Palm Springs is a desert paradise, famous for its stunning views, vibrant culture, and year-round sun. When looking for free things to do in Palm Springs, you’ll find plenty of options that let you experience the beauty and charm of this unique destination without spending a dime.
The area has many upscale attractions and activities. But, there are also free options. They let tourists enjoy the beauty of this special place.
These free activities will make your trip to Palm Springs exceptional. They are perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the city on a budget.
Explore the Palm Springs Art Museum for Free
The biggest cultural establishment in the area is the Palm Springs Art Museum.
- This museum features more than 12,000 pieces of modern and contemporary art. These pieces have their origins in the area’s history, culture, and environment.
- You should also visit the Architecture and Design Center and Frey House II. These are two of the museum’s other noteworthy sections in Palm Springs.
Free: Every Thursday from 4 pm to 8 pm.
Hiking Trails and Night Treks in Palm Springs
Participate in the Friends of the Desert Mountains’ guided night treks for a completely unique hiking experience.
- The Art Smith trailhead in Palm Desert is where the Monument Night Adventures begin.
- From there, you will explore the basin in search of scorpions and other black-lit nocturnal desert animals.
- Interpretive day hikes and full moon hikes are also available. $5 is requested as an optional tax-deductible donation.
Free Live Performances at Cascade Lounge, Agua Caliente
For a vibrant evening, visit Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs’ Cascade Lounge.
- This lounge hosts free live performances four nights a week. They include: the Cascade Nights Dance Party on Friday and Saturday, Mimosas, Martinis & Music on Mondays, and Sunday Latin Nights.
Discover Shields Date Garden in Indio
Nearby Indio’s Shields Date Garden is more than just a store and eatery—it’s a whole date experience.
- The enormous sign of a knight directs you inside, towering over the parking lot along Highway 111. This is your chance to try a date shake for the first time.
- You can also stock up on all the different kinds of dates you can think of.
- Enjoy the free film, The Romance and Sex Life of the Date, while you’re there; it’s packed with fascinating history and statistics.
Backstreet Art District Art Walk in Palm Springs
Backstreet Art District Art Walk has a wonderfully diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, encaustic prints, monotypes, jewelry, ceramics, photography, custom leather accessories, and mixed-media pieces.
- You can find more by locally, nationally, and internationally renowned artists, whether you’re looking to buy your first piece of art or expand your collection.
Explore the Coachella Valley Preserve
Nature enthusiasts can find solace in this vast 20,000-acre sanctuary. It boasts breathtaking landscapes, a wide array of wildlife, and a tranquil retreat. It is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- Enjoy the beauty of the desert landscape without breaking the bank.
- Hike past towering palms, wind-sculpted sand dunes, and dramatic mountain vistas.
- Keep an eye out for the endangered Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard. This creature is found nowhere else on Earth.
- Soak in the serenity of the desert and disconnect from the everyday.
Drive the Scenic Palms to Pines Highway
With good cause, the Palm to Pines Scenic Byway is regarded as one of California’s most picturesque driving routes.
- It follows winding roads through the San Bernardino National Forest, which transition from the sandy desert floor to verdant mountain forests.
- You can choose to hike and see some of the communities along the way, or you can just stop at the picturesque views.
- The hike starts at Highway 74 in Palm Desert and ends at the Banning Pass on Highway 243. The picturesque hamlet of Idyllwild and Lake Hemet are a couple of the highlights.
Discover Outdoor Public Art in Palm Springs
Palm Springs boasts an abundance of outdoor art, ranging from breathtaking sculptures to imaginative murals.
- The Woman in Glasses mural on North Palm Canyon Drive, the Rainmaker Fountain in Frances Stevens Park, and the notorious Forever Marilyn statue all offer chances to learn more about the history and culture of the area.
- In an effort to respect the farming community and promote the local population, the city of Coachella has commissioned a number of murals as part of its Coachella Walls project.
Free Stargazing in Greater Palm Springs
Every night, a stunning display of stars fills the large, bright skies over the greater Palm Springs area.
- The larger Palm Springs area is one of the best places in California to see stars. It includes Sawmill Trail, the Visitors Center in Palm Desert, and the Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory, which offers free stargazing.
- Also, you can tent at nearby campgrounds. Use your telescope to view your favorite constellations and look for shooting stars.
Take a Self-Guided Architecture Tour in Palm Springs
A self-guided architecture tour organized by Visit Greater Palm Springs is a great way for architecture enthusiasts to explore their passion for all things mid-century modern.
- Visit the Palm Springs Visitor Center on North Palm Canyon Drive. It has architecture books and other goods. Then, go to Racquet Club Estates. It features mansions built by Krisel and Alexander Steel.
- The Kaufmann House is located in the Chino Canyon area, however it is only visible from the sidewalk. It was designed by Neutra.
Experience Village Fest on Free Thursday Nights
Every Thursday night, Village Fest gathers food and festivities and serves them all up on Palm Canyon Drive.
As you move from one vendor to the next, music will fill the cool desert air and make you feel at home. Snacks and drinks abound as you browse the artwork of regional artisans. It’s no cost.
Visit the Beautiful Sunnylands Center and Gardens
Visit Sunnylands Center and Gardens for a carefully manicured desert setting that has played host to world leaders, nobility, and former Hollywood stars.
- The 200-acre Rancho Mirage estate of former ambassador Walter Annenberg and his wife, Leonore, includes the 15-acre center and gardens.
- The Annenberg’s 25,000-square-foot midcentury modern home requires reservations to view the interior, but admission to the gardens is free.
