• The Movie Colony - Journey through the Movie Colony, a neighborhood that became home to many of Hollywood’s stars in the 1900s. Notable residents included Frank Sinatra, Dinah Shore, Cary Grant, David O. Selznick, Jack Benny, and Tony Curtis. The neighborhood’s charm is largely attributed to the El Mirador Hotel, which opened in 1928, featuring an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts, stables, and a bell tower that became a Palm Springs icon. In Hollywood’s early days, stars would retreat to this hotel for tranquility in the desert. Many fell in love with the area and commissioned renowned architects like Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, and Donald Wexler to design their permanent homes here.

• Liberace House - Soon, there will be an opportunity to take a detour to view the Kaufmann and Liberace Houses, two of Palm Springs’ most renowned homes. The detour is approximately five minutes long and is recommended if time permits. To visit, turn right onto West Vista Chino ahead. Otherwise, continue straight to bypass the detour.

• Kaufmann House - On the right, beyond the white gate, is the Kaufmann Desert House, celebrated as one of the finest examples of mid-century modern architecture in the U.S. Edgar Kaufmann, a successful Pittsburgh department store owner, was passionate about architecture. He had Frank Lloyd Wright design Fallingwater in Pennsylvania and chose Richard Neutra to create his Palm Springs vacation home. Neutra, known for his open and adaptable modern designs, applied his expertise to the Kaufmann House.

• Palm Springs Visitor Center - The Palm Springs audio tour begins in the parking lot of the Palm Springs Visitor Center, located at 2901 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262. If you’re not already there, it’s time to head over.

Important Note: While Palm Springs boasts many historic celebrity homes, most are concealed behind walls or fences.

The tour spans over 25 miles, includes more than 35 audio stories, and takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete.

Purchase once and enjoy for a year! Ideal for extended stays or return visits within the next 12 months.

• Robolights - After the next intersection, find a place to park and look for the vibrant sculptures peeking from behind the trees at the corner of East Granvia Valmonte and North Arquilla Road, on the right.

• Walk of the Stars Palm Springs - This walk honors 450 stars who have made significant contributions to Palm Springs history, including movie stars, humanitarians, architects, artists, soldiers, athletes, and city pioneers.

• Coachella Valley - Departing downtown Palm Springs, explore more of Coachella Valley, famous for the Coachella Music Festival and much more.

• Palm Springs International Airport - In 1939, the U.S. Corps of Engineers sought a location for an Army Air Corps landing field. With favorable weather and mountain protection from strong winds, Coachella Valley was ideal. Post-war, it became a civilian airport.

• Desert Memorial Park - Sinatra passed away in 1998 and was buried with a bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey, a Zippo lighter, a pack of Camel cigarettes, and 10 dimes, which have a story dating back to December 1963.

• Willis Palm Trailhead - Ahead is the Willis Palm Trailhead, a moderately challenging 4-mile hike with a 500-foot elevation gain, taking about three hours. The loop offers views of birds, desert wildlife, and wildflowers in spring.

• Pushwalla Palms Trailhead - The Pushawalla Palms trail is on the right, at the base of the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve, but heads in the opposite direction. This moderate 4.5-mile hike with a 700-foot elevation gain offers stunning views from the San Andreas Fault ridge and palm tree oases. It takes around three hours to complete.

• Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve - Arriving at the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve, a magical place with walking trails, wildlife, and lush scenery. Renovations are underway after a storm, so the visitor center is closed, but trails are open from sunrise to sunset.

• Forever Marilyn - This towering statue of Marilyn Monroe, created by sculptor Seward Johnson in 2011, stands 26 feet tall. Initially displayed in Chicago, it was later sponsored to be in Palm Springs, where it stood for two years before touring globally, including a stint in Australia.

• 1326 N Rose Ave - The house at 1326 North Rose Avenue is often claimed to be Marilyn Monroe’s, but locals suggest otherwise.

• Frey House II - Frey House II at 686 Palisades Drive isn’t open to the public, but the Palm Springs Museum offers guided tours. Designed by Albert Frey, the father of “desert modernism,” this house is notable for its architectural significance. Frey, a Swiss architect, moved to the U.S. at 27, contributing to the American modernist movement before settling in Palm Springs post-World War II.

• Palm Canyon Trail - The Palm Canyon Trail is an easy 2-mile round trip with a 200-foot elevation gain, taking about an hour. It offers beautiful canyon views, but note the entrance fee payable at The Trading Post in the parking lot.

• Andreas Canyon Trailhead - Andreas Canyon is an easy 1-mile loop with a 175-foot elevation gain, completed in about 30 minutes. The trail features over 150 plant species, palm trees, rock formations, and Andreas Creek, with visible Cahuilla grinding spots.

• Moorten Botanical Garden - A must-see for desert plant enthusiasts, the Moorten Botanical Garden was created by Chester “Cactus Slim” and Patricia Moorten in the 1940s. Cactus Slim, a former actor and Howard Hughes stand-in, moved to the desert for health reasons.

• Palm Springs Aerial Tramway - The world’s largest rotating tram car, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway travels 2.5 miles along Chino Canyon to Mount San Jacinto State Park, offering 360-degree views. The mountaintop features restaurants, a gift shop, and hiking trails.

• Pioneertown - Pioneertown, created by Hollywood in 1946 to resemble the Wild West, was an investment by Dick Curtis, Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, and others. They purchased 32,000 acres to create a movie set, vacation spot, and second home location.

• Joshua Tree Visitor Center - Begin the Joshua Tree tour at the Visitor Center, driving through the unique park where two deserts meet. Enjoy the peculiar Joshua trees, inspiring hikes, and unforgettable sunsets.

• Joshua Tree - Before entering the park, pass through the town of Joshua Tree, filled with charming shops and restaurants, perfect for snacks or souvenirs.

• Samuelsons Rock - Access this unique landmark via a moderate 3.3-mile trail. Nearly 100 years ago, John Samuelson etched musings and declarations onto these rocks, creating a mystical sight.

• Willow Hole - A 7-mile trail leads to Willow Hole, a miraculous desert oasis surrounded by willow trees, often mistaken for a mirage.

• Hemingway Buttress - A popular climbing spot, the Hemingway Buttress rises dramatically, inviting climbers of all skill levels to explore its boulders.

• Hidden Valley Nature Trail Trailhead - Discover a Wild West gang hideout and stunning desert scenery on this easy 1-mile trail, a must-see in Joshua Tree.

• Intersection Rock - A hub within Joshua Tree, Intersection Rock is visible from afar and offers numerous climbing routes with intriguing names.

• Cap Rock Trail - Cap Rock features a small boulder perched atop a larger formation. The short trail provides information about local flora.

• Lost Horse Valley - Learn about the McHaney Gang’s Wild West antics in Lost Horse Valley, including a miner’s attempt to recover stolen horses.

• Queen Valley Road - Discover an abandoned mine in Queen Valley, linked to a murder and other dramatic events.

• Skull Rock - This iconic granite formation resembles a human skull and is easily accessible, with a popular 2-mile trail starting here.

• Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center - Learn about Joshua Tree’s flora, fauna, and stars at this observatory, perfect for stargazing in the dark sky area.

• Oasis Ranger Station - The Oasis Visitor Center is the final stop on the main tour route, located in Twenty-Nine Palms. Continue exploring Joshua Tree via the detour route, exiting through the southern gate.

• General Patton Memorial Museum - The General George S. Patton Memorial Museum is located on the former site of Camp Young, part of the World War II Desert Training Center, and houses historic artifacts, including tanks.

• Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
• Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
• Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
• Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
• Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
• Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
• Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
• Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!

• Park Passes

Set off on a captivating adventure through Joshua Tree & Palm Springs with these two self-guided driving tours. Drive through the expansive desert of Joshua Tree National Park, where you’ll encounter striking boulder formations, mystical Joshua trees, a rich history of miners and bandits, and much more! Then, venture to Palm Springs to delve into the world of classic movie stars. Explore homes that once belonged to Elvis, Liberace, Frank Sinatra, and others while learning about the fascinating history of this glamorous city.

Important Note: Palm Springs features numerous historic celebrity homes, though many are concealed behind walls or fences.

After booking, check your email or text messages 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 specified starting point.

Purchase once and use for a year! Ideal for extended or return visits.

• How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
• How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
• Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
• Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
• Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
• Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
• Important Note: While Palm Springs is home to many historic celebrity homes, most are hidden behind walls or fences.
• Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car’s stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.
• For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.