Rancho Mirage

They call it the “Playground of Presidents” — a 25-square-mile stretch of palm-dotted land in the central valley. Dwight D. Eisenhower lent his name to the renowned medical center. Richard Nixon spent the day of his pardoning at Sunnylands. Gerald Ford lived here through the final decades of his life.

Rancho Mirage, which celebrates 50 years of cityhood in 2023, began to flourish after World War II, when architect Hank Gogerty opened an airstrip and the Desert Air Hotel in the area now occupied by the Rancho Las Palmas shopping center. The fancy fly-in retreat drummed up an elite patronage, spawning the development of prestigious country clubs and golf courses throughout the city.

Today, scene-shifting development continues with the groundbreaking of Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney residential oasis with a lagoon and a luxury hotel where magical moments are bound to create lasting memories for generations to come.

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HISTORICAL FACTS

1 Treasure Seekers

The city’s history traces back to the unbridled gold rush days, as prospectors routed through the desert in search of a score. By 1915, their wagon trails had been supplanted by scattered ranch homes and Bradshaw Highway, now Highway 111.

2 More Sunshine

Louis McLaughlin “Mac” Blankenhorn purchased land around Magnesia Falls Cove in 1934 and began selling lots with “modern, attractive small homes.” Ads boasted that Rancho Mirage offered “one more hour of sunshine” than Palm Springs.

3 First Swing

The Coachella Valley’s first 18-hole golf course, established by golfer-turned-developer Johnny Dawson, opened in 1951 at Thunderbird Country Club. Tire company exec Leonard Firestone became one of the first homebuyers at the private residential club.

4 Star Power

In 1954, Frank Sinatra purchased a William F. Cody–designed house on the 17th fairway at Tamarisk Country Club, where reigning Masters and U.S. Open champion Ben Hogan was head pro.

5 Grand Slam

In 1978, a 19-year-old named John McEnroe stunned the tennis world, beating Brits John Lloyd and Buster Mottram at the Davis Cup finals hosted by Mission Hills Country Club.