Rock Yard Concerts: Free Live Music in Indio
Do you want to listen to some rock ‘n’ roll? From spring through fall, the Rock Yard at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio provides free live music performances on its outdoor stage.
- Every Friday and Saturday, tribute bands from a variety of musical genres are on the schedule.
- On Wednesday and Sunday nights, there’s Noche de Fuego, when featured musicians perform a range of genres, such as salsa, merengue, cumbia, and Tejano.
Explore Downtown Palm Springs
Explore Palm Springs’s rejuvenated downtown, which is home to new eateries, shops, and artwork within a short distance.
- This lively neighborhood is teeming with charming eateries, art galleries, and boutique stores.
- Enjoy Palm Springs’ renowned midcentury modern architecture and don’t forget to take some pictures near to the famous Marilyn Monroe statue.
Capture Stunning Photos at the Palm Springs Windmills
In search of a complimentary memento? In front of the famous windmills that face the San Jacinto Mountains, why not take a few memorable pictures?
- The viewpoint along Indian Canyon Drive is a favorite among photographers because it offers the ideal photo to capture your visit to this paradise in Southern California.
Visit Vintage Shops in Palm Springs
Visit one of the many vintage stores in Greater Palm Springs and take a trip down memory lane.
- These stores provide a colorful look into midcentury style in everything from clothes to home décor. Perez Road in Cathedral City and Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs are must-sees.
Play Tennis at Free Courts in Palm Springs
Given the abundance of free tennis courts and the ideal weather for outdoor pursuits in Greater Palm Springs, why not pick up a racquet and play a few games?
- In Palm Springs, there are courts at Ruth Hardy Park and DeMuth Park.
Instagram-Worthy Spots in Palm Springs
Want to improve your Instagram game? There are plenty of opportunities in Greater Palm Springs to give your fans severe FOMO.
- You can make your Instagram account swoon-worthy with murals, modernism, and more, going beyond the traditional poolside photos.
Visit the Salton Sea for a Desert Adventure
In the midst of a vast desert, take a quick drive to a magnificent sea. There are a lot of things to watch there such as Salvation Mountain, mud volcanoes, and wildlife.
- Take advantage of some fantastic discounts on anything from meals and resorts to activities and attractions in addition to your free enjoyment. See what Palm Springs and beyond have to offer.
Enjoy a Free Polo Match at the Empire Polo Club
Polo matches are held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio every Sunday from January to March, and admission is free.
- At intermission, stomp the divots with the other guests. Then, enjoy a champagne toast. Bring the kids; this is a terrific family outing.
- The polo club also hosts the Stagecoach and Coachella festivals. It has 17 polo grounds and facilities for 700 horses. It occupies over 500 acres.
- After the game, go to Tack Room Tavern for a filling lunch. Or, plan to tailgate with your own food and drinks.
Attend a Free Festival in Greater Palm Springs
There are many festivals to choose from, with Greater Palm Springs Pride being the most well-known.
- This free festival features a parade, performances, and a vendor fair to honor the LGBTIQ+ community’s resilience and fortitude.
Conclusion | Free Things to Do in Palm Springs
You can explore Palm Springs for free, thanks to its many free activities. It has a unique desert beauty, a vibrant culture, and a rich history.
There is something for everyone. You can wander the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Sculpture Garden. Or, admire the city’s mid-century modern designs. You can also trek the Indian Canyons paths. They lead to the stunning Moorten Botanical Garden.
Don’t miss the vibrant street markets, village festivals, and free outdoor concerts. They highlight the local culture. Many free activities in Palm Springs appeal to history, art, and nature fans.
Free Things to Do in Palm Springs FAQs
1. What are some free cultural attractions in Palm Springs?
Palm Springs offers several free cultural attractions, including the Palm Springs Art Museum (free on Thursdays from 4 pm to 8 pm), outdoor public art installations, and the Backstreet Art District Art Walk.
2. Are there any free hiking trails in Palm Springs?
Yes, Palm Springs has many free hiking trails, such as the Friends of the Desert Mountains guided night treks and day hikes, the Indian Canyons, and trails at the Coachella Valley Preserve.
3. Where can I enjoy free live music in Palm Springs?
You can enjoy free live performances at the Cascade Lounge in Agua Caliente Casino, the Rock Yard at Fantasy Springs Casino, and at various events like Village Fest every Thursday evening.
4. Can I visit any gardens for free in Palm Springs?
Yes, the Sunnylands Center and Gardens in Rancho Mirage offers free admission to its 15-acre garden, which is a beautifully manicured desert landscape.
5. Where can I go stargazing for free in Palm Springs?
Some of the best free stargazing spots include the Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory, Sawmill Trail, and the Palm Desert Visitor Center.
6. What are some free family-friendly activities in Palm Springs?
Families can visit the Empire Polo Club for free polo matches on Sundays (January to March), enjoy a self-guided architecture tour, or explore the Coachella Valley Preserve for nature walks and wildlife watching.
7. Can I visit the famous Palm Springs windmills for free?
Yes, you can visit the iconic Palm Springs windmills and take pictures from the scenic viewpoint along Indian Canyon Drive for free.
8. Is there free parking in downtown Palm Springs?
Yes, there are various parking options, including free public parking lots and street parking in downtown Palm Springs.
9. What are the best free festivals in Palm Springs?
Greater Palm Springs Pride is one of the most popular free festivals, featuring a parade, performances, and a vendor fair celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
10. Are there any free tennis courts in Palm Springs?
Yes, you can play tennis for free at courts in Ruth Hardy Park and DeMuth Park in Palm Springs.
