Palm Springs Hotels, Attractions, and Information

Written by Julie Greiner

The cities of the Palm Springs desert resorts are known for perfect climate, sensational scenery, world class golf and as being a mecca of culinary fame. Often thought of as a single city - the area is made up of eight distinct cities - each with a personality of their own.

Major Attractions of Palm Springs

Through the years many famous people have made their homes here - Frank Sinatra, Jack Benny, Lucille Ball and Sonny Bono to name just a few. Being a favorite winter resort destination there are many things to see and participate in. A walk down Palm Canyon Drive, with its Walk of Stars - honors both pioneers and entertainment celebrities among its shops, galleries and restaurants. The oldest remaining building in Palm Springs is the McCallum Adobe building, built in 1884 for the first permanent white settler, is part of the Village Green Heritage Center comprising the legendary Palm Canyon Drive. Miss Cornelia's "Little House" was built by the city's first hotel proprietor

Photo by Arthur Coleman
Courtesy Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism

in 1893 and is also located on Palm Canyon Drive. Together these two oldest buildings in Palm Spring represent the by-gone era of the pioneer. The Mercado Plaza Theatre of Jack Benny fame from the 40's is now the home of the Fabulous Palm Spring Follies. From the Indian Canyons to the Tahquitz Canyon... one may enjoy nature hikes, picnic grounds and the trading posts. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers a unique experience of a spectacular aerial ride at 8,516 feet featuring a restaurant, cocktail lounge and overnight camping.

Golf in Palm Springs

The Coachella Valley offers the world's finest golf destination - perfect environment and climate, low humidity, dramatic desert scenery and over 101 courses to choose from. To mention only a few names... the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic and The Nabisco

View of Shoppers Enjoying the Village Fest

Photo by Arthur Coleman
Courtesy Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism

Championship (formerly the Dinah Shore) with course designers such as Pete Dye, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Ted Robinson comprise the golf "mecca" of Palm Springs.

Cities of the Palm Springs Desert

The city of Palm Springs is the originator of the area's tourism draw dating back to the turn of the century. Desert Hot Springs is known for its natural mineral waters which bubble to the surface of the earth, making this the perfect location for its polished marble resorts, retro motels and exclusive celebrity retreats. Cathedral City "Cat City" is noted for its amusement parks, miniature golf, ball fields, consignment shops and family fun. Rancho Mirage is home to the Betty Ford Center, glamorous casinos and resorts and a new movie/restaurant complex. Palm Desert is a mecca for wilderness beauty, great golf and a shopping wonderland. Indian Wells was originally the watering hole for ancient tribesmen... now plays host to such notables as Bill Gates and home to the Eden tournaments. La Quinta is nestled in the desert right before Indio - the valley's largest and oldest city and home to renowned polo fields and casinos.