The word golf is practically synonymous for the city of Palm Springs, a world-wide reputation that is supported by over 100 golf courses that dot the small community and surrounding area. It gained fame after World War II when stars like Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Marlene Dietrich and Loretta Young visited and bought homes as winter getaways and retreats from the bustle of Hollywood.
Today Palm Springs continues to attract Hollywood stars, movie makers, writers, musicians, famous industry tycoons, and guests from around the world. Situated about 107 miles east of Los Angeles in the Colorado Desert and at the foot of the 10,831 foot Mt. San Jacinto, Palm Springs offers non-golfing visitors the same 350 days of sunshine boasted by the Palm Springs chamber of commerce and many opportunities to enjoy it.
Let’s start with golf courses and resorts. Whether you are looking for a quick nine holes, a world class course, or a resort extraordinaire, you can find it Palm Springs. Some of the courses are public, some are tied to resorts and some are private. Both resort and private types may or may not have reciprocal privileges. For most you need to reserve tee times well in advance and be prepared for fees somewhere between $35 at the very low-off season end to $200+ at the upper end. If you are thinking of taking up the sport or improving your game, you may be interested in one of several golf clinics or academies offered in the area.
For your non-golfing enjoyment, there’s historic inns, shopping, dining, theaters, art galleries, spas and salons, sightseeing and several nearby attractions. For example, the Palm Springs Air Museum on Gene Autry Trail boasts one of the nations largest collection of World War II flying aircraft; the internationally famous Moorten Botanical Garden features over 3,000 varieties of cacti, succulents and flowers; a guided tour through the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway showcases the romantic marriage of Elvis and Priscilla; the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum displays the history and culture of the Cahuilla Indians.
If you are looking to cool off in the summer months, ride the double reversible aerial tramway up 8,516 feet on Mount San Jacinto or slide down 18 waterslides at Knott’s Soak City Water Park. Visit Boomers in nearby Cathedral City any time of the year to drive bumper boats or go karts, play miniature golf or arcade games or climb the rock wall. You’ll also find opportunities for bike, motorcycle, horse and jeep riding, helicopter and plane tours, hot air ballooning, hiking and rock climbing and star gazing - both the Hollywood type around Palm Springs and the astronomical type at the GarganOptics Observatory.
OK, back to golf. For a listing of courses in the Palm Spring area, visit our Palm Springs Golf Guide. For complete information about golf, from golfing terms and rules and tips for the beginner to courses and tournaments, visit the Golf Site at Bellaonline.
Happy Travels!
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