Historic Tennis Club Palm Springs CA: The Heart of Old Palm Springs

If you ask locals to name the neighborhood that best captures the soul of this desert city, you will almost certainly hear about the Historic Tennis Club. Nestled right up against the San Jacinto Mountains and sitting just west of Belardo Road, this enclave is arguably the most prestigious and atmospheric pocket of town.

It offers a rare blend of "Old Palm Springs" glamour and quiet sophistication that is hard to replicate elsewhere. While other areas might sprawl out with wide mid-century streets, this neighborhood feels intimate and established. As of early 2026, it remains one of the most sought-after addresses for buyers who want to be steps away from the action of downtown while feeling completely hidden away in a private garden.

To understand why Historic Tennis Club real estate commands such respect, you have to look at its origins. This isn't just another housing tract; it is where the city really began to find its identity as a resort destination. The neighborhood grew around the Palm Springs Tennis Club, which was founded in 1937 by Pearl McCallum McManus. She was a true pioneer who saw the potential of this land when most others just saw sand and rock.

Once the club was established, it didn't take long for the area to become a magnet for the Hollywood elite. In the golden age of cinema, stars like Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe spent time here because it offered them exactly what they needed: proximity to the social scene but enough privacy to relax without cameras flashing.

As you walk the streets today, you can see the architectural evolution of the city unfold block by block. The area grew steadily from the early 1900s through the mid-century boom, leaving behind a rich tapestry of styles that tells the story of Palm Springs itself.

The geography here is dramatic. The boundaries generally run from Tahquitz Canyon Way on the north down to Sunny Dunes on the south, bordered by Belardo Road to the east and the sheer face of the mountains to the west. Because you are immediately adjacent to the San Jacinto Mountains, the views are imposing. The mountains don't just sit in the distance; they tower over your backyard.

There is a distinct "micro-climate" effect here that prospective buyers should know about. Because the mountains are directly to the west, the sun drops behind the ridge earlier here than in neighborhoods further east. For some, this is a huge plus—it means cooler summer evenings and plenty of shade. For sun-worshippers, it means your pool might be in shadow by mid-afternoon during the winter months.

Despite the rugged backdrop, this is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the entire valley. You can leave your car in the garage and be at the restaurants and shops on Palm Canyon Drive in five to ten minutes. It is a true "park and walk" lifestyle that is rare in Southern California.

When browsing Historic Tennis Club homes for sale, you won't find the cookie-cutter uniformity typical of newer subdivisions. The housing stock here—roughly 250 single-family homes mixed with condos and boutique hotels—is wonderfully eclectic. You are just as likely to see a 1930s Spanish Colonial Revival hacienda or a Victorian-influenced cottage as you are a sleek Mid-Century Modern glass box.

As we move through early 2026, pricing reflects the scarcity and prestige of the area. Single-family homes typically range from $900,000 for smaller, fixer-upper cottages to well over $4 million for architectural estates with pedigree and expansive grounds. The land here is valuable, and the prices per square foot are often among the highest in the city.

For those who want the location without the maintenance of a large estate, there are several condo options. Prices for condos generally range from $500,000 to $1.2 million. These can be a great entry point for buyers who want to lock in that prime location near the Art Museum and downtown dining.

The vibe in the Historic Tennis Club is best described as a "walled garden." Despite being a stone's throw from the busiest tourist strip in the city, the residential streets are surprisingly quiet. High hedges, stone walls, and mature landscaping create a sense of seclusion.

The community is a diverse mix of full-time residents, seasonal snowbirds, and members of the LGBTQ+ community who have long championed the preservation of this neighborhood. It’s not uncommon to see neighbors walking dogs or heading out for coffee in the morning, enjoying the stillness before the city wakes up.

Culturally, you are in the center of it all. You are within walking distance to the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Architecture and Design Center. For art lovers and history buffs, living here means you can attend gallery openings or lectures without ever needing to call an Uber.

You don't just buy a house here; you buy access to some of the best amenities in town. The neighborhood’s anchor for fine dining is Spencer's Restaurant, located right at the Tennis Club. It’s a local institution known for its patio dining, where you can eat lunch under the trees while looking up at the cliffs.

The area is also famous for its high concentration of historic inns and boutique hotels, such as the Korakia Pensione or Orbit In. These aren't big resorts; they are small, character-filled properties that add to the neighborhood's charm rather than detract from it. They give the streets a distinct, almost European village feel.

If you enjoy an active lifestyle, the location offers direct access to nature. You are near trailheads like the North Lykken Trail or Tahquitz Canyon, allowing you to go from your front door to a rugged mountain hike in minutes.

If you are considering buying here, there are a few practicalities to keep in mind regarding ownership costs and rules. HOAs are common if you are looking at condo developments like St. Baristo or the Tennis Club condos. It is always smart to review the monthly fees and what they cover, as amenities vary widely between complexes.

A major topic for many Palm Springs buyers is short-term rentals (STRs). The city has implemented strict caps on the number of rental permits issued in residential neighborhoods. While the Historic Tennis Club has a high density of commercial hotels that operate legally, obtaining a new permit for a private single-family home can be difficult or impossible depending on the current density cap.

If rental income is a non-negotiable part of your financial plan, do not assume you can Airbnb your home. Always verify the current permit availability with the city's official map or department before making an offer.

When weighing your options, you might look at nearby luxury enclaves like Old Las Palmas or The Movie Colony.

Compared to Old Las Palmas, the Historic Tennis Club is significantly more walkable to downtown. However, the lots in Old Las Palmas tend to be larger and flatter, offering a grander estate feel if you don't mind being a bit further from the restaurants.

Against The Movie Colony, the main difference is the setting. The Movie Colony is flatter and more open, while the Historic Tennis Club feels tucked away against the mountain.

If you are looking at Warm Sands, you will find a similar density of small resorts, but the Historic Tennis Club is generally pricier and features more distinct "estate" type properties in its upper sections.

This neighborhood is a perfect fit for buyers who value history, architecture, and the ability to walk to dinner over having a massive, sprawling backyard. The trade-offs are the higher price point and the earlier afternoon shade caused by the mountains.

However, for those who love the romance of the desert, there is nothing quite like it. The ability to watch the light change on the mountains from your patio, then walk five minutes to a world-class dinner, is what makes living in the Historic Tennis Club Palm Springs so special.

If this sounds like your speed, the next step is to contact a local agent to tour available homes and experience the atmosphere firsthand.

The neighborhood is located immediately west of downtown Palm Springs. Its boundaries are roughly Tahquitz Canyon Way to the north, Sunny Dunes Road to the south, Belardo Road to the east, and the San Jacinto Mountains to the west.

Yes, it is one of the most walkable areas in Palm Springs. Most homes are just a few blocks from Palm Canyon Drive, giving residents easy foot access to hundreds of restaurants, cafes, and shops.

The club was founded in 1937 by Pearl McCallum McManus to bring world-class tennis to the desert. It quickly became a social hotspot for Hollywood celebrities and remains a functioning club and dining destination today.

Palm Springs has strict regulations and neighborhood caps for vacation rental permits. While there are many grandfathered commercial hotels in the area, getting a new permit for a residential home is subject to availability and strict city rules.

The area is architecturally diverse, featuring Spanish Colonial Revival, Victorian, Mid-Century Modern, and contemporary styles. Unlike some neighborhoods that are exclusively modern, this area showcases the full timeline of Palm Springs history.

Get your home's value - our custom reports include accurate and up to date information.

Get Home Value