When Hollywood stars of the mid‑1900s needed to get away from the bustle of Los Angeles and the prying eyes of the press, there’s one place they went: Palm Springs. This glittering desert jewel was once the place where Liberace played for his pals on mirrored pianos, Frank Sinatra threw ice‑cube‑in‑the‑pool parties, and Elvis and Priscilla enjoyed their honeymoon.
This self‑guided driving audio tour of Palm Springs explores the past and present of this California oasis, with GPS‑synced stories that chime in as you roll through town. This tour consists of two main sections: The first explores downtown Palm Springs, full of iconic homes which once belonged to stars of yesteryear. This city has been home to folks like Elvis Presley, Magda Gabore, Debbie Reynolds, Marilyn Monroe, Liberace, Bette Davis, Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, and more! Some celebs enjoyed the quiet of the desert, but others wanted to sleep all day and party all night. Elvis was even known to cover his windows up so no sunlight could get in during his noontime slumber. And the revelry attracted more than just regular celebrities. Even John F. Kennedy was known to party out in Palm Springs (much to the chagrin of his political advisors).
Downtown Palm Springs isn’t all old news, though. The main drag is packed with shops, restaurants, and galleries, including some seriously wild vintage stores and a small but mighty botanical garden. Then, of course, there’s the giant display of robot sculptures known as Robolights.
The second section of this tour takes place south of the city, in a rocky expanse that’s full of hiking trails managed by the Agua Caliente band of the Cahuilla people. Most of these trails are pretty easy and range from one to two miles, but the star is the Palm Canyon Trail. This trail winds through a canyon filled with palm trees, making it a great shady getaway during those hot days Palm Springs is so famous for.
The coolest attraction in Palm Springs, both figuratively and literally, has to be the Palm Springs Aerial Tram. This cable car carries passengers up to the top of Mount San Jacinto, about 8,000 feet above sea level. Once there, visitors can hike short and easy mountain trails boasting jaw-dropping views of the valley below. There’s also a pair of restaurants at the station on top of the mountain, as well as a little natural history museum, a gift shop, and more. Thanks to its elevation, the temperature on the mountain tends to be about 30-40 degrees cooler than the valley floor, making it a perfect way to cool off after exploring the city.
Friendly disclaimer: Once visitors get a taste of the desert lifestyle, many never want to leave!
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Palm Springs Map
Know Before You Go
Nearby Tours
Walking 1-2 Hours 15+ Stories 1+ Miles 
Walking 2-3 Hours 80+ Stories 2+ Miles Driving 4-6 Hours 130+ Stories 70+ Miles Driving 1 Hour Hours 15+ Audio Points 1+ miles Starting Point
Join the tour anywhere along the route. Follow the route in the indicated direction.
Suggested starting point is indicated by the green START marker on the map:
The Arches, 595 W Chino Canyon Rd, Palm Springs, CA
The suggested start is next to The Arches house at 595 W Chino Canyon Rd, Palm Springs. We should see the majestic adobe arches on our left, beyond the gate.
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Palm Springs Audio Tour
Things to do on the Tour Include:
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Kaufmann House
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Liberace House
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Movie Stars of Yesteryear
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The Movie Colony
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Robolights
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Frank Sinatra
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The Rat Pack in Palm Springs
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Walk of Stars
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The Palm Trees of Palm Springs
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Coachella Valley
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Coachella Music Festival
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Palm Springs Airport
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Bob Hope
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Frank Sinatra’s Tomb
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Golfing in the Desert
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Desert Life
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The San Andreas Fault
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Leaving Palm Springs
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Desert Geology
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Willis Palm Trail
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Superblooms
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Pushwalla Palms Trail
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Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve
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Confederate Burial Trench
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Jones Field
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Tennessee State Memorial
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Julius Raith Monument
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We Meet in Heaven
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Johnston Meets His End
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Tennessee State Memorial
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Julius Raith Monument
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We Meet in Heaven
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Johnston Meets His End
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Texas State Monument
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Fall of the Hornet's Nest
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Grant's Last Stand
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Shiloh Indian Mounds
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
Palm Springs is special for its unique desert oasis setting, with stunning mountain backdrops, warm weather, mid-century modern architecture, and a relaxed, resort-like atmosphere.
Palm Springs gained fame in the mid-20th century when it became a glamorous escape for Hollywood celebrities, offering them privacy, luxury, and a desert retreat.
People visit Palm Springs for its beautiful landscapes, outdoor activities, golfing, shopping, dining, spa resorts, and the chance to experience the nostalgia of the mid-century modern era.
Palm Springs is a big deal due to its historical significance, celebrity culture, architectural heritage, and its role as a premier vacation destination in Southern California.
Palm Springs style is often associated with mid-century modern design, characterized by clean lines, sleek furnishings, and a focus on blending indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Yes, Palm Springs is considered a nice city known for its hospitality, stunning desert surroundings, and a wide range of leisure activities.
While Palm Springs offers a range of accommodations and dining options, it can be relatively expensive compared to some other destinations, especially during the peak tourist season.
The best time to visit Palm Springs is typically in the fall, winter, or early spring when the weather is pleasant and not extremely hot. Avoiding the scorching summer months is recommended.
A weekend or 2-3 days are often sufficient to explore the main attractions of Palm Springs, but you can easily spend more time enjoying the city’s offerings, especially if you want a more relaxed pace.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Action Tour Guide app: Download the app to access your purchased tour.GPS-triggered audio: Stories and directions play automatically as you reach each location.Tour anytime: Single tours and bundles never expire and can be used anytime. Action+ is an annual subscription that automatically renews each year unless canceled.Narrated stories: Hear local history, culture, and stories from experienced narrators.Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day.Offline access: Download your tour before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.Stories, stops, and directions: Follow the route to key attractions with automatic directions and stories at each location.Transportation: Transportation, parking fees, and tolls are not included.Admission: Entry tickets and reservations are not included. Food and drinks: Meals and drinks are not included.Rental car: A rental car is not included and may be required for driving tours. 
