Palm Springs Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
259 Reviews
4.20 out of 5 stars Based on 259 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
|
Palm Springs, USA
2 to 3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English
Overview
Soak up some sun with this GPS self-guided driving tour of Palm Springs, where movie stars and other big-time celebs have flocked for almost a hundred years to get away from it all. Visit the architectural marvels left behind by these eccentric stars, such as the opulent Liberace House. Stop outside the gates of Frank Sinatra’s old estate and hear some wild tales about Ol’ Blue Eyes’ time in Palm Springs. And so much more! Plus, this driving tour of Palm Springs will take you to the serene Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve, a desert gem rich in natural beauty.
NOTE: Homes may be obscured or partially hidden by gates, shrubs, or private roads. Please do not violate anyone’s privacy during your tour.
After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline.
New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
What's Included
- Use the app on your phone in your car for a fully private family tour.
- Planning, maps, scenic routes, previews, audio stories, and hidden gems included.
- Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
- Bring your own snacks; we show scenic places to stop and enjoy them.
- One purchase covers everyone in your car. We do not charge per person.
- Lifetime validity: use the tour anytime and keep access for future trips.
- Support available by chat, email, or call before and during your tour.
- Flexible self-guided tour: start, stop, and pause anytime for hikes, food, and photos.
- We provide everything needed for your self-guided audio tour. Just bring your car and phone.
- Park entry fees, parking, meals, transport, guide, Wi-Fi/data, rentals & headphones are not included
Meeting Location
Meeting point
595 West Chino Canyon Road
Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
End point
Thousand Palms Canyon Road
California, USA
This tour will end at Thousand Palms Canyon Rd.
What To Expect
Book Online
Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free
Palm Springs Visitor Center (pass by)
Our tour begins in the parking lot of the Palm Springs Visitor Center at 2901 N Palm Canyon Drive. If you’re not there already, you should head there now. Before we get started, there’s something important you should know about this tour: Palm Springs is bursting with historic celebrity homes, but most of them are hidden behind walls, hedges, or fences.Note: The tour is over 22 miles long, with more than 53 audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
Liberace House (pass by)
In just a moment, we’ll have the option to take a detour to see the Kaufmann and Liberace Houses, two of Palm Springs’ most famous homes. The detour takes about five minutes, and I’d recommend it if you’re not in a rush. To visit the houses, turn right onto West Vista Chino ahead. Otherwise, continue straight to skip the detour.⚠️ NOTE:
Star Homes may be obscured or partially hidden by gates, shrubs, or private roads. Please do not violate anyone’s privacy during your tour.
Kaufmann House (pass by)
The Kaufmann Desert House is on our right, beyond that white gate. It’s considered one of the finest examples of mid-century modern architecture in the US! Businessman Edgar Kaufmann owned a successful department store in Pittsburgh. And he absolutely loved architecture. He even had famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright create a home he called Fallingwater in Pennsylvania. So when he decided to build a vacation home here in Palm Springs, he knew he wanted to hire the best. He contracted architect Richard Neutra for the job. Neutra was famous for designing open and adaptable houses with a distinctly modern appearance. And he put all his skills to use for the Kaufmann House.⚠️ NOTE:
Star Homes may be obscured or partially hidden by gates, shrubs, or private roads. Please do not violate anyone’s privacy during your tour.
The Movie Colony
We’re driving through the Movie Colony, the neighborhood where many of Hollywood’s darlings moved in the 1900s. Frank Sinatra had a home here. Dinah Shore. Cary Grant. David O. Selznick. Jack Benny. Tony Curtis. They all lived here. The neighborhood owes much of its allure to El Mirador Hotel, which opened in 1928. It had an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts, stables, and a bell tower that became a Palm Springs landmark. In the early days of Hollywood, movie stars would flock to that hotel for a bit of peace and quiet out here in the desert. And once they came here, many didn’t want to leave! So they contracted famous architects like Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, and Donald Wexler to build them permanent houses here.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Robolights
Once we pass the next intersection, find a spot to pull over and park. Then get out and look for the colorful sculptures peeking out from behind the trees on the corner of East Granvia Valmonte and North Arquilla Road. It’ll be on our right.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Walk of the Stars Palm Springs
Here, 450 stars honor larger than life figures in Palm Springs history. But they honor more than movie stars. Humanitarians, architects, artists, soldiers, athletes, and city pioneers are all over this walk! If they made a contribution to Palm Springs in some way, they get a star!
