Palm Springs, California

With a 2000 census population of 43,000, Palm Springs is larger in size than we normally qualify for our website. But because the community is of such high quality and the downtown area is so delightful, we would feel remiss in not sharing this desert oasis with our viewers. This locale has much to offer visitors - casinos, art galleries, spas, shopping and great scenery. You can bask in 70-degree no-humidity warmth in January, yet take an aerial tramway to the top of an 8,500 mountain and enjoy cool, clear views of the Coachella Valley. This mountain ridge is directly behind the town. Although Palm Springs is certainly multifaceted, if we had to choose a label, it would be ‘Hollywood in the Desert’ or ‘Playground of the Stars’. Historically, the foundation of Palm Springs was as a resort getaway for Hollywood movie moguls from Los Angeles, just 108 miles to its west. Dozens of Hollywood star-shaped plaques are imbedded in Palm Springs sidewalks. If you want to pamper yourself, I can’t imagine a better place to do so. From great shopping, manicures, pedicures, hair salons, facials, massages, casino gaming and big-name entertainers to gourmet restaurants and art galleries, Palm Springs offers it all. Many of the hotels (some of which are clothing-optional) advertise themselves as hotel/spas, to cater to your self-indulgent needs. No wonder those Hollywood actors and producers liked to come over here to recreate. It is simply a plush and pleasurable environment. Because of its warm winter climate, Palm Springs has become popular as a retirement and vacation haven for U.S. and Canadian ‘snowbirds’. The world's largest rotating aerial tramcars (cable cars) can be found at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The largest casino resort in this area is the 310-room Morongo Casino; however for convenience, the Spa Resort Casino is located in downtown Palm Springs. True to its heritage, the Palm Springs International Film Festival presents movie star-filled, red-carpet affairs. Amtrak, America’s National Railroad Passenger Corporation, provides service to Palm Springs.

If you drive a beefy 4x4 pickup truck with Texas plates, Confederate flag mud flaps and a gun rack in the cab, you may want to steer clear of this town. According to Doreen Bradley Satter of the Yahoo Contributor Network, "Palm Springs has 35 gay resorts, a nearly 50% gay population and its mayor is an openly-gay progressive". Ride 'em Cowboy!

EARNS OUR HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION.