Iconic Filming Locations in Greater Palm Springs: Walk in Hollywood Stars' Footsteps
Greater Palm Springs has been a premier filming destination for decades, thanks to its stunning desert landscapes, unique landmarks, and iconic properties. Spot celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio enjoying downtime on Palm Canyon Drive or visiting their local homes. This guide highlights notable productions from the past decade, so you can explore the same spots and step into your favorite stars' shoes.
Mission: Impossible III (2006)
In Mission: Impossible III, Tom Cruise stars in a thrilling helicopter chase over the San Gorgonio Pass wind farms. Experience it yourself with a Palm Springs Windmill Tours bus tour. Over 90 minutes, learn why this pass is ideal for sustainable wind energy, explore wind turbine components in an outdoor display, and view windmills installed over the past 35 years—affectionately known as "Desert Highrises."
Hell's Kitchen (2014)
Season 13 finalists of Gordon Ramsay's intense Hell's Kitchen enjoyed a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Ride the rotating tram 2.5 miles above the valley to pristine wilderness atop Mt. San Jacinto. Dine at the summit, then hike, cross-country ski, or snowshoe during winter.
Behind the Candelabra (2012)
Matt Damon and Michael Douglas portray Liberace and Scott Thorson in Behind the Candelabra, with scenes at two Palm Springs homes. Visit 701 W. Panorama Road in Vista Las Palmas on a self-guided walk, admiring midcentury modern gems. Stay at the second location, Casa de Monte Vista, in historic Old Las Palmas—a 1920s Old Spanish estate once owned by Robert Stack. Features include a caterer-ready kitchen, covered patio, guest casitas, organic garden, solar-powered saltwater pool, and mountain views. Nearby, see the Ocean's Eleven (2001) site at 999 N. Patencio Road, Liberace's home, and more on a Palm Springs Celebrity Grand Tour. Additional scenes were filmed at Albert Frey's midcentury modern Palm Springs City Hall (3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way), renowned for its screen wall and sun-shadow play.
Zoey to the Max (2015)
The Home Alone-style Zoey to the Max filmed at Frances Stevens Park, at Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive—perfect for picnics, basketball, or yoga in a historic neighborhood. VillageFest also appears: every Thursday night, downtown streets close for vendors offering caramel corn, produce, crafts, and more.
Little Loopers (2015)
In the Bad News Bears-like Little Loopers, a golf pro coaches teens at Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort. Tee off on its two championship courses, minutes from Palm Springs International Airport.
Christmas in Palm Springs (2014)
Kids reunite parents in Christmas in Palm Springs, visiting hotspots like the Palm Springs Art Museum by E. Stewart Williams. Spanning 150,000 sq ft downtown, it features modern art, glass, photography, architecture, Native American art, sculpture gardens, a café, and a gift shop. Stay at the vibrant Saguaro Hotel with poolside views of Mt. San Jacinto, yoga, bikes, and drinks. Enjoy happy hour at Georgie's Alibi Azul in the historic 1934 General Telephone building, with dinner, drag shows, and cabaret.
Palm Swings (2016)
Palm Swings features Purple Room Supper Club (Rat Pack haunt, now with prix fixe menus, entertainment, and celeb sightings) and Trio (Midwestern-California fare and cocktails in Uptown's midcentury building).
Housewives of Beverly Hills
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills love Palm Springs. Lisa Vanderpump, "Queen of the White Party" (2012), supports Desert AIDS Project and has a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars—map online for a fun walk. Erika Jayne's 2016 ceremony was at Lulu California Bistro, offering creative cuisine and a lively bar downtown.
Top Chef (2016)
Padma Lakshmi hosted mass weddings on Colony 29's lawns, catered by finalists. With botanical gardens and mountain views, it's among Greater Palm Springs' top wedding venues.
7 Days in Hell (2015)
The tennis mockumentary 7 Days in Hell filmed at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, with world-class grass courts. Enjoy boat rides on its waterways and dockside dining.
Ben-Hur (2016)
A scene from the remake was shot in Painted Canyon (Mecca Hills, 40 miles southeast). Join a Desert Adventures Eco-Tour to Mecca Hills and Painted Canyon for this striking slot canyon hike.
