Stylish Mother's Day Brunch Spots in Palm Springs (Plus Perfect Photo Ops!)
Celebrate Mother’s Day in style with our curated list of the best brunch spots in Palm Springs! From elegant garden courtyards to luxury resorts with mountain views, each location offers something unique—plus we’ve included the best nearby photo spots and tips for capturing the moment. Whether you're a local or visiting from L.A., San Diego, or Orange County, treat your mom to an unforgettable experience—and don’t forget to book our Spring in Focus Mini Photoshoot to commemorate the day with beautiful portraits.
Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse to spoil the amazing women in your life. And if you’re lucky enough to be in Palm Springs, you’re surrounded by incredible brunch options paired with stunning backdrops. Whether you're celebrating with family, girlfriends, or planning a solo day with mom, here’s our top list of brunch spots with nearby photo ops to match—and a little something special from us to help you capture the moment.
1. Desert Willow Golf Resort – Palm Desert
Why go: Scenic luxury brunch with panoramic mountain views.
What’s on the menu: Gourmet buffet including Eggs Benedict, Beef Wellington, dessert bar & champagne.
Photo tip: After brunch, walk the green and grab portraits with the Santa Rosa Mountains as your backdrop.
Nearby photo op: The driving range with desert landscaping and palm trees—gorgeous in golden hour.
2. Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge – Palm Springs
Why go: Chic, colorful interiors and a modern take on brunch classics.
What’s on the menu: A curated Mother's Day brunch with cocktails and innovative dishes.
Photo tip: Don’t miss the vibrant pink walls and modern decor inside.
Nearby photo op: The Palm Springs Welcome Sign is just a 10-minute drive for an iconic desert shot.
3. PS UNDERGROUND – Palm Springs
Why go: Immersive dining with live music, theatrical performances, and a secret menu.
What’s on the menu: Multi-course surprise brunch with entertainment.
Photo tip: Snap a photo before the show begins—candlelit tables and quirky decor make great candid shots.
Nearby photo op: Indian Canyons for post-brunch family or couple’s portraits surrounded by nature.
4. State Fare Bar & Kitchen – Rancho Mirage
Why go: Luxury brunch experience with sweeping desert valley views.
What’s on the menu: Elevated dishes like truffle eggs, fresh pastries, and specialty cocktails.
Photo tip: Schedule your shoot at sunrise or sunset—the view is unbeatable.
Nearby photo op: Their panoramic terrace and infinity-edge pool are photo perfection.
5. Lulu California Bistro – Downtown Palm Springs
Why go: Lively atmosphere with a huge menu and outdoor seating.
What’s on the menu: 3-course brunch with 16 entrées, mimosas, and dessert.
Photo tip: The open-air patio is full of light—ideal for candid moments.
Nearby photo op: Take a stroll down Palm Canyon Drive for colorful storefronts and mid-century vibes.
6. Si Bon – Rancho Mirage
Why go: Belgian-inspired cozy eatery with European charm.
What’s on the menu: French toast, croque madame, fruit tarts, and espresso drinks.
Photo tip: Their striped awning and patio offer a Parisian café feel.
Nearby photo op: Just 5 minutes away is Sunnylands Center & Gardens—breathtaking desert landscaping and art.
7. The Pink Cabana – Indian Wells
Why go: Moroccan-inspired, ultra-stylish, and photogenic.
What’s on the menu: Mediterranean brunch featuring fresh, bright flavors.
Photo tip: Interior tiles and patterns make dreamy fashion-forward portraits.
Nearby photo op: Take a quick trip to Indian Wells Golf Resort for upscale desert scenery.
8. Chi Chi – Avalon Hotel, Palm Springs
Why go: Trendy brunch poolside in a modern Latin-American setting.
What’s on the menu: Pork belly hash, huevos rancheros, and craft cocktails.
Photo tip: Snap some fun poolside candids or take portraits under the cabana.
