ABOUT
PALM SPRINGS
This sun drenched desert oasis vacation destination is returning to its glory days as a Hollywood playground, a central gathering spot for modern architectural design aficionados, musicians and artists drawn by nature’s inspiration, and an increasing crowd of cool-seekers. It could be the surge of super hip (and becoming super large) events like the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Modernism Week, and Coachella and Stagecoach Music Festivals. Or the openings of incredibly unique museums such as the Architecture and Design Center in downtown Palm Springs, or nearby Sunnylands, with an public garden and walking paths inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings.
Perhaps it’s the parties… pool parties in the summer, cocktail parties by the pool in winter. Mai Tais at tiki bars. S’mores by firepits in the evening under the stars. Bachelorette parties abound. This is where people get away to. Maybe it’s the Hollywood glitz and glamour. The Rat Pack lived, loved and played here…it doesn’t get any better than that. Stars such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope and Lucille Ball all built homes here (that you can now rent!), adding a touch of stardust. Wearing a favorite vintage outfit, shopping for midcentury modern treasures in Uptown Design District, dining alfresco in downtown bistros under the warm sun...now that’s a vacation.
But frantic and hurried it is not. The pace is relaxed, the colors are saturated by the warm desert light, and the living is easy. Nestled at the base of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains, the City of Palm Springs is the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The streets, lined with palm trees, are perfect for exploring boutique shops, art galleries and museums while soaking up the warm sunshine. If this isn’t enough to entice you….soar to the top of Mount San Jacinto on the world famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, play a round of golf at Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort, or hike the ancient palm groves of the Indian Canyons. In the evening, stroll the year round Villagefest, then relax with (of course) a swim under the evening stars.
LOCATION
Palm Springs, California lies on the western edge of the Coachella Valley, within the Colorado Desert. Located approximately 110 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 140 miles northeast of San Diego, it's an easy two hour drive by freeway.
The permanent year-round Palm Springs population is 45,000, and doubles during the winter season. To the east of Palm Springs, are several other desert cities including Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Desert Hot Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, and Indio.
CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY
Palm Springs has more than 350 days of sunshine with less than 5 inches of rain! Winter temperatures average in the 70s with nights in the mid-40s. The dry desert heat of summer pushes daytime temperatures into the 100s, which is enjoyed by sun seekers from around the globe.
The geography of Palm Springs is what creates the famed warm, dry climate. At 487 feet above sea level, Palm Springs is sheltered by the Little San Bernardino Mountains to the north, the Santa Rosa Mountains on the south, and the San Jacinto Mountains to the west. With its towering 10,831 foot Mt. San Jacinto and the lush, inspirational Indian Canyons, this is an exquisite place for hikers to find themselves.
TRANSPORTATION
Palm Springs International Airport, just two miles from downtown, welcomes over 1.5 million passengers a year from throughout the U.S. and Canada. This is the way to fly… shorter lines, friendly staff, and yes, the amazing view of the mountains. It’s been described as one of the most “hassle-free” airports in the U.S., and once you fly into PSP, you’ll know why. Ontario International Airport is just over an hour northwest. Within approximately a two-hour drive are the Los Angeles International Airport, Orange County-John Wayne Airport, Burbank Airport, Long Beach Airport and San Diego-Lindberg Field. There are many rental car agencies, taxis and shuttles within Palm Springs, as well as ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft. No matter how you get here, or how far you’ve come, it will be well worth the trip.
(Article courtesy of http://www.visitpalmsprings.com)