When one hears the area called Palm Springs, what often comes to mind are the palm trees that line up the streets. It’s also a well known place where many famous celebrities reside and where films are often shot since the 1930s.
Situated in the state of California, specifically in the Riverside County, the term Palm Springs was first used by U.S. topographical engineers in the 1853 maps. Its other names in the past were Palmetto Spring and Big Palm Springs.
This desert city was developed into a resort in the 1900s and today boasts of various types of resorts and Palm Spring hotels visited by numerous tourists each year. The luxurious El Mirador Hotel that opened in 1927 was the first to attract bigtime movie stars. Its major feature was its Renaissance style tower standing at 68-feet high.
Celebrity Residents
Through the years, the so-called movie colony neighborhoods were set up in the city which attracted celebrities who preferred to reside there away from the busy lifestyle of Los Angeles. The late Bob Hope was one of the big stars who bought an estate in Palm Springs.
Climate
Its micro climate weather is one reason why tourists, retirees a well as the rich and famous continue to flock to Palm Springs. The city enjoys sufficient sunshine for the most part of the year and experiences only minimal rainfall. Despite having a hot and dry climate, people here enjoy a comfortable weather throughout the year owing to the mountains that provide shadow to the city and block the cold winds during winter time.
Outdoor Adventure
Being a desert city, Palm Springs provides visitors plenty of choices when it comes to outdoor adventure. You can choose from the jeepney tours, biking and swimming to hiking, horseback riding, golfing and skating.
Museums
For a cultural experience, it’s best to go sightseeing covering the city’s unique architecture, museums displaying beautiful visual arts and you can even take a tour of some homes and estates of popular celebrities including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Liberace) living in this area called Little Hollywood. Some of you may not be aware but seven film festivals take place in Palm Springs each year.
Travel App
There’s also a free travel app you can download for your iPhone, Android, Blackberry and iPad to help you plan your travel and activities. It can provide information on locations, schedules of events, travel deals, discounts and packages as well as updates on the city’s social media networks.
Photo via cntraveller
About the guest author:
Judith has been to Palm Springs twice and had an unforgettable experience touring some homes of her favorite celebrities including the Elvis House.