Palm Springs is a city in Southern California’s Sonoran Desert known for its warm climate, mid-century modern architecture, and Hollywood connections. With a glamorous, vintage, and elegant vibe, Palm Springs is a popular destination LA residents and other SoCal natives looking for a few days to relax in the sun. And few things are more relaxing than these Palm Springs vacation rentals with private pools.
Photo: Jason Busa/Shutterstock
One of the most striking features of Palm Springs is its mid-century modern architecture, which many of the best Palm Springs vacation rentals have. The style is characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes, and a minimalist aesthetic and has become synonymous with the city itself — especially in shades of pink and light green. Many Hollywood stars flocked to the city in the mid-20th century, building homes, frequenting local restaurants and bars, and bringing the money to build pricey homes in the then-current mid-century modern style.
Traveling to Palm Springs? Check out Matador’s lodging and activity guides to the city:
- The 9 Best Palm Springs Airbnbs for a Bachelorette Party To Remember
- Everyone Needs to Know About Fleur Noir, the Newest Hotel in Palm Springs
- The Steep, Staggering Hikes You Need To Do in Palm Springs This Winter
- Guest Enter This Palm Desert Hotel via a Gorgeous Gondola Ride
- The 9 Hardest Hikes in the National Park Service Only Experts Should Attempt
Palm Springs is surrounded by natural beauty that outdoor enthusiasts will love, including the San Jacinto Mountains and Joshua Tree National Park. These areas offer hiking, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities. With its unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, it’s no wonder that the desert oasis remains a beloved destination for travelers from around the world. If you’re looking to vacation like the who’s-who of Los Angeles, check out these eight fantastic Palm Springs home rentals with private swimming pools (and hot tubs, in some cases).
Prices are listed in order from lowest to highest starting price.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
The best Palm Springs vacation rentals with pools
Colorful Oasis
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- Bedrooms: 1
- Max guests: 2
- Rates from: $124/night (April)
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This irresistible Airbnb is probably one of the most colorful vacation rentals in Palm Springs and ideal for a couple looking for a fun place to spend the weekend. The entire home looks like it was made for hosting BBQs, which the owners are happy to have renters do, as long as you follow the rules about quiet hours. The house comes with two bikes so it’s easy to cruise around the neighborhood or even go downtown, and the pool floaties ensure your entire stay feels like a retro vacation.
This is a great house for travelers who want to lean into Palm Springs’ retro vibes while still feeling like they have an entire boutique hotel at their disposal.
The Weekend House
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- Bedrooms: 3
- Max guests: 8
- Rates from: $154/night (June)
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This traditional home is definitely a departure from the normal 1950’s vibes you find in most Palm Springs vacation rentals and is more of a classic design with room for a big(ish)group. The listing says six people, but the copy says eight, so message the owner if you’re interested in hosting a few extra guests.
The large backyard has a private pool and hot tub, and the kitchen, living room, and dining room are big enough for everyone to comfortably socialize in one place. It’s one of the most budget-friendly Palm Springs Airbnbs with a private pool, especially if you divide the cost by six (or eight) people.
The Elvis Home
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- Bedrooms: 3
- Max guests: 6
- Rates from: $200/night (June)
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If you love the King, you may be all shook up when you see the interior of this Elvis-themed vacation rental in Palm Springs. You can’t help falling in love with the dozens of Elvis Presley piece of art throughout the home, and the sunset views from the private pool are pretty gorgeous, too. The home can sleep three couples, though the outdoor living area is large enough to accommodate many more. You’ll feel a burning love for the backyard once you see the colorful relaxation areas with no less than two hot tubs, surrounded by bountiful fruit trees.
The photos really don’t do this place justice, so if you’re thinking booking a Palm Springs vacation home, it’s now or never. By the way, pets are allowed, so no need to leave the hound dog at home.
Stardust Oasis Guest House
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- Bedrooms: 1
- Max guests: 2
- Rates from: $265/night (May)
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Sure, mid-century modern usually describes 1950’s decor, but in the case of this home, it’s all about the swinging 1960s. This is one of the most impressive Palm Springs vacation rentals when it comes to interior design both indoors and out. It’s a small guesthouse in the backyard of a larger house, so you’ll share the pool and hot tub with the owners. That also means there’s not a full kitchen, but fortunately, Palm Springs is loaded with great restaurants.
If you’re an animal lover, you’ll love this house: the owners have a friendly cat and also mention that “our yard and property have become a sanctuary for Cathy, as well as some other displaced and wary community cats, including the Jetsons (Judy, Jane, and Elroy).” It’s also a good option for liberal travelers: the home is adults only, and the owners note that the pool and yard are swimsuit-optional.
