A Peek Behind The Palms - Palm Springs History | ResorTime (2024)

Get to know one of California’s best-kept vacation getaways: Palm Springs! Tucked away in the desert inland from Los Angeles and San Diego, Palm Springs offers a relaxing desert getaway with a rich history.

Palm Springs’ Beginnings

Long before movie stars and golf pros arrived, a peaceful tribe of Indians lived in the area that became Palm Springs. The ancestors of today’s Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians dwelled in an area of lush vegetation now known as Indian Canyons more than 2,000 years ago, which is just a few minutes outside downtown Palm Springs.

In 1853, the U.S. Government sent a survey party to Palm Springs and its natural hot springs to establish the first wagon route through the San Gorgonio Pass. More than 20 years later, in 1877, the government split the parcels of land between the Agua Caliente tribe and Southern Pacific Railroad to give Southern Pacific incentive to complete the railroad to the Pacific Coast.

In 1884, the first major settlement began when Judge John Guthrie McCallum relocated from San Francisco with his family hoping the dry climate would cure his son’s tuberculosis. McCallum purchased land from Southern Pacific Railroad and built an aqueduct to bring water to the Coachella Valley. Although Dr. Welwood Murray built the first hotel in 1886, it closed in 1909, the same year that the Coffman Family opened the Desert Inn as a health resort. The hotel was modernized in 1927 but closed in 1967, and a shopping complex was built on the site.

Palm Springs was incorporated as a city in 1938, long after it became a playground for movie stars in the 1920’s.

Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley played an important part in World War II. The desert became a training ground for General George S. Patton’s troops prior to the North Africa invasion. The El Mirador Hotel was purchased by the U.S. government and converted it into Torney General Hospital. Today it’s the location of the Desert Regional Medical Center.

The airfield near the city that was a staging area for the Air Corps Ferrying Command’s 21st Ferrying Group is now the location of the Palm Springs International Airport.

Hollywood’s Playground

The Hollywood studios had a “two-hour rule” that required actors under contract to be available within two hours from the studio for any last minute film shoots. Palm Springs is about an hour and 50-minute drive from Los Angeles, so the “two-hour rule” helped put Palm Springs on the map.

Famous residents with Palm Springs hideaways included: Albert Einstein, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Kirk Douglas and Cary Grant. Famous ladies that frequently visited, included Marilyn Monroe, Dinah Shore, Lily Tomlin and Elizabeth Taylor.

High-powered couples that rendezvoused here included Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner, Elvis and Priscilla, President Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower, President Ronald and Nancy Reagan and Walter and Lee Annenberg.

Today, Hollywood A-Listers are often drawn to Palm Springs in January for the Palm Springs International Film Festival founded by Mayor Sonny Bono in 1989. Frequent visitors include Clint Eastwood, John Travolta, Ron Howard, Halle Barry and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Many details from Palm Springs’ rich history still remain in the city, and make it a fascinating city to tour.

When you’re ready to explore Palm Springs’ history, golf courses, swimming pools and tennis courts, book online or speak with a ResorTime travel concierge at (877)477-7368.

A Peek Behind The Palms - Palm Springs History | ResorTime (2024)

FAQs

What is the ancient history of Palm Springs? ›

The first humans to settle in the area were the Cahuilla people, who arrived 2,000 years ago. Cahuilla Indians lived here in isolation from other cultures for hundreds of years prior to European contact. They spoke Ivilyuat, which is a Uto-Aztecan language.

What are some historical facts about Palm Springs? ›

Palm Springs was incorporated as a city in 1938, long after it became a playground for movie stars in the 1920's. Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley played an important part in World War II. The desert became a training ground for General George S. Patton's troops prior to the North Africa invasion.

Why is Palm Springs so famous? ›

This popular resort town is known for its gorgeous sunny climate, golf courses, restaurants, hotels, and natural hot springs. Palm Springs is home to many Hollywood stars, as it has been a preferred destination to get away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles since the 1930s.

What was Palm Springs old name? ›

Palm Springs (back then known as Agua Caliente, meaning hot water, then Palm Valley and finally Palm Springs, incorporated as a city in 1938) was discovered by a government survey team sent out to find a railroad route to the Pacific in 1853, for what would come to be, Southern Pacific Railroad.

What is the oldest house in Palm Springs? ›

With the help of an Indigenous guide and interpreter, McCallum hired local Cahuilla Indians to build his family's home. Constructed in 1884, the McCallum Adobe is the oldest building still standing in Palm Springs.

