Contact Us

We love helping modern architecture aficionados like you make the most of your time in Palm Springs. If you have a question, there's a good chance someone else had the same one! Please have a look at this helpful FAQ section. If you still don't see find the info you need, you can reach out from the form on this page.

Modern Tour FAQs

How do the tours work, exactly?

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.

Watch this video to see exactly what to expect.

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.

Can we see the inside of any homes of buildings?

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.

Do I need Wi-Fi or cellular data for a tour?

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.

Do I have to take the tour in a specific order?

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!

How long will my tour take?

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.

Do I have to take the tour right after I buy it?

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.

Are any of your tours suitable for a bike?

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.

When are the tours available? Dates & Times

Because the tours are self-driving and run on your smartphone, tours are available at any time you choose, though they are best used during daylight hours. You can take a tour on any day of the week that works for your schedule.

What kind of tech knowledge do I need?

Our tours run on your smartphone, and use both your phone's internet browser (Safari, Chrome, etc) and Google Maps. It is important you know how to use both Google Maps and your phone's specific web browser. You will also need to know how to switch between those two apps. If you do not know how to do this, or are not familiar with these apps, you may not enjoy our tours in the way they were intended.

If you need extra help, please email your questions as well as which phone or device you plan to use to hello@moderntourspalmsprings.com BEFORE you purchase your tour and we can send some more detailed instructions before you head out to ensure you're spending your time marveling at the architecture, and not facing frustration with your phone.

What if my phone/cell service doesn't work?

Our tours run on your smartphone, and use both your phone's internet browser (Safari, Chrome, etc) and Google Maps. It is important that you have cellular data or a portable Wi-Fi hotspot available to enjoy our tours to their fullest and to access the integrated real-time mapping.

Please note that cellular coverage in some neighborhoods varies by provider, and Modern Tours Palm Springs has no control over the availability of a cellular signal. Some guests who are not able to get a signal at one location find that by moving slightly they are able to improve reception.

If you do not have cellular service or can otherwise not be connected to the internet, you will not be able to use our tours.

What happens when I buy a tour?

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.

How can I listen to the audio of the tour?

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.

What will I see on a tour?

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.

How do I get to & from each stop?

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.

Is your audio tour accessible for the deaf & hard of hearing?

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

Directions to the next stop are given through Google Maps.

How much data will the tour use on my smartphone?

We estimate one of our tours will use approximately 0.02gb of data.

Please note all roaming fees, data charges and overages are your responsibility and we are not responsible for additional charges you may incur with your wireless provider.

Where do the tours start/end?

Each tour has a different start and end location; all beginning and end points are in Palm Springs (with the exception of the Rancho Mirage Tour).

Contact Form

Fill in this form to ask us anything or get any help you need with your trip in the desert. We'll get your message immediately and respond as soon as we can.

To help us help you better and more quickly, please be detailed with your question. Sometimes people write one or two words and we're not sure how best to help.