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7 Best Palm Springs Bike Tours for Your 2025 Group Getaway

Updated: Aug 13

TL;DR – Why The Muse Hotel Palm Springs Is a Standout


  • Adults-only boutique hotel with private patios

  • Located minutes from downtown in Warm Sands

  • Each suite features a unique muse-inspired theme

  • Heated floral pool, fire pit, swings, & stylish common areas

  • Great for couples, bachelorettes, and full property buyouts


Cruising through Palm Springs on a bicycle is one of the best ways to experience the city's unique blend of desert beauty, architectural glamour, and laid-back energy. From the iconic mid-century modern homes of Movie Colony to the stunning vistas of the San Jacinto Mountains, exploring on two wheels lets you discover hidden gems and soak in the sun-drenched atmosphere at a perfect pace. This guide is designed to help you find the ideal Palm Springs bike tours for your specific trip, whether you're a history buff, an architecture aficionado, or a bachelorette party looking for a fun group activity.


Beyond just sightseeing, bike tours offer a fantastic way to incorporate fitness into your vacation. For more comprehensive tips, consider exploring a guide on How to Stay Fit While Traveling to keep your wellness goals on track.


We've curated a list of the top tour operators and platforms, detailing what makes each one special. You’ll find everything from guided architectural explorations to simple e-bike rentals for a self-guided adventure. Each entry includes essential details like duration, difficulty, and what type of traveler it’s best for, complete with direct links to book your ride. And after a day of pedaling through paradise, nothing beats returning to a private, stylish retreat like **The Muse Hotel Palm Springs**, the perfect home base for any group getaway.


1. Big Wheel Tours


For those seeking professionally guided Palm Springs bike tours with a stellar reputation, Big Wheel Tours is a premier local operator. They have mastered the art of creating accessible and scenic cycling adventures that showcase the diverse beauty of the Coachella Valley, from celebrity homes to dramatic desert landscapes. Their website is a straightforward hub for exploring and booking these well-regarded excursions.


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What makes Big Wheel Tours a standout choice is its variety of itineraries designed for different interests and fitness levels. Their signature "Earthquake Canyon Express" is a thrilling 20-mile downhill ride that takes you from the high desert down to the valley floor, offering breathtaking views of the San Andreas Fault and the Salton Sea. For a more relaxed pace, the "Indian Canyons Bike and Hike" combines easy cycling with a walk through stunning palm oases, while the "Celebrity Tour" cruises through historic neighborhoods to spot the former homes of Hollywood legends. You can learn more about Big Wheel Tours and other adventures that make for a stylish getaway.


Key Features and Offerings


Big Wheel Tours simplifies the experience by providing all necessary gear, including a quality bike, helmet, water, and snacks. This makes it an excellent option for travelers who don't want to bring their own equipment.


  • Tour Variety: Offers distinct itineraries like the downhill Earthquake Canyon Express, the hybrid Indian Canyons Bike & Hike, and the popular Celebrity Bike Tour.

  • All-Inclusive: Tours include bikes (with e-bike upgrades available on certain routes), helmets, water, and professional guides.

  • Accessibility: Support vehicles accompany some tours, making them suitable for groups with mixed abilities. Routes are primarily on paved surfaces, minimizing technical difficulty.

  • Booking: You can book directly through their website or via major platforms like Viator, but be aware that pricing can fluctuate.


Feature

Details

Price

Varies by tour ($95 - $135+ per person)

Duration

2.5 - 4 hours

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Best For

Couples, Active Groups, First-Time Visitors

Pet-Friendly

No


Pro Tip: The downhill tours are mostly coasting, making them surprisingly low-effort and perfect for taking in the scenery without breaking a sweat. However, they are incredibly popular, so book well in advance, especially for weekend dates during peak season (October-May).

2. Palm Springs Historical Society


For those who want to pedal through history, the Palm Springs Historical Society offers expertly curated Palm Springs bike tours that are more like mobile museum exhibits. These are not your average sightseeing rides; they are docent-led journeys into the heart of the city’s famed midcentury-modern architecture and glamorous celebrity past. The society's website is a clean, informative portal for booking these unique, educational excursions.


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What makes the Historical Society’s tours a standout choice is their unparalleled depth of knowledge. As you cruise through iconic neighborhoods like Old Las Palmas and the Movie Colony, your docent provides rich, narrated context via a personal audio receiver. Tours like "Bike the Mid Mod Oasis" and "Bike Like a Star" are designed to be immersive, focusing on the architects, Hollywood legends, and cultural stories that shaped Palm Springs. This is an ideal tour for visitors who crave substance and historical accuracy alongside their scenic ride.


Key Features and Offerings


The Palm Springs Historical Society provides a complete, hassle-free package. All tours include a comfortable seven-speed bike, a helmet, and a personal audio headset, ensuring you can hear every fascinating detail without missing the views. This makes it perfect for history buffs and architecture lovers.


