Top Palm Springs Historical Tours

Explore a working wind farm and learn about how and why it works on this tour in Palm Springs—the only tour on a private wind farm. Visit the wind farm’s museum and then travel by golf cart to see massive wind turbines up close as your guide details the history of wind and other renewable energies, how it works, and the various success and failure stories along the way.

This guide turns your time on Park Boulevard into a narrated road trip, mixing history, geology, and local stories with practical tips on where to stop, what to look for, and how to explore safely. As you drive, each story will unlock automatically using GPS, so you can keep your eyes on the desert scenery while the tour fills in the park’s hidden details and legends—no maps to shuffle, no scripts to read, just drive, listen, and enjoy the journey. Listen anytime, the tour never expires.

Explore Joshua Tree National Park with a GPS-enabled self-guided audio tour that plays automatically as you drive. The app delivers stories, directions, and local insights based on your location, helping you navigate both major highlights and lesser-known stops without joining a group. Download in advance and use offline with no cell service required. With lifetime access and free updates, it’s a flexible option for current or future visits.

Experience the harsh beauty of a land like no other: Death Valley. Famed for its record-breaking temperatures, this valley also serves up some sizzling scenery, from sprawling salt flats to rainbow-colored badlands and soaring mountain ranges. This self-guided driving tour shows you the best spots in the park and fills you in on this area’s rich history. Follow in the footsteps of Gold Rush miners and hear their stories as you explore this bizarre, unforgettable valley. Recommended: purchase one tour per car. Everyone can listen at the same time! 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. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.

Pack seeing three South Palm Spring neighborhoods into just one morning with this South Palm Springs Architecture, History, and Bike Tour. Although your bike rental isn't included, you can bring your own bike for ultimate comfort along the way or get a discount to rent a bike nearby. You'll explore Deepwell Estates, Twin Palms, and Indian Canyons while your guide tells you the history of the area.

Explore California's Best with Shaka Guide's California Audio Tour Bundle! Discover Lake Tahoe's clear waters, Joshua Tree's otherworldly landscapes, Yosemite's majestic beauty, Death Valley's unique geology, and many more! With our GPS audio tours, you're guided to hidden gems and iconic sights. Explore at your own pace and let the journey begin! Whether you're traversing the serene landscapes of Lake Tahoe, exploring the unique desert terrain of Joshua Tree, marveling at the stark beauty of Death Valley, or admiring the majestic peaks and waterfalls of Yosemite, Shaka Guide ensures a rich and informative journey. Book your California adventure today! *Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*

Explore the geology around California’s legendary San Andreas fault during a Jeep tour from Palm Desert. See a desert oasis fed by an underground spring as your naturalist guide describes how the Native American Cahuilla tribe used the desert's plants for food, medicine, and shelter. Marvel at steep-walled canyons and tall twisted rock mountains, and learn about the plant and animal life of the area. Choose from a morning or afternoon tour that includes light snacks, and bottled water.

Opt for this Palm Springs windmill tour, and try something a little different from your typical celebrity homes or San Andreas Fault tours you’d usually do in Palm Springs. This self-driving windmill tour allows you to explore the evolution of wind turbines on a private wind farm from the comfort of your own vehicle. The tour allows you to exit at each stop and guides you with a curated app with audio.

The unsinkable Titanic is going down – but, you heard the captain mention a hidden lifeboat over dinner. This unique Titanic-themed escape room is a great way to break out of your normal routine. Enjoy an exciting night out with friends or family, solving this exciting game, at Palm Springs’ largest escape room.

Southern California’s Joshua Tree National Park can be a bit intimidating to take on all on your own; however, this self-driving tour lets you explore the park in your own vehicle while navigating the area with a GPS-powered app that leads the way. Just download the app on your smartphone, launch the app when you get to the park, and follow the recommended route and speed limit.

Step back in time with a guided walking tour of Pioneertown, a living, breathing 1880s-themed town built in the 1940s for Hollywood Westerns. Explore iconic Mane Street, visit the Pioneertown Film Museum, and have history come alive right before your eyes. This tour covers classic movie sets, rustic shops, and the famous Red Dog Saloon. This tour is ideal for movie buffs and history enthusiasts looking for a quick, immersive experience of the High Desert's wild west heritage. Tour Highlights (45 Minutes): -Mane Street Stroll: Walk the dusty main street featuring facades from classic films, including the bank and jail. -Historical Filming Locations: Learn about 1950s Westerns like The Cowboy and the Indians that were filmed on location. -Pioneertown Film Museum & Shops: Brief stop to see movie memorabilia and browse local crafts. -Red Dog Saloon & Pappy & Harriet’s: Glimpse the famous spots that define modern Pioneertown culture.

Expand your journey through Joshua Tree National Park with this self-guided walking tour of the Hidden Valley Nature Trail. This secluded valley is known for its stunning rock formations and plentiful desert flora… but it was also once a hideout for a gang of dangerous cattle rustlers! As you explore, you’ll learn about the geology of this place, its plant and animal life, the gang that once hid here, and so much more. This is Joshua Tree’s most popular trail for a reason! 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. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.

