Although Palm Springs is a city in it's own right, the name, Palm Springs,usually includes the neighboring cities of Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert. Indian Wells, La Quinta and Indio. On the north side of Hwy 10 the lesser-known communities of Desert Hot Springs, Thousand Palms and Bermuda dunes may also be included.
This desert community is situated in the Coachella valley of the Low Colorado Desert, 487 feet above sea level. Craggy, mountains ring the valley: The San Jacinto Mountains, to the west, the Santa Rosas to the south and the Little San Bernadino Mountains to the north. Light and shadows change the face of these hovering peaks,as the day progresses. Mount San Jacinto, at 10,631 feet is often snow covered in winter, contrasting with the earth tones of the rock, the purple haze and the deep blue sky.
The climate of this desert community is warm and dry with average daytime winter temperatures in the 70s. In summer, the daytime temperatures can reach 104-108. In winter, evenings can be quite cool. Bring a sweater.
More than 2000 years ago. The ancestors of Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians first settled in Indian Canyon. Due to the lush vegetation, abundant wildlife and water in the area, these hunters and gatherers thrived and formed large complex communities. The first white men showed up in 1774. As settlers followed they brought with them the dreaded small pox, which wiped out a large portion of the Indian population.
Due to Federal laws, until 1959 the Indians could not realize a profit from their lands. Now they are the largest landowners in the city of Palm Springs.
The climate and the development of the early resorts attracted the rich and famous, who came to enjoy the peace, privacy and the incredible healing sunlight of the desert. This secret paradise could not be hidden from the public for long, however. After the war the area flourished and grew and tourism began its upward spiral, which continues to this day.
The Palm Springs area is now home to many prestigious and beautiful resorts, spas and casinos. Restaurants for all tastes and pocketbooks are throughout the valley. Clubs, country western, jazz and piano bars, can be found. Nightlife is available for all ages included are the fabulous, Palm Spring Follies, especially enjoyed by the over 50s. There are musical Events in the Annenburg Theatre in Palm Springs and the McCallum theatre for the performing arts is in Palm Desert. In Palm Springs proper, another popular venue is the professional Palm Canyon Theatre and the Plaza Movie Theatre hosts the famous Palm Springs International Film Festival. Thursday evenings VillageFest is a must. They block off a portion of Palm Canyon Drive. Villagefest is a street fair with arts crafts, food, music and fun and shopping is great.
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