Though celebrities still retreat to
Palm Springs, many today establish residences in other areas of the Coachella Valley.
The city's economy now relies on tourism, which occurs primarily during the winter months, and casino gambling.
It is a city of numerous festivals, conventions, and international events. The world's largest rotating tramcars can be found at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
These cars ascend two-and-a-half miles up a steep incline to reveal views of the entire Coachella Valley. The ascent from the desert floor to an altitude in excess of 8,500 feet (2,600 m) is accompanied by a drop in temperature of 30 degrees or more, giving riders a cool respite from the heat on a hot summer day. A wilderness area can be explored at the top of the tram and there is a restaurant with spectacular views.
The
Palm Springs International Film Festival presents movie star-filled, red-carpet affairs.
The
Palm Springs Follies stage-show features performers that are over the age of 55.
Every Thursday evening downtown Palm Springs is transformed into Village Fest, featuring a diverse display of arts and crafts, a certified farmer's market, food, and live entertainment on historic Palm Canyon Drive.
The
Palm Springs Convention Center underwent a multi-million-dollar expansion and remodeling in 2005 The Palm Springs Art Museum presents traveling art exhibitions plus a variety of entertainment in its Annenberg Theater.
The
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is located downtown with the Spa Resort Hotel and Casino.
There are other casinos in the
Coachella Valley as well, notably in the cities of Rancho Mirage, Indio, Coachella and Cabazon. Numerous five star hotels, restaurants and attractions cater to tourists, while shoppers can find high-end boutiques in downtown and uptown Palm Springs. There is a water park and several skateboard parks. Last, but not least, there are hundreds of diverse restaurants throughout the city.
