Do it for the 'gram: The 20 most Instagram-worthy spots in the Coachella Valley

The Palm Springs area is stocked full of some of the most Instagram-worthy spots you can find in Southern California.

From colorful doors and hotels to fashionable dinosaurs and even a trip to the Wild West, there's plenty of stellar 'gram content to find in the greater Coachella Valley.

1. Popsicle installation by John Cerney

Address: 605 Sunny Dunes Road, Palm Springs

It doesn't need to be a super hot day to cool off by Salinas artist John Cerney’s art installation. The piece features five hands holding up different flavors of popsicles. Mix-and-match your outfit with the various colors, and don't forget to BYOP (bring your own popsicle).

2. Cabazon Dinosaurs

Address: 50-770 Seminole Drive, Cabazon

If you spot giant dinosaurs as you're driving to and from Palm Springs, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. The Cabazon Dinosaurs have long been considered one of the most iconic roadside attractions, and they've even been featured in "Pee Wee Herman’s Big Adventure" and "The Wizard." Depending on the time of year, you'll seen them wearing different outfits.

3. 'Love Letters' (PS I Love U)

Address: Plaza adjacent to the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel (100 W. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs)

Show Palm Springs how much you love it by visiting the "Love Letters" art installation. The piece is anchored by two platforms — one supports the letters "PS," and the other has a heart next to the letter “u.” With a designated spot for you to stand, you get to complete the message by becoming the "I." This same plaza also has a mural of a pair of angel wings by Collette Miller right by The Rowan.

4. The Saguaro

Address: 1800 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

If you've driven through Palm Springs, the colorful Saguaro has likely caught your attention. There are plenty of Instagram spots when it comes to this hotel: the exterior rainbow walls, the colorful lobby and its various neon signs, or the exciting pool that hosts several boutique festivals every year. Wherever you are, wearing the colors white, black or gray are not an option.

5. Sunnylands Center and Gardens

Address: 37-977 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage

Pretend you're a world leader as you stroll through the Sunnylands Center and Gardens in Rancho Mirage. The spot has welcomed several U.S. presidents and international guests over the decades, so if it's a good enough spot for them, it should be good enough for your Instagram page. A tour of the historic estate is also available between October through early June, perfect if you want to capture midcentury vibes.

6. Joshua Tree National Park

Address: 74-485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms

Full of interesting looking Joshua trees and rock formations, Joshua Tree National Park will be the perfect backdrop for your next #nofilter selfie or photoshoot. There are plenty of spots to visit in the park, but a few that stand out include Skull Rock, Hall of Horrors and Keys View. If you're there for sunrise or sunset, you'll have another breathtaking view.

7. Pioneertown

Address: 53-626 Mane St., Pioneertown

If you're already in the Joshua Tree National Park area, grab your cowboy boots and head over to Pioneertown. The don't-blink-or-you'll-miss-it unincorporated community was established in 1946 when Dick Curtis shared his dream for a "living breathing movie set," and filming continues here to this day. You'll feel like you've been transported to the Wild West as you walk past saloons and old-timey buildings. You might even see a horse or two while you're there. Note: Because Pioneertown is an active production studio, you'll need a permit if you intend to film there.

8. Wind turbines

Address: Adjacent to Highway 111 and I-10

Not only do these wind turbines provide renewable energy, but they also lead to some cool photo ops. Head out there at sunset to catch a stunning view (and if you feel like learning more, book a guided tour).

9. 'Forever Marilyn'

Address: Museum Way, Palm Springs

"Forever Marilyn" has made her way back to Palm Springs, and she's a popular attraction for tourists (and the occasional local). The larger-than-life statue by John Seward Johnson II is of her iconic scene in "The Seven Year Itch." The piece has sparked controversy among local groups, so if you do take a picture, be respectful.

10. 'Etherea'

Address: Intersection of Cesar Chavez Street and Sixth Street, Coachella

"Etherea," also known as "mesh cathedral," was on display during the 2018 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, but has since found a permanent home in the City of Coachella. The best time to view this 54-foot tall structure by artist Edoardo Tresoldi is at night when lights give it an ethereal glow.

