The Modern Tour - Palm Springs

About

As the oldest architectural tour in Palm Springs, The Modern Tour offers an exceptional journey through Palm Springs' rich history and its astonishing collection of mid-century modern architecture and design. Imagine a pathway through time where past eras' elegance meets modern living's sophistication.

It's an immersive experience where you'll step inside private residential properties, each showcasing spectacular mid-century modern homes. These homes are stories of design and innovation, narrated through their unique architectural features.

At the helm of this journey is Michael Stern, the owner of The Modern Tour and an esteemed author known for his publication "Julius Shulman: Palm Springs." Stern's expertise and passion for Palm Springs' architectural heritage turn this tour into a captivating and educational experience, offering insights that connect you deeply with the city's architectural heart.

The Modern Tour proudly stands as the official tour of the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center. This partnership underscores the tour's commitment to celebrating and preserving the rich architectural history of Palm Springs. A portion of all tour fees is dedicated to supporting the mission of the Architecture + Design Center, with over $200,000 contributed to date.

The 2.5-hour tour is a personalized adventure tailored to your preferences. Whether you are an individual enthusiast, a group of friends, or a corporate team, the tour accommodates 2 to 40 guests, ensuring an intimate experience for each participant.

Fun Facts & Cool Features

One of the most remarkable aspects of The Modern Tour is the opportunity to step inside some of Palm Springs' spectacular private residences. This access provides an intimate look at the luxurious, innovative designs that characterize the city's famous mid-century modern homes.

A favorite stop on the tour is the Frey House II. Here, guests may sit on the furniture, engage in conversations, and immerse themselves in the architectural splendor of the house. This interactive experience enriches the tour, making it a social and educational excursion.

The Modern Tour often results in unexpected social interactions among guests. In one amusing incident, a guest's complaint about not finding his favorite yogurt brand in town led to a surprising offer from another guest who owned the yogurt company. Such interactions add a unique and memorable dimension to the tour.

Stern encourages architecture enthusiasts to participate in Modernism Week, an essential experience for anyone fascinated by mid-century modern design. Additionally, he recommends downloading the Palm Springs Modern app for a self-guided exploration of the city's architectural gems, highlighting Palm Springs' rich and diverse architectural landscape.

For a hands-on experience visiting some of Palm Springs' celebrated homes, let The Modern Tour show you the way.

Local Tips

Check their online packages and holiday deals.
Wear shoes that provide good support and are suitable for walking on different terrains, ensuring a comfortable tour.
Bring a camera to capture the unique designs, striking landscapes, and intricate details of the architectural marvels you'll encounter.
Carry a water bottle with you to keep hydrated as you embark on the tour.
The tour typically lasts about 2 ½ hours, providing an in-depth experience of the area's mid-century modern architecture.

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.