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El Mirador Tower: A Palm Springs Icon

A historic Palm Springs landmark, El Mirador Tower stands as a reminder of the city's glamorous past and enduring architectural beauty.

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El Mirador Tower, a 68-foot Spanish Colonial Revival tower, stands as a symbol of Palm Springs' glamorous past. Originally built in 1927 as part of the El Mirador Hotel, it attracted Hollywood elite before becoming a military hospital during World War II. Rebuilt in 1991 after a fire, it remains a landmark and a reminder of the city's golden age.

A brief summary to El Mirador Tower

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for optimal lighting for photography.
  • Take a stroll around the Desert Healthcare Wellness Park adjacent to the Desert Regional Medical Center for a peaceful retreat.
  • Explore the surrounding El Mirador neighborhood, known for its historic homes and proximity to downtown Palm Springs.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the intersection of Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way in downtown Palm Springs, head north on Palm Canyon Drive. Turn left onto E Alejo Rd, then turn right onto N Indian Canyon Dr. Continue north for approximately 0.3 miles. The El Mirador Tower will be on your right, part of the Desert Regional Medical Center. This is a straightforward walk along well-maintained sidewalks.

  • Public Transport

    From the Palm Springs Downtown Transit Center, take the SunLine Bus Route 1 heading north. Get off at the stop at N Indian Canyon Drive and E Alejo Road. From there, walk north on N Indian Canyon Drive for about 0.3 miles. El Mirador Tower will be on your left. A single ride fare on SunLine is $1. The bus runs frequently, making it an easy option.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From downtown Palm Springs, a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) to El Mirador Tower will cost approximately $8-$12, depending on traffic and demand. The ride is short, typically taking around 5-10 minutes. Specify Desert Regional Medical Center as your destination.

  • Driving

    From downtown Palm Springs, head north on N Palm Canyon Drive. Turn left onto E Alejo Rd, then turn right onto N Indian Canyon Dr. Continue north. The El Mirador Tower is part of the Desert Regional Medical Center. Limited free parking is available in the surrounding streets, but the El Mirador Medical Plaza parking garage offers paid parking. Rates typically start at $3 per hour, with daily maximums around $15.

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Discover more about El Mirador Tower

El Mirador Tower, an enduring symbol of Palm Springs, whispers tales of Hollywood glamour, wartime service, and architectural resilience. Rising above the Desert Regional Medical Center, this 68-foot tower is more than just a structure; it's a portal to the city's vibrant past. Originally conceived as the centerpiece of the El Mirador Hotel, the tower first graced the Palm Springs skyline in 1927. Prescott Thresher Stevens, a visionary developer, sought to create a desert oasis that would attract the elite. He commissioned Los Angeles architects Walker & Eisen to design a Spanish Colonial Revival masterpiece, complete with a striking bell tower inspired by Renaissance and North African motifs. The name, El Mirador, meaning "the lookout" in Spanish, perfectly captured its commanding presence. The El Mirador Hotel quickly became the playground of the rich and famous. Hollywood stars like Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and Shirley Temple flocked to its luxurious suites, enjoying the lavish amenities, including an Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, and the Coachella Valley's first golf course. The tower offered panoramic views of the valley, making it a favorite spot for celebrity sightings and glamorous gatherings. The hotel even featured a full-grown lion in a cage above the entrance, spotlighted at night, adding to its eccentric allure. However, the hotel's glamorous chapter was interrupted by World War II. In 1942, the U.S. government acquired El Mirador and transformed it into Torney General Hospital, catering to wounded soldiers returning from battle. The luxurious guest rooms became hospital wards. Despite the change in purpose, El Mirador continued to serve the community, providing vital care during a time of national crisis. Tragedy struck in 1989 when a fire engulfed the original hotel and tower, leaving only ashes in its wake. But the spirit of El Mirador refused to be extinguished. Thanks to the survival of the original architectural plans, the hospital board commissioned a historically accurate reconstruction of the tower, which was completed in 1991. Today, visitors can admire the El Mirador Tower from North Indian Canyon Drive, its pink stucco and colorful tile cap a familiar sight against the desert landscape. While the hotel is gone, the tower remains a powerful reminder of Palm Springs' golden age, a time of glamour, innovation, and unwavering optimism.

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