Nearby photo op: Moorten Botanical Garden is just a 4-minute drive away for a cactus-filled paradise.
9. Farm – Downtown Palm Springs
Why go: Intimate French-inspired garden restaurant.
What’s on the menu: Crepes, mimosas, baked brie, and seasonal pastries.
Photo tip: The twinkling lights and ivy-draped walls create a magical ambiance.
Nearby photo op: Village Green Heritage Center is a hidden gem right next door for rustic vibes.
10. Workshop Kitchen + Bar – Palm Springs
Why go: Award-winning architecture, locally-sourced dishes, and minimalist luxury.
What’s on the menu: Seasonally rotating brunch menu with a farm-to-table flair.
Photo tip: Their brutalist-style interior is perfect for artsy, editorial-style portraits.
Nearby photo op: The historic El Paseo Building for striking modernist architecture shots.
Bonus: Capture the Day with a Mini Photoshoot
Don’t let these moments pass you by—book our Spring in Focus Mini Photoshoot to capture your Mother’s Day celebration in Palm Springs. Whether it’s a stylish solo shoot for mom, a group of girlfriends celebrating together, or a full family affair—we’ll help freeze these memories in time.
Mini Session Includes:
30-minute session
20 edited images
5 prints in various sizes
Online gallery
Delivered within 3–5 days
Final Thoughts
Whether you're visiting from Los Angeles, San Diego, or Orange County, Palm Springs offers the perfect blend of luxury, leisure, and landscape for an unforgettable Mother’s Day. From scenic brunches to Instagram-worthy photo ops, this desert oasis is ready for your celebration—and we’re ready to photograph it.
Urban Photography Playground: A Last Minute Guide to Shooting Around Palm Canyon & Indian Canyon in Palm Springs
Explore the vibrant streets of downtown Palm Springs with this last-minute urban photography guide highlighting top locations along Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive. From lifestyle portraits at Koffi’s courtyard to bold fashion shots at the rainbow crosswalk and editorial frames near the Forever Marilyn statue, this guide is packed with creative tips for photographers chasing light, texture, and mid-century modern backdrops. Whether you're shooting content, portraits, or branding sessions, downtown Palm Springs offers endless inspiration for photographers looking to capture stylish, colorful images with a desert edge.
Downtown Palm Springs is a street photographer’s dream—clean lines, pastel walls, mid-century textures, and endless palm trees casting dramatic shadows. Whether you’re on a quick content shoot, booked a spontaneous client session, or just chasing light with your favorite lens, here’s your photographer’s guide to making the most of a last-minute shoot around Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive.
Urban Palm Springs Photography Locations Worth Shooting
1. Palm Canyon Walk of Stars
Type: Street photography, lifestyle
Lens Suggestion: 35mm for immersive detail
Why We Love It: Low-angle shots of the star tiles make a powerful storytelling composition. Pair with wide apertures to add dreamy depth-of-field while keeping texture in the frame.
2. Alley Murals + Neon Art Behind La Plaza
Type: Editorial, content creation, portraits
Lens Suggestion: 50mm for compression; play with f/1.8-f/2.5
What to Look For: Bold backgrounds and layered shadows. These walls pop in color, especially during late afternoon. Let your subject walk across frame for motion or try off-center negative space to isolate the subject.
3. Forever Marilyn Statue
Type: Conceptual, fashion, wide-angle portraiture
Tip: Use her massive scale to exaggerate your subject’s form below. Frame with the mountains or get creative with angles—shoot from the back and catch tourists' reactions or create scale-play.
4. Koffi Courtyard on North Palm Canyon
Type: Lifestyle, branding, casual portraits
Lighting Note: Beautiful natural diffusion in the mornings, crisp shadows in the afternoon
Pro Photographer Hack: Shoot through the plants to frame your subject with foreground blur. Works great with a 35mm or 85mm depending on the space.
