Palm Springs Photo Spots

Tucked away in southern California, Palm Springs is an oasis for nature lovers, mid-century modern design fanatics and those looking for a celebrity-approved weekend getaway. This colourful destination is more than just a city — it’s a lifestyle. And to top it off, there are countless places to take photos in Palm Springs! ☀️

We easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over four million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore the city with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip forever. 📸 Here are some of our favourite photography spots throughout Palm Springs.

TLDR

1. Moorten Botanical Gardens: Sharing the unique beauty of desert plants since 1938.
2. Palm Springs Windmills: These colossal wind turbines harness enough energy to power nearly all of the Coachella Valley.
3. Palm Springs Visitor Center: Like stepping into a postcard, the visitors center is a must-stop spot.
4. Thousand Palms Oasis Reserve: A sanctuary for the endangered Coachella Valley Fringe-Toed Lizard.
5. Palm Canyon Drive: A treasure trove of eye-catching architecture.
6. San Jacinto Mountain: Take the tram up the mountain for panoramic views.
7. Wolfson Park: Pack a picnic and head to the park for an afternoon of fun!
8. Palm Desert: This paradise has become the ultimate resort escape.
9. Instagrammable Hotels: Treating yourself to an aesthetically pleasing hotel is part of the experience when visiting the Coachella Valley!
10. Joshua Tree National Park: Catch the sunrise peeking through the saguaro cacti.

Photo: Jamie in Palm Springs for Flytographer. Alex and partner capture memories in Palm Springs with an engagement photoshoot.

1. Moorten Botanical Gardens

Haven’t gotten enough of the desert? This privately owned arboretum has been sharing the unique beauty of desert plants since 1938, from tiny to towering trees, plants and cacti.🌵 Housed in their estate, the Moorten’s have truly created a living museum where everyone is invited to explore. Make your way along the winding nature trail to view a collection of more than 3,000 varieties of plants. This stunning botanical garden may be small, but it is packed with different desert habitats. The Moortens even coined the world’s first Cactarium: a greenhouse filled with rare cacti and succulents — and one of the most lively places to take photos in Palm Springs.

Photo: Melissa in Palm Springs for Flytographer. Melanie and friends capture memories in Palm Springs with a friends photoshoot at Moorten Botanical Gardens.

2. Palm Springs Windmills

If you’re looking for quaint wooden windmills from a storybook, we suggest booking a flight to Amsterdam! These modern and colossal wind turbines dotting the hillsides of the San Gorgonio Pass harness enough energy to power nearly all of the Coachella Valley. The desert’s hot air rises and the cool coastal air rushes in to replace it, so our advice — don’t forget a hair-tie because it’s always windy! 🌬️ When the windmills were originally planned, politicians fought against the installation thinking they were simply big eyesores. Ironically, they’ve turned into iconic symbols of the Coachella Valley as both a famous Instagram spot and an advanced source of alternative energy. 🍃

Photo: Daniel and Noi in Palm Springs for Flytographer. Matt and Louie capture memories in Palm Springs with a couples photoshoot at Palm Springs Windmills.

3. Palm Springs Visitor Center

The Palm Springs Visitor Center is where every visit feels like stepping into a postcard-perfect dream! Nestled in the heart of Palm Springs, this vibrant hub welcomes travellers with its iconic pink and yellow walls — a must-stop spot for any photoshoot enthusiast on a road trip adventure. Surrounded by swaying palm trees and desert vistas, it’s the perfect place to fuel up on local tips, grab some souvenirs and snap that Insta-worthy shot. 📸

Photo: Daniel and Noi in Palm Springs for Flytographer. Tiffany and family capture memories in Palm Springs with a birthday photoshoot at Palm Springs Visitors Center.

4. Thousand Palms Oasis Reserve

Hidden in plain sight in the Coachella Valley, this 20,000+ acre reserve is a sanctuary for the endangered Coachella Valley Fringe-Toed Lizard, as well as a home to many other native species who live within this fan palm paradise. 🏜️ Because it sits on the notorious San Andreas fault line, the fault causes the underground spring waters to rise to the surface, creating a cool oasis that was used by native peoples dating back over 1,000 known years. Conveniently just a short drive outside of Palm Springs, this location is prime for those looking for Insta-worthy shots with a backdrop of swaying palm trees. 🌴

Photo: Melissa in Palm Springs for Flytographer. Adriana and family capture memories in Palm Springs with a multigenerational family photoshoot at Thousand Palms Oasis Reserve.

5. Palm Canyon Drive

Palm Springs’ main drag is a treasure trove of eye-catching architecture. You could easily spend hours meandering along the sidewalks photographing countless mid-century modern buildings. The palm tree-lined road passes directly through the heart of downtown, making it literally unmissable. 🏝️ The distinctive Palm Springs Visitor Center welcomes you, as you exit Interstate 10 on your road trip, as your introduction to more unique buildings down the road, and the backyard of Koffi offers stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains as you sip on your freshly brewed latte. ☕️ The Bank of America inspired by Le Corbusier, the Plaza Theatre and the Architecture and Design Center are all must-sees for architecture aficionados as well.

