20 Photos Of Old Hollywood Letting Its Hair Down At Its Secret Getaway

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Vote up the coolest pictures of stars partying.

Even major celebrities suffer from burnout sometimes. And during the Golden Age of Hollywood, the best cure for a case of overwork was a trip to Palm Springs, CA. The desert town quickly became the go-to getaway spot for stars, since it was within easy driving distance of their contractual obligations in Los Angeles.

Vintage pictures from Palm Springs give film buffs a unique glimpse at the city's sparkling past. Luminaries like Marlene Dietrich and John Wayne were photographed lounging by the pool; Clark Gable posed for some snapshots while enjoying a round of golf with his wife. Some notable figures, including Frank Sinatra, even invited photographers into the homes they purchased in the area, making the vacation permanent.

Palm Springs is no longer a secret playground for Tinseltown's elite, but these photographs prove it's always been a special place.

Photo: Imagno/Hulton Archive / Getty Images

  • 1. Steve McQueen And Neile Adams, 1963

    Steve McQueen And Neile Adams, 1963
    Photo: John Dominis/The LIFE Picture Collection / Getty Images
    1,380 votes
  • 2. Gregory Peck And His Sons, 1955

    Gregory Peck And His Sons, 1955
    Photo: Bettmann/Bettmann / Getty Images
    1,196 votes
  • 3. Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, And Groucho Marx On The Golf Course, 1954

    Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, And Groucho Marx On The Golf Course, 1954
    Photo: Gene Lester/Archive Photos / Getty Images
    1,404 votes
  • 4. James Dean Speaking With Motorcycle Racer Ed Kretz, 1954

    James Dean Speaking With Motorcycle Racer Ed Kretz, 1954
    Photo: Bettmann/Bettmann / Getty Images
    1,125 votes
  • 5. Johnny Weismuller And Lupe Velez Soaking Up The Sun, 1932

    Johnny Weismuller And Lupe Velez Soaking Up The Sun, 1932
    Photo: Bettmann/Bettmann / Getty Images
    1,050 votes
  • 6. Spencer Tracy With John And Josephine Wayne, 1934

    Spencer Tracy With John And Josephine Wayne, 1934
    Photo: Bettmann/Bettmann / Getty Images
    1,227 votes