Palm Desert, California, the diamond in the desert! Offering more than 80 championship golf courses, magnificent mountains, fine dining, theaters, galleries, plenty of boutique shopping, and 50 luxurious hotels and resorts, Palm Desert is whatever you’re looking for and a little bit more.

Located in the Coachella Valley area of Riverside County, California, Palm Desert is approximately 12 miles (19 km) east of Palm Springs.

First known as the Old McDonald Ranch, the city’s name was changed to Palm Village in the 1920’s after date palms were planted in the area. Prior to the 1950’s, this area was primarily inhabited by Cahuilla Indian farmers.

Considered little more than a retirement area a little less than a decade ago, Palm Desert is one of California’s fastest growing cities with a population currently totaling 44,000 permanent residents. The city boasts an estimated additional 20,000 seasonal residents because the city serves as a popular retreat for “snowbirds” from colder climates in the United States and Canada.

Recently, the area has begun to attract residents due to the city’s affordable but high-valued real estate prices due to the area’s creative energy and stellar school system.

Palm Desert offers a variety of summer concerts, movies in the park, a grand Fourth of July celebration, rock climbing, swimming, hiking, and virtually every other outdoor activity.

The Civic Park is the envy of surrounding cities by containing volleyball courts, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a popular skate park. Other city parks include Cahuilla Hills Park, Ironwood Park, Magnesia Falls Park, Cook Street Complex, and Palm Desert Soccer Park.

Palm Desert’s Desert Sands Unified School District encompasses 16 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, 3 high schools, and 1 continuation school in the area. Not to mention, California State University’s Palm Desert Campus has recently opened and the surrounding Coachella Valley boasts an additional 15 high quality private elementary and high schools.

So, come visit Palm Desert and have some fun in the sun!