When youโre driving to the Greater Palm Springs area thereโs a landmark or landmarks that youโll come across. Youโll see the iconic California windmills as youโre starting to head into the city. The windmills are cool to look at and make for awesome photos. If you want to shoot at the Palm Springs windmills but donโt know exactly where to go keep reading.
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Shooting at the Palm Springs Windmills
Thereโs something about seeing windmills in Palm Springs. There are two locations that make for the best photos of windmills.
Palm Springs Windmills Location with White Sand
Go to Google Maps and type in Palm Springs, CA (PSN), this will lead you to the Amtrak Station. If youโre taking the 10 freeway youโll exit Indian Canyon Dr then make a right onto Palm Springs Station Rd and continue to the Amtrak Station parking lot. From the parking lot walk about 20 feet onto the sand. Youโll see a chainlink fence and the windmills in the background. Donโt go past the fence, this is private property.
coordinates: 33.8977660, -116.5496290
Palm Springs Windmills Location with Road
To get to the second location youโll drive back to Palm Springs Station Rd before hitting Indian Canyon Dr. This is just off the side of the road. You can step onto the sand and shoot from the other side of the road. Keep an eye out for oncoming traffic and be careful if you decide to step onto the road.
coordinates: 33.8947124, -116.5458367
Best Time to Shoot at the Palm Springs Windmills
Itโs best to shoot in the early morning, between sunrise and the AM golden hour (last about an hour after sunrise) or the afternoon golden hour. Sunset is also beautiful but I find it can get a bit dark if you’re photographing a person. However, if youโre just shooting the windmills then sunset is a perfect time.ย
During the day the desert sun can be harsh so it’s best to avoid those times if you can. However, itโs not a horrible time to shoot. My photos were taken in the early afternoon but it was partially cloudy. When itโs cloudy you wonโt have those harsh shadows on your face.
Palm Springs Windmill Tours
If you want to know more about the windmills and actually visit one of the private Palm Springs wind turbines you can opt for a tour. The Palm Springs windmill tours will take you onto private property and give you a close-up view of the giant turbines on a Palm Springs wind farm.
Where to Stay in Palm Springs
My favorite places to stay in Palm Springs include:
Parker – Perfect for a weekend with a friend or your boo! They’re also pet-friendly.
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The Saguaro – Fun atmosphere! Great for a trip with friends.
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Ace Hotel and Swim Club – Great for any time of the year BUT especially when it’s pool season!
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Alcazar Palm Springs – Centrally located on North Palm Canyon Drive
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Korakia Pensione – Perfect for a chill girls’ getaway or a romantic escape with your significant other.
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Rent a Car
If youโre flying into Palm Spring (PSP) and need a rental car check out RentalCars.com for affordable rental cars. The airport is nearby but you can also opt to fly into Los Angeles (LAX) which is about two hours driving distance of San Diego (SAN) which is also about two hours away.
What to Bring
If you’re looking at Palm Springs windmills photography these two locations are amazing for photos and easy to get to. And if you want to continue your trip around the desert be sure to check out Joshua Tree National Park. I have a Joshua Tree photo guide if you’re looking to shoot there as well. Enjoy your trip to Palm Springs, California!
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