Why is Palm Springs crime rate so high? ›

Palm Springs police attributed the rise in crime to a combination of factors but said the most influential was the city's role as a tourism destination, which attracts both visitors and thieves. Millions of tourists come to the city to relax, and criminals know this offers lots of cash-rich “easy targets,” said Sgt.

What is the 2 hour rule for Palm Springs? ›

1. Old Hollywood's love affair with Greater Palm Springs began when movie studios implemented a two-hour rule, which stated that actors must remain within two hours of the studio. The oasis was just within the two-hour rule and became a favorite destination for Hollywood celebrities.

Why is the water white in Palm Springs? ›

Most of the water we serve is high mineral content – some people refer to it as hard water. This is typical for systems that rely on groundwater. Many of the minerals in the water are things you would find in vitamins. The white buildup you see is likely calcium and/or magnesium.

Why did celebrities live in Palm Springs? ›

A lesser-known celebrity hangout than the flashing lights of Hollywood, A-listers have flocked to the desert oasis of Palm Springs since 1920. At the time, movie studios had a strict travel policy that dictated actors must be available and able to get back to Tinseltown in under two hours for reshoots.

Do any famous people live in Palm Springs? ›

Another one of the most famous celebrities that lived in Palm Springs is Bob Hope. Sitting on a 16,000 square feet lot, the Hope residence is surrounded by a privacy hedge and citrus trees and is tastefully modern.

What food is Palm Springs known for? ›

One local ingredient that's truly celebrated in Palm Springs is the date, grown locally in Southern California and blended deliciously into the area's famous “date shakes.”

What is the wealthiest part of Palm Springs? ›

Andreas Hills is often referred to as the "Bel Air of Palm Springs'' since it's the most exclusive, prestigious, and scenic neighborhood in the desert city.

Did Marilyn Monroe ever go to Palm Springs? ›

Marilyn Monroe's connection to Palm Springs is legendary. In 1949, at age 22, Marilyn was “discovered” in Palm Springs at Charlie Farrell's Racquet Club by William Morris talent agent Johnny Hyde. Many famous photos of Marilyn were taken around the Racquet Club's swimming pool.

What is the abandoned city in Palm Springs? ›

Calico is an Old West mining town that has been around since 1881 during the largest silver strike in California. With its 500 mines, Calico produced over $20 million in silver ore over a 12-year span. When silver lost its value in the mid-1890s, Calico lost its population.

Did Marilyn Monroe go to Palm Springs? ›

Palm Springs and Marilyn Monroe

In the 195O's, she was a regular visitor to Palm Springs with her second husband, baseball great Joe DiMaggio. Marilyn Monroe loved Palm Springs and the presence of Forever Marilyn is a true homecoming.

What movie stars had homes in Palm Springs? ›

Many celebrities stayed and purchased hideaway homes in Palm Springs, such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Bob Hope, Kirk Douglas, and Cary Grant, just to name a few. Several ladies were frequent visitors including Marilyn Monroe, Dinah Shore, Luciel Ball, Lily Tomlin, and Elizabeth Taylor.

Which Kardashians own homes in Palm Springs? ›

Kylie Jenner's mansion appears to be the crown jewel of an expanding Kardashian-Jenner real estate empire in the Palm Springs, California area, where her mother Kris Jenner and sisters Kourtney Kardashian also have opulent abodes.

What areas to avoid in Palm Springs? ›

The northern part of Palm Springs should be avoided. The area that is known as 'Desert Highland Gateway Estates'. It is probably the worst area in Palm Springs. In terms of good and bad areas, stay out of North Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs and parts of Cathedral City.

Is Palm Springs hotter than Las Vegas? ›

Summer daytime temperatures frequently reach 100 degrees, and winter days are mild with highs in the low 70s. Las Vegas enjoys a similar desert climate, with sunny skies and seasonal temperatures only a bit cooler than in Palm Springs.

Why do people like Palm Springs so much? ›

Palm Springs architecture has long made the town a favored destination of midcentury-modern design lovers, and the biggest names of that era (say, Walt Disney or Frank Sinatra) enjoyed the desert oasis plenty.

Where do the celebrities hang out in Palm Springs? ›

The swanky Parker Palm Springs hotel is often a go-to spot for celebs when they come to the desert. It also just happens to be the location of Variety's annual 10 Directors to Watch brunch on Friday.

Can you drink in public in Palm Springs? ›

(a) No person shall drink, use or consume any alcoholic beverage, as defined in Section 23004 (and related sections) of the Business and Professions Code of the state of California, upon any public street, sidewalk, highway, road, lane or alley, or in or upon any other publicly-owned property which is open to the use ...

