History of Palm Springs

Palm Springs is less than 113mi/180km from Los Angeles, via the U.S. 10 and CA 111 roads. Together with its sister towns of Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Idyllwild and Indian Wells it has grown together into what is really one

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single holiday haunt and winter resort for the richest Americans. Although it lies in the Colorado Desert there are, as the name suggests, springs and numerous palm trees. Palm Springs was discovered as long ago as 1774 by Spaniards, who named it Agua Caliente (hot water), after the hot springs frequently found in this tectonic region. Cahuilla Indians lived there, and today they own a reservation covering almost 31,000 acres/12,500 hectares, nearly one-fifth of which lies within the town of Palm Springs, so that the 150 members of the Agua Caliente Group of the Cahuilla are the biggest land-owners in Palm Springs.

Tourist Attractions in Palm Springs

Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum presents the history and culture of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and other Cahuilla peoples.

Agua Caliente Indian Reservation
The Agua Caliente Indian Reservation is a vast scenic area that includes hiking trails and picnic areas set aside by the Tribal Council.

Annenberg Theater
Annenberg Theater presents performances from the world of music, drama, comedy, opera, and dance.

McCallum Adobe Museum
The McCallum Adobe Museum in Palm Springs houses the Palm Springs Historical Society. Built in 1884 the adobe was the first home of the settlers of Palm Springs.

Moorten's Botanical Garden
Moorten Botanical Garden contains countless species of desert flora, placed in order according to where they were found and with detailed descriptions on the signposted pathways.