11. Flamingos at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Address: 74-855 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert

Yes, there are actual flamingos on the grounds of the JW Marriott. There is plenty of other wildlife on the property, but these pink, long-legged birds are a treat. The resort even created a monstrous “Pink Flamingo” shake, served in a 40-ounce martini glass dipped in pink chocolate and sprinkles.

12. Parker Palm Springs

Address: 4200 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

This hotel might have the most photographed façade in the valley. The geometric pattern and bright-orange doors easily capture your attention, but if you're staying for a night or two, there's even more Instagram-worthy shots inside. If you're not checking in, we recommend booking a reservation at one of the restaurants inside, otherwise you won't be able to get access to the grounds.

13. Desert Hot Springs murals

Address: Orca Family: 14-200 Palm Drive; Sushi Bella angel wings: 13-440 Palm Drive

Desert Hot Springs offers a couple murals that will bring a pop of color to your Instagram page. The Orca Family mural by artists John Coleman and Landon Johnson looks so lifelike, you might start to feel the ocean breeze while you're looking at it. And if you want to sprout some angel wings, head over to Sushi Bella which features a flowery pair by Jiwook Lee.

14. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Address: 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs

No matter the season, the tram will offer plenty of photo ops. The view of the valley floor is stunning as you're arriving or departing the station, and Mount San Jacinto State Park is a pristine wilderness that offers equally impressive sights. If you want some winter wonderland shots, this is the place to go.

15. Colorful doors and modern homes

Address: Indian Canyon, Deepwell Estates, Little Tuscany, Movie Colony East, Old Las Palmas, Racquet Club Estates, Twin Palms and Vista Las Palmas neighborhoods

You can find colorful doors and homes with the midcentury modern flair all around Palm Springs, but there are certain neighborhoods that hit it out of the park. The Indian Canyon neighborhood is a goldmine for charming front doors that are red, pink, yellow, green, blue and every other color in between. Head to the Deepwell Estates, Little Tuscany, Movie Colony East, Old Las Palmas, Racquet Club Estates, Twin Palms and Vista Las Palmas neighborhoods to see some stunning architecture (and maybe even a familiar face). People do live in these neighborhoods and homes, so be respectful when you make your visit and be aware of "No photography" signs.

16. Salvation Mountain

Address: Beal Road, Slab City (two blocks down is the closest numbered address, for Bunker Hill/Spillway Motor Sport, if that's what your GPS requires: 600 Beal Road, Niland)

It may be a bit of a drive depending on where you are in the Coachella Valley, but Salvation Mountain is one spot you have to see. This colorful, man-made mountain features bible quotes, paintings and other messages of love and hope. Artist Leonard Knight estimates he's used 100,000 gallons of paint for the marvel. It's one of those pics-or-it-didn't-happen kind of places.

17. Ace Hotel and Swim Club

Address: 701 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

The Ace Hotel is one of Palm Springs' most popular hotels, and you don't have to be a guest to enjoy it. The "ACE" sign outside is a go-to spot for pictures, while the King's Highway diner and The Amigo Room bar celebrate the desert's bohemian spirit.

18. Moorten Botanical Garden

Address: 1701 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

Enjoy the desert's charms as you stroll through this arboretum with more than 3,000 varieties of plants. Cacti of all shapes and sizes grow in the nursery, making it the ideal spot for photos. Just make sure you look and don't touch.

19. Giraffes at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Address: 47-900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert

No trip to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is complete without pictures of the giraffes. These tall beauties are a highlight, and you can get up close and personal with them if you feed them some lettuce.

20. Indian Canyons

Address: 38-520 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

Get your explorer outfit ready as you make your way through lush palm trees and various trails at Indian Canyons. With ancient rock mortars at Andreas Canyon, the world’s largest California Fan Palm oasis at Palm Canyon and a 12-foot waterfall at Murray Canyon, there's plenty around that'll make a perfect backdrop to any picture. You might even feel like you've been transported to a different time and country.

Did we miss any Instagram-able spots? Let us know at ema.sasic@desertsun.com.

Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health at The Desert Sun. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: The 20 most Instagram-worthy spots in the Coachella Valley and beyond