Is no music allowed in Palm Springs? ›

Noise: The city of Palm Springs and all other desert resort cities have a 24hr/day noise ordinance that is strictly enforced. Guests must keep the volume of voices and entertainment to a reasonable level and bring conversations indoors after 9:00 PM and close windows and doors to keep any noise inside.

Can I drink tap water in Palm Springs? ›

Drinking water provided by the district meets all federal and state water quality standards. Water filters may change the taste of tap water, but they are not necessary.

How deep is the aquifer in Palm Springs? ›

The Coachella Valley's groundwater basin can be imagined as a tilted bathtub filled with sand and gravel and topped with a layer of clay; water fills the spaces under the clay and in between the sand and gravel. Wells approximately 1,200 feet deep reach the highest quality water within the aquifer.

Is Palm Springs on an aquifer? ›

All domestic water comes from the aquifer/groundwater basin beneath the valley floor ranging from Palm Springs to the Salton Sea and has an estimated capacity of 39.2 million acre feet (an acre foot = 325,851 gallons) down to 1,000 feet (300 m) as determined by the U. S. Geological Survey.

Where is Marilyn Monroe's house in Palm Springs? ›

1326 N Rose Avenue, Palm Springs, CA 92262.

Where do the Kardashians live in Palm Springs? ›

Kris Jenner's Palm Springs abode is located in La Quinta, California, within the confines of the Madison Club, a high-end golf resort.

What is the busiest month in Palm Springs? ›

March and April are certainly the most popular months in Palm Springs but that doesn't mean that this is the best time to go to Palm Springs for everyone.

What singer lives in Palm Springs? ›

Singer Sia and her husband Erik Lang own a $4.7 million home in the Los Feliz area. Palm Springs has been home to countless celebrities and media moguls, and some of them, even many who have passed on, are well-known for their homes in the area.

Does Kim Kardashian live in Palm Springs? ›

"Pritzker Prize–winning architect Tadao Ando is building Kim's Palm Springs home, which she describes as 'concrete, gray-toned, and really zen,' Wang writes.

What drink is Palm Springs known for? ›

Someone—no one is positive who—then came up with the idea of mixing them with ice cream, thus creating the unofficial beverage of Palm Springs: the date shake. Nearly every bar and restaurant in the Palm Springs area has their own version of this beloved local drink.

What fruit is Palm Springs known for? ›

Ingredients once harvested by the Coachella Valley's first inhabitants continue to flavor local dishes and drinks. Sweet prickly pears can be eaten raw, but you must protect your hands when picking them or buy them de-needled.

What is the main street in Palm Springs called? ›

Palm Springs' most popular byway is unquestionably Palm Canyon Drive, which traverses the low desert plain before abruptly turning into the palm-tree lined thoroughfare that hits the heart of downtown, with plenty of stops along with way.

Why is Palm Springs popular retirement? ›

Palm Springs Retirement communities are some of the best on the USA, with numerous options available. It is a place where golfing, swimming, tennis, picklball, biking, hiking, and other outdoor activities are popular because the weather is warm, and the sun loves to shine year round.

What is the average household income in Palm Springs? ›

The average household income ($106,420) for 92264 is less than the average household income for 92270 ($147,469) and 92561 ($113,745). But it's more than 92234 ($78,863), 92260 ($99,512), 92262 ($102,622), Riverside County ($100,004), and Palm Springs city ($104,560).

Where do rich people live in Palm Springs? ›

1. Araby Cove. With a median home price of $2,949,082 and a median rent of $1,176, Araby Cove is the most expensive neighborhood on our list.

What hotel did Marilyn Monroe stay at in Palm Springs? ›

We do know that Marilyn frequented the Mira Loma hotel (known today as Palm Springs Rendezvous), and would stay in the room that is known as Pretty in Pink as did many other celebrities of the era, including Veronica Lake and Gloria Swanson.

Where is Marilyn Monroe found dead? ›

Marilyn Monroe is found dead. On August 5, 1962, movie actress Marilyn Monroe is found dead in her home in Los Angeles. She was discovered lying nude on her bed, face down, with a telephone in one hand. Empty bottles of pills, prescribed to treat her depression, were littered around the room.

Who did Marilyn Monroe leave her inheritance to? ›

75 percent of Monroe's intellectual property and estate were left to her acting coach, Lee Strasberg, and the remaining 25 percent was given to her New York psychiatrist Dr. Marianne Kris.

