Forever Marilyn Statue in Palm Springs
HomeBlogJanuary 2024Star-Studded Escapes: a Guide to Glamorous Palm Springs

Star-Studded Escapes: a Guide to Glamorous Palm Springs

Have you ever caught yourself going down the rabbit hole of celebrity updates, scrolling through social for the latest buzz? No judgment here! We’re all guilty of it, and our collective captivation with pop culture shows no signs of slowing down. Whether yours is a mild fascination or a borderline obsession, glamorous Palm Springs might just be your A-list destination! 

 

More than just a haven for sun-seekers, mid-century modern enthusiasts, and art lovers, Palm Springs has been a playground for celebrities since the 1950s. Just as popular today for entertainers looking to escape the spotlight and indulge in some R&R, glamorous Palm Springs continues to draw the cool crowd.

 

If your idea of a star-studded vacation involves more than just stargazing, there’s a good chance you might spot one of your favorite celebs blending seamlessly into the chic Palm Springs scene. Here are a few places to find them!

Popular Festivals and Events

Glamorous Palm Springs knows how to draw a crowd, whether a red carpet affair or a popular sporting event. Look for your favorite celebs at any of these annual happenings!!

Coachella

More than just an annual music festival, Coachella is an extraordinary mix of music, art, and food. Drawing top performers for two incredible weekends every April, this epic celebration goes all out. Tickets sell out early, so jump on the waitlist if necessary, but you won’t want to miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience!

Palm Springs International Film Festival

Get up close and personal with your favorite celebs at this annual film festival showcasing nearly 200 films from 74 countries. Panel discussions feature candid conversations with actors and directors, and dinner experiences with menus inspired by this year’s films are additional highlights worth checking out.

BNP Paribas Open

Each March, thousands descend on the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for top-tier tennis matches. With nearly 20 million dollars in prize money, this premier event showcases the best in professional tennis. Live music performances and tailored experiences make it celeb-worthy,  and with proximity to Palm Springs, you can pop over for a single session, daily doubles, or qualifying rounds!

The American Express

Catch your favorite golf pros each January at the La Quinta Country Club in Coachella Valley. Purchase general admission, or go for all the perks with Dye Club or Champions Club tickets. Either way, you’ll have a great time at the concerts, in the fan zones, and watching the experts go at it in premier venues offering specialty drinks and fantastic amenities.

Local Hotspots

Curious about where the stars wine and dine in Palm Springs? Here are a few places to see and be seen, and who knows? You might casually rub shoulders with a celebrity or two while enjoying an incredible meal at one of Palm Springs' local hotspots!

Johnny Costa's 

If it was good enough for Sinatra, who knows what entertainers may frequent this famed family-owned Italian restaurant? A celebrity hangout in the '60s, Johnny Costa’s still draws crowds of the jet set kind. The menu is spectacular, featuring a variety of specialty and vegetarian pasta, veal, chicken, steak, and seafood, and the cocktails are exceptional. Add a bit of nostalgia to the experience, and try the Steak Sinatra and Dean Martini!

Melvyn's 

Craving a little old Hollywood glamour? You'll find it at Ingleside Inn, an elegant hot spot serving delicious food and classic cocktails. Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe, and other top performers frequented this upscale restaurant back in the day, and for good reason. Today, it’s an excellent choice for brunch (try the benedicts and bottomless bubbles), lunch at the bar (we’d suggest the BLT and an Aperol Spritz), and dinner (you won’t go wrong with the beef Wellington and a classic Melvyn’s martini.)

The Purple Room 

Whether your interests lie in music, comedy, open mic nights, or impersonators, we’re pretty sure you can find it at The Purple Room, a premier supper club on Palm Canyon Drive. Popularized in the 1950s and 60s when members of the Rat Pack performed here while away from their regular Vegas casino gigs, it’s still a hotspot today. Although you won’t catch Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, or Dean Martin, you will see some incredible talent every night of the week. The intimate setting is ideal for sipping classic cocktails, enjoying delicious cuisine, and taking in a show!

Area Attractions

While there's no guarantee you’ll spot a celebrity, many area attractions have historical ties to celebrity visits. 

 

Not only is The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway the world’s largest rotating tram car, but it’s also appeared in several movies filmed in Palm Springs. Hop aboard and take in breathtaking scenery along the Chino Canyon as you ascend 8,500 feet to Mt. San Jacinto State Park. Once there, hit the gift shop, have dinner, and explore over 50 miles of hiking trails!

The Palm Springs Walk of Stars is another way to connect with Hollywood legends. Stroll along downtown Palm Springs and find your favorites among hundreds on the mile-long stretch, paying tribute to celebrities, sports legends, and community leaders for their significant contributions. 

 

Although you’ll find many places for photo ops in glamorous Palm Springs, none is more iconic than the Forever Marilyn statue. The 26-foot-tall statue is a reminder of Marilyn’s beauty, charm, and magnetism, commemorating the beloved actress and her indelible impact on pop culture. 

Self Guided Tours

If you can’t attend Modernism Week, opt for a self-guided tour to see the iconic Palm Springs architecture and homes of the stars! Driving tours offer real-time mapping, directions, and an audio tour guide sharing interesting tidbits about your favorite celebs. Take a walking tour and see the sights at your own pace, enjoying the scenery in popular neighborhoods like The Vista las Palmas, Old Las Palmas, and Deepwell Estates. 

 

Whether you’re interested in movie moguls of yesterday, like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor, or contemporary artists like Leonardo DiCaprio, you’ll no doubt have an incredible time. Plus, you never know who you'll run into! 

Where to Stay in Glamorous Palm Springs

So what if you aren’t a celebrity—that doesn’t mean you can’t vacation like one. What better way to top off your visit than a stay with ACME House Company? Our elegant vacation homes and condos offer the perfect mix of exclusivity and luxury—guaranteed to take any vacation up a notch! 

 

ABOUT ACME HOUSE COMPANY: Acme manages Luxury Vacation Rental Homes & Condos in Greater Palm Springs and the surrounding desert cities, catering to those looking to travel to the world-renowned destination for the season, week-long stays and extended weekends. Fabulous pool homes for when you and your peeps want some together time. Visit Acme’s Website to explore more Palm Springs Vacation Rentals

 

Images courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs

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Published by Matthew Bruce
Thursday, January 18, 2024