Greater Palm Springs has a history as rich as its beauty. Here’s are 50 scene-shifting moments that made the desert a sweet spot in SoCal.
Whoa Nellie
A century ago, “Mother” Nellie Coffman single-handedly made Palm Springs a visitor destination — but don’t bother looking for landmarks honoring her in the city.
A century ago, Nellie Coffman single-handedly made Palm Springs a visitor destination. But you won’t find a city landmark honoring her.
Frank’s Kind of Town
Even musicians can’t resist the siren song of the Southern California desert.
Palm Springs’ music history started when the Cahuilla Indians settled the area 5,000+ years ago, followed by celebs like Frank Sinatra.
We Are The Cahuilla
A brief history of the Coachella Valley’s first residents.
Through rich narratives passed down over thousands of years, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians have connected past and present.
Lasting Impression: Cavanagh Adobe
The Cavanagh Adobe is one of the oldest such homes still standing in the Coachella Valley, dating back to 1922 in Indian Wells.
The Cavanagh Adobe is one of the oldest such homes still standing in the Coachella Valley, dating back to 1922 in Indian Wells.
Explore Palm Springs: Jack Dempsey
The Howard Manor in Palm Springs (now The Colony Palms) became the hangout for heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey, who partied with Frank Sinatra and others.
The Howard Manor in Palm Springs became the hangout for heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey, who partied with Frank Sinatra and others.
Lasting Impression: El Mirador Tower
The 68-foot-tall Spanish revival tower was originally constructed as part of the glamorous El Mirador Hotel.
Opened in 1927, the glamorous El Mirador Hotel included a 68-foot-tall Spanish revival tower that was rebuilt in 1989 following a fire.
When the Lounge Act Ruled the Nightlife
Intimate performances once radiated the essence of Palm Springs cool.
Sunny Palm Springs became the unofficial capital of the lounge act, an entertainment phenomenon featuring name performers like Frank Sinatra.
Explore Palm Springs: Sonny Bono
As Gov. Gavin Newsom faces a recall election, a group of Palm Springs residents circulated petitions to recall Mayor Sonny Bono in 1989.
As Gov. Gavin Newsom faces a recall election, a group of Palm Springs residents circulated petitions to recall Mayor Sonny Bono in 1989.
Explore Palm Springs: Edom Hill Oil Well
The Fowler Drilling Company erected an oil drilling rig on the top of Edom Hill in 1954, and by June 3 the project was shut down
The Fowler Drilling Company erected an oil drilling rig on the top of Edom Hill in the spring of 1954, and by June the project was shut down.