Photo: Flytographer in Palm Springs. Nancy and family capture memories in Palm Springs with a family photoshoot along Palm Canyon Drive. 

6. San Jacinto Mountain

While the upscale shopping, hotels and dining scene are generally geared towards adults, there are still plenty of kid-friendly activities in Palm Springs. Taking a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is as cool as it sounds — board the world’s largest rotating tram car for a 2.5-mile ride over the breathtaking Chino Canyon. 🚡 The tram rotates slowly during your 10-minute ride up to the Mt. San Jacinto State Park, offering panoramic views and photo opportunities of the amazing desert landscape to every rider. Once you enter the state park, you’ll find miles of easy hiking trails, observation decks, a natural history museum, picnic tables and many beautiful places to take photos in Palm Springs and enjoy the year-round perfect weather. 🌤️

Photo: Ashley in Palm Springs for Flytographer. Tiffany and friends capture memories in Palm Springs with a friends photoshoot at San Jacinto Mountain.

7. Wolfson Park

Tucked away in sunny Palm Springs, this park is your go-to spot for soaking up that California sunshine and snapping some seriously Insta-worthy pics. From the colourful murals splashed across the walls to the intricate sculptures scattered throughout, every corner makes a perfect place to take photos in Palm Springs. 🌈 So, grab your friends, and maybe even a picnic basket, and get ready to make some memories in this laid-back slice of paradise!

Photo: Melissa in Palm Springs for Flytographer. Sandy and friends capture memories in Palm Springs with a birthday photoshoot in Wolfson Park.

8. Palm Desert

Lovers of mid-century design, natural beauty, sublime dining, endless boutiques and a vibrant nightlife have been drawn to the Coachella Valley for years. 🏜️ It’s no surprise that this desert paradise has become the ultimate resort escape for both locals and visitors alike. Now a global destination, Palm Springs still retains its laid-back attitude and sophistication. Whether it’s the colourful architecture, the friendly people, the scenic vistas or a combination of everything, this diverse city charms everyone who walks its streets. The neighbouring city of Palm Desert is Palm Springs’ slower-paced sister. If you’re looking for a slower-paced and more local experience, this is your spot. Shoppers won’t want to miss the “Rodeo Drive” of Greater Palm Springs — El Paseo.

Check out more beautiful places to take photos in Palm Desert! 

Photo: Jamie in Palm Springs for Flytographer. Ashley and partner capture memories in Palm Springs with a honeymoon photoshoot in Palm Desert. 

9. Instagrammable Hotels

Treating yourself to a stay in a top-notch and aesthetically pleasing accommodation is part of the experience when visiting the Coachella Valley. The Saguaro Palm Springs Hotel is a retro-chic hideaway modeled after Palm Springs’ classic mid-century motel culture, and it isn’t just for bloggers. Vibrant pops of colour mark every room, and it all centers around a buzzing pool scene and plenty of sunshine. La Quinta and Rancho Mirage are high-end, luxury resorts that you’ll never want to leave. Spectacular vistas, starlight casitas and poolside service are just a few of the amenities you can expect during your stay. 🏨

Is the allure of the desert calling you? Book a photo shoot in Palm Springs to capture the magic of this oasis. 

Photo: Jamie in Palm Springs for Flytographer. Jaimie and partner capture memories in Palm Springs with a vacation photoshoot at an Instagrammable Hotel. 

10. Joshua Tree National Park

Begin exploring the expansive Joshua Tree National Park at dawn to catch the sunrise glow peeking through the saguaro cacti and Joshua trees dotting the desert landscape. Unsurprisingly, temperatures here soar quickly, so if you’re booking a photoshoot, opt for golden hour to beat the heat. 🌄 This beautiful national park is an easy day trip, but entering this natural gem feels like stepping onto another planet — and a very Instagrammable one at that! The easiest route from Palm Springs is starting at the West entrance and leaving through the South entrance with plenty of stops along the way. Rock climbers flock to the stony terrain, but if you prefer to keep both feet firmly planted on the ground, there are dozens of trails for hiking, biking and even horseback riding. Hidden Valley, Pleasant Valley, Ryan Mountain and Keys View, which is the highest point in the park with views of the Coachella Valley and the Salton Sea, are some of the popular locations to explore. 🥾 Don’t miss the Cholla Cactus Garden (be careful not to prick your finger!) or the Cottonwood Springs Oasis too.

Looking for more parks? Check out our favourite National Parks in the US!

Photo: Jamie in Palm Springs for Flytographer. Emilyn and family capture memories in Palm Springs with a family photoshoot at Joshua Tree.

Capturing Memories in Palm Springs

As you bid adieu to Palm Springs, remember, that the memories you’ve made here are just the beginning of your adventure. Whether you’ve indulged in an aesthetic Airbnb, explored the vibrant art scene or simply lounged poolside under the golden hour sun, Palm Springs will leave an indelible mark. And don’t forget to capture those unforgettable moments with us here at Flytographer, ensuring that every smile, every sunset and every palm tree-lined street is preserved for a lifetime. Until next time, Palm Springs awaits with open arms and endless possibilities! 📸