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Sonny Bono Statue: A Palm Springs Tribute

A bronze tribute to Sonny Bono, capturing the spirit of Palm Springs' entertainer, politician, and former mayor.

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A bronze, life-size statue of Sonny Bono stands in downtown Palm Springs, commemorating his multifaceted career as an entertainer, politician, and former mayor. The statue, located at the entrance to Plaza Mercado on S Palm Canyon Drive, is a popular spot for photos and reflection on Bono's contributions to the city.

A brief summary to Sonny Bono Statue

  • 155 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, Downtown Palm Springs, California, 92262, US
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photos and to avoid crowds.
  • Explore the shops and restaurants in the adjacent Plaza Mercado.
  • Take a stroll along the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, located nearby on Palm Canyon Drive.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Sonny Bono Statue is located at 155 S Palm Canyon Dr in downtown Palm Springs. If you are already in the downtown area, the statue is easily accessible on foot. From the intersection of Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way, walk south on Palm Canyon Drive for about two blocks. The statue is located at the entrance to Plaza Mercado, on the west side of the street. Look for the smiling bronze figure with outstretched arms. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    SunLine Transit Agency operates bus routes throughout Palm Springs. Check the SunLine schedule for the most convenient route and stops. Several routes serve downtown Palm Springs. A single ride fare is approximately $1. From a SunLine bus stop on Palm Canyon Drive, walk to 155 S Palm Canyon Dr. Alternatively, SunLine offers a microtransit service called SunRide, which connects riders to their destinations via the closest point along SunLine's fixed bus network. The fare for SunRide is $3 and includes free transfers to SunLine local routes 1-9.

  • Taxi/Ride-Sharing

    Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Palm Springs. Request a ride to 155 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs. The statue is located at the entrance to Plaza Mercado. Fares vary depending on distance and demand, but a short trip within downtown Palm Springs will likely cost between $7 and $15.

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Discover more about Sonny Bono Statue

The Sonny Bono Statue in Palm Springs is a tribute to Salvatore Phillip “Sonny” Bono, best known for his musical partnership with Cher, and his later career as mayor of Palm Springs (1988-1992) and U.S. Representative. Erected in 2001, the life-size bronze sculpture by artist Emmanuil Snitkovsky captures Bono with a welcoming smile and outstretched arms. Located at the entrance to Plaza Mercado, a Mediterranean-style shopping center on South Palm Canyon Drive, the statue has become a beloved landmark for both tourists and locals. Visitors often pose for photos with the statue, and some even rub his nose for good luck. Bono's connection to Palm Springs began in the 1960s when he and Cher sought refuge in the desert oasis. He later entered politics, driven by frustrations with city bureaucracy. As mayor, he focused on family-friendly initiatives and attracting year-round tourism, spearheading the Palm Springs International Film Festival, which continues to be held annually in his memory. The statue serves as a reminder of Bono's lasting impact on Palm Springs, embodying his charisma, dedication, and ability to bring people together. A visit to the statue provides an opportunity to connect with the city's history and appreciate the legacy of a man who helped shape Palm Springs into a vibrant destination. Nearby attractions include the Palm Springs Walk of Stars and various shops and restaurants.

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