Private Tour
Walking Palm Springs "Twin Palms" Private Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
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
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
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
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Total distance walked is about 1 mile on flat pavement.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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.
What‘s Included
Guided tour
Home interiors are not part of this tour.
Restrooms are not available during this tour.
Gratuities
Options
Walking Palm Springs "Twin Palms" Private Tour
Reviews
21 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A Jewel In the Desert!
Guide07053315031,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What 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!
Interesting architectural tour of a mid-century modern neighborhood
mstravellite,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My 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!
Like stepping back in time-pure delight!
jessicarZ3344AS,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An 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.
Twin Palms architecture and history
Daphne D,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Douglas 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!
A special afternoon in Twin Palms
550rolandov,Apr 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our 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!
A wonderful tour of Twin Palms
michaeljP1238RY,Apr 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What 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.
Mid century lovers paradise
Maria G L,Apr 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We are Architecture lovers and this tour did not disappoint. Our guide was beyond knowledgeable and made the tour interesting and interactive. Even my 15 yo had a blast looking at the many classic cars along the route.
Walking Tour of Modernism Architecture in Palm Springs
scottcT9394LW,Apr 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a well-informed walking tour of home-building in the modernism style, set against the backdrop of a lovely neighborhood and framed by a mountain backdrop. The focus is on the architecture, the architects and developer. The tour provides a first-hand look at 1950's and 1960's neighborhood development in groundbreaking style at an important time in American post-war expansion.
Wonderful History and Architecture Tour
gooseboy54481,Apr 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed our walking tour of the Twin Palms Estates! Doug was extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the history and architecture of the area and provided some great insight into how the neighborhood developed and has evolved. I’d highly recommend this tour to anyone who’s curious about mid-century modern architecture!
Wonderful Walk
caratravelgirl,Apr 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time exploring Twin Palms Estates with Doug. His extensive knowledge of the area’s history was truly captivating. He shared fascinating insights into the homes and the people who once called them home. I highly recommend visiting Twin Palms Estates with Doug.
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