Get a peek at Palm Springs neighborhoods that once housed Hollywood’s golden-era stars

PALM SPRINGS — Stargazers can light up a weekend trip to Palm Springs by strolling or driving through the city’s neighborhoods and suburbs, where Hollywood’s glitterati once held court.

The region, which has played host to Tinseltown celebrities since the 1920s, is full of homes, many of which can still be seen in neighborhoods such as the Movie Colony, Old Las Palmas and Racquet Club Estates.

The city’s popularity during the golden era of film was boosted by the two-hour rule — a stipulation by Hollywood studios that required actors under contract to be nearby in case they were needed for film or photo shoots. The rule, according to the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism, “put Palm Springs on the map as a perfect getaway.”

Among actors who had hideaways were Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., George Hamilton, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Kirk Douglas, Cary Grant and Jack Benny. Actresses who visited frequently included Marilyn Monroe, Dinah Shore, Kitty Carlisle, Lily Tomlin, Elizabeth Taylor and Suzanne Somers.

Below are some addresses courtesy of Celebrity Tours, which offers 2 1/2-hour bus tours (www.palmspringsalive.com, [760] 208-1166).

Liberace, 226 Alejo Road/501 Belardo Road, Palm Springs

Dean Martin, 1123 Via Monte Vista, Palm Springs

Eva Gabor, 1509 S. Manzanita Ave., Palm Springs

Zsa Zsa Gabor, 595 W. Chino Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

Elvis Presley, 845 W. Chino Canyon Road

Dinah Shore & George Montgomery, 317 Camino Norte West, Palm Springs

Alan Ladd, 323 Camino Norte West, Palm Springs

Nat “King” Cole, 1258 N. Rose Ave., Palm Springs

Elizabeth Taylor, 417 W. Hermosa Place, Palm Springs

Jack Benny, 424 W. Vista Chino, Palm Springs

Bing Crosby, 1011 E. El Alameda, Palm Springs

Eddie Fisher & Debbie Reynolds, 955 La Jolla Road, Palm Springs

Walt Disney, 2688 S. Camino Real, Palm Springs

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