For a deeper dive into the city’s history (and a quick AC break), stop into the Palm Springs Art Museum. Founded in 1938, the museum features an extensive permanent collection by artists such as Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol, as well as contemporary exhibitions like The New Black Renaissance, a celebration of Black art and culture, and To Move Toward the Limits of Living, which features the museum’s photography, painting and design collections made by LGBTQ+ artists.
To explore not just the museum but also the best mid-century-modern architecture in the city, consider booking a tour with The Modern Tour, the official tour of the Palm Springs Art Museum. This immersive experience takes you to iconic homes such as the Frey House II, the Frederick Loewe Estate, the William Cody Residence and residences once inhabited by legendary figures like Frank Sinatra, William Holden, Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor and Peter Lawford.
Before heading to dinner, grab a dirty martini at the Pink Cabana at Sands Hotel & Spa, which offers a modern take on the tennis and racquet cubs of the 50s and 60s, or grab a drink at Seymour’s, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked behind a velvet curtain at Mr. Lyons Steakhouse.