Join the Palm Springs Historical Society on remarkable walking and bike tours through Palm Springs. See what changed, what remains. Truly a VIP Tour.
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The McCallum Adobe, is located at 221 South Palm Canyon Drive. Please bring a hat, water, sunscreen and wear comfortable shoes for tours. Reservations required - Call 760.323.8297 or www.pshistoricalsociety.org
Tour 1: THE HEART OF THE CITY
Learn exciting stories of how Palm Springs came to be! Starting at our McCallum Adobe, built in 1884, then stroll through old La Plaza, built in 1936. Follow
the steps of the pioneers as they laid the foundation for the Palm Springs of today. One of our most popular tours. Approximately 1 1/2 hours.
- Wednesday - 9:30 AM
- Saturday - 11:00 AM
Tour 2: GOLDEN ERA OF HOLLYWOOD HOMES IN OLD LAS PALMAS
Walk among the stars in this prestigious and historic neighborhood which has one of the highest concentrations of celebrity homes . (Elizabeth Taylor, Lucille Ball, Gene Autry, Kirk Douglas, and many others). Approximately 2.5 hours.
- Monday, Thursday & Sunday 9:30
Tour 3: INNS, ARCHITECTURE AND GLAMOUR
Experience some of the most beautiful historic, charming, and secluded hotels in this premier neighborhood where stars like Frank Sinatra, Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, Queen Latifah and John Travolta stayed and played. Approximately 2 hours.
- Wednesday - 9:30 AM
Tour 4: CELEBRITY HAVEN: The Tennis Club Neighborhood. Explore boutique resorts designed by renowned architects. See hideaways where stars like Errol Flynn, Gloria Swanson, Cameron Diaz & Al Pacino enjoyed the serenity of these spectacular desert surroundings.
- Tuesday & Saturday 9:30 AM
Tour 5: RAT PACK NEIGHBORHOOD - Modernist Homes of Vista Las Palmas
A trendy mid-century tract development, stunning Modernist homes appear custom-designed. See where the Rat Pack members and other celebrities lived and frolicked (Dean Martin, Debbie Reynolds, Elvis Presley, Kim Novak and many others). Approximately 2 hours.
- Tuesday & Saturday 9:30 AM
Tour 6: STARS AND STAR-CHITECTS - In Deepwell
Stroll through this pristine mid-century neighborhood with elegant Modernist homes, designed by the desert's most renowned architects. View homes of some of the biggest names (Loretta Young, William Holden, Liberace, Jerry Lewis, Carmen Miranda and others). Learn fascinating secrets of the stars on this exciting tour. Approximately 2.5 hours.
- Monday 9:30 AM
Tour 7: FRANK SINATRA'S NEIGHBORHOOD: The Movie Colony. Visit enchanting old Palm Springs, home to Hollywood royalty Cary Grant, Gloria Swanson, Tony Curtis, and many others. Frank Sinatra made it his neighborhood when his iconic mid-century home became party central. Approximately 2 hours.
- Friday 9:30 AM
NEW Tour 8: HIDDEN PARADISE: Show Biz Legends in the Mesa. This beautiful secluded hillside neighborhood has long been home to the Hollywood elite, like Natalie Wood, Cher, and Robert Wagner. Today Barry Manilow and Suzanne Sommer's reside here. With its eclectic variety of architecture, it's truly a slice of paradise. Approximately 2 hours.
- Tuesday 9:30 AM
NEW Tour 9. BOOM TOWN: The Story of Uptown Palm Springs. Discover the history and architecture of Uptown Palm Springs through 3 Boom Eras: pre-WWII, postwar and today. Stroll the design district and visit historic resort hotels that reflect the town's relaxing and glamorous atmosphere. Approximately 2.5 hours.
- Friday 9:30 AM
PRIVATE TOURS: ARCHITECTURAL GEMS OR
PALM SPRINGS HIGHLIGHTS. We provide a Historical Guide to show your private group the beauty, glamour and allure of Palm Springs. You choose the itinerary tailored to your interest and you provide and drive the vehicle - car, van, limo, bus or we can walk. Approximately 2.5 hours. During PALM SPRINGS MODERNISM WEEKS in October and February, we will add a special Modernism tour. This is an exciting celebration of mid-century modern design, architecture and culture. Tour 10: ARCHITECTURAL ICONS of Fashion and Finance
See how Palm Springs captured the imagination of desert modern architects who designed iconic mid-century structures on Palm Canyon. Approximately 1 1/2 hours. Time and day will be announce.
