The 10 Best Tours in Greater Palm Springs, California Desert

August 11, 2021 Marianna Hollaway

Greater Palm Springs is an oasis for art, culture, adventure and relaxation. Take in the views from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tram car, before exploring exhibits at the Palm Springs Art Museum and its Architecture & Design Center. Visit the Empire Polo Club, home of the Coachella Music & Arts Festival and Stagecoach Country Music Festival. Dozens of spas in Desert Hot Springs let you soak in the healing mineral waters that flow beneath the city.
Restaurants in Greater Palm Springs

1. Merlin's Magic School Escape Room Game for Private Group

Escape Room Palm Springs, 2500 N Palm Canyon Dr B3, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA Escape Room Palm Springs
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5.0 based on 32 reviews

Merlin's Magic School is in trouble. The entire school was accidentally cursed during a talent show, and only you and your team are able to save everyone by finding Merlin's hidden spell book. In this game you'll have to figure out what to do with magical objects, get help from a magical creature, and work your way into Merlin's secret study. What's in there?

Inclusions: All rooms are private games so you won't be grouped with strangers.

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Reviewed By kristensN6621FP

Brandi and Dalton have gone above and beyond what was necessary every time we go, and the owner is great! We have really enjoyed each room we have tried

2. Private Photo Session with a Local Photographer in Palm Springs

Palm Springs, CA, USA Localgrapher
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Want to capture your amazing honeymoon? Family vacation while the kids are still little? Your perfect couples retreat from everyday busy life? A solo trip without asking strangers to take pictures of you? Stop searching, we got you here! We are the largest network of local vacation photographers in the world! Besides Palm Springs, we operate in over 700 destinations worldwide! We always make sure that every special moment of each client is captured well. We believe in our service and quality of our photos so much that we even offer a 100% money back satisfaction guarantee for your photo shoot. Which means, if you don’t like the result of your photo shoot, you can contact us within 7 days and claim your money back! So what are you waiting for? Become one of our hundreds of happy customers by treating yourself to this special experience! Your family and friends will love the result too!

Inclusions: 100% money back satisfaction guarantee, The best locations, outfits and other recommendations, A photo session for your party only, Receive edited HD pictures within 4 work days

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Reviewed By just_gavin_here

We booked a Localgrapher for a couples shoot in Arizona. The results were okay at best, and we regretted not seeking out an established local in the area. For the price, we received 60 very average choices and the ability to select 35 shots. We couldn’t even find 35 framed correctly. The localgrapher website is also a joke which requires a youtube video to figure out. The UI is terrible and the photos will disappear rapidly so do not wait to download (set aside a couple hours - that’s how bad it is). But really, just avoid. Hire someone directly.

3. Playground of the Stars Palm Springs Tour

Jack Alley
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

There are a number of movie stars and celebrities who have (or had) a home here. In some cases, it was the hideaway, for others, the primary home. Without a doubt, its heyday was in the '40s, 50's and '60s, partly driven by the constraints of the old Hollywood studio system, which required them to be able to report to work at a moment's notice. In recent years, young celebrities have flocked to the desert, renting homes, or in some cases buying a second home as a refuge. Palm Springs will always be part of that Tinseltown allure. Locals and visitors still marvel at many celebrities' houses, some for their architectural prowess, others for their curious history. You don't want to miss this tour, because these people made this area what it is today. They had such a profound impact on Palm Springs, you can still feel there presence. The tour takes you to all of that, and then some. Palm Springs was built by movie stars for movie stars.

Inclusions: Bottled water

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Reviewed By isabellY9654EV

My family and I were in Palm Springs for the week, so we decided to take Jack's tour on one of our days and it was the best choice of my trip! From the start, he was very accommodating and answered any questions my family had. He's a great storyteller and this made our trip so enjoyable. There was no limit to his knowledge of Palm Springs, he rattled off facts from even the most specific of questions. Also, he weaved in dates, home prices, and names effortlessly. You could tell he loves Palm Springs, he was prideful of everything he described. We got to see a lot of cool mid-century modern buildings, homes of the rich and famous, and historical landmarks. He was friendly and you can tell he loved his job! I highly recommend Jack and his tour if you're ever in the area! Thanks for an amazing day!

