Palm Desert, California, in Riverside county, is 34 miles E of Hemet, California and 60 miles E of Riverside, California . It's situated in the Coachella Valley. The population swells during the winter due to vast number of tourists who arrive to enjoy the warm weather, the scenic views and opportunities to play tennis, bicycle riding, golf, water sports, and hiking. The city features a hot desert summer climate. Numerous celebrities have homes in Palm Desert. The city includes a large number of retired people and residents from all over the world.
Palm Desert History
The region was originally called Old MacDonald Ranch. The area became known as Palm Village in the 1920's due to the vast number of date palm trees that were planted. The first residential area began in 1943 near an Army maintenance facility. In 1951 the city was renamed Palm Desert. It was utilized as a training center for troops and tank battalions for General George Patton. After World War II ended, Clifford Henderson developed several notable resorts. Substantial growth occurred in the 1980's and 1990's and the city became a primary shopping and commerce center for the Coachella Valley.
Palm Desert Attractions
Art of Food & Wine Palm Desert features renowned chefs. El Paseo Drive is a popular, upscale shopping destination. Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is focused on the world's deserts and includes a large collection of desert plants and animals. It includes re-creations of various desert landscapes. The zoo features mountain lions, badgers, cheetahs, Rhim Gazelles, giraffes and other animals. Augua Caliente Cultural Museum focuses on the Augua Caliente Band of the Cahuilla Indians. The Gardens on El Paseo is a well known shopping location and features a variety of restaurants. Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert includes a variety of exhibits. The "Palm Desert Scene" is comprised of musicians and their music is well known as Desert Rock. McCallum Theatre is a beautiful venue and features a variety of entertainment. Westfield Shopping Town is a notable enclosed shopping mall.
Palm Desert Activities
The Hopalong Cassidy Trail is popular for bicycle riding, hiking and horseback riding. Tennis is a popular activity. Tourists enjoy the nearby Joshua Tree National Park. Civic Center Park is utilized for a variety of sports activities. The Coachella Valley features more than 100 golf courses including the popular Desert Willow Golf Resort located in Palm Desert. Visitors enjoy the scenic balloon flights.
Palm Desert Higher Education
The city is home to the College of the Desert and campuses of the California State University at San Bernardino and the University of California Riverside.
Palm Desert Transportation
The city is served by Palm Springs International Airport.
