Palm Springs is one of the most iconic vacation destinations in the U.S., blending mid-century modern architecture, golf, top-notch shopping, and cultural experiences. But the story of how Palm Springs emerged as the go-to getaway spot for celebrities is just as fascinating as the destination itself.
Back in Hollywood’s heyday, icons like Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were contracted to stay within two hours of ‘the studio’ in case they were called back for another take or shoot. So on days off, Hollywood’s gilded stars journeyed as far as they were legally permitted — two hours east to the desert of Palm Springs — coveted for its natural hot springs and San Jacinto Mountains.
In time, the celebs built homes here, with streets — Frank Sinatra Drive, Dinah Shore Drive, Gene Autry Trail, Bing Crosby Drive, Jack Benny Road, Bob Hope Drive — named in their honor. The Hollywood-to-Palm Springs connection lives on, with A-listers continuing to find respite here, while travelers, too, are enjoying Palm Springs’ proverbial sunny weather, museums, modern architecture, and extraordinary Airbnb options.
Here, we rounded up eight of the most spectacular home rentals including Frank Sinatra’s famous Twin Palms Estate.
DuBois Mid-century Masterpiece
Designed by renowned Charles DuBois, this historic mid-century masterpiece, in Vista Las Palmas, features five bedrooms, exquisite interiors — American and Danish modernist furnishings and original artwork — and decadent alfresco living spaces. Dip in the saltwater pool, lounge in the elevated hot tub, sunbathe on semi-submerged loungers, and relax in the stunning lanai. A private chef and spa services can easily be arranged. The house is a ten-minute walk to downtown.
Accommodates:
10 guests
Standout Amenities:
Pet-friendly. Saltwater pool, hot tub, fire pit, chef’s kitchen
Secluded Mesa Ridge
Set on the historic MGM Studio lands and a short walk to Moorten Botanical Gardens, this four-bedroom Mediterranean-style villa offers dreamy views of the Sonoran Desert hills. Interiors feature clean lines and a neutral color palette; while the property is magical with its desert gardens, lagoon-like salt-water swimming pool, hot tub, wrap-around terrace, and shaded seating areas. Work out on the Peloton, slip into the sauna, and stargaze at night by the lovely outdoor hearth with a glass of California red.
Accommodates:
8 guests
Standout Amenities:
Saltwater pool, hot tub, indoor fireplace, sauna, chef’s kitchen, and Peloton bike.
Twin Palms Sinatra Estate
Ol’ Blue Eyes himself (a.k.a. Frank Sinatra) commissioned legendary Palm Springs architect, E. Stewart Williams, to build this four-bedroom mid-century masterpiece in 1947. Some of Sinatra’s original touches (including his recording studio) still remain. Outdoors, the pool is delightfully piano shaped; while inside, there is real-life ebony-and-ivory in the great room. The gourmet kitchen comes with a high-glam makeover — Viking appliances and modern dining table with mountain views. The bedrooms are also decadent. The primary opens onto the terrace and includes a masonry fireplace at the foot of the king bed.
Accommodates:
8 guests
Standout Amenities:
Pet-friendly. Piano-shaped pool, sun loungers, pool house, indoor fireplaces, and piano.
Krisel’s Glass Cabin
Prominent modernist architect, William Krisel, built this gem — a three-bedroom, glass cabin, in 1958. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with uninterrupted views of the pool and cedar hot tub, the house blends effortlessly with the tranquil outdoor desert scape. Loaded with designer touches (i.e. unique artwork and macramé wall hangings), the ‘cabin’ showcases modern furnishings and bold pops of color.
Accommodates:
6 guests
Standout Amenities:
Indoor fireplace, bathtub, pool, cedar hot tub, and room-darkening shades.
Villa Vista
Golfers will love Villa Vista, a fusion of Spanish and California style. This three-bedroom, three-bath home is literally steps away from the 18 holes of Indian Canyon Golf Resort, and also close to excellent hiking, trail riding, and hill-walking options. The interior reveals hints of Iberian culture from colorful portraits and paintings of matadors to the gentle arches framing the stunning pool, hot tub, and shaded loveseats. Yucca plants and sandy stretches punctuate the garden, while an airy, fountain-decorated courtyard offers a secretive coffee spot — perfect for relaxing.
Accommodates:
6 guests
Standout Amenities:
Piano, pool, hot tub, indoor fireplace, and chef’s kitchen.
Cielo Rock House
This sleek, four-bedroom, four-bathroom designer villa oozes mid-century modernism. Vanishing doors spill onto colorful cactus gardens. Walk the herringbone hardwoods past vintage photographs, cool off in the pool overlooking two acres of gardens and desert, and when the sun goes down, warm up by the fireplace.
Accommodates:
8 guests
Standout Amenities:
Private mainhouse plus a casita; stone exterior and glass walls.
LeMode PS Alexander Butterfly Home
Built in 1959 by the Alexander Construction Company (one of the 1,200 houses built here between 1957 and 1966), this three-bedroom home is known for its classic “butterfly roof” — two panels meet in the middle, sloping out to resemble butterfly wings in mid flap. The Alexander houses cost around $30,000 (in the 50s) and now resell in the millions. Fully restored in late 2016 and upgraded in 2020 by its owners (two international luxury hoteliers), the house comes with five-star amenities, a saltwater pool, outdoor showers, fire pits, and unobstructed views of Mount San Jacinto. The home is also self-powered with solar and heat-pump technology; while furniture and appliances are made from high-grade green materials.
Accommodates:
6 guests
Standout Amenities:
Scenic views (mountain, garden), private pool, hot tub and backyard, indoor fireplace, and bikes.
Mid-Century Oasis
If turquoise on white is your jam, look no further than this retro-chic, mid-century oasis just minutes from downtown Palm Springs. With four bedrooms, the house is perfect for a group of friends. Lounge by the pool, sip vintage cocktails while dancing to vinyl records, and savor the ambience of mid-century furnishings and modern art.
Accommodates:
8 guests
Standout Amenities:
Pool, hot tub, indoor fireplace, bath tub, and room-darkening shades.
Feature image, courtesy of Airbnb; Travel Curator may earn a commission from booking links on this page.
