Robolights, Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a kaleidoscope of spectacle plopped between the highways and wind farms. It's a place where pool parties kick off at 8am, drag brunch margaritas are a breakfast staple, and colorful art installations peacock on every corner. If you haven't made your way to Robolights, here's why it's a must-see.

Robolights is a sprawling residential plot that's about as eye-popping as they come. And each year, artist Kenny Irwin Jr. tears down his masterpiece and starts anew. Using scavenged and gifted trash items, he constructs a mental wonderland of robots, tunnels, bridges, trolls, whosits and whatsits, giant chairs, aliens, creatures from the deep, interactive arcades – whatever comes to mind.

It's the definition of controlled chaos. It's 4 acres of upcycled paint cans, phone chords, plastic bottles, tires, hubcaps, cages, garden hoes, 8 million Christmas lights, disco balls, giant Christmas blow-ups, busted electronics, patched up bouncy houses, car parts, unwanted toys ... imagine the Wall-E junkyard then blasted with paint. It's kinda like that.

To visit this fun house (it's actually the artist's residence), check the website first – it's closed during parts of the year so the Irwin can work on his masterpiece. Bring a few bucks for a suggested donation (it takes money to keep those lights on!) and your walking shoes - it takes about 45 minutes to walk through the whole thing.

If you're in the Palm Springs area, take time to explore Joshua Tree National Park, Pioneertown, and the Integratron. And obviously brunch with the Desert Divas...