Bike Tour #1: Bike Like A Star
Many Hollywood stars enjoyed traveling around Palm Springs on bicycles. You can cruise Northern Palm Springs viewing incredible architecture, celebrity homes and stunning scenery. See landmarks of Palm Springs and hear fascinating tales of life in this popular playground.
https://pshistoricalsociety.org/products/bike-like-a-star-1
Tour #14: Giants Of Architecture
Stroll South Palm Canyon Drive and see the most photographed and historically significant concentration of midcentury modern commercial buildings. Hollywood moguls and locals alike banked and shopped on this iconic strip. Learn about the early settlers and visionaries responsible for making Palm Springs the modernism magnet of the world.
https://pshistoricalsociety.org/products/giants-of-architecture-1
Tour #13: Welwood Murray Cemetery
Walk this beautiful tranquil setting of the historic cemetery as you hear stories of early settlers, powerful and prominent families, and colorful characters who called the city home. All walks of life are interred here. Military heros, renowned architects, showbiz icons, and many others who left an impact on desert sands.
https://pshistoricalsociety.org/products/welwood-murrary-cemetery
Tour #12: Stars of the Movie Colony
The impressive movie colony neighborhood represents Hollywood's glamour heyday with its mix of romantic Spanish Colonial Revival estates and elegant modernist homes. Originating in the 1930s with the luxurious El Mirador as its centerpiece, this posh area became the private refuge of Hollywood royalty.
https://pshistoricalsociety.org/products/the-movie-colony
Tour #11: Twin Palms Estates
A jewel among our desert neighborhoods, this subdivision truly demonstrates the creative genius of architect William Krisel and the Alexander developers. Each house appears to be custom built with a variety of rooflines. The desert landscaping, an integral feature of the architectural design, complements the innovative architecture.
https://pshistoricalsociety.org/products/twin-palms-estates
Tour #10: Modernist Treasures
On ancestral land of the Agua Caliente is a collection of luxurious Modernist residences with impressive landscapes lining the historic Indian Canyons Golf Resort. With spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the lush fairways, these homes feature a treasure trove of concrete screen block patterns and fascinating desert plants.
https://pshistoricalsociety.org/products/modernist-treasures-1
Tour #9: Boomtown
See the vibrant impact and growth that arose from post WWII with bold business ventures in the North part of town known as the Uptown Design District. Architects left their imprint with stylish structures and Hollywood injected fun and glamour that current hipsters mirror.
https://pshistoricalsociety.org/products/boomtown
Tour #8: Hidden Paradise
The Mesa is a beautiful secluded neighborhood with a fascinating assortment of eclectic architecture. Ranging from romantic Spanish Colonial Revival to dramatic Contemporary Modern, these hillside hideaways were home to Hollywood’s elite.
https://pshistoricalsociety.org/products/hidden-paradise
Tour #7: Frank Sinatra's Neighborhood
In the post-WWII era, Sinatra made this neighborhood "his" when his Movie Colony home became Party Central. Many of his celebrity neighbors in this charming, prestigious area were his close friends.
https://pshistoricalsociety.org/products/frank-sinatras-neighborhood
Tour #6: Shangri-La of the Stars
Stroll through this pristine midcentury neighborhood with its collection of elegant Modernist homes, designed by the desert’s most revered architects. Some of Hollywood’s biggest names lived in these well-manicured properties boasting some of the most attractive desert landscaping in Palm Springs.
https://pshistoricalsociety.org/products/shangri-la-of-the-stars
Tour #5: Rat Pack Playground
Discover the trendy midcentury neighborhood Vista Las Palmas, once nicknamed the “Beverly Hills of Palm Springs” and view the homes now called “Alexanders” developed by George and Robert Alexander. Celebrities like Debbie Reynolds, Elvis Presley, Kim Novak, Dean Martin and the Rat Packers lived and frolicked here in the 50s and 60s.
https://pshistoricalsociety.org/products/rat-pack-playground
Tour #4: Celebrity Haven
It was “The Atomic Age” and Palm Springs captured the futuristic mood like no other place on earth. Nestled in the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains is this famed Palm Springs Tennis Club Neighborhood. This area has an eclectic mix of boutique hotels and private sanctuaries that became hideaways for the stars.
https://pshistoricalsociety.org/products/celebrity-haven
Tour #3: Inns, Architecture & Glamour
Visit some of the most charming and beautiful inns of Palm Springs. These unique boutique hotels have provided the Rich and Famous-for decades-with seclusion and relaxation in exclusive, luxurious settings. The stars of Hollywood's Golden Era along with today's hottest stars have partied and vacationed here.
https://pshistoricalsociety.org/products/inns-architecture-and-glamour
Tour #2: 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.
https://pshistoricalsociety.org/products/golden-era-hollywood-homes
Tour #1: Heart of the City
Explore the dynamic past and vibrant present of this world-famous desert getaway while strolling the Walk of Stars. Learn how Hollywood stars, part of our local scene, made Palm Springs their playground.
https://pshistoricalsociety.org/products/heart-of-the-city
Our docent Ron giving a private Golden Era Hollywood Homes tour. Can you tell they are having fun? 😄
We are happy to arrange private tours for birthdays, bridesmaid parties, and other special events! Please contact us if you would like to arrange one.
