Where “The Rat Pack” Once Ran!
February 25, 2025
“A warm getaway.”
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As the “Southwest Airlines motto goes, “Do you want to get away?” How about someplace warm with outstanding restaurants, world-class golf and tennis, great shopping?
Well, here’s one of our favorite places in the world – Indian wells, California.
And there is no better time to go than late February and early March!
Indian Wells, is a small, affluent city, located in the Coachella Valley of Southern California which is about a 3-hour drive from either Los Angeles or San Diego. You can also fly directly into Palm Springs International Airport. It’s best known for hosting the BNP Paribas Open also known as the Indian Wells Open, one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments outside the Grand Slams, held annually at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. This year the tournament is being held March 5th through March 11th.
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It might be a stretch to say this area is where the infamous “Rat Pack” once ran since it is one of five cities in the Palm desert area and it was not really developed yet when Frank and the boys ran the town. Nevertheless, Palm Springs, where you can still rent the Sinatra compound, is only 20 minutes away.
Key Features of Indian Wells:
Luxury Resorts & Golf: The city is home to high-end resorts, including the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells and Indian Wells Golf Resort, making it a prime destination for golf and leisure.Exclusive Community: With a population of around 5,000, Indian Wells is one of the wealthiest cities in California. Many residents are seasonal, drawn by the warm winter climate.
Cultural & Outdoor Activities: Beyond tennis and golf, visitors enjoy hiking in the nearby Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains and exploring the greater Palm Springs area. For motorcycle enthusiasts, we highly recommend renting a Harley and heading up into the nearby mountains. Ride up Route 74, pass the ultra-exclusive Big Horn Country Club, and discover challenging winding curves and desert views that seemingly last forever.
Shopping: El Paso Drive is considered the “Rodeo Drive” of the desert and is five-minute car ride away. It is a can’t miss experience,
Restaurants: “Mastro’s” on El Paso is a great location for steaks for seafood and has live music every night. We recommend having dinner at the horseshoe bar which will also give you plenty of people watching sights. “The Nest” is another great location which has wonderful food and great live music.
History: Originally a Native American settlement.
Local Secrets: Bozo the Clown is a local character who might just show up if you go out in the evening for an adult beverage. He has been known to frequent local salons in full makeup and offer a red nose to patrons who would like to take a picture with him. Local legend he has it that he is a retired professional circus clown but no one really knows since he doesn’t speak.
