Quick History
Palm Springs’ first residents were ancestors of today’s Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the area has a rich history. But to fast-forward for many of us today, Palm Springs is famous for sunshine, fabulous Mid-Century and Spanish homes, golf, tennis, dining, and movie stars. Back in the 1930s, high-powered couples who 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.
There were many other famous people who frequently visited or built homes in Palm Springs including Albert Einstein, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Kirk Douglas, Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe, Dinah Shore, and Elizabeth Taylor. And today many notable A-listers, like Leonardo DiCaprio, have homes in Palm Springs.
Today
There is so much to do and see in Palm Springs. Each year is kicked off with the International Film Festival, when movie stars from around the world highlight their latest films and visitors enjoy watching the festivals of films. Modernism Week highlights and educates visitors with tours and lectures of world-famous home architecture. Then there are the ongoing public tours of past and present movie star homes. ‘Restaurant Row’ on Palm Canyon Drive is the hub of fine dining restaurants, hip boutiques, art galleries, furniture stores and just fun people watching. If that’s not enough to entertain you, then make a tee-time at one of the spectacular golf courses, make a tennis match, or just relax in the pool sipping an ice-cold drink.