Vista Del Monte
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- Bedrooms: 3
- Max guests: 6
- Rates from: $555/night (September)
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If mid-century modern isn’t your thing, perhaps this Spanish hacienda-style home will be more up your alley. The home, called Vista del Monte, was built in the 1940s and looks like it belongs on a design magazine — and actually, it has been featured in a design book (Palm Springs Living). Details like colorful tiles throughout the home, shutter-style pass throughs, and richly colored exposed wood make it one of the most desirable Palm Springs vacation rentals for lovers of good design.
In addition to the large saltwater pool, guests get access to a regulation bocce ball court. And because it’s an Airbnb Plus property, you can add on concierge services or additional pre-arrival services as needed.
Resort-style Oasis
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- Bedrooms: 4
- Max guests: 8
- Rates from: $640/night (May)
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This beautiful home is probably the best Palm Springs vacation rental for groups keen to explore the city’s restaurant and bar scene as it’s only a few blocks from the downtown strip. You can walk there in about 15 minutes or bike there in a fraction of the time. Of course, you may arrive and realize you never want to leave the home, given the cozy and inviting living room, gorgeous pool, roomy yard, and covered outdoor patio with a firepit.
Villa Campana
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- Bedrooms: 4
- Max guests: 8
- Rates from: $761/night (March)
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There’s quite a lot to like about Villa Campana, which may explain why it’s one of the pricier Palm Springs vacation rentals. Guests are greeted with a brunch basket full of pastries and snacks, and small pets are allowed. The backyard has a massive saltwater pool, and the bushes and flowers nearby usually attract hummingbirds throughout the year. The home also has perfect views of the Santa Rosa Mountains.
Inside, every room in the home looks like it was custom designed for an Instagram photo shoot, and the backyard looks like it belongs at a five-star hotel. It’s one of the best Airbnbs in Palm Springs for bachelor or bachelorette parties or any other small group vacation.
Mostero House
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- Bedrooms: 4
- Max guests: 8
- Rates from: $900/night (August)
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The Mostero House leans into its 1950s roots with details reminiscent of Mad Men, like a sunken living room bar and dark wood furniture. But as gorgeous as it is inside, the private pool is probably the star of this Palm Springs Airbnb. It was recently redesigned by a hotel design team and does indeed look like a luxury hotel. But that’s perhaps not surprising as it’s in one of the city’s neighborhoods known for hosting Hollywood elites in the 1950s and 1960s.
This is one of the best Palm Springs vacation rentals for groups of friends or couples as every bedroom has a private bathroom. Renters can also add on options like daily maid service, a private chef, or other concierge-type services as desired.
Where to stay in Palm Springs
Photo: Suzie Dundas
If you’re wondering where to stay in Palm Springs, the good news is that it doesn’t really matter. You can find some Palm Springs hotels in the downtown area, walkable to restaurants and shopping, but nearly all Palm Springs vacation rentals are going to be in neighborhoods a few minutes away from downtown. Fortunately, Palm Springs is a very drivable city and there’s usually not much traffic. You can also rent bikes to have delivered to your vacation rental, or hop on the city’s free trolley service running between North and South Palm Canyon Drive.
What to do in Palm Springs
Photo: gg-foto/Shutterstock
Probably the most well-known attraction in the area is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which takes guests into the San Jacinto Mountains, with stunning views of the desert landscape below. From thee top, you can go hiking, grab a bite to eat, or just walk between the observation decks.
Visitors interested in the town’s famous architecture will want to look into taking a tour of mid-century modern homes or visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, Architecture, and Design Center. The city also hasn’t forgot its Hollywood roots, and you can learn about the connection between LA and Palm Springs at the Palm Springs Walk of Stars or by booking a Palm Springs celebrity tour.
Palm Springs is also known for its amazing dessert access, and guests can easily get to Joshua Tree National Park, about an hour to the east. Also close to Palm Springs is Indian Canyons, with eight different hiking trails leading to stunning waterfalls and past palm-filled oases. Of course, Palm Springs is also known for natural hot springs, and you’ll find plenty of casual and upscale places to soothe sore muscles (or treat yourself to a full-on spa afternoon) after a morning hike.
How far is Palm Springs from LA?
Palm Springs is approximately 107 miles east of Los Angeles. The drive usually takes about three hours, since there’s usually some traffic leaving LA. It’s a very scenic drive, as you’ll be making your way through the San Jacinto Mountains and along the desert landscape. If you’re looking to break up the drive, there are plenty of places to stop along the way, including hiking trails, cute small towns, and tourist attractions like California Citrus State Historic Park or the Cabazon Dinosaurs. Bring water and snacks with you as the drive passes mostly through desert. 