Mid-century Modern Icons

See the perfect combination of Palm Springs’ 1950s' roots and post-modern eclecticism at this five-star hotel (technically called Le Parker Méridien Palm Springs), with equal parts mid-century suave and 21st-century debauched film star. Parker Palm Springs, which opened in 1959 as California’s first Holiday Inn, was snapped up in 1961 by the 'Singing Cowboy', Gene Autry, who used it as the spring-time training home for his baseball team, the California Angels. Autry built his own private residence at the back of the property, and the ultra-private, period-perfect house, complete with its own saltwater pool, is now available for overnight stays—but it will set you back a little over $5,300 per night.

Given a $27 million makeover by designer Jonathan Adler in 2003, the Parker Palm Springs is now one of the 'it' spots for seclusion-seeking celebs, who love the privacy of its high white walls, dense hedges and off-the-grid entrances. And when they’ve had enough seclusion, there’s always the patio, which is one of the great places to see and be seen in the region. But non-A-listers can mingle there too, as well as luxuriating in the eye-popping reception area with its hipster-chic decor. 

The two exceptional restaurants do not disappoint: Norma’s, a bright, open-air terrace restaurant with a California-fresh menu—try the Egg White Frittata for brunch—and Mister Parker’s, a darker, more sequestered, self-described 'man's man' kind of place that will cater to your every indulgence, be it a perfectly mixed martini or a steak au poivre. Also make sure you drop in at Counter Reformation, Parker Palm Spring’s 'shrine to great wine', to enjoy some delicious bites with your vino selection. The word is that these folks are experts at wine-and-food pairings.

For those looking for an ultra-luxe spa experience, check into the Parker’s Palm Springs Yacht Club for everything from facials to wraps, reflexology and massage.

The name speaks for itself—Elvis carried Priscilla over the threshold here on May 1, 1967. Exactly nine months later, daughter Lisa Marie came into the world. Elvis didn’t own the home, but leased it in late 1966 as an exclusive retreat for himself and his soon-to-be bride.

The home was built for Robert and Helene Alexander, Palm Springs socialites who died tragically in a plane crash in 1965. This had been their dream home, constructed in four concentric circles and without a single square room. Featured as the “House of Tomorrow” in a 1962 Look magazine article, the home included a 64-foot built-in banquette sofa and straight-out-of-The-Flintstones rock walls. See these and other era-defining elements on guided tours, offered daily year-round.

Modernist architect Donald Wexler believed that steel was ideal for desert building—it was economical and stood tough against sun, heat, and wind. In 1961, he planned an entire Palm Springs subdivision of nearly 40 homes, all to be made out of prefab steel and glass. Wexler got the idea from prefab classroom design, adapting it to create his stylish yet affordable homes (original price tags in 1962: $13,000 to $17,000).

Even with his visionary design skills, Wexler couldn’t foresee the future—and the skyrocketing price of steel. Deemed too costly, the development was never completed, and the seven original homes were largely forgotten. Fortunately for design fans, Wexler’s prefab groundbreakers were rediscovered in the early 1990s, and most of the buildings have been carefully restored, complete with era-appropriate landscaping. Respectfully admire the private homes, in the Racquet Club Estates neighborhood, from the outside only (no public tours of the interiors are available).

Seven U.S. presidents and countless international dignitaries have been guests at Walter and Leonore Annenberg’s lavish estate in Rancho Mirage. (The former publishing magnates’ house was nicknamed “Camp David of the West.”) Get the backstory in the LEED gold-certified visitor center before touring the glass-walled home designed by mid-century master A. Quincy Jones. In the main home, interiors have all the colors of the era—lime greens and pinks—but it all somehow works with the desert backdrop framed by the floor-to-ceiling windows. Tours sell out well in advance, so plan ahead. And wear your sneakers—the house alone is 25,000 square feet, even though it only has two bedrooms. No ticket? Join the locals for free strolls and bird-watching on the nine-acre gardens, where Mrs. Annenberg oversaw plantings designed to mimic the waves of soft color found in Impressionist art. Grounds are open Thursday through Sunday, November through April.