10 Best Palm Springs Tours for First-Time Visitors (2024)
Have you been looking for the best Palm Springs tours? I’ve got you covered!
Hello, lovelies! I’m Jen, your go-to guide for all things Palm Springs. This radiant desert city has been my second home for over 15 years, and in that time, I’ve experienced the best it has to offer. Keep reading for my recommendations on the best Palm Springs tours that will make your first trip here unforgettable.
In the years since I first moved to Southern California in 2008, I’ve discovered countless experiences in Palm Springs that showcase this city’s vibrant spirit and unique attractions.
If you’re planning your first trip to Palm Springs and unsure about what to see or do in Palm Springs, fear not! I’m here to help guide you through the palm-lined streets of this desert paradise. Now, let’s dive in.
My Top 3 Picks: The Best Palm Springs Tours
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour from Palm Desert
✅ Open-air Jeep tour to the San Andreas Fault
✅ Walk around a desert oasis
✅ Small-group tour is a more personalized experience
Palm Springs Windmill Tours
✅ See the famous windmills in the Coachella Valley
✅ Get special behind-the-fence access
✅ Learn about renewable energy
Aerial Tramway Admission Ticket
✅ Take the Palm Springs tramway up to the San Jacinto Mountains
✅ Spectacular views from the world’s largest revolving cable car
✅ The Mountain Station has a cocktail lounge, dining, observation decks
Best Palm Springs Tours
1. San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour from Palm Desert
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!
For all the intrepid ladies and gentlemen gearing up for a Palm Springs adventure soon, buckle up for an exhilarating Jeep tour along the legendary San Andreas Fault.
As you traverse the rugged landscapes from Palm Desert, your naturalist guide will lead you to a hidden desert oasis, a testament to the resilience of life against harsh terrains, nourished by an unseen underground spring.
You’ll hear captivating stories of how the Native American Cahuilla tribe ingeniously harnessed the resources around them, using local plants for sustenance, healing, and building shelters.
The steep-walled canyons and towering twisted rock mountains that adorn this route are nothing short of awe-inspiring! This is definitely one of the top-rated, best jeep tours in Palm Springs.
As you navigate these wonders, your guide will unravel fascinating insights about the flora and fauna that call this place home. Come prepared to be wowed; this tour is as much about education as it is about adventure!
Pros:
- Knowledgeable tour guides — you’ll learn about the San Andres fault and natural plants and resources native to the land
- Enjoy an easy hike through a canyon
- Don’t forget your camera — the photo opps are endless!
Cons:
- Might not be for you if you’re not a nature lover
- This is an outdoor experience; it’s not ideal for rainy days
Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or someone who simply appreciates natural beauty, the San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour is sure to serve up a memorable experience brimming with fun and excitement!
“A tour for adventure lovers. Take this tour if you want to drive through the desert on a track of recent flush flooding, hike through the very narrow canyon, hike uphill to see breathtaking views of the valley, want to learn about a 1000-year-old metate (grinding rock) high uphill, and much more. Nothing strenuous or dangerous.”
– Elena B. (read more reviews)
2. Palm Springs Windmill Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
As you plan your visit to Palm Springs, don’t miss the opportunity to experience a unique, eco-conscious adventure with Palm Springs Windmill Tours.
This immersive journey provides an inside look at the towering windmills spread across the Coachella Valley. You’ll enjoy exclusive behind-the-fence access, allowing you to explore these mesmerizing giants on foot, feeling their power and magnitude up close.
But it’s not just a sightseeing tour – it’s an enriching educational experience, too!
Your friendly guide will share insights about the renewable energy industry, from how these machines harness the wind’s power to their impact on our environment and economy.
Whether you’re a solo traveler or traveling with a group explorer, this tour is sure to be a highlight of your Palm Springs visit!
Pros:
- It’s surprisingly difficult to get up close to the windmills. With this tour, you can actually get access and be up close!
- This tour is self-guided, so you can go at your own pace.
- You can get AWESOME photos and videos of the windmills by taking this tour.
Cons:
- It’s self-guided and might be a little overpriced.
- Requires good weather – don’t go on a rainy day (however, it rarely rains in Palm Springs).
In my experience, this tour is great because even though I’ve driven past the windmills in Palm Springs on the I-10 countless times, it’s legit HARD to find the spot where you can actually get close enough for a good picture. With this tour, that isn’t an issue at all.
“This was a bucket list item for me turned into a girls trip with my sister and niece which made for a fun and unique experience for us. We had a great time doing the self guided tour; driving through the windmill farm at our leisure. Highly recommended!!”
3. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1-2 hours | ✅ Book it!
For a truly unforgettable experience during your visit to Palm Springs, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is an absolute must.
This magnificent tramway whisks you up a breathtaking 5,873 feet into the crisp, cool climate of the San Jacinto Mountains.