  • Tour Variety: Focuses on distinct historical themes, including the "Bike the Mid Mod Oasis" tour for architecture fans and "Bike Like a Star" for classic Hollywood history.

  • All-Inclusive: The tour price covers the bike, helmet, and a personal audio receiver for the guided narration. Note that personal bikes are not permitted.

  • Accessibility: Tours cover approximately 6 miles on flat, paved city streets, making them accessible to most casual riders. The small group size ensures a personalized experience.

  • Booking: You can book directly through the society's website. Tours are seasonal, running primarily from October to May to avoid extreme heat.


Feature

Details

Price

Typically around $60 per person

Duration

2 - 2.5 hours

Difficulty

Easy

Best For

History Buffs, Architecture Enthusiasts, Couples

Pet-Friendly

No


Pro Tip: These tours are extremely popular and sell out quickly due to the small group format. Book several weeks or even months in advance, especially for peak season weekends. The content is rich, so come ready to learn as much as you pedal.

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3. Bike Palm Springs Rentals


For those who prefer a self-guided adventure or need the perfect ride for a historical tour, Bike Palm Springs Rentals is a go-to local hub. This isn't a guided tour company itself but rather a crucial facilitator, offering high-quality bike rentals and essential support for independent explorers. Their website provides a streamlined way to reserve bikes, from classic cruisers to modern e-bikes, ensuring you have the freedom to discover Palm Springs at your own pace.


What makes Bike Palm Springs Rentals unique is its official partnership with the Palm Springs Historical Society. While you must book historical tours separately, this shop is the designated equipment provider, making it incredibly convenient. You can reserve an e-bike upgrade online to make cruising through celebrity-studded neighborhoods effortless. The knowledgeable local staff also provide maps and personalized route suggestions, helping you craft the perfect DIY Palm Springs bike tour. You can learn more about crafting your own journey with the best routes for bicycling in Palm Springs.


Key Features and Offerings


Bike Palm Springs Rentals simplifies the process by including helmets, locks, and maps with every rental. Their flexible durations cater to quick afternoon spins or multi-day explorations, giving you complete control over your itinerary.


  • Flexible Rentals: Choose from half-day, full-day, or multi-day rental options to fit your schedule.

  • Historical Society Partner: Serves as the official bike pickup location for the Palm Springs Historical Society's acclaimed docent-led tours.

  • E-Bike Upgrades: Offers powerful e-bikes, which are highly recommended for covering more ground with less effort, especially on the Historical Society tours.

  • Local Expertise: Staff provides valuable guidance, maps, and tips for creating your own self-guided tour of architectural highlights or celebrity homes.


Feature

Details

Price

Varies by bike type and duration ($30 - $75+ per day)

Duration

Self-guided (Half-day, Full-day, Multi-day rentals)

Difficulty

Easy (self-paced)

Best For

Independent Travelers, DIY Explorers, History Buffs

Pet-Friendly

No


Pro Tip: Book your bike online in advance, especially if you want an e-bike for a weekend. Then, purchase your tickets for a docent-led tour directly from the Palm Springs Historical Society website. This two-step process ensures you get the expert tour and the upgraded ride.

4. Modern Architecture Tours of Palm Springs


For visitors whose interest in Palm Springs goes beyond pools and palm trees, a tour with Palm Springs Architecture Tours is a must-do. This operator specializes in small-group, guide-led bike tours that dive deep into the city's world-renowned mid-century modern design. Instead of a general overview, you get a curated lesson in architectural history, exploring iconic neighborhoods like Las Palmas and the Movie Colony. Their website clearly outlines the tour focuses, making it easy for design aficionados to choose their perfect Palm Springs bike tours.


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What sets this experience apart is its dedicated focus on storytelling and history. Guides provide expert commentary on the architects, residents, and design principles that shaped neighborhoods like the Tennis Club. The tours are designed for reasonably fit riders on mostly flat routes, allowing the group to maintain a flexible pace. While bikes are not included, the company provides clear guidance on where to rent nearby. This niche approach is perfect for those who want an educational, active, and intimate look at the city's aesthetic soul. A private group tour is an especially fitting activity for a bachelorette party staying at a stylish boutique hotel like The Muse, where design is celebrated.


Key Features and Offerings


The major distinction of Modern Architecture Tours is its Bring-Your-Own-Bike (BYOB) or rent-nearby model. This gives riders the freedom to use a bike they are comfortable with while benefiting from an expert-led architectural deep-dive.


  • Niche Focus: Tours are specifically centered on the architectural and historical significance of Palm Springs' most famous neighborhoods.

  • Intimate Groups: The small-group format ensures a personalized experience where you can easily interact with the guide and ask questions.

