Palm Springs Audio Tour

Things to do on the Tour Include:

• Kaufmann House

  Explore the iconic Kaufmann Desert House, a masterpiece of mid-century modern architecture designed by Richard Neutra for businessman Edgar Kaufmann.

• Liberace House

  Discover the flamboyant Liberace House, once the residence of the charismatic pianist and entertainer Liberace, famous for his extravagant style and performances.

• Movie Stars of Yesteryear

  Learn about Palm Springs' rich history as a haven for Hollywood stars, including Rudolph Valentino, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and even the Obamas.

• The Movie Colony

  Drive through the historic Movie Colony neighborhood, known for its association with movie stars and its architectural significance, featuring homes designed by renowned architects.

• Robolights

  Encounter the quirky Robolights sculpture garden, featuring colorful sculptures and robots, creating a unique artistic experience in Palm Springs.

• Frank Sinatra

  Visit the former home of Frank Sinatra, the legendary singer and actor, who played a significant role in putting Palm Springs on the map as a celebrity getaway.

• The Rat Pack in Palm Springs

  Delve into the history of the Rat Pack's presence in Palm Springs and their retreat, Villa Maggio, where they enjoyed privacy and camaraderie.

• Walk of Stars

  Explore the Palm Springs Walk of Fame, adorned with 450 stars honoring a diverse range of figures who made significant contributions to the city's history.

• The Palm Trees of Palm Springs

  Learn about Ruth Hardy's influence in planting palm trees along Palm Canyon Drive, contributing to the city's iconic palm-lined streets.

• Coachella Valley

  Explore the desert oasis known as Coachella Valley, famed for the Coachella Music Festival and its intriguing geological history rooted in ancient seas.

• Coachella Music Festival

  Uncover the origins of the renowned Coachella Music Festival, from its beginnings as a solution to a ticketing dispute with Pearl Jam to its status as a global music event.

• Palm Springs Airport

  Learn about Palm Springs Airport, which began as a military airfield in the 1930s and later became a favored choice for celebrity travelers.

• Bob Hope

  Discover the strong connection between Bob Hope, the legendary entertainer, and Palm Springs, where he owned properties and often joked about the city in his routines.

• Frank Sinatra’s Tomb

  Visit Frank Sinatra's resting place, where he's buried with intriguing items, including dimes, tied to a historic kidnapping incident.

• Golfing in the Desert

  Understand the allure of golf in Palm Springs with its ideal weather and celebrity tournaments, championed by figures like Dinah Shore.

• Desert Life

  Explore the desert's unique ecosystem, where various plants and animals have adapted to survive in the harsh conditions, showcasing resilience against habitat destruction and climate change.

• The San Andreas Fault

  Drive over the famous San Andreas Fault, gaining insight into how it causes earthquakes and its history of seismic activity in California.

• Leaving Palm Springs

  About the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve: Head towards the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve, shaped by the San Andreas Fault, with its natural springs creating a lush oasis in the desert.

• Desert Geology

  Learn about the geological history of the desert, including the formation of mountain ranges and the transformation of granite and igneous rock into the desert's sandy landscape.

• Willis Palm Trail

  Discover the Willis Palm Trailhead, a moderately strenuous 4-mile hike offering the chance to observe birds, desert wildlife, and wildflowers during the spring season.

• Superblooms

  Experience the breathtaking beauty of desert wildflower displays, including California poppies, desert lilies, lupines, and sunflowers, with superblooms occurring roughly once every decade.

• Pushwalla Palms Trail

  Encounter the Pushawalla Palms Trail, a moderate 4.5-mile hike along the San Andreas Fault ridge, providing stunning views of palm tree oases where water emerges from deep underground.

• Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve

  Arrive at the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve, a captivating natural area with 25 miles of walking trails, including the easy two-mile McCallum Trail, which leads to a lush palm grove, despite the visitor center's current closure for renovations.

• Confederate Burial Trench

  Uncover an unassuming site overlooking a mass grave for unidentified Confederate soldiers, a testament to the haste of wartime burials.

• Jones Field

  Witness the struggles of General Sherman as he's pushed back to Jones Field, where General McClernand arrives to turn the tide.

• Tennessee State Memorial

  Admire the Tennessee Memorial, featuring bronze figures symbolizing loyalty and sacrifice among survivors.

• Julius Raith Monument

  Explore the Mortuary Monument dedicated to Union General Julius Raith and the role of illness and infection during the Civil War.

• We Meet in Heaven

  Hear the poignant story of General William Wallace's mortal wound and his final moments with his wife.

• Johnston Meets His End

  Learn about the fateful injury of Confederate General Johnston, which went unnoticed due to nerve damage.

• Tennessee State Memorial

  Admire the Tennessee Memorial, featuring bronze figures symbolizing loyalty and sacrifice among survivors.

• Julius Raith Monument

  Explore the Mortuary Monument dedicated to Union General Julius Raith and the role of illness and infection during the Civil War.

• We Meet in Heaven

  Hear the poignant story of General William Wallace's mortal wound and his final moments with his wife.

• Johnston Meets His End

  Learn about the fateful injury of Confederate General Johnston, which went unnoticed due to nerve damage.

• Texas State Monument

  Pay tribute to the Texas regiments, including General Johnston, and his significant role in various conflicts before the Civil War.

• Fall of the Hornet's Nest

  Witness the surrender of Union General Prentiss at the Peach Orchard, leading to the Union's establishment of the Last Line.

• Grant's Last Stand

  Experience General Grant's determined last stand at the Tennessee River, awaiting reinforcements from General Buell.

• Shiloh Indian Mounds

  Encounter the ancient Shiloh Indian Mounds, an 800-year-old settlement predating the Civil War.