Our bike tours would not be possible without the partnership of the Bike Palm Springs shop. They also provide bike rentals as well as electric bikes. They are also available for bike repairs.
https://www.bikepsrentals.com/
Our headquarters will be opening in less than a week! We are still recruiting volunteers to help run these wonderful historical buildings.
If interested, please contact us at either of these emails: [email protected] or [email protected]
Our walking and bike tours are fully scheduled through the end of the season. We offer 14 different walking tours and 2 different bike tours. Please go to our website and sign up on there!
pshistoricalsociety.org
Our tour season is still about a month away from kick off. In the meantime, we are offering private walking, biking, and driving tours.
Our docents are volunteers, so private tours depend on docent availability.
Please contact us if you are interested in doing a private tour.
Our headquarters in the Village Green will be opening on October 1st! We are recruiting new volunteers to help run these charming historical buildings.
If you are interested, please contact us at either of these emails: [email protected] or [email protected].
Our headquarters, the McCallum-Adobe Museum, will be open to the public on October 1st. Admission is free. Come check out our exhibits!
221 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
760-323-2740
760-323-8297
We offer two distinct bike tours: Bike Like A Star (North Palm Springs) and Bike The Mid Mod Oasis (South Palm Springs). Starting this season, we will be holding bike tours 6 days a week!
Bikes are supplied by the Bike Palm Springs shop on Tahquitz Canyon. Sign up now on our website: pshistoricalsociety.org.
We will be hosting a book signing with architect, author, and PSHS docent James Harlan on Saturday, October 21st, from 2 to 3 PM, at our headquarters: the McCallum-Adobe Museum.
This will be a free event, all are welcome! But please sign up at this link beforehand: https://go.modtix.com/f/2023/book-signing-james-harlan?date=2023-10-21
Fall Modernism Week will begin on Thursday, October 19th and go until Sunday, October 22nd. Tickets are still available for some of our tours. You can sign up now at modernismweek.com
It's that time of year again! Our tour season will officially kick off on October 26th. We are recruiting new volunteer docents for our walking and bike tours. If you are interested, please contact us via text or call at 760-844-2242.
Our tour season will be coming to a close on April 16th, but we are already looking ahead to next season! We are recruiting new volunteer docents for our walking, biking, and driving tours. We will train new recruits and have them ready to give tours by the time our new season begins on October 19th, 2023. Please private message us if you are interested!
We've added a new tour to our catalog this season. It's called "Giants of Architecture" and it's held on Sundays. Sign up now on our website!
https://pshistoricalsociety.org/products/giants-of-architecture-1
Here is our full list of tours we offer, as well as the days they are held. These include 14 walking tours and 2 bike tours. Sign up now on our website!
pshistoricalsociety.org
Our tour season is still going strong! You can sign up for tours on our website, and check out our museum as well! Free admission, plus brand new exhibits.
pshistoricalsociety.org
A HUGE thank you to the incredible Lucie Arnaz Official!!
Need assistance?We're happy to help! Frequently Asked QuestionsI have a question for Customer Service about an event, tickets, or orders.I have a question for Tech Support about a technical issue with the site.
Thank you to Palm Springs Point of View for interviewing two of our fabulous docents, and the hosts of Hollywood at Home in Palm Springs, Jim Cook and Vinny Stoppia.
Tickets are going fast, so book them now!
https://go.modtix.com/f/o22/hollywood?date=2022-10-14
Our tour season begins on October 21st! Tickets for tours are on sale now and they're going fast, so grab them while you still can!
pshistoricalsociety.org
We are also holding tours for Fall Modernism as well as the Hollywood at Home in Palm Springs presentation. You can get tickets for those on modernismweek.com
https://go.modtix.com/f/o22/hollywood?date=2022-10-14
Welcome to Amin Casa! This boutique hotel located in the Tennis Club neighborhood of Palm Springs was once home to silent film star Gloria Swanson.
Find out more facts and stories like this during the Hollywood at Home in Palm Springs presentation on October 14th, 2022. Tickets on sale now!
https://go.modtix.com/f/o22/hollywood?date=2022-10-14
This historic home in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood of Palm Springs was once owned by the legendary Dinah Shore. Built by architect Donald Wexler, the home is now owned by modern Hollywood royalty: Leonardo DiCaprio.
Find out more facts and stories like this during the Hollywood at Home in Palm Springs presentation on October 14th, 2022. Tickets on sale now!
https://go.modtix.com/f/o22/hollywood?date=2022-10-14
Tickets are now on sale for Hollywood at Home in Palm Springs!
https://go.modtix.com/f/o22/hollywood?date=2022-10-14
We’re excited to announce this magical new event for Modernism Week! Stay tuned for more updates.
10/14/2022. Save the date.
Correction to earlier post: John Porter Clark was the architect of the Woman's Club, not the 1935 Community Church...The Woman's Club is not spelled wrong. The building was owned by P.S. Women and not part of the national organization.
221 S Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA
92262
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