Creative Tip: Grab a coffee or iced drink from Koffi and use it as a lifestyle prop—whether your subject is sipping it, holding it while laughing, or setting it down on a table, it adds a natural, lived-in feel to your photos. Bonus: their cups are cute and match the vibe.
5. Rainbow Crosswalk at Arenas Road
Type: Fashion, movement, colorful portraits
Composition Tip: Position your subject mid-crosswalk using leading lines from the paint. Try burst mode while they walk to get natural movement. Bright midday sun? Use it to your advantage—lean into shadows and contrast.
6. Mid-Century Modern Storefronts
Type: Architectural portraiture, clean aesthetic content
Gear Tip: Bring a polarizing filter to reduce glass glare on storefront reflections. This lets you capture both your subject and the backdrop without distractions.
7. Indian Canyon Parking Structures
Type: Moody, urban editorial
Golden Hour Tip: Head to the rooftop and frame your subject with the horizon line or mountain silhouettes. Use long shadows to lead the eye, or shoot straight into the sun for creative lens flare.
Photography Tips for Urban Palm Springs Sessions
Midday Harsh Light? Embrace it. Urban Palm Springs is all about contrast—use hard light to carve shapes and frame with shadows.
Neutral Color Palettes Work Best: Let the background architecture shine. Earth tones, whites, and black-and-white styling pair beautifully with retro pinks and teals.
Minimalist Setups: Keep your kit light—a fast prime and backup battery is all you need.
Reflections & Depth: Use storefronts and windows to layer your composition and add visual interest.
Final Thoughts for Photographers
Downtown Palm Springs is more than palm trees and retro signs—it’s a canvas for modern creatives who want to turn ordinary textures into timeless images. From bold backdrops to interesting lines and golden-hour rooftops, this stretch of city blocks is perfect for portrait photographers, content creators, and last-minute visual storytellers.
Whether you're planning a last minute photoshoot before heading to Coachella, or just soaking up the urban charm, don’t underestimate the creative potential of Palm and Indian Canyon—where every shadow, reflection, and mural is a chance to elevate your portfolio.
Which lens would you bring? Are you into harsh shadows or that soft backlit glow? DM us on Instagram @lastminutephotoshoot or tag us in your Palm Springs portraits—we’d love to see what you capture.
Thrifting in Palm Springs: Best Vintage & Designer Finds for Photography, Fashion & Coachella Looks
Planning a photoshoot, heading to Coachella, or just exploring the desert in style? This ultimate guide to thrifting in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley highlights the best vintage stores, designer thrift boutiques, and last-minute shopping spots for photographers, stylists, and fashion lovers alike. From curated finds at Angel View Prestige Boutique to eclectic treasures at Bazar Palm Springs, and even premium discounts at Desert Hills Outlets in Cabazon, you’ll uncover everything you need to elevate your personal style or source unique props and wardrobe pieces for your next photo session. Whether you’re shooting lifestyle portraits, creating branded content, or just love sustainable fashion, these Palm Springs-area thrift shops offer endless inspiration for creativity and camera-ready looks.
📸 The profile image featured in this post was captured by the talented Noemie.
To see more of her beautiful work, visit her on Instagram: @noemierssl
If you’re heading to Palm Springs and want to elevate your style game without breaking the bank, thrifting is where it’s at. Whether you’re building a wardrobe that turns heads at Coachella, sourcing statement pieces for your next photoshoot, or simply hunting for one-of-a-kind gems, this desert oasis is full of fashion treasures waiting to be discovered.
As a photographer and style enthusiast, I’ve spent plenty of time weaving through thrift shops and vintage boutiques across the Coachella Valley. Trust me—Palm Springs thrifting isn’t just good. It’s a creative goldmine.
Top Thrift & Vintage Stores in Palm Springs (and Nearby)
These are my favorite spots to score standout fashion, rare props, and curated pieces perfect for photoshoots and festivals alike.
