Shopping, Restaurants, and Midcentury Style Along North Palm Canyon Drive
Just north of downtown Palm Springs, the Uptown Design District blends vintage glamour, midcentury modern design, and some of the city’s most stylish boutiques and restaurants. Stretching along North Palm Canyon Drive from Alejo Road to Vista Chino, this lively corridor has become a must-visit destination for shopping, dining, and discovering the creative spirit that defines Palm Springs.
Known for its concentration of vintage furniture stores, fashion boutiques, art galleries, and design showrooms, the Uptown Design District celebrates the architectural heritage that made Palm Springs famous. Visitors strolling the district will find everything from iconic midcentury furniture to contemporary art, alongside some of the city’s most beloved cafés, cocktail bars, and restaurants.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect vintage find, exploring local art galleries, or enjoying brunch on a sunny patio, the Uptown Design District offers one of the most vibrant neighborhood experiences in Palm Springs.
Uptown Design District at a Glance
Location: North Palm Canyon Drive between Alejo Road and Vista Chino
Known For: Midcentury modern shopping, vintage boutiques, art galleries, and popular restaurants
Best For: Design lovers, vintage shopping, brunch, and stylish nightlife
Shopping the Uptown Design District
One of the biggest draws of the Uptown Design District is its collection of vintage shops and modern design boutiques. Palm Springs is internationally known for its midcentury architecture, and this neighborhood is one of the best places to explore that heritage.
Each February and October, the city celebrates its design legacy during Modernism Week, when architecture tours and events highlight the region’s iconic midcentury homes and buildings.
Midcentury Modern Furniture & Design
Palm Springs is known worldwide for its midcentury and modern design. We celebrate this every year with Modernism Week. You'll find many of these design styles and treasures strolling the Uptown Design District's many vintage and design shops.
Collectors and design enthusiasts flock to the district to browse vintage furniture and décor.
Notable design shops include:
- Modern Way – a longtime destination for midcentury furniture and rare design pieces.
- Christopher Anthony Ltd – offering a curated mix of vintage and modern furnishings, lighting, and artwork.
- Bon Vivant specializes in vintage accessories for the home and vintage '70s-'80s costume jewelry for men and women.
- al La Mod is a curated collection of vintage furnishings and art for the more discerning designer or collector.
Contemporary & Modern
- Interior Illusions is a premier local resource for contemporary furniture, art, lighting, and interior design.
- Grace Home Furnishings provides interior design services and manufactures its furniture line.
Fashion & Lifestyle Boutiques
Fashion is another highlight of the district, with several well-known designers operating boutiques along Palm Canyon Drive.
- Iconic Atomic - a treasure trove of vintage clothing and retro collectibles.
- Trina Turk|Mr. Turk - colorful resort fashion inspired by Palm Springs architecture and landscape.
- Wil Stiles - playful clothing with a Palm Springs retro flair.
- Seaplane Shirts - vibrant custom shirts inspired by the colors of sea and sky.
- Elizabeth & Prince - an upscale lifestyle boutique inspired by travel and nature.
For vintage women's clothing, preLoved Palm Springs is a collection of labels for the fashion-conscious.
Art Galleries & Creative Shops
Palm Springs has a thriving arts scene, and the Uptown Design District features several galleries and specialty stores.
- The Shag Store - the colorful gallery of artist Josh Agle, featuring playful midcentury-inspired artwork.
- Rubine Red Gallery - showcasing contemporary and midcentury estate art collections.
Artist Josh Agle, known as Shag
Unique Gifts & Specialty Shops
For visitors looking for fun souvenirs or unique gifts, several Uptown shops offer curated collections of books, décor, and Palm Springs memorabilia.
- Just Fabulous - a favorite local gift shop filled with art books, cards, and home décor.
- The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five - a collection of boutique vendors inside a historic building designed by E. Stewart Williams.
Read about more Vintage Shopping
Best Restaurants in the Uptown Design District.
