Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs, California, United States

Palm trees provide a periphery of greens and browns as shadows run along the otherwise snow-capped contours of the mountain ranges. It is clear to visitors why Hollywood stars took Palm Springs as their refuge during the 1920s. The resort town has long remained a getaway for the upwardly mobile—garnering the nickname of “Hollywood's Hideaway”—and has since blossomed into an accessible vacation destination for those seeking lavish leisure among a host of natural and man-made attractions.

Population:

48,142 (2017)

Currency:

$1 US = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

911

Opening Hours:

General opening hours for stores are 10am until 9pm.

Newspapers:

The Desert Sun

The City

Palm Springs owes its name to the abundant California palm trees and the hot mineral springs around which the city's original inhabitants, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, built their village thousands of years ago. European settlers did not establish themselves in the area until the late 1800s. In the 1920s, Hollywood stars began to create a retreat from Tinseltown in this desert town.

It continues to be a favorite vacation spot for celebrities, but it has grown into a major resort town, popular among tourists from all walks of life. In addition to vacationers, Palm Springs is also home to a resident population of about 45,000. This is due to a rise in construction in the middle of the 20th century, as well as Coachella Valley's popularity as a retirement destination.

Do & See

With tourism at the heart of Palm Springs' economy, you know there will be plenty to do during your visit. Warm temperatures throughout the year draw over one million visitors to Palm Springs each year and make it a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, and swimming pools. Golf is also popular, with over 100 golf courses in the area.

Dining

There are so many restaurants in Palm Springs that the city's annual restaurant week lasts ten days. Palm Springs dining offers everything from burgers and beers to fine dining, suitable for every budget and flavor palette.

Cafes

There are quite a few excellent breakfast places in Palm Springs, as well as bakeries and coffee shops. Many cafés offer options for those with dietary restrictions, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.