For more than 80 years, Palm Springs has been a shimmering oasis for the rich, famous, and fabulous. While the British may boast royalty by blood, Palm Springs claims its own version: Hollywood royalty. And so began a glamorous legacy that has only grown brighter with time.
Palm Springs: A Playground for the Stars
Since before the 1930s, Palm Springs has served as a desert hideaway for Hollywood’s elite. But how did this star-studded affair begin? During Hollywood’s golden era, most actors were bound by the studio system, requiring them to stay within a two-hour radius in case they were called to set. Enter Palm Springs: close enough for work, but worlds away in vibe.
It quickly became a haven where stars could bask in the sun and unwind without the spotlight. Locals knew the unspoken rule—don’t bother the celebrities. So Bob Hope could golf in peace, Jack Benny could sneak into See’s Candies, and Frank Sinatra could stroll downtown with an ice cream cone—blissfully anonymous.
El Mirador Hotel: First Star-Studded Resort
While the Racquet Club was the social center for tennis and cocktails, the El Mirador Hotel was Palm Springs’ first true luxury resort—and an early magnet for Hollywood royalty.
Built in 1927, the Spanish Revival-style hotel towered over the desert landscape with its iconic 60-foot bell tower and sprawling grounds. The El Mirador quickly became a favorite among film stars escaping the grind of Los Angeles. Guests included Shirley Temple, Albert Einstein, Errol Flynn, Lucille Ball, and Bing Crosby. With its Olympic-sized swimming pool, championship tennis courts, and five-star service, El Mirador offered indulgence, privacy, and plenty of room to play.
During World War II, the hotel was converted into Torney General Hospital, serving wounded soldiers. After the war, it briefly returned to its hotel roots before being transformed into the Desert Regional Medical Center, which still occupies the property today. Though the original hotel is gone, its bell tower still stands—a quiet but powerful reminder of Palm Springs’ glamorous past.
The Racquet Club: Where Legends Played
From the 1930s through the 1960s, the Racquet Club of Palm Springs stood as the epicenter of Hollywood glamour in the desert. Founded in 1934 by actors Charlie Farrell and Ralph Bellamy, the club began with just two tennis courts and a modest snack bar. However, its allure quickly captivated Hollywood's elite, transforming it into a lavish retreat. By the mid-1930s, the club expanded to include a swimming pool, dining room, and cottages, accommodating the growing number of visitors.
The club's Bamboo Lounge became a legendary gathering spot where stars like Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, Natalie Wood, Tony Curtis, Jayne Mansfield, and Kirk Douglas mingled and relaxed away from the public eye. It was here that Marilyn Monroe, then known as Norma Jeane Baker, was discovered by photographer Bruno Bernard during a poolside photo shoot in 1947. She was introduced to talent agent Johnny Hyde, marking the beginning of her transformation into the iconic Marilyn Monroe.
Palm Springs' mayor at the time, Frank Bogert, played a pivotal role in elevating the city's status as a Hollywood haven. A former manager of the Racquet Club, Bogert used his position to promote Palm Springs as a desirable destination. He captured candid photographs of celebrities enjoying their desert escapes, sharing them worldwide, and solidifying the town's reputation as a glamorous retreat.
The Racquet Club's influence extended beyond leisure; it was a cultural nexus where film shoots, social gatherings, and tennis matches intertwined. The club hosted numerous photo sessions, including a notable 1954 short film featuring tennis stars Gussie Moran and Dave Gillam. Its legacy endures as a symbol of Palm Springs' golden age, reflecting the city's enduring connection to Hollywood's storied past.
Dinah Shore and George Montgomery
Melvyn's: Glamour Served Nightly
Melvyn’s at the historic Ingleside Estate has been a long-time favorite for Tinseltown’s finest. A 1925 Palm Springs Class 1 Historic Site, the estate has welcomed legends including Greta Garbo, who famously slept there; Carole Lombard and Clark Gable, who honeymooned there; and Frank Sinatra, who hosted his pre-wedding dinner there the night before marrying Barbara Marx.
Where Old Hollywood Meets New
The mystique of Palm Springs is no longer a secret. Today, a new generation of stars continues to be drawn to its retro charm and laid-back luxury. From red carpets to rooftop pools, Palm Springs offers privacy, beauty, and that special kind of magic you can’t find anywhere else.
And it’s not just celebrities. Travelers of all ages—from Gen Xers to boomers and beyond—flock here for the sunshine, style, and scene. The city shines even brighter each April as artists, musicians, and influencers descend for the iconic Coachella Music & Arts Festival.
Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby. Source: Palm Springs Historical Society
Lights, Camera, Palm Springs
With its dramatic landscapes, swaying palms, and endless sunshine, Palm Springs continues to be a sought-after backdrop for everything from high-fashion editorials to blockbuster films and streaming series. Its signature mid-century modern architecture, vintage charm, and breathtaking mountain vistas make it a natural star on screen.
Recently, Palm Springs has appeared in a wide range of pop culture moments—from fashion campaigns by global brands like Gucci and Saint Laurent to music videos, indie films, and critically acclaimed shows on Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max. The city’s cinematic appeal has only grown with the rise of retro revival and desert-inspired aesthetics.
Each January, the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) kicks off awards season with an unmistakable dose of glamour, prestige, and cinematic excitement. Held in the heart of the desert at the Palm Springs Convention Center, this world-renowned event draws A-list actors, visionary directors, and film lovers from around the globe, all eager to celebrate the best in international and independent cinema.
At the center of the festival is the highly anticipated Film Awards Gala, a red-carpet affair known for honoring standout performances that often go on to win big during awards season. With a track record that speaks for itself—many of the festival’s honorees have gone on to receive Academy Award® nominations or wins—PSIFF has earned a reputation as an early Oscar® indicator.
In addition to its star-studded gala, the festival showcases a thoughtfully curated lineup of films from over 70 countries, including world, North American, and U.S. premieres. From inspiring documentaries and compelling foreign features to groundbreaking debuts and animated gems, PSIFF offers a rich tapestry of stories that reflect the diversity of the global film community.
Beyond the screen, Palm Springs itself becomes part of the experience. Visitors can enjoy the city’s mid-century charm, world-class dining, and stunning desert landscapes, making the festival a perfect blend of Hollywood glamour and laid-back luxury.
Whether you're an industry insider, a film buff, or just someone who appreciates powerful storytelling, the Palm Springs International Film Festival delivers a uniquely immersive experience—and a front-row seat to the start of cinema’s most celebrated season.
Explore Palm Springs' Hollywood Roots
Take a stroll along iconic Palm Canyon Drive, the heart of downtown Palm Springs, where history and Hollywood intersect. As you explore the lively avenue lined with boutiques, galleries, cafés, and mid-century architecture, don’t forget to look down—the sidewalk itself tells a story. Embedded in the pavement, the Palm Springs Walk of Stars honors more than 400 celebrities, entertainers, civic leaders, and pioneers who’ve left their mark on this desert paradise.
Keep an eye out for legendary names like Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, and Bing Crosby, whose stars sparkle beneath the palms. Each plaque is a tribute to the individuals who helped shape Palm Springs into the glamorous and culturally rich destination it is today. Whether you're a movie buff, music lover, or simply curious, the Walk of Stars is a self-guided journey through time, where every step connects you to a legacy of fame, charm, and Old Hollywood magic.
Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, Palm Springs rolls out the red carpet. Come for the sunshine, stay for the history, and leave feeling like a star.
History of the famed Bob Hope House
Movies Filmed in Palm Springs
Palm Springs Stars' Homes: Self-Guided Tour