Self-Driving Tours of the Midcentury Modern Architecture
that makes Palm Springs Famous

Our tours are exterior-only multi-media audio and photographic tours that will take you on a self-driving route using your own vehicle.  You need to know how to use your smartphone's web or internet  browser as well as Google Maps, and how to switch between them.

Start up the tour online, and follow the guided directions, while listening to the tour audio.

When you buy a tour, you'll get the address and a Google Maps link that directs you to the starting point for the tour. Once you're there, press play and your "Tour Narrator" will tell you about this stop.

When you're ready to move on to the next stop, follow the directions from the included Google Maps link to the next address. Once you're there, return to the internet browser window and view the next stop and listen to the audio.

You'll repeat this process at your own pace until your tour is complete.

Homes are all privately owned and interiors are not available to view.

Some public buildings are included on our tours; these may or may not be open to the public on the date and time you choose to visit. We can make no promises about seeing the interiors of any public building; these tours are meant to be exteriors only.

Homes are all privately owned and interiors are not available to view. It is important that tour goers not disturb the homeowners or trespass onto private property.

Some public buildings are included on our tours; these may or may not be open to the public on the date and time you choose to visit. We can make no promises about seeing the interiors of any public building; these tours are focused on exteriors only.

Taking one of our tours requires Wi-Fi or cellular data, as they run online. At this time they are not downloadable for offline use. It is possible to purchase or rent portable Wi-Fi Hotspots like the Skyroam device which will allow you to access data for much less than traditional cell phone roaming rates. (We're looking at you, Canada!) Read about that option on this blog, where there's also a promo code for a discount on the device. 

Modern Tours Palm Springs tours run in a specific order, but do allow for you to stop, explore, marvel at the beautiful homes and buildings, and make deviations along the way. Even stop for lunch!

Before purchasing a tour, you'll see the estimated time to complete the tour.

Most of our tours are designed to take between 90 minutes to two hours, but since you’re in the driver’s seat, you set the pace of your tour. You can pause the tour at any time if you see something interesting.

No. After your purchase, you’ll have 30 days to take the tour before your subscription will expire. If you like, buy it today, and you can flip through it to get an idea of what you’ll see, then drive it for real when you arrive in Palm Springs.

Yes! The Top 10 Tour is ideal for cyclists and many guests have shared that they have opted to conduct this tour on a bike. The tour is a loop that encompasses approximately 13 miles. Depending on your speed, if you have power assist from an e-bike and how long you wish to stay at each stop, this tour can be done in 90 minutes to 2.5 hours on a bike.

After you’ve purchased your tour, you’ll first listen to the tour introduction and then you'll make your way to the first stop where the tour will begin. 

Any way you like! You’ll be able to listen to the tour audio on your phone, tablet or connected car speakers, or using a Bluetooth speaker if you want. 

In addition to the audio you can also read a written description of each stop, and look at photos. Of course, you'll be parked in front of each destination too, to be able to see it for yourself.

Whenever possible, our tours include interior photos, historical photos and documents, and historical facts and fascinating stories. 

Our self-guided tour uses Google Maps to navigate you from location to location. Once you've finished at each stop, you'll have Google Maps instructions on where to go next.

Absolutely! Each tour comes with an English transcript of the accompanying audio for accessibility. 

Directions to the next stop are given through Google Maps.