As you ascend in the world’s largest revolving cable car, feast your eyes on spectacular views that stretch out in all directions. At the top, you can watch a short film about the history and construction of the tramway.
To round off this unique experience, make sure to explore the Mountain Station. You can grab some drinks and food at the lounge or head to an observation deck for panoramic vistas.
Pros:
- You’ll get GORGEOUS views of the mountains when you take the tram
- Once you get to the top, you can go hiking on one of the many trails
- You can even see snow up there if you go in the wintertime! Bring a warm coat.
Cons:
- Not really a con, but just so you know, this is just an admission ticket (not a guided tour)
- If it’s really crowded, you might have to share your view with other people – try to snag a spot by the window, rather than standing on the inside of the tramcar
On the occasions that I’ve taken the Palm Springs tramway, I’ve always had such a good time. On hot days in the desert, it’s great to take the tram because it’s so much cooler up there.
**Local Tip:
If you can, I would suggest avoiding the tram on holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Fourth of July. You will get a lot of crowds. It’s better to go on a weekday, or even a weekend in the middle of the summer.
“An absolute MUST DO in Palm Springs!! The tram is truly an awesome experience, you keep going higher & higher!! Unbelievable!!”
4. South Palm Springs Architecture, History and Bike Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5-3 hours | ✅ Book it!
An expert guide will escort you on this exciting bike tour through one of Palm Springs’ most architecturally significant neighborhoods.
Discover how these neighborhoods have evolved over time, their stories woven into the very fabric of Palm Springs’ identity.
Experience first-hand this unique blend of past and present that makes Palm Springs a must-visit destination for architecture and history enthusiasts alike. If you’re an architecture and design buff and you’re coming to the city to see it, definitely take this tour.
Pros:
- You’ll see homes designed by William Krisel, one of which was recently in the hit movie, “Don’t Worry, Darling”
- Pedal your way through Deepwell Estates, Twin Palms Estates, Canyon View Estates, and Indian Canyons Golf Resort
Cons:
- A bike isn’t included in the price of the tour, but you can rent from Big Wheel Tours before getting started
This Palm Springs tour is one of the best because it offers a perfect way for design enthusiasts to see the city’s iconic mid-century modern architecture.
Biking lets you appreciate the intricate details and narratives that make Palm Springs a design lover’s paradise. I highly recommend this tour if it’s your first time in the city and you’re drawn to the city’s rich design heritage.
“Brennan was a terrific tour guide! He is extremely knowledgable about architecture and about the “back stories” of many of the houses we saw (who lived there, when, etc). He had a delightful, engaging style and would happily take time to answer all of our questions. And the ride was really easy….no hills, easy pace.
We went on Sunday morning which was especially nice because it was nice and quiet, with very little traffic. I would definitely recommend this activity!!”
5. Legends & Icons Tour of Palm Springs
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
Say “no thanks” to those packed tour buses and “hello” to a cozy, up-close experience. This tour is great for you if you’re new to Palm Springs and want to get a lay of the land at the start of your vacation.
You’ll have the chance to explore some of the city’s most historic districts and get photos at the San Andreas fault line, the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, and more landmarks.
The tour’s grand finale? A sneak peek at the legendary hangout of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and their famous friends. It’s like stepping into the swingin’ ’60s.
Pros:
- A great way to see the most historic sights in the city when it’s too hot out to walk
- Also great for those who may be unable to walk or bike long distances
- Small group size allows for a more personalized experience
Cons:
- Not wheelchair accessible
- A bit expensive for what it is
“Enjoyable 90 minutes learning about the neighborhoods of Palm Springs. Recommend for anyone wanting to learn the history of the city.”
6. Joshua Tree National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
This tour is awesome because if you’ve never been to Joshua Tree before, it can honestly be a little bit confusing to navigate.
With this tour, you’re able to download an app and use it right away when you get to the park.
If you are a person who prefers exploring on your own rather than taking a group tour, this is a good option. Plus, it’s also budget-friendly.
Pros:
- You’ll know your way around the park, so you won’t miss the top highlights and landmarks.
- Once you download the app, it’s yours. You can even use it multiple times if you come back to Joshua Tree.
- Offline use: The app doesn’t need wifi, which is great because signal can be spotty in Joshua Tree at times.
- You even get a BONUS tour of Palm Springs, too!
Cons:
- You need to download the app BEFORE arriving at Joshua Tree due to limited signal at the park
“The tour app proved to be superb. It pointed out in real time points of interest as we travelled through the park . I won’t hesitate to recommend this product to anyone. Kudos!!!!”
7. Joshua Tree National Park Offroad Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | ✅ Book it!
Ready for an epic off-road escapade? Gear up for an unforgettable off-road adventure in Joshua Tree National Park!
In this tour, you’ll get to take a 4×4 journey through nearly 800,000 acres of uncharted beauty. As you rumble through the rugged backcountry, the majesty of the Mojave Desert unfolds before you.
