Why Palm Springs Is the Ultimate Winter Escape for Design Enthusiasts

This winter, traveling to Palm Springs, California has never been easier thanks to direct flights from Austin that offer a quick, sun-soaked desert getaway. Timed perfectly with Modernism Week, Feb. 12-22, design enthusiasts can enjoy the area’s gorgeous mild climate and vibrant desert culture, while also uncovering the world of Palm Springs’ colorful history and style while peeking inside some of the area’s most celebrated homes.

STAY: Thompson Palm Springs 

Opened in 2024, the Thompson Palm Springs offers an elevated escape that perfectly captures the desert’s allure while offering contemporary sophistication. Poised in an ideal location along the iconic Palm Canyon Drive, this stunning property by Dallas-based HALL Group redefines luxury in the Coachella Valley. Blending into the city’s famed Design District, the hotel features 168 bungalow-inspired guest rooms and suites, including an exclusive adults-only Upper Stories tower, each with a private balcony offering breathtaking views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Of course, lounging by the pool is mandatory in Palm Springs, and guests can unwind at two skyline pools.

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Lola Rose interior (photo courtesy of Thompson Palm Springs)

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Beautiful artwork fills the hotel lobby. (photo courtesy of Thompson Palm Springs)

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Thompson suite (photo courtesy of Thompson Palm Springs)

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Beautiful views from the Thompson Palm Springs’ pool. (photo courtesy of the Thompson)

Designed by SMS Architecture with interiors by B2 Design Co., the hotel pays homage to Palm Springs’ midcentury roots while feeling refreshingly new, with sun-warmed hues and refined, desert-inspired details. Sculptural art installations curated by Virginia Shore of Shore Art Advisory bring creative energy to every corner.

Expect culinary excellence with Lola Rose Grand Mezze, where Executive Chef Quentin Garcia serves vibrant, Levantine-inspired cuisine in a chic, indoor-outdoor setting. Also on the property is the HALL Napa Valley Tasting Room & Wine Lounge, which brings the Hall family’s celebrated wines to the desert. And reservations are a must at the trendy Bar Issi, the hotel’s maximalist-designed Mediterranean restaurant.

Steps from art galleries, vintage boutiques and Palm Springs’ lively nightlife, the Thompson Palm Springs offers the perfect balance of relaxation, culture and style. 

PLAN: Modernism Week

Modernism Week returns to Palm Springs from Feb. 12-22, offering an extraordinary opportunity to explore architecturally significant homes and buildings. The 11-day festival celebrates mid-century modern architecture, art and vintage culture, featuring an extensive lineup of tours, talks and special events.

Among the highlights are two Featured Home Tours: “The Marquee at Twin Palms,” a 1957 architectural gem reimagined by H3K Home + Design, and “Soleil House,” a 1963 residence beautifully restored by designer Trina Turk. Additionally, there are several signature home tours offering curated access to classic and contemporary desert-modernist homes.

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Modernism Week home tour (photo by David A Lee)

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Modernism Week home tour spotlight (photo courtesy of Modernism Week)

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Modernism Week Double Decker Bus Tour (photo by Clinton Meyer)

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Midcentury modern home (photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs)

Visitors can also enjoy themed tours of legendary properties, such as Frank Sinatra’s former estate, “The Lautner Compound,” and “That Pink Door House.” For a broader view of Palm Springs’ architectural legacy, hop aboard a bus for such specialty tours as “Sinatra’s Rat Pack Homes & Hangouts or The Homes That Define Palm Springs.”

SEE & DO: Classic Palm Springs Activities

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: For an exciting adventure, reserve a ticket for the world’s largest rotating tram car. It ascends 2.5 miles along the dramatic cliffs of Chino Canyon to the 8,516-foot-high Mountain Station in Mount San Jacinto State Park, where visitors can enjoy panoramic valley views, dining, observation decks and access to more than 50 miles of scenic hiking trails.

Palm Springs Art Museum: This 1974 landmark of midcentury modern architecture was designed by E. Stewart Williams, reflecting Palm Springs’ rich artistic and architectural heritage within a building that harmonizes with its desert surroundings. The modern and contemporary collection comprises approximately 3,000 works, ranging from paintings to sculpture, photography and video.

Hiking Trails: Winter season is a great time to enjoy trails for every skill level — from the palm-lined paths of the Indian and Tahquitz Canyons to the tranquil Murray Canyon, the lush Palm Canyon Trail and the steep Palm Springs Museum Trail of the San Jacinto Mountain — each showcases the desert’s stunning landscapes, waterfalls and panoramic mountain vistas.

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“Forever Marilyn” (photo by Peyton Taylor)

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San Jacinto Mountain (photo by Peyton Taylor)

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Interior of Palm Springs Art Museum (courtesy of Visit Palm Springs)

For more information, suggested itineraries and additional travel resources, browse visitpalmsprings.com.

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