Palm Springs Windmill Tours

62950 20th Avenue Palm Springs, CA 92262

Hours

Open daily 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Tour days and hours vary by season. Check their website for updated calendar.

Cost

There are various options for the Palm Springs Windmill Tours, costs based on up to 2 adults per vehicle, kids under 12 Free, $10 for additional adults.

Self-Driving Tours: $59.00 and offers a unique 1.5-hour experience.
Guided Golf Cart Tours: $55 per person.
Group Tours: $55 per person (up to 5 people)
VIP Guided Tours $110 per person (2 people minimum, up to 5 people as a group)

Prices are subject to change. Please check their website for updates.

(800) 531-5834

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About

Dotting the desert around Palm Springs, are white windmills often featured in films and videos. Now, you can have a chance to explore these energy devices.

Palm Springs Windmill Tours offers a captivating exploration of the evolution of wind energy, especially in Southern California.

Established in 1982, the Palm Springs wind farms have become a significant feature of the area, transforming the landscape and captivating visitors. These towering structures, seen as one approaches the Coachella Valley, represent more than just modern engineering feats; they reflect the area's commitment to renewable energy and integration with the striking desert environment.

The tours provide an unparalleled opportunity to understand the history of wind energy, from the California Wind Rush of the 1980s to the present day. Visitors see the first commercial wind farm in Southern California, offering a comprehensive understanding of wind power's history and workings.

What sets Palm Springs Windmill Tours apart is the blend of fun, education, and interaction that appeals to all ages. These tours are an immersive educational experience. They provide live updates, audio guides, and even a book detailing the backstories and modern designs of the windmills.

Fun Facts & Cool Features

The story of Palm Springs Windmill Tours begins with their inception in the San Gorgonio Pass, located between Mount San Gorgonio and Mount San Jacinto.

The first windmill was constructed in 1962 by Drew R. Oliver, marking the dawn of renewable energy efforts in the region. However, it wasn't until 1982 that a fully operational wind farm was established.

Today, this area is home to around 2,700 windmills, each playing a pivotal role in generating clean energy and serving as a lifeline for sustainable energy in the United States.

The Palm Springs windmills are part of the oldest wind farm in the United States, a testament to the region's long-standing commitment to renewable energy.

Local Tips

Make a reservation for your car in one of the 15-minute time slots for a smooth experience of the self-driving tour.
Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and wind, including wearing closed-toed shoes for comfort and safety.
Don't miss trying a delicious date shake at the Windmill Market, a recommended stop on the tour, perfect for a hot day.
The average duration of the tour is about an hour, depending on your pace, making it a concise yet informative experience.

Location

62950 20th Avenue Palm Springs, CA 92262

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Palm Springs?

Fall, winter, and spring are the most popular times to visit Palm Springs due to mild temperatures, outdoor activities, pool season, and a strong calendar of festivals and cultural events.

October is, arguably, the best month to visit Palm Springs. The weather is sunny and warm (but not too hot). And because October is part of the shoulder season, large crowds have not yet descended upon the town. The cost of accommodations is also typically lower during this time than it is during the high season, which runs from January to May.

What's the weather like in Palm Springs?

The average temperature in Palm Springs in the winter (December to February) is 40°F at night to about 75°F during the day.

The average Palm Springs temperature during the summer (July through September) is 101°F during the day and 70° degrees F at night.

In the summer months, you'll want to pack shorts, short-sleeves or tank tops, and of course bathing suits. It's also a good idea to bring a lightweight sweater or top for the evenings or for over-air-conditioned buildings. During the winter months, you may want to add a few long pants and long-sleeve shirts, as well as a jacket for the evenings. Deserts lose heat at night, and so Palm Springs can get surprisingly cool after dark - plus, you’ll want to bring along warmer clothes if venturing up to Mount San Jacinto Peak.

What's the best way to get to Palm Springs?

Palm Springs is only about 2 hours from L.A. or San Diego by car, or around 4 hours if driving from Phoenix or Las Vegas. This makes it a prime southwestern drive-to destination. For those flying to Palm Springs, you may opt to fly directly to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) or to the neighboring John Wayne Airport (JWA) in Orange County, or LAX. If flying in, consider renting a car as the desert has plenty of space to roam.

Are there hot springs in Palm Springs?

The closest hot springs to Palm Springs can actually be found in Desert Hot Springs, about 20 minutes north of downtown.

Is Palm Springs a good destination for events and longer stays?

With near picture-perfect weather and temps throughout most of the year, Palm Springs is a terrific destination for extended stays, events, and festivals. Our Palm Springs vacation rentals offer a wide selection of long-term and snowbird options for longer stays in this sunny desert oasis. Golf aficionados will surely want to extend their swing and explore why Greater Palm Springs is known as the “Golf Capital of the West”.

Are vacation rentals in Palm Springs close to downtown and major attractions?

Vacation rentals in Palm Springs range in location and size, from luxury condos to sprawling vacation villas, and from iconic mid-century modern homes to contemporary classics that can comfortably fit several families. Palm Springs is a driving town, with accessible routes to major attractions in and around the valley.