Palm Springs is synonymous with golf courses, resorts, and, of course, palm-lined streets. But in the mid-20th century, the city was also an experimental playground for post-war architects with a proclivity toward sleek, space-age designs. Fortunately, the Palm Springs architecture from that era—part of the mid-century modern movement—still speckles the city's grid today, delighting visitors with flourishes that, while downright sci-fi chic at the time, now give off a more "retro-futuristic" vibe.

Mid-century modern buildings are easy to spot, too—just look for clean, jutting angles; big open spaces that allow for plenty of sunlight; and glass walls reminiscent of The Jetsons. But you won't need to keep your eyes peeled too hard, because we've compiled a list of five must-see structures that encapsulate this distinctive style for your next visit to Palm Springs.

1. Tramway Gas Station | 2901 N. Palm Canyon Drive

Inducted into the National Register of Historic Places in 2015, this space-age service station still winds up in textbooks as a prime example of modernist architecture thanks to its gleeful use of unusual geometry.

• Looks like: a pitstop for the flying cars you’d find on vintage covers of Amazing Stories! magazine
• Get a picture of: the cantilevered, kite-shaped canopy
• Can you go inside? Yes. The building now operates as the city’s visitor center.
• While you’re here: Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum, where the paintings, like the city itself, possess a uniquely West Coast visual style. It’s 10 miles away, but the drive takes you through a gorgeous stretch of the San Jacinto foothills.

2. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Mountain Station | 1 Tramway Road

Nestled in the San Jacinto mountains, this unique, boxy structure with a retro cream-and-orange color scheme was built in 1963 as part of the world’s largest rotating tramway system.

• Looks like: a set piece from the futuristic science-fiction classic, Logan’s Run
• Get a picture of: triangular windows lining the walls; an original 1963 tram car on static display
• Can you go inside? Yes! It still functions as a tramway station and offers one of the city’s best views of the entire Greater Palm Springs area.
• While you’re here: Ride to the top in one of the tram cars, which glide more than 8,000 feet to observation decks, restaurants, and hiking trails with spectacular views of the valley below.

3. Movie Colony Hotel | 726 N Indian Canyon Dr

This Hollywood-chic hotel effortlessly blends a sleek modernist aesthetic with breathtaking mountain views, exemplifying Palm Springs Architecture’s penchant for integrating the surrounding landscape into its designs.

• Looks like: the kind of hip, cocktail-friendly joint the Rat Pack would've been right at home in
• Get a picture of: the cascading, multi-tiered facade; the palm-shaded pool; terraces encircled by clean, evenly spaced railing bars  
• Can you go inside? Yes! Visitors can only see the lobby, but guests can scope the place from top to bottom.
• While you’re here: Check out Modernway, a 3-minute walk from here. The consignment shop brims with vintage mid-century-modern furniture and knick-knacks.

4. Kaufmann House | 470 W Vista Chino Rd

Built in 1947, the Kaufmann House is widely considered the epitome of mid-century modern design due to its unique marriage of steel, glass, and stone. And, according to Visit California, it “blurs the line between indoors and out.”

• Looks like: the child of an avant-garde art museum and a swanky LA resort (complete with giant pool)
• Get a picture of: sliding glass walls; outdoor rooms that transcend patio status; stone walls that seemingly jut out of nowhere
• Can you go inside? Unfortunately no, as it’s still a private residence.
• While you’re here: Drive 8 minutes south to Revivals, a resale mart that brims with vintage clothing from the 1960s.

5. Palm Springs City Hall | 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way

At once alien and distinctly 1950s, this still-functioning government building was built to celebrate the city’s present and its future.

• Looks like: a retro-mod office building that doubles as a future civilization’s shrine to palm trees
• Get a picture of: the palm trees shooting out of the hole in the portico roof; the aluminum screens on the façade that change patterns depending on the angle you view them from
• Can you go inside? Call ahead to see if a short look inside can be arranged. It’s a workplace filled with city bigwigs, after all.   
• While you’re here: Fuel up with some coffee at the nearby Gre Coffeehouse & Art Gallery, which, in good retro fashion, spins their music on vinyl. It’s just a 7-minute drive from city hall.

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