Weekend Drive: Must-See Stops Between L.A. and Palm Springs

Palm Springs is to L.A. what the Hamptons is to New York: an escape from urbanity, something between a staycation and a destination that requires slogging through an airport. Of course, our version is without beaches or bonfires (we have that year-round); instead we have majestic mountains, crystalline pools, and oodles of mid-century architecture. While the East Coasters take the jitney—aka a bus—to reach their little slice of paradise, we usually have to commit to a two-hour drive (at least) to reach our oasis. For Angelenos who regularly make the trek east to Palm Springs, there are a few reassuring landmarks that tell you the cabana is just around the bend. Here are the stories behind those mile markers: