Palm Springs Historical Society Walking Tours Just for You

Palm Springs, California has a rich history that encompasses the tribal lands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the star power of Hollywood and the architectural intrigue of the mid-century modern movement. An excellent way to immerse yourself in all that Palm Springs has to offer is to join a Palm Springs Historical Society Walking Tour. There are seven Palm Springs Historical Society walking tours that highlight different historic Palm Springs neighborhoods. You will learn about the combination of Native Americans, local pioneers, Hollywood celebrities and nationally recognized architects who influenced their development. Each tour is limited to 20 people and costs $20 per person. Be certain to get your tickets in advance to guarantee a spot in a tour. The Palm Springs Historical Society Walking Tours recommend wearing comfortable shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen as well as bringing water for each tour.

Tour 1: The Heart of the City

Discover the vibrant & historic business center of Palm Springs with its eclectic mix of restaurants, nightspots, hotels and shopping, all near the historic 1884 McCallum Adobe, located at the Village Green at 221 S Palm Canyon Drive. The Heart of the City tour is offered on Wednesday at 9:30 am and Thursday at 3:00 pm. The tour is approximately 90 minutes.

Tour 2: Golden Era: Hollywood Homes in Old Las Palmas

Walk among former and current stars in the prestigious and historic Old Las Palmas neighborhood. Hollywood stars calling this neighborhood home include Kirk Douglas, Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant, Dinah Shore, Leonardo DiCaprio and many other celebrities. The Golden Era tour is offered on Sunday and Thursday at 9:30 am. The tour is approximately 2.5 hours.

Tour 3: Inns, Architecture and Glamour

Learn the history of unique Palm Springs inns that have provided seclusion and relaxation to the rich and famous such as Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, Queen Latifah and other celebrities. Experience a hotel designed by the Modernist architect William Cody and witness a variety of architectural styles. The Inns, Architecture and Glamour tour is offered on Thursday at 9:30 am. The tour is approximately 2 hours.

Tour 4: Celebrity Haven in The Tennis Club Neighborhood

The Palm Springs Tennis Club neighborhood is nestled into the San Jacinto Mountains and is famous for celebrities like Lucille Ball, Frank Sinatra and Errol Flynn who stayed and played in this spectacular desert oasis. You’ll get to see the inns & resorts that continue to give sanctuary to many Hollywood stars. The Celebrity Haven in The Tennis Club Neighborhood tour is offered on Wednesday at 9:30 am. The tour is approximately 2 hours.

Tour 5: Rat Pack Playground; Modernist Homes in Vista Las Palmas

Known as the “Beverly Hills of Palm Springs”, the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood was developed by George & Robert Alexander and features Palm Springs most famous mid-century modern architectural treasures. The “Rat Packers” Dean Martin and Peter Lawford along with Debbie Reynolds and Elvis Presley are some of the stars who made the area their playground. The Rat Pack Playground tour is offered on Tuesday and Saturday at 9:30 am. The tour is approximately 2 hours.

Tour 6 – Stars and Star-chitects in Deepwell

Deepwell is a pristine mid-century neighborhood designed by the some of desert’s most renowned architects. Home to some of Hollywood’s biggest names including Loretta Young, Jerry Lewis and Carmen Miranda, the Deepwell neighborhood also showcases attractive desert landscaping throughout. The Star and Star-chitects in Deepwell tour is offered on Monday at 9:30 am. The tour is approximately 2.5 hours.

Tour 7: Frank Sinatra’s Neighborhood: The Movie Colony

The famous El Mirador resort anchors the Movie Colony neighborhood which was developed in the 1930s and 1940s. Many of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities such as Tony Curtis, Gloria Swanson and Jack Benny lived in the Movie Colony. Frank Sinatra’s home, known as “Twin Palms” made the neighborhood party central in the 1950s. You’ll find a mix of iconic architecture including Spanish Colonial Revival as well as Mid-Century Modern. The Frank Sinatra’s Neighborhood: The Movie Colony tour is offered on Friday at 9:30 am. The tour is approximately 2.5 hours.

Photo Credit: Palm Springs Historical Society