Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a mid-sized city and resort in Southern California’s Coachella Valley. The population was 44,575 at the 2020 census. Unlike most cities its size, Palm Springs hosts a large transient population: retirees and “snowbirds” from colder regions flock here in winter, temporarily tripling the number of people on hand. Notably, over 30% of full-time residents are age 65 or older, and the median age of around 55 reflects its reputation as a retirement haven. Palm Springs is economically driven by tourism, real estate and service industries. Median household income is about $57,900 and poverty around 16%; property values are high (median home ~$398,000) due to the desirability of the area. The local economy sees millions of visitors annually, especially for golfing, cultural festivals and weddings, plus ongoing film and tech conventions.

Palm Springs sits in the Sonoran Desert of southern California, about 100 miles east of Los Angeles. Geographically it lies in the Coachella Valley – part of the broader Colorado Desert – framed by mountains. To the west rise the San Jacinto Mountains (reaching 10,834 ft at Mt. San Jacinto), and to the east are the Santa Rosa and Little San Bernardino mountains. The valley floor is dry and flat, roughly 479 feet above sea level. The climate is arid: Palm Springs is famous for its hot desert climate (Köppen BWh), with over 300 sunny days per year. Summers are extremely hot (often exceeding 110°F), and winters are short and mild, usually above freezing. Rain is scarce – annual totals average only about 5 inches. This relentless sunshine allows only drought-resistant plants (palm trees, cacti) to flourish without irrigation. Overall, Palm Springs’ location and climate make it a snowbird’s paradise and a literal oasis amid barren desert.

The Palm Springs area was originally home to the Cahuilla people for centuries before Europeans arrived. They called the natural oases Se-Khi (“boiling water”) and used the warm palm- and oak-lined springs in winter for shelter and ceremony. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians maintains a reservation under the city today. The modern city began to take shape in the early 20th century. In 1938 Palm Springs was officially incorporated, having been promoted as a desert health resort and fruit-growing oasis (the early economy grew dates, citrus and olives).

Palm Springs truly boomed after World War II. Hollywood stars and tycoons discovered the valley’s sunny climate and commissioned signature mid-century-modern homes and hotels. Notables like Frank Sinatra, John Wayne and Lucille Ball built houses here. The era’s architecture (flat planes, indoor-outdoor living) became part of Palm Springs’ identity. The city’s cultural growth mirrored this wealth: theaters, galleries and a growing arts scene appeared by the 1950s-60s. In recent decades, Palm Springs has revitalized its midcentury legacy through preservation and tourism. The city is internationally known for “Palm Springs Modern” design, hosting architecture tours and the annual Modernism Week festival celebrating its 1950s heritage.

Palm Springs has a distinct resort-town ambiance. English is the official language, but many residents speak Spanish or other languages; the city’s population is about 79% white and 25% Hispanic/Latino. Its international flavor owes much to tourism: guests from around the U.S., Canada and beyond come for golf, spas and conventions. The lifestyle is relaxed and leisure-oriented. Days are spent by pool, on golf courses, or strolling palm-tree-lined streets. Popular pastimes include yoga at dawn, vintage car shows, and evening outdoor dining on breezy patios.

Palm Springs is also proud of its vibrant arts and festival scene. Besides Modernism Week (February and sometimes October events of architecture tours), the city hosts a famous International Film Festival every January. It has a large LGBTQ+ community and related events (e.g., White Party, Pride), reflecting its reputation as one of America’s most gay-friendly cities. The downtown area (Avenida Caballeros and Palm Canyon Drive) features eclectic boutiques, art galleries and theaters. At night, twinkling string lights illuminate restaurants and bars, catering to an upscale-casual nightlife. Overall, the atmosphere blends laid-back desert charm with bursts of city-style energy during events. Outsiders often note the city’s warm greetings – “Palm Springs nice” – amid a self-conscious pride in local history and midcentury chic.

Visitors to Palm Springs gravitate toward its combination of natural and architectural attractions. Chief among them is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. In a 10-minute cable-car ascent, the Tramway carries guests 5,873 feet from desert floor to mountain highlands. The rotating cars and alpine summit station (at 8,516 feet) provide panoramic views of the valley, snow in winter, hiking trails and restaurants. It is an engineering marvel from 1963 (still using the original Rotair cars) and a unique way to experience five climatic zones in one ride.

Outdoor enthusiasts can drive just a few minutes out of town to explore Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon. These desert oases offer palm-shaded streambeds and Native American hiking trails through towering canyon walls. A vigorous climb up Cahuilla Falls or Murray Canyon reveals seasonal waterfalls and remnants of Cahuilla irrigation. For more rugged desert scenery, Joshua Tree National Park (a short drive east) is iconic for its joshua trees and stark rock formations, a bucket-list day trip from Palm Springs.

Palm Springs also has cultural and architectural sites aplenty. The Palm Springs Art Museum houses modern and Native American art. Fans of architecture tour famous houses: Frank Lloyd Wright’s nearby Taliesin West (his winter home and campus for his architecture school) is open for tours. The city’s Modernist residences – such as the Kaufmann House and Elvis honeymoon cottage – can be viewed by car or on guided tours. On the valley floor, the Coachella Valley Preserve and wildlife refuges protect local flora and fauna, while the Moorten Botanical Garden displays cacti and succulents unique to the Sonoran Desert.

Downtown itself is lively with attractions. Palm Canyon Drive (the main street) features mid-century neon signs and the Walk of Stars sidewalk honoring celebrities. Nearby, the Air Museum and the IGA Frank Sinatra’s statue recall the city’s showbiz legacy. Foodies and shoppers enjoy the weekly farmers’ markets and year-round farmers’ markets celebrating fresh produce and artisan goods. In short, Palm Springs’ must-sees range from desert vistas (Tramway, canyons) to cultural sites (midcentury tours, museums) – all tied together by swaying palms and endless sunshine.

Palm Springs is easily accessed. Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) lies just west of downtown and handles domestic flights from major hubs (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix) as well as seasonal routes. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about 120 miles west, a 2–2.5 hour drive via I-10. Amtrak’s Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle stop in nearby Palm Springs, and long-distance buses serve the valley. For drivers, Interstate 10 runs east-west through Palm Springs (connecting to Los Angeles west and Phoenix/Arizona east), and CA-111 and CA-62 give access to surrounding desert areas.

Palm Springs is highly car-dependent, especially for reaching outlying canyons or golf courses. However, the downtown core is bike- and pedestrian-friendly, with many hotels offering bike rentals. Local public transit is provided by SunLine Transit Agency, running buses along major valley corridors (including Palm Canyon Dr and East Palm Canyon). A regional light rail line (under construction) will eventually connect Palm Springs with other Coachella Valley cities. For most visitors, rental cars or rideshares are easiest. On-street parking in Palm Springs is plentiful and often free, except at metered spots and special event areas.

Currency is US dollars and English is universally understood (Spanish is also common among service staff). Dress codes are casual resort wear – think shorts, sandals and sunhats in summer (plus a light jacket on winter desert nights). The desert sun can be intense; sunscreen and plenty of water are essential, especially if hiking. Tipping follows standard U.S. practice (15–20% in restaurants, taxis, guides). Common courtesy is the norm (a nod or “thank you” goes far). Safety is generally good – Palm Springs has little crime in tourist areas, though like any city one should be aware of belongings in crowded venues. In summer, be wary of extreme heat and flash floods from summer monsoons in mountain washes. Overall, a stay here blends high-desert freedom with the comforts of a well-developed tourist city.