Palm Springs

Palm Springs - Old hollywood, resorts and wine

Palm Springs, California has a history that dates back thousands of years when it was the domain of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The Cahuilla Indian name for the Palm Springs area was “Sec-he” (boiling water), and the Spanish who arrived named it “Agua Caliente” (hot water) for obvious reasons if you have ever been to Palm Springs in the summer!

The area was initially explored by the U.S. Government in 1853, leading to the establishment of the first wagon route through the San Gorgonio Pass. In 1884, Judge John Guthrie McCallum settled in Palm Springs, purchasing land and building an aqueduct to bring water to the Coachella Valley.

Palm Springs became a playground for movie stars in the 1920s, attracting numerous Hollywood celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe, and many others who sought refuge from the prying eyes of the media. The city's proximity to Los Angeles, just under a two-hour drive away, made it a convenient escape for stars under contract with Hollywood studios. Over the years, Palm Springs became synonymous with luxury living and a vibrant social scene.

The city's evolution saw significant developments such as the opening of hotels like El Mirador Hotel and Desert Inn, which played pivotal roles in shaping Palm Springs into a world-renowned resort destination. The incorporation of Palm Springs in 1938 marked a turning point as it transformed from a village into a bustling city with growing housing and commercial opportunities.

Today, Palm Springs continues to attract visitors with its rich history, golf courses, swimming pools, tennis courts, and annual events like the Palm Springs International Film Festival. The city's architectural legacy and natural beauty, framed by the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountains, contribute to its allure as a premier vacation destination.

Our Palm Springs walk is through Downtown Palm Springs along both sides of Palm Canyon Drive with its shops, restaurants, and interesting sights. Be careful, this walk can go from easy to difficult depending on the temperature outside!