Palm Springs' Golden Age Driving Tour
Palm Springs' Golden Age Driving Tour
Estimated Time
Distance
Works Offline
Tours & Maps Included
Tour Highlights
- Village Green Heritage Center
Start next to the Cornelia White House, built in 1893 from old railroad ties and one of the oldest buildings in town.
- Frank Sinatra's Twin Palms
Drive past the 1947 home with the piano-shaped pool where Sinatra threw legendary parties.
- The Movie Colony
Cruise the tree-lined neighborhood where Bing Crosby, Cary Grant, and Kirk Douglas built desert escapes.
- Elvis Presley's Honeymoon Hideaway
See the futuristic house where Elvis and Priscilla spent their honeymoon in 1967.
- Marilyn Monroe's House
Pass the home linked to Hollywood's most famous blonde.
- Kaufmann House
Admire Richard Neutra's 1946 glass-and-steel masterpiece, one of the most famous modern homes in America.
- Palm Springs Visitor Center
Pass Albert Frey's swooping former gas station, now the city's visitor center.
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
End at the base of the world's largest rotating tramcars, which climb to 8,516 feet on Mount San Jacinto.
Is This Tour Right for You?
Perfect if you:
Love history and fascinating stories
What To explore at your own pace
prefer a private experience
What to avoid expensive group tours
Maybe not if you:
Don't have a phone
Like to follow the tour guide
Don't like stories
Don't like to go at your own pace
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does the Palm Springs driving tour take?
The drive takes about 45 minutes without stopping. Plan extra time if you want to visit the museums or ride the Aerial Tramway at the end.
- Can I go inside the celebrity homes?
No. The homes are private residences, so the tour is for viewing from the street only. Please stay in your car or on public sidewalks and respect the owners' privacy.
- Does the tour work without cell service?
Yes. Download the tour before you go, and it runs completely offline using your phone's GPS.
- Can I pause the tour or explore at my own pace?
Yes. This is a fully self-guided tour—pause anytime to park and look around, grab a coffee, or visit a museum, and press play when you're ready to keep going.
- Are there admission fees at any of the stops?
The drive is free. The Aerial Tramway was about $37 for adults, plus about $15 for parking, at the time this tour was made. Check current prices before you go.
- Where does the tour start and end?
It starts in the parking lot on Belardo Road behind the Palm Springs Historical Society and ends at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
- When is the best time to take the tour?
Fall through spring has the most pleasant weather. In summer, drive in the morning and bring plenty of water.
- Is this tour good for families?
Yes. Kids will enjoy Robolights and the tram ride at the end, while adults soak up the Hollywood stories.
- Do I need to know a lot about architecture?
No. Greg explains what to look for, from butterfly roofs to breeze-block walls, as you drive.
- When is Modernism Week?
Modernism Week is held every February and celebrates the city's mid-century architecture with home tours and events.
Why You'll Love ThisTour
Do It Anytime
Start when you’re ready.
Pause Anytime
Take a break and pick up right where you left off.
Professional Narration
Engaging stories from expert guides.
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