The iconic Joshua trees and wild rock formations create a backdrop that’s nothing short of awe-inspiring. Such a great Jeep tour of Joshua Tree!
This is the perfect chance to fully embrace the park’s natural wonders, making the most of your precious time in this incredible landscape.
The coolest part is that you can’t get to these spots in a normal car. Most visitors only get to see Joshua Tree from the paved roads in the park. With this tour, you get to see more of the park’s famed landscape.
Pros:
- With this tour, you get to see more of the park’s famed landscape
- Entrance fees into Joshua Tree National Park are covered
- Great for kids over 5 years old
Cons:
- I legit can’t think of any cons for this one 😆
“Ben was a wealth of information, we couldn’t believe how much he knew about everything we saw on the tour. He kept us engaged the entire tour. Going on the off road route was an amazing way to see the Park. We were the only people around for miles and miles. The Jeep ride wasn’t too bad, just a few bumps here and there. We went in the afternoon and the sunset was so beautiful.”
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
8. Bank Heist Escape Room Game for Private Group Events
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour | ✅ Book it!
Let’s face it: Palm Springs can get HOT. If you’re visiting in the summer months and you’re looking for something to do, definitely check out this escape room experience.
The Bank Heist Escape Room is not just any escape game—it’s a high-stakes adventure that’ll have you and your crew feeling like real-life robbers.
Your mission? Infiltrate a secure vault, outsmart high-tech security, and grab as much loot as you can before the cops arrive. It’s a race against time!
Whether you’re a puzzle pro or a first-time escape artist, this experience is tailor-made for thrill-seekers of all levels.
Pros:
- A great activity for large groups, like bachelor/bachelorette parties, or families
- All games are private, so you only play with your group (no strangers!)
- Located near the tramway, close to downtown Palm Springs
Cons:
- Not a super cultural activity – you can do an escape room anywhere
- Only good for groups – not suitable for solo travelers
“First time in an escape room and the kids loved it. Great clues. Lots of fun and excitement. The clues were well executed and Nic Nac was a great help when we needed it.”
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
9. Palm Springs Indian Canyons Bike and Hike
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
The Indian Canyons Bike and Hike Tour is your ticket to experiencing Southern California’s natural beauty like never before.
Kick off your journey with a leisurely bike ride through the vibrant streets of downtown Palm Springs. Then, you’ll head toward the majestic Indian Canyons.
This is a great bike tour in Palm Springs that takes you on a 10-mile loop. Then, you’ll take an easy hike through the canyon.
Pros:
- Perfect for fitness lovers who like to explore nature
- Includes a stop at Kreem, a boutique ice creamery
Cons:
- Requires good weather – the tour can’t be done in rain
- Not good if you’re trying to chill by the pool on your vacay, instead of working up a sweat
“Wonderful day in Indian canyons. Tom took us on the best hike and made it so much fun. He led us through different neighborhoods and talked about the history and architecture. I’d highly recommend this tour to anyone else.”
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
10. Stargazing and UFO Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
The Palm Springs Stargazing and UFO Tour is an out-of-this-world experience that takes night-sky viewing to a whole new level. Period.
With the dark, clear skies over Joshua Tree as your canvas, this tour invites you to explore the mysteries of the universe like never before.
You’ll get to use state-of-the-art GEN3 Military Night Vision Binoculars.
These aren’t your everyday binoculars.
They light up the sky, revealing stars, planets, and other celestial wonders in stunning clarity. It’s like having a front-row seat to the universe’s most spectacular show.
The tour also delves into the intriguing world of UFOs. And, who knows? Maybe you’ll get lucky and see one!
Pros:
- The small group experience is key
- Wheelchair accessible
- Heated blankets are available, in case it gets cold at night
- A romantic activity for couples — but also great for kids to be inspired by the night sky
Cons:
- You’ll have to drive up to Joshua Tree to reach the meeting point for this tour
- You might not see a UFO, but you’ll likely catch a shooting star 😉
“This was an epic experience. Tony’s enthusiasm and awe were infectious, as he told stories encoded in the sky by the Maori, Apaches, and others while pointing our their inspiration in the heavens above. The night vision goggles extended our sight, both above the horizon and of the desert around us. The night sky is lost to so many of us now; this was a can’t-miss opportunity to see stars and planets the way our ancestors did. Pro tip – bundle up!”
Final Thoughts: Top Tours in Palm Springs
In conclusion, Palm Springs is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered.
Each tour offers its own unique blend of adventure and insight. As a first-time visitor, you’re about to embark on an unforgettable journey that will leave you yearning for more.
But remember, your Palm Springs adventure doesn’t stop here. To make your trip truly unforgettable, don’t miss out on my next post revealing the most Instagram-worthy hotels in Palm Springs.
Read More:
A PERFECT Couples’ Vacation: The Most Romantic Hotels in Palm Springs
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