Palm Springs, CA Summary

photo by gusto

This resort area near Los Angeles has, for decades, been a destination for movie-industry types looking for a break from the rigors of their work. It is recognized as one of the top three American destinations for gay travelers and is a retirement mecca. Today, its warm, arid climate; world-class golf courses; and top restaurants attract year-round residents in droves.

The community has some quirky regulations. No billboards are allowed, and the word “motel” is not allowed to be visible. Former mayor Sonny Bono passed an anti-thong swimwear ordinance in 1991.

The local population has swelled to close to 45,000 since the town’s founding in 1876. A Spanish explorer discovered the area in 1774 and named it Agua Caliente, or “hot water,” for its natural hot springs mineral pool. The Native American Cahuilla tribe is still a major landholder and, in cooperation with the United States government, works to preserve their heritage.

Besides the warm, dry climate and wide-open spaces, golf is a major attraction. There are close to 100 golf courses, and tournaments are held year-round. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes visitors on a breathtaking 21⁄2-mile ascent up Mt San Jacinto over terrain that changes from desert floor to alpine wilderness.

The Palm Springs Desert Museum collections include twentiethcentury and Mesoamerican Native American art, plus a natural science gallery. Hot-air ballooning and covered wagon tours are also available—the adventurous can skydive solo or in tandem. Other popular attractions include Moorten’s Botanical Garden and the Oasis Waterpark.

Lodging and dining are available at all price levels, and Joshua Tree National Park is nearby, making it a popular day-trip destination from Palm Springs. Buses and trains service the area and Palm Springs has its own international airport.

Los Angeles is only a 2-hour drive to the west.