Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
A California Duo of LA and Palm Springs Vintage Cars and 50’s Glamour
USA – California – Los Angeles – Palm Springs
From here, swap coastal cool for desert glamour as you drive through the Mojave Desert to Palm Springs: the epicentre of Mid-Century glam. Once the Hollywood elite’s playground, Palm Springs is still home to some of the finest architectural masterpieces of the 1950s, all set against a backdrop of soaring mountains and sun-drenched skies. Round things off with a visit to the beautiful Joshua Tree National Park, a scenic slice of desert where giant yuccas stretch as high as 30ft and hiking trails wind between sculpted boulders.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Your epic Californian adventure begins today. Depart the UK on an 11-hour direct flight to Los Angeles, touching down in the early afternoon. Collect your hire car and drive around 45 minutes to the lively Koreatown district, where a chic hotel near the Hollywood Hills will be home for the next five nights. After settling in, stretch your legs with a stroll around the neighbourhood and toast your first night in LA with a drink at one of the local bars.
Today is all about living the classic LA dream. Hop into a beautifully restored 1960s Cadillac and cruise through Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Hollywood and along Sunset Strip, admiring palm-lined boulevards and iconic Modernist homes. If you’re keen to dig deeper into the art scene, we can also arrange a visit to the Brewery Art Colony, home to the largest community of artists in the country.
This morning, drive for around 30 minutes to Santa Monica to visit the Eames Foundation, considered one of the masterpieces of Mid-Century Modern architecture. Designed by Charles and Ray Eames in the 1940s, the property remains a popular site for design lovers.
Enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure. If you fancy stretching your legs, you could head into the Hollywood Hills for a scenic two-hour hike towards the famous Hollywood Sign, or explore Santa Monica’s coastal paths.
The next two days are yours to explore LA as you wish. Head to the Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the city, cycle along Santa Monica Beach, wander the canals of Venice Beach or browse world-class collections at the Getty Center. You might shop ‘til you drop on Rodeo Drive, catch an LA Lakers basketball game or take a ride on Santa Monica Pier’s famous Ferris wheel. If you’d like more action, we can arrange private surf lessons on Manhattan Beach or a behind-the-scenes tour at the world-famous Warner Bros. Studios.
Bid farewell to the coast and drive two hours inland to Palm Springs, a retro-chic oasis situated between the San Jacinto Mountains and Coachella Valley. The drive is seriously scenic: the skyscrapers of LA gently melt into open desert plains and a forest of wind turbines before the San Jacinto Mountains rise ahead. Check into your stylish hotel for three nights then unwind with a cocktail before taking a stroll through Hollywood’s desert playground.
This morning, your driver-guide will collect you for a private architectural tour of Palm Springs’ most iconic Mid-Century villas. Learn about the great 20th-century architects who shaped the desert aesthetic, from Richard Neutra to Albert Frey. Afterwards, ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – a ten-minute ascent over Chino Canyon – to the summit of Mount San Jacinto for dazzling desert views.
Set off on the one-hour drive to the beautiful Joshua Tree National Park, where the Mojave and Colorado deserts collide. Wander the trails around Barker Dam, visit the old Lost Horse gold mine, admire the famous Skull Rock and look up at towering Joshua trees (fantastical yuccas that can stretch as high as 30ft).
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. Enjoy a final slow morning in Palm Springs before driving two hours back to Los Angeles. Drop off your hire car and relax in the airport lounge ahead of your 11-hour overnight flight to the UK. You’ll land the following day with memories of Californian sunshine, desert vistas and Mid-Century magic still fresh.
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
VISIT A MAGNIFICENT ARTIST COMMUNITY IN LA
Tucked inside Downtown LA is ‘The Brewery’ – the world's largest artist-in-residence community. More than 800 painters, architects, sculptors and photographers work across 100 studio spaces, creating an immersive creative hub unlike anywhere else in the city. With a private guide, tour this one-of-a-kind space, meet multimedia artist Andre Miripolsky in his studio and hear stories from his remarkable career. Round off your tour with a visit to two other workshops.PRIVATE SURF LESSON IN LA
Surfing is part and parcel of California’s laid-back lifestyle. Head to Manhattan Beach for a private surf lesson tailored to your level – whether you’re stepping on a surfboard for the first time or refining your technique. Your instructor will guide you into the gentle Pacific waves and help you build confidence in classic California style.VISIT WARNER STUDIOS
Discover the magic of the Silver Screen with a behind-the-scenes tour of Warner Bros. Studios. Hop aboard a small tram to visit iconic filming locations – including the legendary Friends café, Central Perk – and learn how famous scenes are brought to life. You’ll also get a glimpse into current productions, so keep your eyes peeled at all times – celebrities are never far away here.
Why visit USA with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to USA
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