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Coachella Valley
We’re going to leave downtown Palm Springs now to see more of Coachella Valley. Does that name sound familiar? It should! This valley is home to the world-renowned Coachella Music Festival. But there’s so much more to it than that!
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Palm Springs International Airport
In 1939, the United States Corps of Engineers sought out space to build an Army Air Corps landing field. The country was on the brink of war, and they needed space for training more soldiers. Coachella Valley had pretty good weather almost all year round, and the mountains shielded the area from strong winds. It was perfect! After the war, it soon became a civilian airport.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Frank Sinatra Gravesite
Sinatra passed away in 1998. He was buried with: A bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey, a zippo lighter, a pack of Camel cigarettes, and… 10 dimes. Okay, the first few make sense, but what’s with the dimes? Those go back to December of 1963.⚠️ NOTE:
Star Homes may be obscured or partially hidden by gates, shrubs, or private roads. Please do not violate anyone’s privacy during your tour.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Willis Palm Trailhead
Just ahead is the Willis Palm Trailhead. This moderately strenuous 4-mile hike takes about three hours and climbs 500 feet of elevation along the way. But on the loop, you can see birds, desert wildlife, and desert wildflowers if you’re visiting during the spring!
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Pushwalla Palms Trailhead
Pushawalla Palms trail is coming up on our right. This is right at the bottom of the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve, but it actually goes in the opposite direction. It’s a moderate 4.5-mile hike with an elevation gain of 700 feet. But oh the views! You’ll be walking on the ridge of the San Andreas Fault, and you’ll see those palm tree oases where the water is bubbling up from way down deep in the Earth! There are groves and groves of palm trees! It takes around three hours to complete.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve (pass by)
We’ve reached the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve! This magical place is home to plentiful walking trails, wildlife, and lush scenery. Officials are renovating a lot of this preserve at the moment after a storm hit it pretty hard, so the visitor center is closed until further notice. But the trails are open from sunrise to sunset!
Forever Marilyn
This huge statue of Marilyn Monroe stands here courtesy of sculptor Seward Johnson, who designed this 26-foot-tall statue in 2011. He got the money to put it up first in Chicago for a year, then he got sponsorship to put it here in Palm Springs. The statue stood here in Palm Springs for two years, then toured the world showcasing the artist and his work. It moved to Australia for a while.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
1326 N Rose Ave (pass by)
This house at 1326 North Rose Avenue was ostensibly Marilyn Monroe’s house. Bus tours and maps of famous houses here have been saying that for years. But according to locals, it may not have been hers!
Frey House II (pass by)
The Frey House II at 686 Palisades Drive isn’t open to the public, but the Palm Springs Museum hosts guided tours of the property. It’s famous for a couple reasons. First of all, the architect who made it was known as the father of “desert modernism.” Albert Frey was Swiss. He got his architecture diploma in Switzerland, and he worked in Zurich, Belgium, and France. When he was 27, he moved to the United States. In New York, he started to build the American modernist architecture movement. After finishing work on the Museum of Modern Art in New York, he settled in Palm Springs. It was just after World War II and the population here was booming! Those people needed homes.⚠️ NOTE:
Star Homes may be obscured or partially hidden by gates, shrubs, or private roads. Please do not violate anyone’s privacy during your tour.
Palm Canyon Trail (pass by)
Palm Canyon Trail is a pretty easy hike. It’s only 2 miles out and back again and has an elevation gain of only 200 feet. Most people take around an hour to complete it. Hikers are treated to some fabulous canyon scenery along the way. But be aware before you set off: There is an entrance fee to do this trail. The little building in this parking lot is called The Trading Post. You can pay the entrance fee there.
Andreas Canyon Trailhead (pass by)
Andreas Canyon is an easy hike. It’s only a mile loop with an elevation gain of about 175 feet. Most people do it in about a half hour. Along the trail, you’ll see more than 150 plant species within a half a mile! The trail features tons of palm trees, lots of interesting rock formations, and Andreas Creek. Plus, you can still see dents in the rock where Cahuilla people would grind down their food to cook too. It’s just a beautiful hike!
