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Palm Springs Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

297 Reviews 4.23 out of 5 stars Based on 297 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Palm Springs, USA
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from $14.44 per group (up to 4)

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 10 (0.25) days in advance.
2 to 3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

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. Cruise past famous celebrity homes and estates, including the former homes of stars like Liberace and Frank Sinatra.

Hear fascinating stories about Hollywood legends, their glamorous lifestyles, and their 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

  • Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
  • Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
  • Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
  • No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.
See 6 moreSee 5 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point
End point

Thousand Palms Canyon Road
California, USA

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
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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.
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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!
Read more

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!
Read more

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.
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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.
Read more

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!
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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.
Read more

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!
Read more

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.
Read more

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!
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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!
Read more

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.
Read more

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
Read more

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!
Read more
Show 19 more stops

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
  • Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
  • Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.
  • More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Palm Springs Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour?

A: 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 (PST). Read more Apr 2025

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

4.23
297 reviews

Average 4.23 out of 5 stars based on 297 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
170
4 stars
70
3 stars
28
2 stars
12
1 star
17
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 10 (0.25) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Palm Springs Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour?
A:
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 (PST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
  • Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
  • Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
  • Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
  • Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
  • One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
  • Access your tour in our separate audio tour app after booking.
  • Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.
  • Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.
The following is NOT included:
  • No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.
Apr 2025
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:

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
Apr 2025
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 City Balloon Tours. 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 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
  • Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
  • Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
  • Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
  • Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
  • One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
  • Access your tour in our separate audio tour app after booking.
  • Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.
  • Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.
  • No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • NOTE: Homes may be obscured or partially hidden by gates, shrubs, or private roads. Please do not violate anyone’s privacy during your tour.
  • 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
  • Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
  • Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.
  • At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
  • Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
  • Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.
  • More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
  • Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
  • Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
  • Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
  • Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
  • The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.

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