Rancho Mirage is located in Riverside County, California. Ten miles from Palm Springs and Indio, Rancho Mirage boasts the same relaxed, resort atmosphere found in other towns in the Coachella Valley. Golf factors prominently into the Rancho Mirage lifestyle, with 12 golf courses, some along side world-class resorts. Recent growth in Rancho Mirage has attracted permanent residents, not just snowbirds. The vital economy and picturesque setting has prompted many to build the home of their dreams in Rancho Mirage!
HISTORY
Rancho Mirage is steeped in Native American and European cultures. Home to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians for centuries prior to European settlement, the Coachella Valley, where modern-day Rancho Mirage is located, was first documented by the Spanish in the late 1700’s. When much of Mexico was annexed by the United States in 1848, so was the Coachella Valley area. Rancho Mirage was sparsely inhabited until early in the 20th century with the advent of agriculture in the area. Date palms dominated the landscape and brought the area a great deal of prosperity.
Resort and residential development began in the 1920’s, prompted by the prosperity enjoyed in the date fields. Through the efforts of developers like Bert Davie and E.E. McIntyre, hundreds of acres of land purchased from the Southern Pacific Railroad became the backbone for the future Rancho Mirage. Davie built a north-south road (now Bob Hope Drive) connecting Rancho Mirage to the then Bradshaw Trail (now Highway 111).
After World War II, Rancho Mirage, along with much of the Coachella Valley, became popular with Hollywood celebrities including Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Mary Martin, Harry Caray and Lloyd Campbell as a home away from home. These celebrities, and later President Gerald Ford, who lived here during that last part of his life, found Rancho Mirage to be their oasis in the desert.
Growth through the 20th century continued, and the City of Rancho Mirage was incorporated in 1973 from the merger of five Cove communities (Desert, Magnesia, Palmas, Tamarisk, and Thunderbird). The city made it their mission to promote economic growth while ensuring the quality of life and environment that brought residents to the area. With mountain views, numerous opportunities for golf and beautifully landscaped streets, Rancho Mirage is a jewel of the desert. The city looks to continue this commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the area by “undergrounding” all of its utilities.
PARKS & RECREATION
RECREATION ACTIVITIES
Fourth of July Celebration - Palm Desert Civic Center Park
The City of Rancho Mirage sponsors an annual July 4th event that takes place at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park. The program generally begins shortly before dusk, with a concert in the park, followed by fireworks around 9:00 p.m. which run for approximately 30 minutes. The park is located at the NE corner of San Pablo and Fred Waring Drive in Palm Desert.
Rancho Mirage Art Affaire - November at Whitewater Park
Featuring art and performers from across the region and country, The Rancho Mirage Art Affaire is the City's premier community event. Throughout both days of this spectacular festival, musical entertainment features some of the most current performers in jazz, and the cuisine features some of the area's finest local restaurants. The Rancho Mirage Art Affaire is held at the beautiful Whitewater Park located at 71-560 San Jacinto Drive in Rancho Mirage.
Golf Courses
As with much of the Coachella Valley, Rancho Mirage is a premier golf destination for amateurs and professionals alike. Public and private courses dot the RanchoMirage landscape. Below you will find a partial list of courses:
• Mission Hills Country Club (Private) This a three full-length, 18 Hole Championship Courses
• Mission Hills North (open to public) The Gary Player Signature Course. Full Length, 18 holes
• The Springs Club (private) Designed by Desmond Muirhead. Full Length, 18 Holes
• Sunrise Country Club (private) Designed by Ted Robison. Executive, 18 Holes
• The Westin Mission Hills Resort (open to public) The Pete Dye Resort Course. Full Length, 18 Holes, Championship Course
Tennis Facilities
Tennis is also popular in Rancho Mirage. Take your racquet and play at Marriott’s Rancho Las Palmas Country Club with 25 tennis courts, 8 of which are lit for night play; or try Whitewater Park in Rancho Mirage (open to public) with their four tennis courts.
Area Parks
Whitewater Park
Built in 1982, and expanded in 1994, Whitewater Park is a great place for people of all ages to be active. Whitewater Park features four lighted tennis courts, two basketball courts and two racquetball/handball courts, an informal play field, picnic facilities, children’s playground, life-sized fire engine and water feature, a recycling drop-off and walking paths with a fitness trail. Community groups and organizations host events at the park, which is also the site of concerts and festivals for children and families.
Michael S. Wolfson Park
Michael S. Wolfson Park is found at DaVall and Frank Sinatra Drive. Incorporating a Victorian theme, Wolfson Park features a fountain, decorative lighting fixtures and benches, with a Braille-marked trail and fragrance garden. A "Welcome" from Frank Sinatra may be heard at the park's entrance. Considered a place for quiet enjoyment, the park also serves as a link in the area's trail system.
Magnesia Falls Neighborhood Park
At the north end of the Rancho Mirage Elementary School campus, Magnesia Falls Neighborhood Park is a great place for families to play! Access to playground equipment, shaded areas, picnic tables and an informal ball field are available.
Blixseth Mountain Park
With miles of walking trails and great views of native vegetation and wildlife, Blixseth Mountain Park gives visitors a view of natural Rancho Mirage. The park is located in an area separated from the man-made environment by a flood control channel. The nearest parking can be found at the Child Enrichment Center at 71-251 Mirage Road. Trails can be walked by hikers of all abilities as elevations change little. Please note that there are no restrooms or water fountains. Visitors should take water.
MUSEUM
The Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert of the Desert offers children and families inventive and interactive exhibits and programs. This hands-on museum promotes intellectual curiosity, learning and self-expression, encouraging children to learn about themselves and the world around them by exploring the natural environment and the community. The museum also collaborates with schools and other organizations to reach out to children across the area. A great place to share learning with your child, the museum is also available for special events, meetings or birthday parties.
