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Palm Springs… The desert get away for Hollywood stars!
Many years ago, Palm Springs became the place for Hollywood’s rich and famous could escape to enjoy the warm dry climate and leave behind the gossip columnist watchful eyes. Only 107 miles from Los Angeles, it became a safe haven where numerous stars bought homes, including Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, Lillian Gish, John and Lionel Barrymore, Bing Crosby, Errol Flynn, Robert Wagner, Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope.
While today, the city still hosts many stars, it is now more popularly known as the Golf Capital of the World. You may see the occasional star, especially during the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival or while they seek nearby vacation hotspots, but the most reliable places to catch them is in the downtown area.
Okay, maybe not in the flesh, but they’re essence… In the forms of statues and stars!
Head over to the Palm Springs Art Museum to get a glimpse of Marilyn Monroe. The Forever Marilyn statue, designed by Seward Johnson, is a representation of one of the most famous images of Marilyn Monroe from the 1955 film The Seven Year Itch. Standing 26 feet tall and weighing 24,000 pounds, the statue was first displayed on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile and was then moved to Palm Springs in 2012. Two years later, it was relocated to Hamilton, New Jersey at the Grounds For Sculpture an2015, then sent to Bendigo Australia sword guard gallery until 2017 and then to downtown Stamford Connecticut for an exhibit station honoring the works of Seward Johnson . In 2019, it finally returned to Palm Springs where it now remains a permanent fixture, seemingly mooning the art museum. Although it is caused quite a stir it attracts thousands of visitors, hoping to get an Instagram worthy photo while standing beneath her bellowing skirts.
A short distance away, on South Palm Canyon Drive, fans can visit the statue of the late singer (of Sonny and Cher fame), mayor and United States representative, Sonny Bono. Judging from the shiny nose (rubbed for luck) and legs (lots of sitting in his lap), thousands of visitors flock to pay their respects to the savvy businessman, entertainer, politician, and great mayor who worked hard to put the city back on the map and elevate its status.
While statues are great remembrances, downtown Palm Springs also has its own Walk of the Stars, much like Hollywood’s. Over 400 celebrity’s stars line Palm Canyon Drive, Museum Way and Tahquitz Canyon Way, including Liberace, Elizabeth Taylor, Elvis Presley, Sonny Bono, Frank Sinatra, Presidents of the United States, literary figures, pioneers, tribal leaders, humanitarians and hundreds more. Established in 1992, the first induction ceremony was held in February of that year and the most recent, February of this year.
If you are a fan of Hollywood’s elite and in Palm Springs, take a bit of time to check out these star attractions!
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Forever Marilyn
- Address: Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 North Museum Drive, Palm Springs, California 92262
- Hours: 24 hours, daily
- Admission: free
Sonny Bono Statue
- Address: 155 South Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California 92262
- Hours: 24 hours, daily
- Admission: free
Palm Springs Walk of Stars
- http://palmsprings.com
- Address: Palm Canyon Drive, Tahquitz Canyon Way, Museum Drive, downtown Palm Springs
- Hours: 24 hours, daily
- Admission: free