After a morning of shopping, the Uptown Design District offers some of the most popular restaurants in Palm Springs.
Breakfast/Brunch Favorites
Cheeky’s is renowned as the home of the bacon flight. Or indulge your sweet tooth with their strawberry lemon loaf.
Lunch & Casual Dining
- 1501 Uptown Gastropub - craft burgers, beers, and gastropub favorites.
- Chicken Ranch - casual rotisserie chicken and sandwiches.
- John's is the right choice for a quick, casual spot with an extensive American-style menu. Order at the counter, and they will bring your order to your seat.
Dinner Destinations
- Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge - a stylish dining spot with contemporary American cuisine. Offers an all-day happy hour, and it's great for groups, with several private dining rooms.
- Trio - a lively restaurant serving classic American comfort dishes.
- Jake’s Palm Springs - good for lunch or dinner, an intimate European-style bistro.
- Copley’s on Palm Canyon - chef-owned fine dining set in a historic estate.
- Workshop Kitchen + Bar is also owned by award-winning chef Michael Beckman and is featured in the Michelin Guide.
- Birba - an Italian restaurant serving handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza
Sushi & Global Flavors
Sandfish Sushi & Whisky has pioneered the art of sushi and whiskey duos to delight your palate.
Craft Cocktails
The Uptown Design District also features several cocktail bars that make great stops after dinner.
- Truss & Twine - a craft cocktail bar exploring the history of American cocktails
- Bootlegger Tiki - a cozy tiki lounge known for inventive tropical drinks.
- Tailor Shop - a hidden speakeasy located behind Bootlegger Tiki.
And for those who want to pick up a bottle of wine on the go, Hyphen offers a carefully curated selection of delicious, high-quality natural wines.
Where to Stay in the Uptown Design District
Visitors who want to stay near Uptown's shops and restaurants can choose from several stylish hotels.
- Arrive, Palm Springs – a modern boutique hotel with a lively pool scene.
- Riviera Resort & Spa Palm Springs – a large resort with midcentury flair.
- Descanso – a men’s clothing-optional boutique resort.
- Trixie Motel – a playful pink boutique hotel created by Trixie Mattel.
- The Infusion - nice property for the budget-oriented traveler
- The Weekend - a midcentury modern boutique resort
Explore the Uptown Design District
With its mix of vintage shopping, design galleries, creative restaurants, and lively cocktail bars, the Uptown Design District captures the stylish spirit that makes Palm Springs unique.
Spend a morning browsing midcentury furniture, enjoy brunch on a sunny patio, and stay into the evening for cocktails and dinner. Whether you’re a design enthusiast or simply looking for a fun neighborhood to explore, the Uptown Design District is one of the most exciting areas to experience in Palm Springs.
FAQ: Uptown Design District Palm Springs
Where is the Uptown Design District in Palm Springs?
The Uptown Design District is located along North Palm Canyon Drive between Alejo Road and Vista Chino. The neighborhood sits just north of downtown Palm Springs and is known for its concentration of design shops, art galleries, and popular restaurants.
What is the Uptown Design District known for?
The district is best known for its midcentury modern design stores, vintage furniture shops, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Visitors will also find some of Palm Springs’ most popular brunch spots, restaurants, and cocktail bars.
What are the best restaurants in the Uptown Design District?
Some of the most popular restaurants include:
- Cheeky's
- Birba
- Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge
- Trio Palm Springs
- Copley's on Palm Canyon
What are the best cocktail bars in the Uptown Design District?
Visitors looking for nightlife can explore several popular cocktail spots, including:
- Truss & Twine
- Bootlegger Tiki
- Tailor Shop
When is the best time to visit the Uptown Design District?
The district is lively year-round, but it becomes especially popular during events like Modernism Week and during the fall, winter, and spring tourism season when visitors enjoy outdoor dining, shopping, and neighborhood events.
Explore More: