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5 Incredible Mid-Century Modern Homes To Visit In Palm Springs

palm springs historic home tours

  • Destinations
  • Palm Springs
  • United States

Palm Springs is a time capsule of Mid-century Modern architecture. The city has the most extensive collection in the world. If you are an architecture fan, it’s a thrilling experience to explore the neighborhoods and view the spectacular homes reflecting the modern design of the late 1930s to 1970s.

It was a time of post-war optimism and Hollywood glamour. Palm Springs was a playground for the rich and famous who escaped to the desert for the winter months. Hollywood stars were under strict rules from their studios to stay within 120 miles of their lots. Palm Springs was within the limit. Photographers were under the thumb of the studios and were not allowed to photograph any movie star without their consent. In Palm Springs, the stars could relax and let the good times roll. 

The inspiring natural surroundings drew modernist architects because of the stunning mountains and the Coachella Valley desert. These creatives embraced the dramatic landscape in their sleek designs, a variation on Bauhaus or International Style but desert-inspired. One of the first architects was Albert Frey, referred to as the founding father of Desert Modernism. The famous Swiss architect worked in New York, but after a visit in 1934, he fell in love with the area. He returned in 1939 and never left. 

Breezeway at Twin Palms next to the piano shaped pool.

According to architecture expert and founder of Palm Springs Mod Squad , Kurt Cyr, “Palm Springs was a resort community. Residents only lived here for a part of the year, and because of that, they were open to new ideas and modern designs for their second homes.”

Cyr explains four distinct elements of Mid-century Modern homes; the first is the cantilever roof, an unsupported roof section that extends out past the roofline. The second is the clerestory windows installed at the roofline to add light. The third is Brise soleil (French for sunscreen) that allows in light but reduces heat. The shadow block or raised pattern walls was the fourth element. It allowed for privacy, and decorative flair as changing shadows created designs from the sun’s rays.

The following examples are five architecturally significant homes. Two are designated as Class 1, “the highest, most prestigious historic designation available in Palm Springs.” These homes are excellent examples of the modernist movement. They should be on your list when visiting the Capital of Mid-century Modern architecture. Still, luckily due to historic preservation, there are many examples to see. Taking a tour to view them is a must when visiting Palm Springs.

I was a guest of Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels for the PSModSquad Tour, but all opinions are my own.

Twin Palms, Frank Sinatra's home in Palm Springs.

1. Twin Palms – Sinatra House Architect E. Stewart Williams

Twin Palms on Alejo Road was Frank Sinatra’s primary residence from 1948 to 1957. He walked into the Williams design firm, licking an ice cream cone. He had just signed a movie contract with MGM Studios, and the newly minted millionaire wanted a Georgian-style mansion. Back home in Hoboken, New Jersey, a home-like that meant you made it. But, in the desert, that wouldn’t have worked at all. E. Stewart Williams drew plans for two homes, the Georgian and one of his designs. He explained to Mr. Sinatra why his Desert Modern concept would be the better choice. The long horizontal lines and sliding glass windows would allow for stunning views of the mountains, blurring the outside and the inside. The sprawling home allowed plenty of space for his wife Nancy and his three children (each had their own bedroom) and a private master suite for the couple. The courtyard included a long-covered walkway, a patio, and a piano-shaped pool. Two palm trees, a signature part of the landscaping, become the namesake for the home. The exterior neutral color blended into the surroundings. Frank was sold and employed the architect in May of 1947, requesting Twin Palms be ready by Christmas. He delivered. Frank threw legendary parties and signaled cocktail hour by hoisting a flag between the palms. He had a landing strip outside to hop into his private plane and return to the studio. His was the first “shed roof” house in Palm Springs and was designated a Class 1 Historic Site by the city in 2011. When he lived at home with Ava Gardner, his second wife, they fought so bitterly that Ava threw a champagne bottle at Frank. The bottle left a crack in a bathroom sink and was never repaired. The house is available to rent for parties or special events. 

The House of Tomorrow better know as the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway.

2. House of Tomorrow — Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway Architect William Krisel

The House of Tomorrow on Ladera Circle was Bob Alexander’s estate. The local real estate developer had it built for his own family in the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood. Based on four circles on three levels, the design looks like it’s launching from the enormous boulder. It was called the House of Tomorrow because of its futuristic shape, and it’s one of the most interesting Mid-century homes in Palm Springs. It has terrazzo floors, stone-clad walls, and four circular wings that total 5,000 square feet. Other features include a sunken living room with a ring of clerestory windows and a fireplace hanging from the ceiling in the center of the room with built-in couches. There are five bedrooms and bathrooms in the funky home. The backyard features a lot of lush landscaping with a chevron-shaped pool. The home sheltered Elvis and Priscilla Presley, who hid out here during their courtship and famous wedding in Las Vegas. The noted couple wanted to escape the public eye when they spent their honeymoon here. Still, they didn’t know that gossip columnist Rona Barrett resided in the home across the street. This home recently sold for 2.6 million dollars and is undergoing significant renovations.  

Kaufmann House designed by Richard Neutra and site of Slim Aarons photo Poolside Gossip.

3. Kaufmann House — Site of  “Poolside Gossip” Architect Richard Neutra

The Kaufmann House became the home of Edgar Kaufmann, the owner of the Kaufmann Department store in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Kaufmann loved modern homes and hired Frank Lloyd Wright to build Fallingwater in 1936. Ten years later, Kaufmann wanted to create a vacation home in Palm Springs in the style of a Desert Modern home. He chose architect Richard Neutra because he felt Wright didn’t understand desert design. After its completion in 1947, even Wright agreed that it was beautiful. Neutra used glass, steel, and stone to create a home with multiple wings branching off from the center of the house, much like a pinwheel. There is a second-story outdoor living room where subsequent owners have enjoyed cocktails alfresco. The building is internationally famous for its design and a photograph from the 1970s by photographer Slim Aarons. The iconic photo “Poolside Gossip” became a symbol of modernism. The image was of a group of casually dressed socialites sitting by a rectangular swimming pool. They were sipping drinks against the backdrop of the mountains and the gorgeous modern home designed by Neutra. It is considered one of the 10 most important residential designs in the world.

Edris House looks like it is growing up out of the ground and seamlessly blurs indoor and outdoor spaces.

4. Edris House — Architect E. Stewart Williams

The Edris House on W Cielo Drive was built seven years after Twin Palms in 1954. William and Marjorie Edris were friends with the Williams and wanted Stewart to make them a winter home. They chose a rocky plot in the Tuscany Heights neighborhood and gave their friend free rein with no budget. The result was spectacular, and it’s still relevant. Williams only moved a few boulders and used the natural landscape in the design. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room allow that blur between the indoor and outdoor spaces allowing stunning views of the Coachella Valley and plenty of gorgeous light to flood the home. Natural materials like wood and rock create that same blur on the exterior of the house. Williams designed the home to look “As if it grew out of the ground rather than falling out of the sky. ” 

William Holden Estate has classic lines on an acre of property with 47 floor to ceiling glass doors.

5. William Holden Estate — Architect John Porter Clark, Master Builder Joseph Pawling

The William Holden Estate (also known as the Barrett Residence) is a one-acre “through lot” in the desirable Deepwell neighborhood built in 1956. Through lot means the home has frontage on more than one street. Actor William Holden purchased the 4,559 square foot home in 1966 and lived there with actress Stephanie Powers until 1977. The main house has three bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, and there are two guesthouses attached to the main building, making it a five-bedroom five-and-a-half-bathroom home. The entire compound has a flat, cantilevered roof. Forty-seven floor-to-ceiling glass walls pivot to the enormous backyard, which has a 55 by 21-foot pool along with incredible views of the San Jacinto Mountains. It was designated as a Class 1 Historic Site by Palm Springs in March of 2018.

Pro Tips: The best time to visit Palm Springs is from February to April when the temperatures are around the mid-70s. In February, be sure to experience Modernism Week , it’s an 11-day festival with architecture tours, garden tours, parties, special events, and informative talks. All the events are open to the public, and many are inexpensive or completely free.  There are festivals and events throughout the year. Check here for a full listing.

Want to immerse yourself in Mid-century style? Check out our list of the best Airbnbs in Palm Springs , which features some classic Mid-century modern homes that you can rent for your desert getaway.

Learn more about Palm Springs with these articles:

  • 9 Most Luxurious Vacation Rentals In Palm Springs, California
  • How To Spend A Fantastic Day In Palm Springs
  • Weekend Getaway In Palm Springs

Image of Jeanine Consoli

Jeanine Consoli is a freelance travel writer, photographer, and foodie based in Washington Crossing, PA. A retired elementary school teacher, she used her summers to feed her passion for travel and kept journals of all the destinations she explored. Today, Jeanine is working as a writer full-time. She loves uncovering the history and understanding the culture of each location, including the local flavors of each unique place. She has traveled extensively in the United States and Europe and is excited to keep adding to the list, finding special places that are off the beaten path both at home and abroad. Follow along with her travels on Jeanine Consoli Travels .

Midcentury Preservation

Midcentury Preservation

Mid-Century Modern Architecture

Mid Century Modern Tours

Nothing like seeing in person how seamlessly Mid Century Modern art and furniture fit into a Frank Lloyd Wright, E. Stewart Williams or Richard Neutra designed home. If you live in a smaller city and can’t find an organized tour, consider connecting with your local American Institute of Architects (AIA) organization. If there’s not one for your city, there will be for your state.

Modern Architecture & Design Society Tours (MA+DS) – This organization conducts home tours throughout the year in the following cities: Austin, TX, Boulder, CO, San Diego, CA, Washington, DC, Houston, TX, Vancouver, BC, Portland and Seattle, WA.

You pay for tickets online, print out your tickets or save it to your mobile device. On the tour day, you arrive at the homes listed on the website. You’re allowed entry to all the homes listed on the tour. The architects, interior designers and possibly even the homeowners will be there to meet you and explain how they used Mid Century Modern Design to meet homeowners’ needs and aesthetic preferences.

Sacramento Mid Century Modern Home Tours (June) – Lasting just one day, Sacramento Modern Association facilitates a self-guided tour showcasing a variety of mid-20th century living throughout South Land Park, Land Park, and Hollywood Park neighborhoods. The tour stops on examples from minimalist to kitsch, ranch and modern homes. Tickets include a guidebook with the history of these homes and the Mid Century Modern movement. The event also includes modern and vintage products from local designers and vendors.

The Modern Tour Palm Springs – This company leads groups of six or less through Palm Springs homes designed by Richard Neutra, Donald Wexler, E. Stewart Williams and William Krisel. During the two-and-a-half hour tour, visitors enter the homes of Hollywood icons, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Peter Lawford and William Holden. The $200 fee isn’t cheap, but it includes a copy of the KPBS documentary Julius Shulmun: Desert Modern.

Chicago Architecture Center – Interested in the commercial buildings created by Modern architects? The Chicago Architecture Center runs a tour for private groups covering buildings by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Bertrand Goldberg and Harry Weese. The tour includes Marina City, the Daley Center, and the IBM building.

More Activities for Mid Century Modern Enthusiasts

Mid Century Modern Auctions

Mid Century Modern Events

Mid Century Modern Shows

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palm springs historic home tours

CHECK OUT OUR REVIEWS ON GOOGLE AND

TRIP ADVISOR!

palm springs historic home tours

WE GO INSIDE HOUSES ON EVERY TOUR THAT WE DO, and there is a  live guide leading the tours!

We also drive through the most DRAMATIC, beautiful and  architecturally significant neighborhoods of palm springs.

TOURS START AT $200 PER PERSON

SOME OF THE HOUSES WE GO INSIDE OF:

palm springs historic home tours

We are the luxury tour of palm springs, and the oldest architectural tour operator in palm springs.  We are the official tour of the palm springs art museum architecture + design center.

we have audio connection to all cars in the "caravan" Separate Vehicles (Guests' own vehicles, or we can arrange luxury transportation for an additional fee) With Two-Way audio Communication between THE TOUR GUIDE, WHO WILL LEAD THE TOURS, TO All Parties.

Photography Is Permitted Throughout The Tours.

Please Visit The Tours Link Above For All Of The Deets.

 tours start at $200 Per Person

Corporate and group tours are also a specialty.  We have done 4 tours for amazon, 7 tours for nike, 4 tours for cadillac, 4 tours for interior design magazine, multiple tours for volkswagen, and tours for christian dior, loro piana, NBC, american express, wedding parties, etc.  please visit our corporate and group tours page .

SCROLL DOWN FURTHER FOR PIX BELOW

The Modern Tour is THE architectural luxury tour of Palm Springs. WE VISIT THE INTERIORS OF PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL INTERIORS ON EVERY TOUR THAT WE DO.   THERE IS A LIVE GUIDE LEADING ALL OF OUR TOURS!   We are the official tour of the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center.  There are numerous upgrades to our tours, such as interior visits to the Franz Alexander House, the Frederick Loewe Estate, , as well as additional interiors creating a very customizable experience.  The tours are informative and entertaining.  Please explore our site, and we look forward to touring with you..

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Two men in bright jackets stand next to a cactus outside a white breeze block wall.

12 don’t-miss home tours for Midcentury Modern fans at Palm Springs’ Modernism Week

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When you think of Modernism Week in Palm Springs, chances are you think of shopping for Midcentury Modern furniture, poolside parties and double-decker bus tours highlighting iconic tract homes with soaring butterfly roofs.

But the house tours are the most exciting draw at this annual event, from the newly renovated Alexander Estate, known as the House of Tomorrow , where Elvis and Priscilla Presley honeymooned in 1967, to the 1958 Palmer & Krisel tract home that Seal Beach artist Shag has transformed into a living, breathing work of art.

Planning your weekend?

Stay up to date on the best things to do, see and eat in L.A .

Many of the home tours sell out quickly. After all, who wouldn’t want to tour Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms estate in the Movie Colony neighborhood, which is now a luxury rental with rates of more than $4,500 a night?

There’s more to Modernism Week than just Sinatra’s pad. Here are 12 home tours that, at press time, have ticket availability. (Note: Given the historic nature of the homes, most are not ADA-accessible, and in some cases, children are not allowed.)

A futuristic house

The House of Tomorrow (a.k.a. Elvis’ Honeymoon Hideaway) home tour

A man in white pants and chartreuse jacket outside the Shag House in Palm Springs.

Modernism Week Featured Home Tour: The Shag House

A swimming pool outside a low-slung Midcentury house in Palm Springs.

Modernism Week Featured Home Tour: Wexler ’54

A compound made from concrete, redwood, glass and steel with desert plants around it.

The Lautner Compound Tour

Sam Maloof's home where he built a daybed into a nook.

Sam Maloof Historic Home, Gallery and Gardens in Alta Loma

A single-story residence of glass and corrugated metal against a desert mountain.

Frey House ll Tour + Museum Day Passes

A white low-slung home with a pool in Palm Springs.

Sunmor Estates Midcentury Home Tour

A Midcentury Modern home in Palm Springs.

Twin Palms: It Started Here!

A low-slung house with a pink door next to a stand of tall palm trees

'That Pink Door House': Villa Sierra

A white Midcentury home with a blue door.

Indian Canyons Resort Modernism Home Tour

A Midcentury Modern home and pool in Palm Springs.

El Rancho Vista Estates Modernism Home Tour

A dining room overlooking a window and yard.

Villa Vadera Home Tour

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A rare chance to go inside the Donaldson Futuro House is part of the popular Idyllwild Historical Society Home Tour this year. PHOTO BY JOHN GASTALDO

Visit the Donaldson Futuro House on Idyllwild Home Tour

A self-guided historical tour on sept. 16 takes visitors inside six beautifully preserved homes..

Julie Pendray August 30, 2023 Home & Design

A rare chance to go inside the Donaldson Futuro House is part of the popular Idyllwild Historical Society Home Tour this year. PHOTO BY JOHN GASTALDO

A rare chance to go inside the Donaldson Futuro House is part of the popular Idyllwild Historical Society Home Tour this year. PHOTO BY JOHN GASTALDO

In the mountains above Palm Springs, at about 6,000 feet in elevation, a bright yellow relic rises from the rocky floor. It looks as if aliens flew in and landed it among the trees. The famous Space Age landmark is the Donaldson Futuro House, designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen and named in honor of owner Milford Wayne Donaldson’s meticulous restoration effort. Its design dates back to 1968, a year before the United States landed on the moon, and it is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

On Sept. 16, the owner is offering a rare chance to go inside this gem as a major highlight of the Idyllwild Area Historical Society’s annual Home Tour . Five other “beautifully preserved” homes, one with a “breathtaking artist’s studio” will be included — each is opening to the public for the first time. Ticket proceeds support the historical society’s museum and archives.

The 520-square-foot interior comprises a bedroom, bathroom, dining area, and lounge. Fans consider the innovative dwelling to be a representation of postwar optimism about technology and the economy, as well as a reflection of the general increase in leisure time. Approximately 100 prefabricated Futuro Houses were built before the oil embargo in the late ’70s caused a slowdown in plastics production. An estimated 68 remain standing today, located in faraway places like New Zealand, Estonia, and even Antarctica.

Other viewings on the tour include one of Idyllwild’s oldest residences, the Foley Cabin, dating back to 1910, plus a 1930s Fishing Cabin with a bridge that leads to an artist’s studio.

tacquila palm springs

Homes dating back as far as 1910 in Idyllwild will be opened to the public for the first time, as part of the annual Idyllwild Home Tour on Sept. 16. PHOTOS COURTESY IDYLLWILD AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The event happens Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased on the day of the tour at the museum at 54470 N. Circle Drive in Idyllwild. Tickets can also be purchased at the Idyllwild Inn in the center of town, off scenic Highway 243. Online tickets have sold out.

Tours are self-guided and an easy-to-follow map will be provided.

Children joining the tour must be at least age 7. Refreshments will be served throughout the day in the Village Garden on the museum grounds. For more information, contact the museum at 951-659-2717.

Please note that the entrance to the Futuro House is via airplane-hatch-style stairs and may not be accessible for all visitors. Properties may also have rocky or uneven ground, so be sure to wear good walking shoes.

  • READ NEXT: Owners reveal the renovation of a 1970s High Desert home.

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432 Hermosa

You won't find any Titanic knick-knacks here, just stunning modern architecture by Donald Wexler in this historic Palm Springs home once owned by Dinah Shore.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Palm Springs Home

palm springs historic home tours

Palm Springs California has plenty of homes and mansions that are breathtaking inside and out. Leonardo DiCaprio’s Palm Springs estate, located at 432 Hermosa, is no exception.

Want to see Palm Springs architecture & history for yourself? Check out the tours available TODAY!

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Palm Springs home: all about 432 Hermosa’s stunning architecture

The home was originally built in 1964 by famed mid-Century modern architect Donald Wexler for actress/singer Dinah Shore and her then-husband George Montgomery. Many experts say that this home is probably Wexler’s finest work throughout his entire career and many also agree that Dinah Shore moving into this house encouraged many other celebrities to purchase homes in the area as well, helping form Palm Springs into the architectural and visitor’s paradise it is today.

Leonardo DiCaprio purchased the home for a reputed $5.32 million back in 2014 and occasionally even uses it as his own vacation home. The residence is well-kept and updated as needed while keeping the architectural experience very original. In fact, the home has become so legendary that it has been featured on Netflix’s Instant Hotel show.

palm springs historic home tours

Amazing home in Old Las Palmas

Situated on 1.3 acres of land, the sprawling 7,022 square-foot home provides a quiet getaway from the rest of the bustling central Palm Springs area. The home can be found in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood, which is close to all of the festivals and events, yet far enough away to experience calm. Art galleries, fine arts theaters, restaurants, clubs, and many other upscale experiences are within walkable distance despite the home being tucked deep into the neighborhood.

Modernism design: indoor spaces flow to outdoors

Although the home is enclosed by walls so outsiders cannot get a full glimpse of its beauty, the inside is immaculate. Take a look via the home’s website, 432Hermosa.com   It was designed with walls of glass to provide views of the outdoor oasis and mid-century modern interiors that boast plenty of space for guests. Luscious palm trees and the San Jacinto mountains wrap the house, which is kept incredibly clean by the housekeeper who apparently cleans every single day.

palm springs historic home tours

Photo courtesy 432Hermosa.com

The home has six bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms as well as a large dining room, a grand piano, a chef’s kitchen, and, as mentioned, walls consisting of floor-to-ceiling glass. The ceilings are made of wood and, in typical Wexler style, the home features stainless steel floors and a foyer wall made of genuine stone.  There are also a 1-bedroom guest home, and a quaint casita alongside the main house.

The living room boasts a very large sofa and plenty of other seating, as well as a large screen television and a retractable projector that comes out of the ceiling. The bedrooms each have a different color layout and there are plenty of beds of various sizes so any party can be accommodated.

Former home of Dinah Shore makes it historic

Outside, there is a heated swimming pool, a spa, a sauna, and several terraces to mingle on after getting a drink from the cocktail bar. The pool features lounge chairs and umbrellas for the relentless summer sun, and the boulders neatly placed around the outside provide the true mountain experience and mid-century modern feel that Wexler was going for when he designed the home. Dinah Shore and George Montgomery were avid tennis players, so it’s no wonder the property also includes a full north-to-south tennis court. The fountain adds a nice touch to the already-perfect view, and several fireplaces are scattered throughout for cooler evenings.

If you’re looking to stay here with some family and friends, you’re in luck! The home can be rented out (two night minimum) for banquets, functions, corporate events, or vacations starting at just $3,750 per night. Be aware, however, that DiCaprio leaves no indication that he owns the house, so if you’re looking for knickknacks from Titanic’s Jack Dawson or other roles DiCaprio has played, you won’t find any here.

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Tours call 760-844-2242 | Museums: Open 10am-4pm Everyday Closed Tuesday | Research Center: By Appointment

Golden Era Hollywood Homes

In old Las Palmas Spanish Colonial architecture abounds alongside examples of dramatic Midcentury architecture. Docents share tales of the stars who lived and martini-ed here.

This neighborhood began its development in the late 1920s and has one of the highest concentrations of celebrity homes anywhere. Throughout the decades stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Kirk Douglas, Cary Grant, Judy Garland, and Leonardo DiCaprio, plus many others have made their homes here.

Neighborhood: Old Las Palmas

Questions?   Please read the Know Before You Go so you can be prepared for your tour. FAQ →

Know Before You Go →

More questions or concerns EMAIL   or Text or Call our Tour Coordinator Steven  760.844.2242 so he can help.

Starting Location:   Corner of Vine Ave and W Alejo Rd

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Palm Springs Tours Guide

tamerisk neighborhood tour modernism week

Taking Palm Springs tours is a great way to explore and experience everything this amazing destination has to offer. Learn about the history and culture of the area, see the sights, get insider tips and meet new people.

With so much to see and do, a guided tour can help you make the most of your time in this desert paradise. Here’s a selection of Palm Springs tours by tour type.

palm springs historic home tours

Architecture & Design Tours

Palm Springs is known for its unique midcentury modern architecture and design, and several tour companies offer excursions that showcase the city’s most stunning buildings and homes.

Architecture Tours by Modernism Week – Modernism Week and PS Architecture Tours have teamed up to provide the definitive modern architecture tour experience. Join them for a season-long series of carefully curated small group tours spearheaded by tour operator, Trevor O’Donnell, and a select team of knowledgeable professional guides. Tour runs October – May.

Trevor O'Donnell architecture

Palm Springs Mod Squad offers a number of architecture and design tours. Kurt Cyr, a local celebrity, designer and midcentury modern expert is your guide.  He is known for his affable personality, architectural knowledge and inspiring tours.

palm springs historic home tours

  The Modernism Palm Springs Tour and Icons tour from Five Star Tours offers an in-depth look into the architects’ visual expression that made Palm Springs world famous.

The Modern Tour is the luxury tour and the oldest architectural tour operator in Palm Springs. They are also the official tour of the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture + Design. Tour guide Michael Stern is the Author of the best-selling Rizzoli publication “Julius Shulman: Palm Springs, and the Director and Producer of the film “Julius Shulman: Desert Modern” which has aired on PBS.  He curated the exhibition “Julius Shulman: Palm Springs” which is the largest exhibition of Shulman’s work that has ever been done, and the largest exhibition exploring Palm Springs’ amazing collection of midcentury modern architecture and design.

palm springs historic home tours

There is also a self-drive map of Modernism Palm Springs you can purchase at the Palm Springs Visitor Center that was created by the Palm Springs Modernism Committee.

modernism map

Mid-Century Architecture Self-Guided Tour

On the Palm Springs Historical Society biking tours , you will see midcentury gems up close, woven among a variety of architectural styles and stunning scenery. Stop for photos; hear fascinating tales and history of the famous architects, celebrities and pioneers. You will be provided a 7-speed bike, a helmet, and audio receiver with earpiece so you can hear your guide. Bike tours run October – May.

Bike Palm Springs

Big Wheel Tours offers an Indian Canyon Bike and Hike Tour . You will start riding from their shop in downtown Palm Springs. The bike route is 10 miles round trip and takes you through some of Palm Springs’s older neighborhoods. On this tour, you will enter Indian Canyons, the ancestral home of the local Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and take the climb to the Andreas Canyon trailhead. From there, you will take an easy and scenic nature walk that includes several stream crossings, incredible rock formations, a canopy of native palm trees, and stark desert canyon scenery.

The Big Wheel Mountain Bike Tours are fully customized private tours reserved just for your group. They take you to a pristine desert landscape where you can choose from a multitude of trails. Their expert guides will cater the route to suit your ability level, from beginner to expert. The trails go through washes or along ridge lines and vary from sandy to rocky.

people riding bikes

Palm Springs Big City Loop Bike Tour

Deepwell ranch estates bike tour, self-guided bike tour – south palm springs, cannabis tour.

CannaBus Express Tours is the very first Cannabis tour company in the Coachella Valley pioneering a 3- hour guided educational platform for those looking to understand the Cannabis Industry from seed to sale.

cannabus tour bus 2

Celebrity Tours

Over the years, Palm Springs has been home to many Hollywood celebrities, and there are several tours that focus on the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown. These tours often include visits to celebrity homes and other famous landmarks.

The Five Star Adventures Legends and Icons Tour takes you back in time to see over 50 move star homes of the past and present. It’s a comprehensive narrated tour that 1.5 – 2 hours in length. Places you will see include the homes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Kirk Douglas, Liberace, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and many more.

Travel through the beautiful Palm Springs on the Best of the Best Rich And Famous Tour and learn history and facts about the playground of the stars. Your entertaining guide will drive through the famous neighborhood of Las Palmas, regale you with stories and play a fun and often hilarious game of “Guess The Stars Homes.” Please note this tour is only available for groups of 10 or more, so please contact them to arrange your group tour.

palm springs historic home tours

There is also a celebrity self-drive map of the stars you can purchase at the Palm Springs Visitor Center . It includes a complete listing of the homes, addresses, and driving directions.

stars map

Culinary Tours

Visit 4-5 Palm Springs tasting stops along your three-hour, narrated walking tour on Desert Tasty Tours.  Enjoy a smorgasbord of samples — enough for lunch. Learn about each location, what makes them unique, and how they fit into the culinary tapestry and vibe of downtown Palm Springs. Eating your way through the tour is just one of the tasty ingredients… Add a dash of history, a cup of culture, and a dollop of famous resident name dropping, and you get a delicious day of fun! All tastings are included in your ticket price. Seasonal – does not operate in the summer.

lulu patio

For those who want to explore the rugged wilderness surrounding Palm Springs, a jeep tour is a great option. These tours take you deep into the canyons and mountains that make up the Coachella Valley landscape.

Since 1988, Desert Adventures has provided the most highly regarded outdoor adventures in the Palm Springs area. On the San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour , you will learn about the plants, animals, geology, and seismology of the California Desert and San Andreas Fault Zone. This tour also explains how and why the Cahuilla Indians lived in the fault zone and how they built and maintained a vibrant culture in this arid and inhospitable environment.

red jeep tour

Big Wheel Tours offers a San Andreas Fault off-road Jeep Tour . You will see first hand what geologists have called ”the most tortured landscape on earth” as you visit the backcountry trails of a Bureau of Land Management Wilderness zone. Sheer canyon walls, fascinating geology, and abundant native desert plant and animal life are highlights of this tour. This is the most colorful portion of the San Andreas Fault in all of California. The spectrum of layers and colors will dazzle you.

Online Tours

Palm Springs Modernism Committee has created a Midcentury Modern Tour Mobile App. which you can download for the app store. The guided tour includes over 80 midcentury landmarks in Palm Springs, 12 intimate profiles of leading architects, and videos of interiors and exteriors, among other things. It’s written and narrated by top architectural historians and experts. The cost is only $4.99.

palm-springs-modern-comittee-modernism-phone-copy

Palm Springs Modern Tours are self-drive and walking tours from the safety and comfort of your own car, plus the convenience and luxury of your own schedule. One you download the tour, routes are integrated with Google mapping for directions.

Modern Tours Palm Springs

The Grand Tour

If you want a general overview, the All About Palm Springs Tour is offered through Five Star Adventures Tours. You must call to book this tour and it only runs on Thursday. This will include stars homes, designated historic districts, landmarks, a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, and a visit to VillageFest. This tour begins at 2 pm.

Walking Tours

Palm Springs Historical Society offers walking tours and biking tours.  The walking tours focus on historic neighborhoods, distinguished by a combination of the celebrities and local pioneers who called them home. It also includes information about the architects and builders who shaped the city’s development. Due to the heat, the walking tours operate October – March.

PalmSprings Historical Society

San Andreas Fault

Desert Adventures offers a San Andreas Fault Hiking Tours . They offer three hikes, from easy to moderate in difficulty.

The Four Posts Canyon Trail starts out in a wide level wash that narrows to intermittent high walled canyons, revealing interesting geologic formations as you round every corner. Near the back of the canyon, the trail rises gradually, leading to a great view of the valley floor and Santa Rosa Mountains below. (Difficulty: Easy)

On the Gem Canyon Trail , a winding foot trail takes you through a slot canyon. From there, you will climb up at 10 foot ladder to reach the next level of the canyon. The hike continues through more slot canyons until you reach the top and are rewarded with expansive views of the valley below. (Difficulty: Moderate)

On the Esophagus Canyon Trail , a little boulder scrambling will bring you to an overlook area after hiking through a mostly flat, winding canyon. (Difficulty: Easy to Moderate)

Indian Canyons

Red Jeep Tours offers the Indian Canyons Walking Tour by Jeep. Journey to the ancestral homeland of Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians where stunning rock formation and the contrasting greens of magnificent California fan palms and more than 150 species of plants beckon travelers to these lush oases. Along the way, your naturalist guide will engage and entertain you with stories about the lifestyle, culture, and beliefs of the Cahuilla Indians, our local Native American Tribe.

Best of the Best Indian Canyons Tour is approximately 2.5 hours and includes a 30-minute nature hike in Andreas Canyon.

hiking in Indian Canyons Palm Springs

Yes, you read it correctly! Have fun on the MOGO Silent Disco Tour as you turn up the volume on our headsets and take an exhilarating strance (that’s “stroll” and “dance”) through town. You’ll be boogeying down every block on your own private parade.  It runs on Fridays & Saturdays at 6:30 pm, covers about 1.25 miles, and lasts approximately 60 minutes.

Mogo Silent Disco Tour

Custom Tour

The Big Wheel Hiking Tours are customized to your needs. Our highly trained naturalist guides will provide entertaining commentary for your tour, hotel pickup, drop-off, and refreshments to ensure that your Palm Springs area hike will be a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Windmill Tour

The Palm Springs Windmill Tours take you on a journey to learn about wind energy, how wind turbines work, and the history of the wind farm.

Their seasonal Bus Tours offer an energy tour that starts on a private wind farm and concludes with a drive around the San Gorgonio Pass, which has become an important energy corridor. Included in the tour is a presentation video, a short walk through artifacts from 40 years ago, and close-up views of the sleek modern operating wind turbines we see today. The tour continues on a perimeter drive to see utility solar farms, the Devers substation where energy is added to the electrical grid, and the new Desert Peak Energy storage facility. They also offer a year-round self-driving tour.

palm springs windmill tours

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The Desert Sun (Palm Springs)

Modernism Week: Palm Springs couple restores Robson Chambers' residence to original glory

T he names Albert Frey and John Porter Clark mean a great deal to Palm Springs — especially to those familiar with the city's architectural history.

Robson Chambers, sometimes referred to as "The Third Man," might not be as well-known, but he left significant impressions on the desert and one local couple.

Los Angeles fashion and editorial photographers Carlos Serrao and Monica May were looking to buy a home in the desert in 2018. When they walked into the 1946 residence of architect Chambers, they felt it was the one.

"The first couple of houses we started looking at we were like, 'OK, this is possible here,'" May said. "Then we saw this house and ... there was a feeling about it that just felt very special."

Chambers, a young architect from Banning, had spent World War II designing military bases before arriving in Palm Springs, where he worked with Clark and Frey. He designed the original two-bedroom home in the Warm Sands neighborhood for his wife and child. Later, anticipating his family would grow, added a primary bedroom with a dressing room and bath in 1950, as well as a double carport adjoining the kitchen. A pool was added sometime during the late 1960s or early 1970s by another owner.

The home has had a number of owners over 78 years, and each new person brought in their own styles and designs. Though they fell in love with the home's structure, Serrao said there were "definitely a lot of onion layers we had to peel back from the '70s, '80s and '90s."

That led the two down an architectural restoration rabbit hole, which included getting their hands on the home's original bluelines, photos from 1948 by architectural photographer Julius Shulman and materials in books and magazines. For their efforts, they won the Palm Springs Modern Committee’s 2022 Residential Renovation Award, and the home was declared a Palm Springs Class 1 Historic Site in 2022.

The Warm Sands home is one of several that architectural fans can visit during Modernism Week, held Feb. 15-25.

Peeling back the onion

The onion layers that Serrao and May had to peel back came from the different owners of the property.

"Someone added Spanish tile at some point, someone tried to make it more like atomic-y and wedge it into that Palm Springs-atomic architectural field which it kind of is in," Serrao said. "Some people tried to make it more like the Frey house with some walls made of maple."

One of the first changes they made was removing maple wall panels, and they discovered damaged, serrated material underneath. The floors also "didn't feel right" to them. When they eventually saw photos of the original home, "it kind of spoke to us," Serrao said, which made them want to bring it to its former design glory.

Chambers' time in Palm Springs was filled with many triumphs. He became partner in 1953, and the firm was called Clark, Frey and Chambers. Later, it was pared to Frey and Chambers when Clark left. Signature projects during that era were the North Shore Beach and Yacht Club, Palm Springs City Hall and the Aerial Tramway Valley Station. In 1966, Chambers left the desert to work as campus architect for the University of California Santa Barbara, where he stayed until he retired in 1980. His archives, including bluelines and photographs of the original house, are stored there.

"We were able to then discern this material was used on the inside or this color (was used), which is only a description because there were not swatches or color photographs even," May said.

Serrao added that a 1951 Los Angeles Times article included plenty of color and material descriptions.

"When we saw the article from Esther McCoy, it mentioned that the entire living room was clad with this serrated plywood. We found one out of two manufacturers that still existed to make it, so we were able to get that material back on the walls," Serrao said. "It really does a beautiful thing because it sort of changes the color as the light changes in the room."

McCoy noted in the article that the original floor was a poured concrete slab, but overtime, owners brought in linoleum, carpet and tile. Serrao and May decided to take all that away and bring it back to the concrete slab.

They also retiled a bathroom, switched out a sink for something that felt more authentic and restored sliding doors. The colors they chose mainly stick to the descriptions they read about, including a warmer cream and a soft pink that "gives so much of a vibe to the place" and "changes hues throughout the day" depending on the light coming into the home, May said. They diverged on a blue shade, however — originally a light teal was used, but that would show too many imperfections, so they settled on navy.

Something that has stayed true to the house, no matter who has owned it, are its dimmable louver-lights.

"Most people, when they come over, are like, 'Oh that's an interesting spot for an AC vent,' which is what we thought too when we first saw the house and got to meet with the realtor," May said. "These are original dimmer lights to the house that are about waist-high and not one person who ever owned the house after Robson Chambers and his family decided, 'I'm just going to delete those,' which is such an amazing feature of the house."

May added that, as far as they know, those types of dimmers don't exist anywhere else, but they did find evidence of them in photographs of Frey's house for actor Raymond Hatton, which was demolished in the 1970s.

A spotlight for Chambers

Although the restoration came with a few headaches along the way, Serrao and May said they wouldn't trade it for the world considering all the appreciation they've gained for Chambers. In fact, one of the main reasons why they pursued the Class 1 Historic Site designation was to bring more awareness to his work in the city.

"Everyone focuses on Albert Frey, and when we purchased this house, it was attributed to Albert Frey, when in fact it was Robson Chambers," Serrao said. "From these bluelines, you don't see Frey's name on it, you see Robson Chambers. I'm sure he got some advice (from Frey), like those dimmers, but we thought, 'Maybe we could get some recognition to this house and to this architect.'"

When a city official came to tour the home for the historic designation, the couple recalled he said, "This house has such an honesty of materials," which they took as a compliment both to their restoration and Chambers' vision.

As they prepare to show their home again during Modernism Week, they both said they're looking forward to the conversations and questions that will come their way from architects, mid-century modern enthusiasts and anyone who loves a cozy home.

"There's architects that will come for Modernism Week from all over the world to see what tours or lectures are available, so we've been able to meet some really nice people who have so many questions," May said. "It's not a huge house, it's a pretty humble house that has some nice colors, and we were able to bring back some of the textures and the intention to it, and I think that comes through."

What: Modernism Week tours of the restored Chambers home (organized by the Friends of the Palm Springs Library)

When: Various tours between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Feb. 21 (check websites to see which ones are still available)

Where: Address will be provided upon ticket purchase

More info: https://modernismweek.com

Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter @ema_sasic.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Modernism Week: Palm Springs couple restores Robson Chambers' residence to original glory

The exterior of the Robson Chambers residence in Palm Springs.

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An Iconic Palm Springs Home by Pioneering Midcentury Architect William Krisel Just Hit the Market

Known as “maison bleue moderne,” and asking $3.5 million, the 1950s gem recently underwent a chic remodel., wendy bowman, wendy bowman's most recent stories, two of socal’s ‘glass ladies’ houses are up for grabs.

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Maison Bleue Moderne Palm Springs

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Maison Bleue Moderne Palm Springs

Nestled on a quarter-acre parcel at the foothills of the San Gorgonio Mountains, and dubbed “Maison Bleue Moderne,” the three-bedroom, four-bath abode has a little more than 2,300 square feet of Michelle Boudreau -designed living space inspired by the current owners’ “colorful personalities and passions for sailing and travel.” Think walls of glass throughout, paired with walnut and brass accents, eye-catching Ferguson light fixtures and recurring circular shapes.

Out front, the all-white structure is highlighted by clerestory windows and turquoise-hued double doors that lead into a private courtyard. Once inside, an open-concept great room wrapped in slatted wood panels is centered around a living room bedecked with a floor-to-ceiling white brick fireplace and reading nook sporting hanging ’70s-style swinging chairs. A dining area with a built-in credenza connects via a marble-clad bar to the sleekly designed kitchen, which is outfitted with a lengthy central island and seamless appliances.

Maison Bleue Moderne Palm Springs

The listing is held by Marianne Trintignac of Coldwell Banker Realty.

Click here for more photos of Maison Bleue Moderne.

Maison Bleue Moderne Palm Springs

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IMAGES

  1. Palm Springs Midcentury Home Tour

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  2. Palm Springs Historical Society

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  3. Famous Houses in Palm Springs (Self Guided), Palm Springs, California

    palm springs historic home tours

  4. Exploring Historic Homes in Palm Springs: A Guide to Ownership and

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  5. Bob Hope House

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  6. The Only Palm Springs Architecture Guide You Will Ever Need

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COMMENTS

  1. Famous Houses in Palm Springs (Self Guided), Palm Springs

    Guide Name: Famous Houses in Palm Springs Guide Location: USA » Palm Springs (See other walking tours in Palm Springs) Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing) # of Attractions: 11 Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s) Travel Distance: 7.2 Km or 4.5 Miles Author: Dee Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:

  2. Walking Tours

    We offer historical tours focusing on Palm Springs' historic neighborhoods, distinguished by a combination of the celebrities and local pioneers who called them home and the architects and builders who shaped their development. Palm Springs is renowned for having the largest concentration of midcentury modern architecture in the country.

  3. Palm Springs Stars' Homes: Self-Guided Tour

    Courtesy Palm Springs Life Archives. Alan Ladd - 323 Camino Norte. Alan Ladd (1913 - 1964) was an American actor and film producer. In film noir and Western films, he was known for his roles as a cowboy, detective, and war hero in the 1940s and 1950s. He is best known for his role in the 1953 western Shane.

  4. Palm Springs Historical Society

    Historical walking tours focusing on Palm Springs' historic neighborhoods, a combination of the celebrities and local pioneers. Research library. ... Golden Era Hollywood Homes. $40.00. Tue + Sat. Rat Pack Playground. $40.00. Sun + Thu. Frank Sinatra's Neighborhood. $40.00. Fri. Stars of the Movie Colony. $40.00. Sun. Giants of Architecture.

  5. 5 Incredible Mid-Century Modern Homes To Visit In Palm Springs

    Still, luckily due to historic preservation, there are many examples to see. Taking a tour to view them is a must when visiting Palm Springs. I was a guest of Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels for the PSModSquad Tour, but all opinions are my own. ... and it's one of the most interesting Mid-century homes in Palm Springs. It has terrazzo ...

