2026 Revised Version - 2nd Edition by John Stark (Paperback)

About the Book

A must-have guidebook for anyone visiting Palm Springs and for anyone living in or around this desert resort city, written by writer, journalist, historian, full-time resident and tour guide.

Book Synopsis

Introducing the 2026 print and Kindle edition of "What to See in Palm Springs," the best-selling, must-have guidebook for anyone visiting or living in or around this desert resort city. This guidebook - What to See in Palm Springs, Local Tour Guide Tells All: Sights, History & Stories - was conceived and written by writer, journalist, tour guide and historian John Stark, a full-time Palm Springs resident. This latest version includes new sites, info, updates, chapters and photographs. With 300 pages and 200 photographs, many vintage, the book provides an A-to-Z look at everything you'll want to see here and more.

John's in-depth research and reporting takes you behind the scenes of the sites you're seeing. To ensure accuracy, he worked with the Palm Springs Historical Society and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, who vetted the book As a seasoned journalist with a master's in history, Mr. Stark strives to separate truth from wive's tales.

What to See in Palm Springs includes John's one-on-one interviews with innovative architects who have made Palm Springs the modernist capital of the world. The book delves into Palm Springs' celebrity past with discussions and photographs of the stars' lives and homes here. (John personally interviewed many of these legends.) This guidebook will introduce you to the pioneering women who founded this desert resort, feminists long before their time. Dozens of historical photos add to the book's knowledge and enjoyment. Included is a front-of-the-book historical overview and chronology, and a back-of-the-book map. There's even a never-before-published photograph of Marilyn Monroe being discovered here at the legendary Racquet Club.

What to See in Palm Springs is a guidebook like no other!

Review Quotes

"A fabulous piece of living history. What a marvelous and engaging read. We suspect that when one finishes this marvelous book, it will be difficult not to immediately hop a plane to experience Palm Springs' charm and beauty. Bravo!" - Ron Oliver, film director and screenwriter

"Having been a resident of Palm Springs for more than 60 years, I have read many 'guide books' to the City. This book is very different in that it incorporates the history as well as the 'Fun Facts' to each site, thus contributing to a better understanding and enjoyment of a very special place." - Chris Mills, architect

"This is a must-have book!" - Howard Hawkes, H3K Home - Design

"What to See in Palm Springs" is the best-written tour book available. A veteran journalist and historian, John's quest for accuracy is extremely impressive, as is his colorful writing. A local resident, John knows all the background stories and rich history that make Palm Springs so magical." - Jeremy & Niels, PS Homeboys