4. Modern & More Bike Tours Palm Springs

Palm Springs Bike Rentals by Big Wheel Tours, 1590 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA Modern & More Bike Tours Palm Springs
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5.0 based on 41 reviews

This is a small group 2+ hour bike tour of three architecturally & historically significant residential neighborhoods in South Palm Springs. Quiet streets, no hills, constant sunshine, & very little traffic make for a great ride for novices or expert cyclists alike. Please note: Bike rental is NOT INCLUDED in this tour. You're welcome to bring your own bikes, or discounted rentals are available at Big Wheel Tours. Our tour begins & ends in their parking lot. We'll explore the neighborhoods of Deepwell Estates, Twin Palms, & Indian Canyons. We'll make frequent stops for photos & to learn details about specific homes. Please note: This tour is designed for serious architecture & history fans, with a lot of academic-level information & detail. It may not be the most enjoyable tour for some children. COVID Safety Update: Masks are no longer required for fully vaccinated guests while biking outside. Please wear a mask when entering Big Wheel Tours. Brennan & Tim have both been vaxed!

Inclusions: Tour Guide

Exclusions: Use of bicycle

5. Scenic Hiking In Beautiful Palm Springs

3133 Barona Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA Trail Ahead
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

I'll provide each hiker with water, a granola bar, a backpack, & a hiking pole. We'll be hiking in beautiful south Palm Springs in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument on Native American land. I know these trails very well and the best lookout points along the way to enjoy some of the most beautiful views of the Palm Springs desert & far beyond. From the trail we'll see the Bob Hope house, the windmills, Joshua Tree, Mount San Gorgonio (the tallest mountain in So Cal at 11,501 feet high), the San Jacinto Mountains & the Indian Canyons. You'll also see desert vegetation/plants & cacti close up as we hike along & enjoy amazing views of the desert valley floor below all the way up to beautiful mountain peaks, all while getting in some great exercise. Hopefully we'll see the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep or other desert animals. We'll stop along the way for any needed breaks & scenic picture taking.

Inclusions: I will provide 1 Backpack & 1 Hiking Pole for each guest to borrow., I will provide water for each hiker., I'll provide 1 granola bar.

Exclusions: Bring an electrolyte drink if it's warm/hot out & you're not used to excercising. , Wear shoes with a sturdy sole & good tread. I wear trail running shoes for example., Bring a hat, sunglasses & wear sunscreen., Bring a salty snack if it's hot out, to maintain sodium levels that can be lost from sweating.

Reviewed By DayTrip04970079964

5+ Carlos was awesome, friendly,fun and knowledgeable. We really,really enjoyed the hike that it felt it was over fast. I highly recommend him.

6. Private French-Inspired Cooking Class with a Fun Local

Palm Springs, CA, USA Traveling Spoon
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

Enjoy a private and authentic cooking class in a local home with host Andrea, who moved to the USA from France, where she had lived for 25 years. Her family and friends all over the world have influenced her culinary skills, but Andrea is especially inspired by her son who is a formally-trained French chef. This is a perfect experience for anyone looking to connect with local culture over food. Your cooking class will take place in a local home kitchen where Andrea will teach you how to make 2-3 French dishes from their family recipes. After cooking, you will enjoy your meal together in your host's home. • Private cooking lesson in a local home • Introduction to France's culture and cuisine • 100% private activity • Experience French hospitality in a residential Palm Springs neighborhood • Vegetarian and gluten free options available

Inclusions: Private cooking class with your host Andrea, Local wine, Gratuities

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off

7. Indian Canyons Walking Tour by Jeep from Palm Desert

100 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours & Events
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Explore the lush palm oases of the Indian Canyons on this morning or afternoon 3-hour eco-tour from Palm Springs. Learn about the rich history and culture of the Cahuilla Indians as you ride a jeep their ancestral homelands with your knowledgeable guide. Take an easy 1-mile guided walk up Andreas Canyon for captivating views and see a stunning palm oasis from the rim of Palm Canyon. This small-group open-air outdoor adventure is limited to seven people per Jeep for a more relaxed, intimate experience.