Is Palm Springs a dark sky city? ›

The Greater Palm Springs (GPS) area, comprised of nine communities, is also home to pockets of natural beauty and dark skies.

Why did Sinatra live in Palm Springs? ›

Sinatra started coming to Palm Springs in the late 1940s. He had been told about it by his close friend, the composer Jimmy Van Heusen, who had stopped for fuel there while flying to Los Angeles. Van Heusen told Sinatra of the beauty of the desert later that day, and Sinatra insisted that they fly there that evening.

What is the largest ghost town in California? ›

The largest ghost town in California is Eagle Mountain. The Eagle Mountain iron mine opened in 1948, but by 1983 the last businesses and the old post office had closed.

Where does Marilyn Monroe live now? ›

Where was Marilyn Monroe's favorite place? ›

1. Hotel Roosevelt. This classic hotel has hosted stars like Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, and Clark Gable, just to name a few. The hotel was Marilyn Monroe's home in the '50s and she often stayed the suite just above the pool area, which is now known the Tropicana Bar.

Why is Marilyn in Palm Springs? ›

The sculpture was purchased in 2020 by PS Resorts, a City-funded tourist agency that was mandated to increase tourism to Palm Springs. According to the Art Newspaper, the City Council unanimously voted in 2021 for the statue's placement near the museum.

What indigenous land is Palm Springs on? ›

The Agua Caliente Indian Reservation encompasses approximately 28,000 of land in the western Coachella Valley, including portions of Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, and unincorporated areas of Riverside County.

Who were the first people in Palm Springs? ›

Since time immemorial, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians has called the Palm Springs area home. Long ago, they built complex communities in the Palm, Murray, Andreas, Tahquitz and Chino canyons. With an abundant water supply, the plants, animals and Agua Caliente Indians thrived.

Were palm trees native to Palm Springs? ›

With all the types of palm trees in and around Palm Springs, only one is native to the state of California: the California fan palm, or Washingtonia Filifera.

Why is the dinosaur in Palm Springs? ›

The Palm Springs Dinosaurs Were More Than A Hallucination

At first thought, Palm Springs' dinosaur scene could have been a nod to Cabazon Dinosaurs, a roadside attraction located near Palm Springs, CA, which features two gigantic dinosaur sculptures. The movie, however, never directly explained the dinosaurs.

Is the Cahuilla tribe still living today? ›

There are now approximately 3,000 enrolled members in the nine Cahuilla nations. The Cahuilla can be generally divided into three groups based on the geographical region in which they lived: Desert Cahuilla, Mountain Cahuilla and Western (San Gorgonio Pass) Cahuilla.

Can you own land in Palm Springs? ›

What is a land fee home in Palm Springs? Quite simply, a land fee home is a home where you own the land and the structure that is on it. In Palm Springs and Cathedral City, these freehold properties can be up to 20% more expensive than a leasehold property.

What stars are buried in Palm Springs? ›

Notable interments
  • Chris Alcaide (1923–2004), actor.
  • Dorothy Arnold (1917-1984), actress.
  • William Milton Asher (1922–2004), American television and film producer, director, and screenwriter.
  • Busby Berkeley (1895–1976), motion picture director and musical choreographer.

Why don't they trim the palm trees in Palm Springs? ›

There have been cases of asphyxiation associated with palm tree skirts, as this 2006 LA Times article shows. Still, the most likely way to die involving a palm tree is actually by falling while trying to trim the fronds. Trimming is dangerous work undertaken by scores of landscapers each year in the Coachella Valley.

Is Palm Springs a natural oasis? ›

Palm Springs has long been a beautiful desert oasis and sanctuary among a barren desert of rock and dust. The Agua Caliente Band was the first to discover Palm Springs's plentiful natural resources and important freshwater reserves.

Who brought palm trees to Palm Springs? ›

It may very well be that Cahuilla ancestors brought palms to Palm Canyon, the largest natural desert palm oasis in the world and the focal point of the renowned Indian Canyons Tribal Park.

What disease is in Palm Spring? ›

Riverside County Public Health recently announced it was investigating a number of Legionnaires' disease cases that were reported in Palm Springs, Palm Desert and some surrounding communities between the fall 2021 and early 2022. Health officials confirmed 20 cases, and of those 14 people were hospitalized.

What does the end of Palm Springs mean? ›

As the film nears its end, Sarah tells Nyles she has learned of a way the two might finally break out of the endless loop — by detonating an explosion at the very moment they cross the time horizon that normally resets them back to the day's beginning.

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