About Palm Springs

Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs, California lies on the western edge of the Coachella Valley, within the Colorado Desert. Palm Springs is located approximately 110 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 140 miles northeast of San Diego, making it an easy drive by freeway. The permanent year-round Palm Springs population is 45,000, and doubles during the winter season. To the east of Palm Springs are several other desert cities including Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Desert Hot Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, and Indio.

Climate

Palm Springs has more than 350 days of sunshine with less than five inches of rain annually. The average temperature is a high of 78 and a low of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. ACT suggests wearing comfortable shoes and layered clothing.

Local Area Activities

Arts and Culture

Palm Springs, California is a theater lover’s paradise. Enjoy a wide variety of performances at local theaters or tour one of the many museums. You can also see the largest concentration of mid-century modern architecture by taking a walking tour with the Palm Springs Historical Society.

History

The history of Palm Springs is as varied as those who live there and come to visit. From the native Agua Caliente Cahuilla Indians to the first pioneers to the early Hollywood stars to the mid-century modernist architects to celebrity mayor, Sonny Bono, Palm Springs is a historical and ecological wonder.

Outdoors

Discover the picturesque parks, canyons, and mountains that create an outdoor playground in Palm Springs. Explore miles and miles of Palm Springs hiking, ride on the largest rotating tramcar, or venture to Joshua Tree National Park for a day of sightseeing and exploration.

Strap on your snow shoes or hiking boots and experience the cool tranquility of the San Jacinto Mountains. After riding the Aerial Tramway to 8,500 feet, enjoy the fresh mountain snow as you snowshoe or hike through the mountain wilderness.

Hollywood’s Playground

Since the 1920s, Palm Springs has been Hollywood's desert playground for celebrities to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of showbiz. The legendary "Two-Hour Rule" of Hollywood studios put Palm Springs on the map as a perfect getaway. Actors under contract had to be available within two-hours from the studio just in case last-minute film/photo shoots had to occur. Discover the many Hollywood Stars who lived, loved, and played in this beautiful desert oasis by taking a walk along the Walk of Stars located on the sidewalks of downtown Palm Springs or take a celebrity tour.

World-Class Golf

Often referred to as the “golf capital of the world,” Palm Springs is famous as one of the most popular destinations for golf vacations in the United States. With over 125 pristine golf courses, sunny weather, and scenic desert beauty, there’s a reason why Palm Springs golf vacations are so popular.

Shopping

The Downtown and the Uptown Design Districts of Palm Springs offer a vast collection of mid-century modern retailers, fashion boutiques, consignment dealers, and antiques shops.

Every Thursday evening, Villagefest transforms multiple blocks of downtown into an outdoor festival with over 200 booths showcasing artwork, handcrafted items and live entertainment. Get a local shopping flavor at the seasonal Certified Farmers Market held on Saturdays at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.

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