Palm Springs is an international destination for Stars and girls needing a desert getaway!

Palm Springs began its emergence back in the 1940’s when Hollywood’s burgeoning new stars needed a place to ‘get away’ from the city. In their contracts, Mr. Goldwyn – of Metro Goldwyn Mayor (MGM), included a ‘100-mile clause’, which meant they could not be further than 100 miles from the studio. Palms Springs was the perfect destination to get away from it all.

By the 1950’s Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Sammy Davis Jr., Albert Einstein and Kirk Douglas all had homes in Palm Springs. Architects Donald Wexler, Stewart Williams, and Albert Frey descended upon Palm Springs, designed and then built hundreds of architectural gems in the area. These architects pushed the limits of design with clean simple lines, inventive materials and minimalistic concepts.

Today Palm Springs celebrates its architectural history with Modernism Week each February. The city is also home to one of the most prestigious international film festivals in the nation drawing many A-list celebrities, each January.

Luxury Stays in Palm Springs

With a plethora of choices for accommodations your most difficult decision will be to stay in a boutique resort with a 60’s kickback theme, a historical luxury inn or a modern resort with hi-tech amenities.

The Riviera Resort & Spa, a modern accommodation, has a great pool scene on the weekends. The resort has several bars, a nicely appointed spa, suites with pool views and balconies, a restaurant and live music on weekends. The location is near the heart of Palm Springs, about a 20-minute walk.

The Spa Resort and Casino has, yes, both a spa and casino. The spa is the only one in Palm Springs that has natural sulfur hot springs. They pump the water into private deep tubs giving you privacy with a pulled curtain. It’s a nice touch. Other amenities include a eucalyptus sauna, dry heat sauna, steam room, and plenty of ice towels and ice water or tea to keep you cool.

For a more luxuries stay try The Willows. This inn is right in the heart of town, within walking distance to cafes, shopping, and everything your heart desires. And, this is an exclusive resort with security! Great for a girls getaway. Cameron Diaz is said to have stayed there recently! One of the rooms is named Einstein, so you’re sure to feel smarter when you check out. Each afternoon they offer complimentary wine and tapas.

Have Fun In Palm Springs

Palm Springs and the surrounding communities have a strong art community. The first Wednesday of each month the Back Street Art District hosts an art walk beginning at 6:00 pm, which includes complimentary wine. The Palm Springs Museum has well renowned art collections, lectures, symposiums, workshops and theater. The Annenberg Retreat is considered the West Coast Camp David. This is a wonderful spot for a picnic, history, Zen gardens, reflection and world-class art collections.

And, if sports are your thing, there’s plenty to do in Palm Springs. Golf, tennis, hiking, and horseback riding are just a few of the outdoor activities that await you in the sunny climate of Palm Springs. And, if you want a bird’s eye view be sure to take a ride up the aerial tramway to an elevation of 8,516 feet.

So Palm Springs makes an amazing Girls Getaway with fine dining, spas, shopping, outdoor sports, museums, history and an assortment of accommodations to choose from. The dessert has something different to offer during each of the seasons.

Palm Springs is an easy two-hour drive from San Diego or LA. So if you already have plans to visit Southern California you should incorporate this side trip. If you prefer to fly direct to Palm Springs they do have an international airport. Check it out and then book that vacation!!!

Sue Richter is an award-winning communications expert. She is a freelance journalist for several online and print publications. She has written for American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, TravelAge West, Travel + Expore, Comcast Magazine, San Diego Union Tribune, Business Executive Travel and many others.