Angel View Prestige Boutique – Designer Finds for Less
454 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Don’t confuse this with your regular Angel View. This Prestige Boutique is curated, upscale, and packed with designer goods at jaw-dropping prices. It’s where I once scored a genuine snakeskin belt for $14.99—yes, really!
You’ll find vintage bags, name-brand clothing, chic belts, and shoes that give any look a polished, editorial edge. It’s a must-stop for fashion stylists, influencers, and anyone planning a stylish desert shoot.
Best for: Statement accessories, fashion-forward pieces, and elevated looks on a thrift-store budget.
Bazar Palm Springs – Eclectic Vintage Gold
125 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Unit 101, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Located in the heart of downtown, Bazar is a creative’s dream. With racks of vintage clothing, eclectic accessories, and home decor that screams “desert chic,” this boutique has that old-school Palm Springs charm.
Every piece feels thoughtfully chosen—perfect for creating retro vibes in styled shoots or building that "I thrifted this at a cool shop in the desert" story for your socials.
Photography Tip: Grab a funky hat or fringe jacket from here and pair it with golden hour desert light for unforgettable editorial shots.
Angel View Thrift Mart – Rancho Mirage Location
67625 E Palm Canyon Dr, Cathedral City, CA 92234
This thrift mart is a little bigger, with a wide range of clothing, accessories, furniture, and more. Great for photographers who love adding props like vintage suitcases, retro lamps, or even unique chairs to their shoots.
Photography Hack: Use a thrifted mirror for dreamy reflection shots in the middle of the desert. Easy to carry, super impactful.
Revivals Palm Springs
611 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
One of the most loved thrift chains in the Coachella Valley, Revivals has that boutique feel with rows of clothes, mid-century decor, and vintage-inspired furniture that make it a content creator’s paradise.
Hot Finds: Mid-century bar carts, vinyl records, old-school cameras, colorful dresses that pop in any photo.
The Fine Art of Design – Palm Desert
73717 Hwy 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Think luxury vintage. You’ll find designer brands from past decades, flowing caftans, and timeless silhouettes that give off Old Hollywood meets Coachella. This spot is more consignment than thrift, but it’s worth every penny.
Shoot Idea: Style a client in a vintage gown, bring along a retro prop from Angel View, and shoot in front of one of Palm Springs’ colorful doors for a dreamy editorial look.
Bonus Stop: Desert Hills Premium Outlets – Last-Minute Coachella Looks & Designer Deals
48400 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230
If you’re heading to Coachella or just passing through on a desert road trip, Desert Hills Premium Outlets is your go-to for last-minute outfit upgrades. Just off the I-10 freeway, this luxury outlet destination features over 180 designer and name-brand stores like Coach, AllSaints, Aritzia, Rag & Bone, Levi’s, Nike, and more.
Insider Tip:
Before you shop, sign up to be a VIP Member on their website (it’s free!) for exclusive deals and extra discounts at some of your favorite designer stores. It’s the perfect way to stretch your fashion budget and score premium looks without the premium price tag.
Pair your VIP finds with your thrifted treasures from Palm Springs for a curated, head-turning Coachella ensemble—or use the accessories to elevate a portrait session, branding shoot, or content day in the desert.
Final Thoughts: Fashion, Photography & Thrifted Magic in Palm Springs
Thrifting is more than a way to shop—it’s a creative process. Every vintage piece tells a story, and when you bring it into a photoshoot, that story expands.
Whether you’re styling a client, prepping for a branding shoot, or planning a fashion-forward girls trip to the desert, these thrift stores around Palm Springs offer style, soul, and serious character.
So go thrifting. Get dusty. Try things on. Dream up your next shoot. And if you’re looking for someone to capture that magic—let’s talk.
📸 Book a photoshoot with us
💬 Or DM us on Instagram @lastminutephotoshoot for styling tips & location ideas!