Prices checked on Sep 11, 2026Things to do in Palm Springs
For 2 hours, enjoy a private, guided stroll through the charming and historic "Twin Palms Estates" residential neighborhood in Palm Springs, California and its jewel-like array of 1950s mid-century modern home designs - many featuring original, iconic "butterfly-style" rooflines. You'll hear how this groundbreaking development was a first as well as insight about architect William Krisel's extraordinary vision. Plus, we'll see former residences of several famous personalities, including Debbie Reynolds and Ray Bradbury. Like the idea of a private stroll through a lushly landscaped neighborhood under towering palms while discovering an inspiring collection of noted Palm Springs home designs? This tour is for you. IMPORTANT: Restrooms are not available before or during the tour. Bring bottled water if desired. Tour is not of Frank Sinatra's former residence named "Twin Palms." Palm Springs license #OC-005497-2024 Member, P.S. Historical Society Member, P.S. Preservation Foundation
We'll enter the Twin Palms Estates historic neighborhood near a street that was recently renamed in honor of the famous architect responsible for much of its residential and landscape design - William Krisel.
We'll see the former home of Hollywood stars Debbie Reynolds and husband Eddie Fisher as we hear how their high-profile marriage began to unravel at this address.
From this quiet, off-the-beaten-path cul-de-sac, we'll see a selection of pristinely preserved original 1950s homes featuring their original or restored mid-century design elements.
We'll walk by the former home of celebrity author Ray Bradbury and hear about his life in Palm Springs.
We'll stroll the charming Twin Palms neighborhood, including along the whimsically named Aquanetta Drive.
Along Navajo Dr., we'll compare and contrast iconic home designs from the 1950s with contemporary remakes that make this streetscape so varied.
On this street, we'll jump ahead to the 1960s and see famous home designs that have come to epitomize the glamour of that decade with facades untouched.
Walking Palm Springs "Twin Palms" Private Tour lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 7 stops.
Prices start at $195 per person for this Palm Springs experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is Meet on E. Twin Palms Dr. at the intersection with S. Navajo Dr. Look for two matching “Twin Palms Estates” signs on each corner. There is plenty of free on-street parking at this location. Douglas Kline, your guide, will meet you at this intersection.. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible Wheelchair accessible
Great informative tour about the history of Palm Springs and architecture and design as well as a little about the Hollywood scene. Doug was great host! Would definitely recommend!!!
Thank you. Your group was fun as we strolled Twin Palms Estates and I felt like we all had a good connection. After our tour, maybe you were able to follow my tips and drive-by more interesting homes. Hope to see you again out-n-about here in the desert!
Absolutely fantastic tour with Doug. He is so knowledgeable and you can tell he really loves his neighborhood. Doug is so excited to share unique details about Palm Springs.
Thank you! We really had a lively tour with your real estate and design careers at the fore. So much fun discussion and good connections. I appreciate your interest and energy!
Wonderful experience with an exceptional tour guide. Learning about the architectural significance of Twin Palms and how it shaped the Palm Springs community was fascinating. This is a must walking tour!
Thank you! Yes, it is interesting to connect the changing Mid-century Modern home designs to the historical development of Palm Springs and beyond. I'm glad you had a good time!
The walking tour with Douglas Kline was an outstanding experience. The homes were fabulous and Douglas explained in detail the history of Twin Palms and gave insights on every home. He is very knowledgeable and personable. We loved that! Highly recommend this tour!
Thank you. I'm proud to know my tour info was of good interest. And I know that you and your group captured some great photos for future design inspiration. A very nice morning!
What a great way to spend a sunny morning! My husband, teenage son and I thoroughly enjoyed our time with Doug walking the streets of one of Palm Springs original and most iconic neighborhoods! We met on the street corner behind the hotel (now a condominium) that was the home base for the Twin Palms development and for the next two hours were immersed in a fascinating tour that incorporated architecture, economics, literature, conservation and popular culture through the lens of the history of Palm Springs, in particular through the vision of Bob Alexander and William Krisel. The vision of these former schoolmates and professional partners is nurtured today by residents of this Palm Springs neighborhood and across the city and is brought alive by Doug’s commentary as you stroll the sundappled streets of architectural jewels. Doug is the ultimate host, from the moment he reached out to confirm our reservations and understand more about our group to customize the tour, to his recommendations for lunch after we concluded our pleasant two hour stroll. If you are at all interested in architecture, landscape design, or history, you are in for a treat with this tour. Thank you, Doug, for being a memorable contributor to our first visit to Palm Springs!
Thank you! I had a ball with you, your husband and your smart, almost-graduated high schooler because all of you were so engaged and curious, especially your son. In fact, I was startled not only when he was aware of famous Twin Palms resident Ray Bradbury, but had also read Bradbury's books. Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed a nice post-tour lunch and I'm sure your trip to the high desert for that night's starry night sky show was spectacular. Sounds like your first visit to Palm Springs was a hit. Thanks again.
My husband and I enjoyed our informative and interesting private tour with Doug. He’s very knowledgeable about the emergence of mid-century modernism in Palm Springs. His tour concentrated on one specific neighborhood, Twin Palms, where one architect in particular, William Krisel, cleverly designed affordable and stylish homes in the 1950s. Douglas also gave us some great restaurant and local attraction ideas. Definitely recommend!
Thank you! Our focus on one neighborhood, one builder and one architect provides good details, but it also points to the broader history of all of Palm Springs. I'm very happy that you had a good time.
An absolute delight! Douglas was well prepared with knowledge of individual homes and their owners past and present. As someone fond of architectural touring, this was a great addition to my general knowledge about the mid-century modern era.
Thank you! You background and interest in art history, design and architecture really made our private tour special. It was fun to connect with both of you and be a part of your Palm Springs experience. Enjoy your time in the desert!
Douglas was a great tour guide, very passionate and knowledgeable about Twin Palms. We learned a lot about the history of Palm Springs, founding of the neighborhood, architecture and a bit of gossip as well, so we had a few laughs! We didn't know that much about mid-century modern houses, so it was very interesting. It was a beautiful day walking the neighborhood, would definitely recommend!
Thank you. Our private walking tour was fun for me, too. I enjoyed a very comfortable connection with both of you and was inspired by our shared insights as we strolled. Enjoy Palm Springs!
Our group had a great time with Doug learning about the history, architecture and development of historic Twin Palms. Doug provided a well paced, informative and enjoyable experience. We really appreciated his recommendation for dinner afterwards at an historic restaurant in the neighborhood. A fun afternoon in wonderful Palm Springs!
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed your tour experience as well as my recommended dinner spot immediately after. The combination can make a memorable experience. Have fun in Palm Springs!
What a great tour of Twin Palms! I've been here for 18 years and learned so much. Doug was super fun, friendly and knowledgeable. He even knew about the wood peckers and a beautiful huge Madagascar Ocotillo Cactus we saw blooming at one of the homes. Highly recommend this tour.
Thank you! I loved it when asked about the beautiful, blooming Madagascar ocotillo. It's a somewhat exotic landscape plant here in Palm Springs, but it is in plain sight as we walk. Though few tour guests ask about it, the magnificent blooms were a special treat for us. Special for all!
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walking Palm Springs "Twin Palms" Private Tour | 2 hours | 5.0 (23) | $195 | |
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