GREATER PALM SPRINGS, CA – Long before it became a sun-drenched destination for relaxation and reinvention, Greater Palm Springs was home to rich cultures, resilient communities, and revolutionary figures whose legacies continue to shape the region today. From the sacred lands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians to the midcentury modern enclaves of artistic and social transformation, the nine cities of Greater Palm Springs offer visitors a vibrant mosaic of history, culture, and inclusion.

Indigenous Foundations

The heart of this oasis begins with the Cahuilla people, whose stewardship of the land predates modern settlement by centuries. Today, the story of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is brought to life through immersive experiences at the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza in downtown Palm Springs—home to the state-of-the-art Spa at Séc-he, an engaging cultural museum, and vibrant gathering spaces that highlight ancestral traditions, sustainability, and the enduring vitality of Cahuilla life. At nearby Temalpakh Farm in Coachella, visitors can experience time-honored Indigenous farming practices and savor organic produce grown with care for both people and the planet.

Black History & Trailblazers

During years of widespread segregation, Palm Springs offered rare refuge for Black Americans. The Section 14 neighborhood—tribal land of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians—was home to a vibrant Black and Latino community, later displaced during controversial clearance efforts. Their legacy lives on through civic leaders, activists, and neighborhoods like Desert Highland Gateway Estates, where many families rebuilt. Visionaries like Lawrence Crossley, the city's first known Black resident and a pioneering developer, helped shape early Palm Springs. Today, community-led tours and local preservation efforts continue to share these powerful stories.

Architectural Contributions by Black Innovators

Palm Springs' renowned modernist architecture was shaped in part by the visionary work of Paul R. Williams, the first Black member of the American Institute of Architects and one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. Williams designed numerous iconic landmarks, including the El Mirador Tower, Palm Springs Tennis Club expansion, and the Town & Country Center—each contributing to the destination's iconic architectural legacy. He also designed celebrity homes, including one for Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz at Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage. Despite working in an era that often marginalized Black professionals, Williams' contributions remain timeless symbols of elegance and innovation in the Greater Palm Springs landscape.

A Tapestry of Cultures

Throughout the east valley, cities like Coachella, Indio, and La Quinta thrive thanks to multigenerational Latino, Indigenous, and immigrant families who have helped define the agricultural, artistic, and culinary richness of the region. Colorful murals by local artists in downtown Coachella tell stories of labor, family, and resistance, while spaces like Old Town Artisan Studios and the La Quinta Museum in La Quinta offer hands-on ways to engage with culture through creativity.

Welcoming All Walks of Life

Long considered a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community, Palm Springs was the first city in the U.S. to have an all-LGBTQ+ city council. The region celebrates this legacy through iconic venues, events, and year-round hospitality. Here, inclusivity isn't just a tagline—it's a community value. Whether enjoying a drag cabaret in Cathedral City, a sound bath led by LGBTQ+ wellness practitioners in Desert Hot Springs, or a spa experience rooted in Indigenous tradition, visitors will find themselves embraced by a destination committed to honoring every identity and story.

Nine Cities, One Welcome

Greater Palm Springs unites nine cities—Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella—each offering diverse perspectives and shared values. Together, they form a destination where cultures converge, differences are celebrated, and discovery is encouraged.

Greater Palm Springs invites travelers to go beyond the postcard and explore the people, history, and stories that have shaped—and continue to shape—this extraordinary place.

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About Greater Palm Springs

Greater Palm Springs, Southern California's storied oasis, is celebrated for its year-round sunshine, iconic midcentury design, world-class wellness, and vibrant cultural experiences. The destination is made up of nine distinct cities—Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella—each offering its own blend of charm and discovery.

Easily accessible from Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, and Las Vegas—and with 30+ nonstop flights into Palm Springs International Airport—Greater Palm Springs makes getting away effortless. With natural hot mineral springs, lush palm groves, and more than 300 days of sunshine each year, the oasis invites travelers to relax, recharge, and find inspiration in every direction.
www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com