corner was designed to make your pupils dilate.
This place is not subtle.
It’s layered. Lush. Dramatic. Designed within an inch of its life—and then intentionally messed up in all the right ways. Jonathan Adler’s fingerprints are everywhere, but so is the spirit of every creative who ever needed a desert escape and a martini.
You don’t stumble into The Parker. You arrive. You pass through the iconic white breeze block wall like you’re entering a very glamorous dimension, one where the dress code is “eccentric rich aunt with a passport and opinions.” Bougainvillea hangs heavy. Hedges stand tall. Citrus trees and secrets everywhere. And then you step into the lobby—and the spell takes hold.
It’s not just decorated. It’s curated chaos.
Designed by Jonathan Adler, the whole place feels like a mod cocktail party collided with a gallery show and nobody ever cleaned up (on purpose).
Above the massive stone fireplace hangs a glowing vintage neon sign that simply says: “Drugs.” Which tells you everything you need to know about the hotel’s sense of humor. Around it? A sunken lounge of velvet seating, metallic accents, shag pillows, and sculptural oddities that would feel totally out of place anywhere else—but here, they belong.
There are ceramic palm tree lamps glowing with that kitschy-glam glow. A purple glass foot sculpture just vibing by itself like it’s absolutely booked and busy. There’s so much visual drama you don’t know where to look, so you just keep looking. And maybe ordering another drink.
And then there’s the fire. The actual indoor fire pit glows beneath a pyramid of mid-century stone, surrounded by low-slung seating that feels both decadent and intimate. It’s giving “midnight confessions,” “first flirtations,” “martinis before mischief.” You don’t plan to sit there—you just do. You settle in. You stay too long. You feel cooler than you are.
Restaurant: Norma’s | 4200 E Palm Canyon Dr #5230, Palm Springs, CA 92264
🍳 Norma’s: Sunny-Side Up and Palm Springs Perfect
If The Parker is the drama, Norma’s is the daytime diva. She’s flirty. She’s fabulous. And she knows damn well she’s your first stop after a slow, silky morning in that ridiculous bed.
Set just off the pool in a kaleidoscope of citrus tones and saturated tile, Norma’s is technically a “diner”—but only if your local diner had chartreuse banquettes, a rotating art collection, and a cocktail menu that could take down a small yacht crew.
You slide into your seat, order a $19 stack of pancakes without blinking, and realize… this is exactly where you’re meant to be.
The vibe is easy. Elevated, but not fussy. Think poolside brunch with just enough polish to justify the price point—and just enough cheek to make it fun. There’s no panic here. No rush. Just iced lattes in glass tumblers, giant French toast that leans architectural, and dishes with names that read like punchlines in a very stylish comedy.
This is where you recover. Where you reset. Where you start the day with a Bloody Mary and a plate big enough to share, but won’t. It’s decadent. It’s cheerful. And somehow, it manages to feel both iconic and totally laid-back.
The servers are charming with just enough bite. The coffee comes strong and constant. The menu is indulgent, a little irreverent, and completely unapologetic. Think: truffle-honey fries, a lobster mac situation, spiked smoothies, and that one dish someone always has to Google before ordering.
If Workshop was the moody dinner, and The Pink Cabana the flirty lunch, Norma’s is your sun-drenched, linen-clad morning-after moment. Hair up, sunglasses on, ordering pancakes like you’ve got nowhere else to be. And honestly? You don’t.
☀️ That’s a Wrap, Desert Darling
Palm Springs is a place that doesn’t just give you sunshine and good design—it gives you a mood. It’s brunch in pastels, brutalism at dinner, and cactus air therapy in between. It’s the kind of place that shows up fully styled before 10 a.m. and still surprises you with something weird and wonderful when you least expect it.
From velvet lounges at The Parker to poolside hammocks at The Saguaro, from desert disco chandeliers at The Pink Cabana to my quiet little moment in the Cactarium—this trip gave me everything I didn’t know I needed. Design. Drama. Stillness. Sparkle. Cookies.
If you’re dreaming up your own desert weekend, I hope this guide helps you chase the light, lean into the leisure, and find your own moments worth remembering.
Heading to Palm Springs? You’ll want this.
My Palm Springs Aesthetic Travel Guide is yours in one tidy little PDF. Hotels, brunch, cactus energy, the fire pit. All of it.
Download it, save it, flex it in the group chat.
And if you’re looking for your next style-forward escape, I’ve got more where this came from. Check out my Aesthetic City Guides some of my favorite cities—same good taste, new settings.
Because let’s be honest: I’m not going places without a vibe. And neither should you.
