No matter how deep your pockets are, who doesn’t love something that’s 100% free? If you want to experience the best of Palm Springs without spending a dime, this guide is packed with fun, free, and unforgettable things to do—all located within city limits.

From architecture walks and people-watching to window shopping and mountain views, there’s plenty to explore—no tickets needed.

Hike and Explore Local Nature in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is home to some of the most iconic desert trails in Southern California. Hike the rugged terrain of Indian Canyons, take in sweeping views from the Museum Trail, or wander the lush landscapes of Tahquitz Canyon. For a cooler trek, explore the alpine trails of Mount San Jacinto State Park. Check out our guide to 10 of the most popular hikes in Palm Springs, where you might even encounter some of the region's impressive waterfalls.

Want to learn the basics of desert hiking while spotting wildlife under the stars? Join a free night tour with Friends of the Desert Mountain and explore all sorts of trails and natural areas, where nocturnal animals come to life after sundown.

👉 Check out our Palm Springs Hiking Guide.

 

hike museum trail in Palm Springs

 

Ride Your Bike

Palm Springs is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the desert. Cruise through historic neighborhoods, scenic streets, or along the city’s designated bike routes and trails.

👉 Visit our Bike Palm Springs guide for route suggestions.

 

Girls on Midcentury Architecture Bike Tour

 

Play or Picnic at a Local Park

Palm Springs has no shortage of public parks where you can relax, play, or even catch a surprise performance. From December to May, Downtown Park hosts Rock the Park on the first Wednesday of each month—a free tribute concert series open to all! For playing and picnicking, Ruth Hardy Park and Demuth Park are popular picks, offering open green space, tennis courts, and playgrounds. It’s easy to spend a laid-back afternoon enjoying the sunshine—no ticket required!

  • Ruth Hardy Park – Shady trees, tennis courts, picnic tables, and views of Mount San Jacinto.
  • Sunrise Park – Centrally located with wide green lawns and playgrounds.
  • Demuth Park – The city’s largest park with picnic areas, sports fields, and walking trails.
  • ​Palm Springs Downtown Park - Dine with Marilyn Monroe by the "Forever Marilyn" statue.

👉 Our Guide to Palm Springs Parks

 

Forever Marilyn statue side view from Palm Springs downtown park.

 

Embrace the Art of Palm Springs

Take a casual stroll down Palm Canyon Drive and explore galleries and local art shops. At the Backstreet Art District, you’ll find tons of unique art from studios to sculptures to jewelry shopping, if you wish to spend! Stroll through local galleries and discover a constantly evolving mix of work by regional and national artists. Don’t miss the free Art Walk on the first Wednesday of each month—a casual, self-guided evening perfect for exploring new exhibits and creative spaces.

👉 Check our Palm Springs Gallery Guide for hours and locations.
 

Big Mike Art at Lofts Art District


Hit the Tennis Courts

Enjoy some court time at several free public tennis (and pickleball) courts in Palm Springs—perfect for a casual match or solo practice. With mountain views and sunny skies, it’s an easy way to stay active while soaking up the local scenery.

👉 Game on! Sports Courts to Play, Compete, and Have Fun in Palm Springs.

 

Demuth Park pickleball and tennis

 

Join Free Outdoor Fitness or Yoga

Check out parks like Sunrise Park and the Wellness Park near the Wellness Pavilion, where you’ll often find free or donation-based yoga and fitness classes—especially during the cooler winter and spring months.

The Wellness Park, situated next to Desert Regional Medical Center, offers a serene walking loop, native desert plants, and a healing garden designed for reflection. It’s a perfect spot for light exercise, quiet time, or a midday reset.

 

Wellness Palm Springs Power Yoga

 

Follow the Stars (Hollywood Style!)

Walk along the Palm Springs Walk of Stars on Palm Canyon Drive to spot more than 400 sidewalk stars honoring celebrities like Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and Liberace.

 

walk of stars

 

Visit the Palm Springs Public Library

The Palm Springs Public Library is a modern, air-conditioned gem that offers a quiet escape from the heat and a welcoming space for both locals and visitors to explore, learn, and unwind. Free services include:

  • Wi-Fi and computer access
  • Audiobooks and eBooks
  • Free programming for kids and adults
  • Movie nights, lectures, author talks, and craft events

Located at 300 S. Sunrise Way, it’s a great stop on a warm day!

 

Free Thursdays at the Palm Springs Art Museum

Looking for free family-friendly activities in Palm Springs? Head over to the Palm Springs Art Museum, where you’ll find free admission on Thursday nights as well as the 3rd Sunday of every month! Be sure to register in advance.

Here, you will find a variety of unique media presented through the different exhibitions, daily activities, and lectures. Be sure to check out the Architecture and Design Center within the museum! This place is perfect for those who love contemporary design.

👉 Our Complete Guide to the Palm Springs Art Museum

 

palm springs art museum

 

Take in VillageFest on Thursday Nights

Every Thursday evening, Palm Canyon Drive transforms into the lively VillageFest—an open-air fair filled with handmade crafts, artisan goods, and international food. It’s free to stroll and soak in the atmosphere, but with so many tempting treats and treasures, you’ll probably want to bring a little spending money.

 

Group of Friends at VillageFest Street Fair

 

Snap a Photo!

Palm Springs offers plenty of photo-worthy backdrops, from bold public art to iconic design landmarks. Snap a shot with the towering “Forever Marilyn” statue, explore rotating installations at the Palm Springs Art Museum Plaza, or frame a classic midcentury moment outside City Hall or the Palm Springs Visitor Center.

palm springs welcome sign mural

 

Self-Guided Midcentury Architecture Tour

Palm Springs is a living museum of midcentury modern architecture, where entire neighborhoods showcase iconic design. Cruise through areas like Twin Palms, Vista Las Palmas, and Deepwell Estates to see homes by legendary architects including William Krisel, Donald Wexler, and Albert Frey. Walk, bike, or drive!

  • William Krisel, Donald Wexler, and Albert Frey
  • See iconic neighborhoods like Twin Palms, Racquet Club Estates, and Vista Las Palmas

👉 Download our Free Self-Guided Architecture Tour

Kaufmann House

 

Visit the Palm Springs Dog Park

Located behind City Hall (at 222 Civic Drive North) the Palm Springs Dog Park offers 1.6 acres of fenced fun with separate areas for large and small dogs, shade structures, and benches.

palm springs dog park

 

Window Shop and People Watch

Downtown Palm Springs and the Uptown Design District are perfect for casual browsing. Stroll past vintage boutiques, record stores, art shops, and sidewalk cafes—people-watching is always free.

Shag Shopping-20 uptown design

 

Plan Your Free Day in Palm Springs

With sunshine nearly every day and a relaxed pace that makes wandering easy, Palm Springs is full of great things to do without spending a dime. Hike desert trails, browse galleries, catch free concerts, or just soak up the views—there’s always something happening, and plenty of ways to enjoy it.

Additional links:

Budget Travel Guide to Palm Springs

Iron Tree Inn

​Hilton Vacation Club Palm Canyon Palm Springs

Palm Springs Art Walking Tour: Museums, Galleries & Public Art Downtown