Palm Springs: Legends & Icons Tour with Rat Pack Hideaway

Summary

Walk the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, see Rat Pack haunts, explore canyons and movie locations on a small group tour with local stories

You’ll trace Palm Springs’ glamorous history on foot and by van—spotting sidewalk stars downtown, hearing Rat Pack secrets at their old hideaway, feeling desert wind at San Andreas Fault, and pausing in Indian Canyons where local stories linger in the rocks. This tour is more than sightseeing—it’s stepping into scenes you’ve only heard about.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the sunlight hit those old palm trees—almost like a movie set, but real. Our guide, Jerry, had this habit of slowing down just enough so we could catch glimpses of those mid-century houses tucked behind hedges. He told us about Sinatra’s parties as if he’d been there (maybe he had—I never asked his age). The air smelled faintly of desert dust and sunscreen from my neighbor’s arm, and I kept thinking how different it felt from LA—quieter somehow, but with its own kind of drama.

We wandered along the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, squinting at names inlaid in the sidewalk—some I recognized (Frank Sinatra, sure), others not so much. Jerry pointed out a star for someone called Liberace and then grinned when I admitted I only knew him from memes. There was a weirdly comforting rhythm to it all: walk a bit, pause for a story or a joke, then hop back in the van where cold bottled water waited. At one point we passed this old theater—the Plaza Theater—and Jerry got quiet for a second before telling us about its heyday. It made me wish I could time travel for just an hour.

The Rat Pack Hideaway stop was stranger than I expected—not flashy, more like someone’s secret clubhouse that hadn’t changed since 1965. We couldn’t go inside everywhere (something about private events), but just being near that pool where Frank and Sammy hung out felt oddly intimate. After that we drove out toward the San Andreas Fault; you could see where the land buckled if you looked close. The wind picked up and someone’s hat blew off—I laughed harder than I should’ve.

I didn’t expect to care about Indian Canyons but when Jerry talked about the Agua Caliente people and their history here, it hit different. The rocks were warm under my hand and there was this hush between stories—a kind of respect maybe? Anyway, by the end I felt like Palm Springs wasn’t just some playground for celebrities; it had layers. Still think about that light through the palms sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Palm Springs landmarks and history

• Visit historic districts
• See Palm Springs Walk of Stars
• View talked about landmarks
• Learn about Indian Canyons
• Pass by Hollywood movie location
• Pass by Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
• Pass by San Andreas Fault

Top questions

How long is the Legends & Icons Tour in Palm Springs?

The exact duration isn’t listed but it covers several neighborhoods and landmarks around Palm Springs in one day.

Does this tour include entry to the Rat Pack Hideaway?

You’ll visit the property when available but access may be limited due to private events or closures.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Yes, bottled water is included for all guests on this tour.

Are children allowed on this Palm Springs tour?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult throughout the experience.

What should I wear on the Legends & Icons Tour?

A smart casual dress code is suggested for comfort while walking and visiting sites.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

The tour includes pickup options; public transportation is also available nearby if needed.

Is lunch or alcohol included on this day trip?

No food or alcoholic beverages are provided during this tour.

Will we visit Indian Canyons during this Palm Springs day trip?

You’ll get information about Indian Canyons as part of your route; stops may vary based on schedule and availability.

What’s included

Your day includes live commentary from an award-winning driver-guide who shares stories as you travel by comfortable vehicle through historic districts, with stops at sights like Walk of Stars, Indian Canyons (when possible), famous movie locations such as the Rat Pack Hideaway (subject to availability), plus bottled water along the way. Public transport options are nearby if you need them too.