Palm Springs: Playground to the Stars

According to research, Native Americans have lived in Palm Springs’ tree-lined canyons for more than a thousand years. I am not sure how they survived the heat of the summer without air conditioning, but I guess its beauty is reason enough to set up camp.

Today, Palm Springs is a party town to many, a haven for relaxation for others. In the ’60s thru the ’80s, most of its residents were retirees from out of town who chose its 365-year round sunny weather as their residence to retire. What’s not to love? President Gerald Ford had visited Palm Springs during his term as vice president. When his term of office as president expired in 1976, he returned to build.

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Palm Springs also has a rich history of movie stars using the small town as their playground to escape Hollywood. Several of Tinseltown’s most famous luminaries have visited or own real estate in in Palm Springs, including Dean Martin, Marilyn Monroe, Lily Tomlin, Elizabeth Taylor, Bob Hope, Sammy Davis Jr., Sophia Loren, Kathy Griffin, Cary Grant and Frank Sinatra. A few years ago, I was lucky enough to get a tour of Leonardo DiCaprio’s house. (I won’t lie: it was amazing).

If you’re going, there are still many upscale hotels or budget gay hotels in the area. If you’re going with a group, try to rent one of the fabulous houses from AirBnb that comes with a pool. There are several gay restaurants and gay bars as well … Palm Springs is HOT … in every sense of the word.

Enjoy new highlights of travel photographer Edwin Santiago’s journeys each week.

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