There’s a reason why Greater Palm Springs is a tennis hotspot. Thanks to the sunny skies, dry weather, and the magnificent backdrop of the Santa Rosa mountains, this California destination is a tennis lover’s playground. That’s why we’re taking you on a tour of this desert oasis, with behind-the-scenes access to the annual celebrity Desert Smash tournamentwhere our hosts, Duncan McKenzie-McHarg and Maude Garrett, dig deeper into the brimming pickleball vs tennis rivalry.
Begin the day with breakfast, essential for a big day of exploring. Nestled within the chic Parker Palm Springs Hotel, Norma's is the perfect spot to stop in for a pancake or two while you fuel up for the day ahead. Take in the Palm Springs-inspired decor, and snap an Instagram pic or two in front of their warm, modern interiors.
After you’re full of brunch fare, it’s time to take in some of Palm Springs’ famous mid-century modern architecture with a self-guided tour. The city has one of the world’s largest concentrations of these specific kinds of houses, known as Desert Modernism. This style interprets modernism and tailors it to fit the sunny Palm Springs environment. Think open floor plans, abundant windows, and a clean, minimalist aesthetic.
One of the most famous houses in Palm Springs is Elvis Presley’s honeymoon hideaway, dubbed “The House of Tomorrow”. Before it was home to Elvis and Priscilla in 1967, the house was already famous for its innovative circular rooms. Unlike traditional homes, not a single room is square, including the iconic polygonal glass bedroom seen from the street.
The last stop in our Greater Palm Springs tour is Indian Wells Tennis Garden. A sprawling tennis and entertainment venue with 29 courts, and a capacity of over 16,000. This state-of-the-art facility is a year-round tennis club that also plays host to pickleball games, the fastest-rising sport in the country.
Tennis Paradise is also home to Desert Smash, the annual charity celebrity tennis event where Hollywood and professional tennis unite. In 2024, the event celebrated its 20th anniversary with a huge tennis match and inaugural celebrity pickleball challenge, hosted by Charlize Theron. Check out the latest Gameday episode for an exclusive peek into the action-packed day.