Inclusions: Admission Fees, Granola Snack, Naturalist guided Jeep tour, Bottled water

Exclusions: Food and drink (unless otherwise specified), Gratuities

Reviewed By SicilianSliceNYC

Wonderful! A private tour with a very knowledgeable guide. A real treat and would definitely do this again!

8. Bank Heist Escape Room Game for Private Group

Escape Room Palm Springs, 2500 N Palm Canyon Dr B3, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA Escape Room Palm Springs
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5.0 based on 71 reviews

You and your crack team have been assembled to pull off this caper which will involve sneaking past the bank’s high-tech security, hacking your way into a computer, and working out and deciding how you’ll break into the vault. Your objective: Get as much loot as you can before the police come and spoil all the fun.

Inclusions: All rooms are private games so you won't be grouped with strangers.

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Reviewed By kristensN6621FP

Brandi and Dalton have gone above and beyond what was necessary every time we go, and the owner is great! We have really enjoyed each room we have tried

9. Indian Canyons Bike and Hike Small Group Tour from Palm Springs

1590 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA Big Wheel Tours
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5.0 based on 33 reviews

A guided bicycle tour to the culturally significant and majestically scenic Indian Canyons in South Palm Springs. Age limit is 12 years old.

Inclusions: Local taxes, Bottled water, Snacks, Professional guide, Use of bicycle, Use of helmet, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Navigate293017

The whole thing! So fascinating to see the difference in faults. Amazing formations throughout the trip. Ben was very knowledgeable about everything we asked him

10. Guided Hike in Palm Springs with Amazing Views

Earl Henderson Trailhead, Barona Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA Trail Ahead
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5.0 based on 53 reviews

I provide water, a snack bar and a backpack for each hiker. We'll hike in the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument on some the best trails in the Greater Palm Springs Area. I know these trails very well & the best viewpoints along the way to enjoy some of the most beautiful views of Palm Springs & far beyond. You'll see desert plants & cacti close up as we hike. You'll see from the desert valley floor below all the way up to beautiful nearby mountain peaks, while getting in some great exercise. I'll point out interesting landmarks along the way, like the very unique Bob Hope house, Mt San Gorgonio (the tallest mountain in So Cal), Indian Canyons & other points of interest. Depending on the time of year I've seen the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep on this hike. They'll be lots of opportunities for taking beautiful scenic photos & I'll point out some of the best photo spots. If you want to do this hike or any of my hikes on a certain date/time contact me, thanks.

Inclusions: I will provide a backpack for each hiker or you can use your own., I will provide water for each hiker., I'll provide 1 granola bar for each hiker,

Exclusions: Bring an electrolye drink if it's a warm/hot day to replace electolytes lost from sweat, Bring a salty snack if it's a warm/hot day to maintain sodium levels lost through sweating., Bring a hat, sunglasses & wear sunscreen., Wear shoes with a sturdy sole & good tread. I wear trail running shoes for example.

Reviewed By seanchaozhou

Hiking with Carlos was such an enjoyable experience. He customized the hike exactly to my schedule and expectations, and we went on a 5-hour hiking on the southern mountains of Palm Springs. He was a very experienced guide to plan out the timing and routing, as well as offering the guiding and learning experience. The view throughout was gorgeous with a combination of both the civilizations as well as the lower desert mountains. I’m really glad that that I booked this tour as I probably won’t be able to hike the trials on my own. So for any travelers who are looking for a unique hiking experience around Palm Springs area, get in touch with Carlos to speak about your thoughts, and you won’t regret it.

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