Don’t Worry Darling Travel Guide: Palm Springs
Reel Places Series
Welcome to “Reel Places“, a new blog post series where I create an aesthetic travel guide that makes you feel like you’ve been dropped into your favorite film. For this first guide, I’ll be taking on Don’t Worry Darling and there’s no destination that quite encapsulates a seemingly perfect 1950s paradise quite like Palm Springs, California.
I’ll show you how to embrace Palm Springs’ Don’t Worry Darling lifestyle across actual filming locations and other aesthetically-minded spots. I’ll cover everything from where to stay and eat to the best activities and experiences the desert has to offer. So sit back, relax, and let me take you on a journey to Palm Springs, where you can leave your worries behind and embrace the carefree spirit of this beautiful desert oasis.
Where To Stay
To start your pristine Don’t Worry Darling x Palm Springs getaway, you’ll want to an accommodation with a bright, Mid-Century Modern or opulent Hollywood-Regency style.
Hotels
La Quinta Resort & Spa – $$$$$
- La Quinta Resort & Spa acted as the Victory Project’s community pool and clubhouse in the film!
Parker Palm Springs – $$$$$
Colony Palms – $$$$$
L’Horizon – $$$$
Les Cactus – $$$
Saguaro – $$
What To See
Mid-Century Modern Homes
Both Palm Springs and Don’t Worry Darling are known for their mid-century modern home aesthetics. So why not cruise around some of the most iconic neighborhoods in the area on a self-guided tour.
Important Note: Most homes are privately owned and only available to view from the outside. While touring, please be kind and courteous to those living in and around the area. Do not trespass or bother the residents or the property.
Canyon View Estates
The perfect place to start your tour is in the Canyon View Estates neighborhood, which acted as one of the movie’s prime filming locations. This neighborhood acted as the facade for the film’s Victory Project, where Florence Pugh and Harry Styles‘ characters, Alice and Jack, called home.
- Alice and Jack’s Home – 471 E. Azul Circle
- #ThatPinkDoor Home – 1100 Block E Sierra
- Yellow Door Home – Balboa Circle
- Orange Door Home – Bolero Circle
Vista Las Palmas Neighborhood
Vista Las Palmas, a spot known for its Old Hollywood celebrity homes, is another amazing place to explore. It’s the location of the Kaufmann House which was home to Chris Pine’s Don’t Worry Darling character, Frank and the spot where Slim Aaron’s shot his iconic photograph, “Poolside Gossip”.
- Kaufmann House – 470 West Vista Chino
- Dean Martin’s Home – 1123 N Via Monte
- Elvis’ Honeymoon Hideaway – 1350 Ladera
- Marilyn Monroe’s Rental – 1326 North Rose
- Nat King Cole’s Home – 1258 North Rose Ave
Palm Springs City Hall and Visitor Center
These two public mid-century modern buildings also briefly star in Don’t Worry Darling and are a vibrant and nostalgic take on Palm Springs architecture.
Sunnylands
Sunnylands is a mid-century modern center where can visit the historic Annenberg estate as well as its rotating art exhibit, café and gardens.
Modernism Week
Every winter, the city of Palm Springs holds their annual Modernism Week, a celebration of mid-century modern architecture.
Come take on one of the week’s many interior home tours, view the vintage car show or experience a nightly themed party.
Where To Eat
Here are the restaurants that excel when it comes to cooking up delicious food and that vintage Don’t Worry Darling style:
Bar Cecil – Michelin Star
- This is currently one of Palm Springs’ hottest restaurants! Guarantee your visit by making an advanced reservation. Alternatively, if your party’s small enough, you can roll-the-dice as a walk-in and hope the restaurant had a recent cancellation!
Colony Club – Californian
Mister Parker’s – French
Mr. Lyon’s – Steakhouse
Norma’s – All-Day Breakfast
The Penney & Parlour – American & Piano Lounge
