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Cathedral City is a desert city of about 51,000 people in the Coachella Valley of Southern California, set between Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage along East Palm Canyon Drive. It takes its name from Cathedral Canyon, whose rock walls early surveyors thought looked like a cathedral, and it was incorporated as a city in 1981.
Long the quieter neighbor of Palm Springs, the city has a compact downtown arts and entertainment district with the Fountain of Life sculpture, the Mary Pickford Theatre and the CVRep Playhouse, a respected professional theater company. Desert Memorial Park, run by the regional cemetery district, is the resting place of Frank Sinatra and Sonny Bono and holds the California LGBTQ Veterans Memorial. The city is also known for its large LGBTQ community.
Families come for Big League Dreams, with its replica big-league ballparks, and for the Boomers fun park, while the new Agua Caliente Casino adds nightlife. Palm Springs, the Aerial Tramway, the Indian Canyons and the El Paseo shops in Palm Desert are all a short drive away.
A peaceful desert cemetery where Frank Sinatra, Sonny Bono and actor William Powell are buried, set against views of the San Jacinto Mountains. It also holds the California LGBTQ Veterans Memorial. Ask at the office for help finding graves, and visit quietly; it is an active cemetery.
A whimsical, colorful sculptural fountain in the downtown town square near City Hall, where water spouts cool the plaza on warm days and families stop for photos. It is the centerpiece of the small civic and arts district. Pair it with a film at the nearby Mary Pickford Theatre or dinner on Palm Canyon Drive.
A statue in Cathedral City honoring Lalo Guerrero, the singer and songwriter often called the father of Chicano music, who spent his later years in the Coachella Valley. It celebrates his long career and his songs about Mexican American life. A quick stop for music fans on a downtown stroll.
A large downtown cinema named for the silent film star, showing first-run movies on many screens, with a lobby display of memorabilia from Mary Pickford's career. It is an easy, air-conditioned escape on a hot desert afternoon. Matinees are the best value, and parking is free.
The home stage of Coachella Valley Repertory, a professional theater company performing plays and musicals in a converted former IMAX building on East Palm Canyon Drive. The intimate house means every seat is close to the action. The season runs mainly from fall to spring; book ahead.
A casino run by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, with slot machines, table games, a sports bar and casual dining near the city's downtown. It is smaller and easier to navigate than the big resort casinos. Guests must be 21 or older on the gaming floor.
A sports park with scaled-down replicas of famous ballparks such as Fenway Park, Wrigley Field and Yankee Stadium, used for softball and baseball leagues and tournaments. Visitors can watch games and eat at the on-site sports bar. Check the schedule for weekend tournaments.
A family fun park on East Palm Canyon Drive in Cathedral City with miniature golf courses, go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages and an arcade. It is a good stop for kids, especially in the cooler evening hours. Buy a combination pass if you plan to do several activities.
The Catholic parish church of Cathedral City, an active community church whose architecture stands out against the desert and the San Jacinto Mountains behind it. Visitors are welcome to view the exterior and attend Mass. Dress modestly, and check the parish schedule before stepping inside.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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