Set between Palm Desert and Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage is a Coachella Valley resort town known for its PGA golf courses, Santa Rosa Mountain views and desert scenery. Well-evolved from its 1920s origins as farmlands for dates and grapes, the city gained popularity as an alternative to Palm Springs, which became increasingly crowded as more celebrities sought refuge from the busy Los Angeles. Rancho Mirage offered a solution. It would go on to earn the nicknames “Playground of Presidents” and “Filmland Annex” due to its growing popularity among U.S. leaders and Hollywood stars. Today, the population stands at roughly 18,000 residents; many are retirees, healthcare workers and creatives. Rancho Mirage’s economy is centered on healthcare and tourism; Eisenhower Medical Center is a major employer. “Every day you can find something new to do outside,” says Brooke Ancheta, the General Manager at Desert Island Community Association. “Everyone’s very friendly and neighborly with all the events happening, especially the farmer’s market in downtown and concerts in Rancho Mirage Community Park. About half the people have second homes here, and it’s always so busy in winter when everyone moves back.” Major companies like Disney have sought out Rancho Mirage’s resort-like atmosphere to build one of their first ever master planned communities. The 620-acre Cotino is slated to finish construction between 2025 and 2026 in Rancho Mirage; the community will have 2,000 homes, a lagoon and a luxury clubhouse.As of December 2024, the median home price in Rancho Mirage is $925,000, higher than Palm Springs price of $640,000. Closest to Eisenhower Medical Center and downtown malls, Clancy Lane’s mid century estates can sell between $1 million and $13 million, and some properties even have horse stables. Rancho Las Palmas, next to downtown, has condos between $400,000 and $900,000, and residents are right next to its 27-hole golf course. Mission Hills is a guard-gated community to the north, featuring 2,500 homes and condos with fairway views; homes chip in around $400,000 but could land toward $4 million. Other country club communities include Santo Tomas, Tamarisk and Victoria Falls. Prices are driven by golf course views and pools, in addition to square footage and lot size. As far as additional fees, buyers should be aware of homeowner’s associations and lease land, which varies with each community.
The River at Rancho Mirage
Water features wind through this outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment hub, where you can go from a craft beer flight at the Yard House to late-night lounging at Dave and Busters. A handful of boutiques offer retail therapy, and Cinemark Century at The River XD delivers a state-of-the-art movie experience. The River also hosts live music and performances in the open-air plaza. Down for a challenge? Visit Escape Games and solve a puzzle before time runs out.
Sunnylands Center & Gardens
Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg preserved their 200-acre estate in Rancho Mirage as a sanctuary for high-level conferences on issues facing the nation and the world. Completed in 1966, the estate has welcomed U.S. presidents, British royalty, and Hollywood legends. Today, the public is invited to learn about its history at Sunnylands Center & Gardens, where more than a mile of walking paths intertwine with 9 acres of desert gardens. Admission to the gardens is free. Tickets to tour the Annenberg home or the estate grounds are available for purchase online. Be sure to reserve your tickets early, as tours often sell out well in advance.
Children’s Discovery Museum
An interactive museum with hands-on exhibits allows children to explore and learn
Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage
Welcome to Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage, the premier casino-resort destination in the Coachella Valley. Nestled in the heart of Rancho Mirage, this AAA Four Diamond, 16-story resort stands out not only for its prestigious accolades but also for its unrivaled location. Whether you’re exploring the city of Palm Springs or the scenic beauty of Palm Desert, our Rancho Mirage casino offers an exceptional retreat that combines luxury with convenience. Awarded the Forbes Five-Star Award for its exclusive Sunstone Spa, the Forbes Four-Star awards for The Steakhouse, and its luxurious resort hotel making it the only casino property in Southern California to win three Forbes Travel Guide Awards four years in a row. At Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage, we redefine what it means to be exceptional, making it clear why we’re not just a resort — we’re a destination.