Palm Springs Story Ideas
Palm Springs is a destination built on stories—of style, community, reinvention, and escape. Here are some angles designed to spark your next feature:
Desert Modernism: An Iconic Architectural Movement
Palm Springs is the global capital of Midcentury Modern design. From Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms estate to neighborhoods filled with sleek lines and butterfly roofs, the city lives and breathes Desert Modernism. Modernism Week draws international audiences, but the design story plays out year-round in boutique hotels, galleries, and modernist shops.
Hollywood’s Desert Hideaway
For decades, Palm Springs has been Hollywood’s playground. Stars once escaped here within the “two-hour rule” of studio contracts, leaving iconic mid-century homes and Rat Pack hangouts like the Purple Room. Today, A-listers and influencers alike continue the tradition, hosting poolside soirées, shopping at chic boutiques, and making Palm Springs a modern stage for glamour and reinvention.
Wellness at the Source
Wellness in Palm Springs is as old as its hot mineral springs. At the new Spa at Séc-he, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians blends ancient waters with cutting-edge luxury. Add in sunrise yoga, plant-forward dining, and boutique retreats, and the city offers a modern wellness story rooted in centuries of healing traditions.
The Arts in the Open Desert
Beyond its poolside reputation, Palm Springs has a thriving creative pulse. The Palm Springs Art Museum anchors the scene, while public art turns Palm Springs into an outdoor gallery. From VillageFest street markets to contemporary galleries, the desert has become a canvas where art and environment collide.
Boutique Hotels with Big Stories
Palm Springs’ hotels are destinations in themselves. Historic inns whisper Hollywood secrets, LGBTQ-owned resorts celebrate inclusivity, and sleek new properties carry forward the design legacy. Each offers a narrative of personality and place, making Palm Springs the boutique hotel capital of cool.
Adventure Meets Escape
Palm Springs delivers adrenaline by day and indulgence by night. Hike sacred trails in Indian Canyons or Tahquitz Canyon, ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to alpine forests, or take a Red Jeep tour —then return to world-class dining, spas, and nightlife. It’s the perfect story of balance in the desert.
Palm Springs: The Gay Oasis
With the largest number of gay resorts in North America, Palm Springs has long been a beacon for the LGBTQ+ community. The Arenas District is our bustling little Castro with an active nightlife, festive drag shows, and weekly events. The story here is about a destination that embraced inclusivity early and built a reputation as a true global gay capital.
Seasonal Story Angles in Palm Springs
Fall: Pride & Fresh Energy
As desert temperatures cool, Palm Springs comes alive with events. From Modernism Week Preview to Cinema Diverse: The LGBTQ+ Film Festival, and Greater Palm Springs Pride, fall is prime time for culture. Add in the return of poolside weather, harvest flavors, and the glow of desert sunsets, and the story is one of renewal and return.
Winter: Sunshine & Style
While much of the country bundles up, Palm Springs shines with endless blue skies. Journalists can spotlight the city as a warm-weather holiday escape, perfect for festive boutique stays, al fresco dining, and family adventures. Palm Springs International Film Festival in January draws stars and global attention, turning the city into Hollywood’s desert red carpet.
Spring: Icons in Bloom
Spring is when Palm Springs is at its most vibrant. Modernism Week brings design lovers from across the globe. Wildflowers bloom in the desert, pools sparkle, and the story is one of Palm Springs at peak color, style, and energy.
Summer: Retro Cool by the Pool
Yes, it’s hot—but that’s the point. Palm Springs in summer is a story of poolside culture, where vintage style, bold cocktails, and DJ soundtracks rule. Journalists can highlight staycations at boutique hotels, spa escapes in chilled mineral pools, and after-dark desert adventures when the city truly comes alive.