  • Flexible Pacing: Routes are primarily flat and taken at a conversational pace, suitable for most fitness levels.

  • Rental Assistance: Although bikes aren't provided, they offer helpful information to easily secure a rental close to the tour's starting point.


Feature

Details

Price

Varies (check website, bike rental is separate)

Duration

~2.5 hours

Difficulty

Easy

Best For

Architecture Buffs, History Lovers, Return Visitors

Pet-Friendly

No


Pro Tip: Since you need to arrange your own bike, contact a local rental shop as soon as you book your tour to reserve your wheels. This extra step is well worth it for the high-quality, specialized content you'll receive on this unique tour.

5. Viator


For travelers who value convenience and comparison, Viator is an essential planning tool for booking Palm Springs bike tours. As a major online marketplace, it aggregates offerings from multiple local operators, including favorites like Big Wheel Tours, allowing you to see various itineraries, prices, and availability all in one place. Its strength lies in simplifying the search process, especially during peak season when direct bookings might be limited.


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What makes Viator a standout platform is its transparency and user-focused features. You can easily sort tours by traveler ratings, price, or duration, and read through hundreds of genuine reviews before making a decision. Popular options like the "Windmill Tour" and various celebrity home bike tours are frequently listed, complete with detailed descriptions, photos, and clear cancellation policies. This one-stop-shop approach is perfect for group organizers or anyone looking to efficiently plan their Palm Springs day trips.


Key Features and Offerings


Viator’s primary benefit is consolidating the booking experience. Instead of visiting multiple websites, you can compare the best Palm Springs bike tours side-by-side, often with the security of a flexible cancellation policy.


  • Tour Aggregation: Features a wide selection of tours from different companies, making it easy to find one that fits your schedule and interests.

  • User Reviews: Provides access to a large database of traveler reviews and ratings for informed decision-making.

  • Flexible Booking: Many listings offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for travelers with shifting plans.

  • Convenience: Offers instant confirmation, mobile ticketing, and a user-friendly app, which simplifies the entire process from booking to check-in.


Feature

Details

Price

Varies widely based on tour and operator ($75 - $150+)

Duration

Varies (Typically 2 - 4 hours)

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Best For

Planners, Comparison Shoppers, Last-Minute Bookings

Pet-Friendly

Varies by tour operator (check individual listings)


Pro Tip: Use Viator to discover new or lesser-known tours, but always compare the listed price with the tour operator's direct website. While Viator is convenient, sometimes booking direct can offer a slight discount, though you might miss out on Viator's flexible cancellation policy.

6. Airbnb Experiences (Modern & More Bike Tours)


For those who prefer a more personalized and hyper-local feel, the Airbnb Experiences platform offers some of the best independently run Palm Springs bike tours. Rather than booking with a large company, you connect directly with passionate local guides who lead small, intimate groups through the city’s architectural wonderlands. These tours, like the popular "Modern & More" bike tour, focus heavily on storytelling and architectural history.


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What makes Airbnb Experiences a standout is its focus on unique, host-led adventures that feel less like a commercial tour and more like a friend showing you their favorite spots. You can find specialized routes exploring the iconic mid-century modern homes in neighborhoods like Deepwell Estates, Twin Palms, and Indian Canyons. The platform's transparent review system and direct messaging with hosts allow you to find the perfect guide whose style matches your group’s vibe, whether you're architecture buffs or just looking for a casual cruise. This is an excellent activity to pair with a stay at a design-forward hotel.


Key Features and Offerings


A key distinction of most Airbnb bike tours is that they are "BYOB" (Bring Your Own Bike). However, hosts are well-versed in the local scene and typically provide excellent recommendations for nearby rental shops, making it easy to coordinate. This à la carte model often results in a more affordable price point for the guided experience itself.


  • Host-Led & Local: Tours are created and led by licensed local guides, offering an authentic, non-corporate perspective on Palm Springs history and culture.

  • Architecture Focus: Many tours specialize in the city's world-famous mid-century modern architecture, offering deep dives into specific neighborhoods and iconic homes.

  • Flexible Booking: The platform features easy online booking, visible host reviews, and often more flexible cancellation policies than traditional tour operators.

  • Small Group Size: Experiences are typically capped at a small number of guests, ensuring a more personal and interactive tour.


Feature

Details

Price

Varies by host (approx. $99 per person, bike not included)

Duration

2.5 - 3 hours

Difficulty

Easy

Best For

Architecture Lovers, Small Groups, Couples

Pet-Friendly

No


Pro Tip: Read the host profiles and guest reviews carefully to find a guide who aligns with your interests. Since you'll need to arrange your own bike, book your rental in advance, especially during peak season, and confirm the meeting point with your host. This is a perfect activity for a stylish bachelorette weekend.

