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 ten of the most spectacular home rentals.
Villa Cahuilla
Bighorn sheep are frequent visitors outside this mid-century modern villa overlooking Palm Springs. Cactus gardens surround the terraces and saltwater pool, and a hanging daybed built against the San Jacinto bedrock offers sweeping mountain views. Unwind in the hot tub overlooking the city, or arrange a private chef, poolside yoga, or spa treatment.
Accommodates:
8 guests
Standout Amenities:
Salt-water pool with four waterfalls, mountain-view hot tub, in-house spa and wellness services, private chef experience.
Dorado Vista Estate
Set on two acres in Indian Wells, this Spanish Revival villa has a private tennis court, fruit orchard, bocce court, and pool overlooking Eisenhower Mountain. High ceilings, exposed beams, and walls of windows bring plenty of California sunshine inside. Palm Springs and the Coachella festival grounds are a short drive away.
Accommodates:
10 guests
Standout Amenities:
Pool and hot tub, private tennis court, bocce and croquet courts, fruit orchard, indoor bar with mountain views.
The Brix Estate
This eclectic Palm Springs estate pairs Asian and mid-century design with indoor-outdoor living. A circular stone spa rises from the lagoon-shaped pool, and the terrace and loggia overlook the mountains. End the day by the outdoor fireplace.
Accommodates:
8 guests
Standout Amenities:
Lagoon-shaped pool, circular stone spa, steam room, loggia with misting system, and a personal concierge.
Casa La Quinta
Set against the Santa Rosa Mountains within La Quinta Resort, this newly renovated villa overlooks the fairways of the Mountain Course. Spend the day by the private pool or playing bocce, then move to the terrace for dinner and an evening around the fire pit. When you’re ready to go off campus, Old Town La Quinta is less than a 10-minute drive away.
Accommodates:
12 guests
Standout Amenities:
Pool, hot tub, fire pit, bocce court, indoor-outdoor bar, Sonos sound system, private casita.
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.
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.
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 main house plus a casita; stone exterior and glass walls.
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
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 the Airbnb Photographer Community; Travel Curator may earn a commission from booking links on this page.