Immerse yourself in the wonder of Joshua Tree National Park on this self-guided driving tour from Drives & Detours. Using our mobile app and GPS-triggered audio, you’ll cruise through surreal desert landscapes and discover iconic stops like Skull Rock, Hidden Valley, and the Cholla Cactus Garden—along with hidden gems you might otherwise miss. Start the tour from either the West or North park entrance and travel at your own pace. Whether you're snapping photos, hiking short trails, or just enjoying the views from your car, the tour offers a flexible, informative, and offline-friendly way to explore. You’ll also receive free access to our Local’s Guide, packed with handpicked recommendations for restaurants, art galleries, roadside attractions, and more in Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, and Pioneertown—perfect for planning a full day or weekend in the area.

Discover Palm Springs through the eyes of its famous residents and historical icons on this short tour through the bustling resort city. Instead of piling into a crowded tour bus with a mass of strangers, enjoy a personalized private tour with a guide who can answer your questions and tell you the stories you want to hear. Roam around some of the city’s historic districts, get photo ops at locations like Indian Canyon and the San Andreas faultline, and visit the property where the Rat Pack partied their way through the ‘60s.

Explore the surreal landscapes of Death Valley National Park at your own pace with this self-guided driving tour. This tour starts at Death Valley Junction. Navigate through the hottest, lowest, and driest place in North America, enriched by GPS-triggered narration that shares captivating tales of survival, history, and the unique characters that thrived here. Key attractions include Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, and the vibrant colors of Artist’s Palette. Stop where you want, enjoy the freedom of no schedules, and uncover the hidden stories that make this park unforgettable. - Drive through Death Valley’s stunning landscapes with a seamless route - Discover tales of the lost 49ers and the resilient Timbisha Shoshone - Includes major highlights like Furnace Creek, Zabriskie Point, and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes - The tour duration is flexible, taking between 2.5 to 5 hours depending on your stops and exploration

Enjoy walking in beautiful downtown Palm Springs while following clues on your smartphone and solving interesting puzzles. Play the game on your smartphone with your group as the game guides you through the city. Score points for correct answers and try to get the high score on the leaderboard. See major attractions as well as less-known gems of Palm Springs on this unique scavenger hunt experience. Play any time that fits your schedule! There is no in-person guide you have to wait for! See downtown, the Palm Springs Art Museum, Forever Marilyn statue, site of the Oasis Hotel, the Plaza Theatre, and many other Palm Springs sights. Your group of 2 to 6 people works together to solve the 23 challenges on the scavenger hunt. Wear comfortable shoes! You'll walk about 2 miles along this scavenger hunt experience. Explore the city at your own pace Enjoy fun challenges with family and friends Discover Palm Springs' hidden gems and historic sights Perfect for all ages

For 2 hours, enjoy a private, guided stroll through the charming and historic "Twin Palms Estates" residential neighborhood in Palm Springs, California and its jewel-like array of 1950s mid-century modern home designs - many featuring original, iconic "butterfly-style" rooflines. You'll hear how this groundbreaking development was a first as well as insight about architect William Krisel's extraordinary vision. Plus, we'll see former residences of several famous personalities, including Debbie Reynolds and Ray Bradbury. Like the idea of a private stroll through a lushly landscaped neighborhood under towering palms while discovering an inspiring collection of noted Palm Springs home designs? This tour is for you. IMPORTANT: Restrooms are not available before or during the tour. Bring bottled water if desired. Tour is not of Frank Sinatra's former residence named "Twin Palms." Palm Springs license #OC-005497-2024 Member, P.S. Historical Society Member, P.S. Preservation Foundation

Download GuideAlong’s self-guided audio walking tour of Hidden Valley Nature Trail and explore Joshua Tree National Park’s most popular hike. Walk the short, scenic 1-mile loop through a secluded desert basin surrounded by towering walls to see the eerie Chasm of Doom slot canyon and hardy nolina plants with spring blooms like popcorn. Along the way, hear tales of fearless climbers, conservation heroes, and legends like the mysterious Yucca Man play automatically as you walk. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you. Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location Travel at your own pace Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use No time limits or expiry, and free updates Like having a personal guide by your side on every step Purchase one tour per person, or listen together by sharing headphones or a speaker.

From clay houses to dome houses to modern homes discover the artistic soul and visionary architecture of Joshua Tree. This immersive 4 hour private tour takes you through the entire high desert region surrounding Joshua Tree starting from the Joshua Tree National Park areas to Pioneer Town and Rimrock you will explore the Joshua Tree desert and discover it's unique art and architectural beauty. Explore iconic architectural homes like the legendary Doolittle House, and famous airbnbs like the Bonita domes and the Futuro house, along the tour we will stop at several art installations including Transmission, Noah Purifoy, and Desert Christ Park. This is a guided tour that will give you insight into the areas of Joshua Tree and the history and culture and explain how it became the iconic destination for so many travelers. We will start the tour by the Joshua Tree Saloon Bar in downtown Joshua Tree, this is a quick day trip from Palm Springs.

Set off on an exciting journey through Palm Springs! Explore the city’s fascinating past, from its beginnings as a stylish desert retreat to its fame as a getaway for movie stars. Uncover the stories behind the Movie Colony neighborhoods, admire the distinctive architecture, and learn about the town’s first Mexican restaurant. Along the way, snap fun selfies, tackle intriguing questions, and even challenge yourself to decode scrambled words. And be sure to take a moment to soak in the breathtaking views!