Beyond Los Angeles
Palm Springs: the back story
The back story
About Palm Springs: the back story
Palm Springs, in the Coachella Valley, is famous for its mid-century modern houses, resort pools and the San Jacinto Mountains rising above the town.
Mid-century modern
The town’s mid-century houses and hotels are a big draw; the visitor centre on North Palm Canyon Drive has maps.
The aerial tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway carries you from the desert floor up into the cooler San Jacinto Mountains.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway climbs from the desert floor into the San Jacinto Mountains.
Getting there
Allow about two and a half hours by car from downtown LA without traffic; summer heat is extreme.
Our advice: go between autumn and spring, and ride the tramway in the late afternoon.
Why it's on our list
- Mid-century modern
- The aerial tramway
- Getting there
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Palm Springs: the back story before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Palm Springs: the back story are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Key sights
- Walt Disney Concert Hall13 miCar or taxi 46 min