7. GetYourGuide


For travelers who value flexibility and the security of a major booking platform, GetYourGuide is an excellent resource for finding curated Palm Springs bike tours. Rather than being a direct tour operator, it acts as a trusted marketplace, offering a streamlined way to discover, compare, and book unique experiences like its popular small-group architecture and history bike tour. The platform excels at providing a low-stress booking process with clear terms and reliable customer support.


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What makes GetYourGuide a compelling choice is its user-friendly features, especially the "reserve now, pay later" option and generous cancellation policy. This allows groups, such as bachelorette parties or friends on a weekend getaway, to secure their spots on a 3-hour guided ride through key South Palm Springs neighborhoods without immediate commitment. The tours featured are often intentionally kept small, limited to around 8 guests, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience as you pedal past architectural marvels and learn local history.


Key Features and Offerings


GetYourGuide simplifies the planning process by presenting all tour details, inclusions, and policies upfront. The use of mobile vouchers also means you can book on the go and have your confirmation ready on your phone.


  • Booking Flexibility: The platform's standout feature is its "reserve now, pay later" option, giving you flexibility in your trip planning.

  • Generous Cancellation: Offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour start time, providing peace of mind if plans change.

  • Intimate Group Sizes: The featured architecture and history tour is limited to small groups, making for a more engaging and less crowded experience.

  • Trusted Platform: As a large, reputable booking site, it provides reliable customer service and a secure payment process.


Feature

Details

Price

Varies by tour (typically $75 - $95+ per person)

Duration

~3 hours

Difficulty

Easy

Best For

Planners, Architecture Buffs, Small Groups

Pet-Friendly

No


Pro Tip: While GetYourGuide has a smaller selection of Palm Springs bike tours compared to giant marketplaces like Viator, the ones it features are often well-vetted. Use its clear layout and filter options to easily compare the inclusions and find a tour that fits your schedule and interests without getting overwhelmed by too many choices.

Final Thoughts


As we've pedaled through the top-rated and most unique Palm Springs bike tours, it’s clear that exploring this desert oasis on two wheels offers a perspective you simply can't get from a car. From the architectural marvels of the Movie Colony to the sun-drenched celebrity hideaways of Old Las Palmas, each tour provides a curated glimpse into the city's soul. The options we've covered, from Big Wheel Tours' robust adventures to the intimate, design-focused rides on Airbnb Experiences, cater to every type of traveler and every style of exploration.


Choosing the right tour isn't just about the route; it’s about matching the experience to your group’s specific vibe. Are you history buffs eager for tales from the Palm Springs Historical Society, or a bachelorette party seeking that perfect mid-century modern backdrop for your photos? The key takeaway is to align the tour's focus, difficulty, and duration with your itinerary and interests.


Whether you're planning a Palm Springs weekend getaway, a girls’ trip, or simply want a more stylish place to unwind, The Muse Hotel Palm Springs brings together privacy, design, and atmosphere in one beautifully curated package. Its private, adults-only setting provides the perfect sanctuary to unwind, while its group-friendly amenities and Instagrammable pool area keep the celebratory energy going.


Palm Springs Bike Tour FAQs


What makes The Muse Hotel unique among boutique hotels in Palm Springs?The Muse Hotel is specifically designed for group getaways, offering multi-suite bookings and full property buyouts for up to 21 guests. Its blend of a private, adults-only setting with chic, Instagram-worthy common areas like the floral pool and glam swing pergola makes it a standout for bachelorette parties and stylish celebrations.


Is The Muse Hotel adults-only?Yes, The Muse Hotel is a peaceful, adults-only property, creating a serene environment perfect for group celebrations, romantic weekends, and relaxing getaways without disturbances.


How close is The Muse Hotel to downtown Palm Springs?It's ideally located just minutes from the vibrant restaurants, shops, and nightlife of downtown Palm Springs, offering the perfect balance of easy access to the action and a quiet retreat to return to.


Is The Muse a good hotel for groups or bachelorettes?Absolutely. The Muse Hotel is one of the best hotels in Palm Springs for bachelorettes and groups. With flexible room configurations, private patios, a central courtyard pool for gathering, and full buyout options, it feels like your own private desert hideaway.


Are there full kitchens and private patios?Yes, every suite at The Muse Hotel is thoughtfully appointed with a kitchenette or full kitchen and a private patio, giving your group the flexibility to enjoy morning coffee, mix evening cocktails, or simply have a personal outdoor space to unwind.



After a sun-soaked day exploring Palm Springs on two wheels, imagine returning to your own private, stylish oasis to relax by the pool. The Muse Hotel offers the perfect home base for your group's cycling adventure, with chic suites and a layout designed for unforgettable bachelorette parties and weekend getaways. Discover your perfect desert hideaway at The Muse Hotel.


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