Moorten Botanical Garden (pass by)
The Moorten Botanical Garden is a must-see for desert plant lovers. Chester “Cactus Slim” and Patricia Moorten created this garden in the 1940s. You see, Cactus Slim had been an actor in movies in the 1920s and 30s. He’d also been a stand-in for Howard Hughes! But he developed a bad case of TB on a film set and discovered he needed the dry desert air to breathe.⚠️ NOTE:
Star Homes may be obscured or partially hidden by gates, shrubs, or private roads. Please do not violate anyone’s privacy during your tour.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (pass by)
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tram car. It travels 2.5 miles along Chino Canyon and climbs high up to the wilds of Mount San Jacinto State Park. Along the way, the tram car slowly rotates 360 degrees for a spectacular view of the valley below! The mountaintop has restaurants, a gift shop, and plenty of hiking trails
Pioneertown (pass by)
Yeehaw! There’s no place like Pioneertown! This is a town created by Hollywood to mimic the Wild West. In 1946, Dick Curtis, Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, and several other show biz people invested in making this little spot in the California desert a living, breathing movie set. They bought 32,000 acres of land and transformed it into Pioneertown. They could film movies out here, they could vacation, and they could even have second homes out here!
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- How To Access: This tour does not run in the Viator app. It runs in the separate Tour Guide app by Action. After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
- How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
- Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
- NOTE: Homes may be obscured or partially hidden by gates, shrubs, or private roads. Please do not violate anyone’s privacy during your tour.
- New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car's stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.
- The tour requires a supported mobile device for navigation. Please use an iPhone with iOS 15 or later, an Android device with Android 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular service.
- Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
- Plan ahead: This preserve uses seasonal hours. They generally offer full access from November to April, but switch to a restricted, often weekend-only schedule from May to October for heat safety. Please confirm today’s hours before you arrive
- Operated by a business
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Palm Springs Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour?
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-259648P66
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.20
259 reviews
Average 4.20 out of 5 stars based on 259 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor
5 stars
145
4 stars
64
3 stars
25
2 stars
8
1 star
17
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What is the cancellation policy for the Palm Springs Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour?
A:Apr 2025
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT).
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- Use the app on your phone in your car for a fully private family tour.
- Planning, maps, scenic routes, previews, audio stories, and hidden gems included.
- Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
- Bring your own snacks; we show scenic places to stop and enjoy them.
- One purchase covers everyone in your car. We do not charge per person.
- Lifetime validity: use the tour anytime and keep access for future trips.
- Support available by chat, email, or call before and during your tour.
- Flexible self-guided tour: start, stop, and pause anytime for hikes, food, and photos.
- We provide everything needed for your self-guided audio tour. Just bring your car and phone.
The following is NOT included:
- Park entry fees, parking, meals, transport, guide, Wi-Fi/data, rentals & headphones are not included.
Q:
What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible tour?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the Palm Springs Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Palm Springs Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Use the app on your phone in your car for a fully private family tour.
- Planning, maps, scenic routes, previews, audio stories, and hidden gems included.
- Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
- Bring your own snacks; we show scenic places to stop and enjoy them.
- One purchase covers everyone in your car. We do not charge per person.
- Lifetime validity: use the tour anytime and keep access for future trips.
- Support available by chat, email, or call before and during your tour.
- Flexible self-guided tour: start, stop, and pause anytime for hikes, food, and photos.
- We provide everything needed for your self-guided audio tour. Just bring your car and phone.
- Park entry fees, parking, meals, transport, guide, Wi-Fi/data, rentals & headphones are not included
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- How To Access: This tour does not run in the Viator app. It runs in the separate Tour Guide app by Action. After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
- How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
- Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
- NOTE: Homes may be obscured or partially hidden by gates, shrubs, or private roads. Please do not violate anyone’s privacy during your tour.
- New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car's stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.
- The tour requires a supported mobile device for navigation. Please use an iPhone with iOS 15 or later, an Android device with Android 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular service.
- Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
- Plan ahead: This preserve uses seasonal hours. They generally offer full access from November to April, but switch to a restricted, often weekend-only schedule from May to October for heat safety. Please confirm today’s hours before you arrive
- Operated by a business
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