  6. Mid-Century Modern Architecture Tours

    Modernism Mega Tour. A combination of our Top 10 Tour and the Modern Architecture 101 Tour, the Mega Tour boasts nearly double the number of tour stops than a regular tour. This is the tour for architecture lovers and those looking to learn all about Palm Springs. Get This Tour - $89.99.

  7. Tours

    TOURS: Biking and Walking tours 7 days a week, book online. Private and Vehicle Tours text or call to arrange. 760-844-2242 Private and Vehicle Tours text or call to arrange. 760-844-2242 MUSEUMS: Adobe open everyday 10 am to 4 pm Mon-Wed-Thu-Fri-Sat-Sun Closed on Tuesdays.

  8. Home Tours

    The Modern Tour Palm Springs - This company leads groups of six or less through Palm Springs homes designed by Richard Neutra, Donald Wexler, E. Stewart Williams and William Krisel. During the two-and-a-half hour tour, visitors enter the homes of Hollywood icons, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Peter Lawford and William Holden.

  9. Home [www.moderntour.com]

    The Modern Tour is THE architectural luxury tour of Palm Springs. We go inside of private residential properties of spectacular MidCentury Modern homes on ALL of the tours that we do. We are the official tour of the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center. There are numerous upgrades to our tours, such as visits to Frey House II, as well as additional interiors creating a very ...

  10. Palm Springs Historical Society

    Experience early desert living. Cornelia Butler White was an important Palm Springs pioneer. She was the founder of the Desert Museum. Graciously donating the land for this Palm Springs treasure. All proceeds from our historical tours benefit The Palm Springs Historical Society, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization since 1955.

  11. Midcentury Modern Tours

    Visit former celebrity estates with The Modern Tour, the official tour of the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture & Design center. Or use digital tablets to compare a home's vintage and contemporary photos on an outing with MidMod Design Tour. Regardless of which midcentury modern tour you choose, you'll find a whole new appreciation for ...

  12. Midcentury Modern home tours at Palm Springs' Modernism Week

    Dates with ticket availability: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 18-20 and 22-25. Ticket: $75. (A twilight tour and champagne reception for a limited number of guests at Frey House II are available at ...

  13. Frank Sinatra's Twin Palms

    Today Twin Palms is a Class 1 Historic Site as designated by the City of Palm Springs in 2001. The home epitomizes all that's right and beautiful about desert modernism. The home's application to the National Registry of Historic Places was accepted as an architectural gem which "embodies the distinctive characteristics of mid-century ...

  14. House of Tomorrow Home Tour

    This historic home has recently undergone a second interior renovation and we are excited to share the new changes as re-envisioned by Michelle Boudreau Design. A $100 twilight tour and bubbly reception for a limited number of guests at House of Tomorrow is available at 4:30 p.m. This tour is for ages 21 and older. $55.

  15. TOURS

    We offer historical tours focusing on Palm Springs' historic neighborhoods, distinguished by a combination of the celebrities and local pioneers who called them home, and the architects and builders who shaped their development. Palm Springs is renowned for having the largest concentration of midcentury modern architecture in the country.

  16. Architecture In Palm Spring

    Sunnylands Center & Gardens: Tours of this historic 25,000-square-foot estate designed by A. Quincy Jones must be booked in advance; seeing the unique juxtaposition of mid-century modern style and Mayan-inspired aesthetics is every architecture buff's dream. Modernism Week: This annual celebration of mid-century modern architecture draws ...

  17. Visit the Donaldson Futuro House on Idyllwild Home Tour

    The event happens Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased on the day of the tour at the museum at 54470 N. Circle Drive in Idyllwild. Tickets can also be purchased at the Idyllwild Inn in the center of town, off scenic Highway 243. Online tickets have sold out. Tours are self-guided and an easy-to-follow ...

  18. Leonardo DiCaprio's Palm Springs Home

    Amazing home in Old Las Palmas. Situated on 1.3 acres of land, the sprawling 7,022 square-foot home provides a quiet getaway from the rest of the bustling central Palm Springs area. The home can be found in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood, which is close to all of the festivals and events, yet far enough away to experience calm.

  19. Golden Era Hollywood Homes

    Know Before You Go. EMAIL or Text or Call our Tour Coordinator 760.844.2242 to arrange a tour. Starting Location: Corner of Vine Ave and W Alejo Rd. Palm Springs Walking Tour. In old Las Palmas Spanish Colonial architecture abounds alongside examples of dramatic Midcentury architecture. Docents share tales of the stars who lived and martini-ed ...

  20. Palm Springs Tours Guide

    The guided tour includes over 80 midcentury landmarks in Palm Springs, 12 intimate profiles of leading architects, and videos of interiors and exteriors, among other things. It's written and narrated by top architectural historians and experts. The cost is only $4.99.

  21. Modernism Week: Palm Springs couple restores Robson Chambers' residence

    What: Modernism Week tours of the restored Chambers home (organized by the Friends of the Palm Springs Library) When: Various tours between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Feb. 21 (check websites to see ...

  22. A William Krisel-Designed 'Alexander Home' Lists in Palm Springs

    Known as "Maison Bleue Moderne," and asking $3.5 million, the 1950s home in the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood recently underwent a chic remodel.

  23. Palm Springs Historical Society

    Presented by the Palm Springs Historical Society, a non-profit founded in 1955, the society continues its mission to save and present the history of Palm Springs. The walking tours use photos and stories pulled from the depths of the archive. Choose from fourteen different walking tours and two biking tours with each tour covering: celebrities, architecture and the unique history of Palm Springs.

  24. THE TOP 10 Palm Springs Historical Tours (UPDATED 2024)

    A: The best Historical Tours in Palm Springs according to Viator travelers are: Joshua Tree National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour. South Palm Springs Architecture, History and Bike Tour. San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour from Palm Desert. Joshua Tree National Park Driving Tour. The Legends & Icons Tour of Palm Springs.