Free Things To Do in Palm Springs

🧺 Have a Picnic

Pack a lunch and relax under the palms at one of Palm Springs’ beautiful public parks:

• 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.

👉 Palm Springs Parks

🎨 Village Gallery Walk

Take a casual stroll down Palm Canyon Drive and explore galleries and local art shops. Some highlights:

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  The Lofts Art District - A vibrant and creative community that celebrates the arts. Located downtown, it is home to numerous art galleries, studios, and creative spaces.

• Backstreet Art District - Stroll through a dozen artist-owned galleries and studios.

• Arts District Collective - A dynamic art space showcasing a thoughtfully curated selection of contemporary works from exceptional artists

• Explore the Sunny Dunes Art District in Palm Springs

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

🎾 Hit the Tennis Courts

Enjoy some court time at several free public tennis courts in Palm Springs:

• Demuth Park

•  

  Ruth Hardy Park

• Palm Springs High School (public access outside school hours) - 2401 E Baristo Road

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

🧘 Join Free Outdoor Fitness or Yoga

Check local listings or parks like Sunrise Park and Wellness Park near the Wellness Pavilion, where free or donation-based yoga and fitness classes are often held, especially in winter and spring months.

The Wellness Park, located at the northwest corner of Sunrise Way and Tachevah Drive (next to Desert Regional Medical Center), offers a tranquil walking loop, a healing garden, and beautiful desert landscaping. It’s ideal for walking meditation or a peaceful break.

⭐ 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.

📚 Visit the Palm Springs Public Library

The Palm Springs Public Library is a modern, air-conditioned gem for locals and visitors alike. 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

Enjoy free admission to the Palm Springs Art Museum every Thursday from 4–7 PM (check for seasonal changes). Explore:

• Contemporary and classic Western art

• Cahuilla Native American artifacts

• Rotating exhibitions and sculpture garden

👉 Your Complete Guide to the Palm Springs Art Museum

💃 Take in VillageFest on Thursday Nights

Every Thursday from 7 to 10 pm, downtown Palm Springs comes alive with VillageFest. Browse handmade crafts, snack on samples, listen to live music, and soak in the street fair energy—free to attend and open year-round.

📷 DIY Photos and Instagram

Palm Springs has colorful walls and murals perfect for selfies and snapshots. Look for:

• Top Palm Springs Instagram Spots

• Colorful Creations: Exploring the Art Benches of Palm Springs

• Greetings from Palm Springs mural at the Palm Springs Visitor Center

👉 Palm Springs Self-Guided Colored Door Tour

🏛️ Self-Guided Midcentury Architecture Tour

Palm Springs is the epicenter of midcentury modern design. Drive, walk, or bike through neighborhoods featuring classic homes by:

• William Krisel, Donald Wexler, and Albert Frey

• See iconic neighborhoods like Twin Palms, Racquet Club Estates, and Vista Las Palmas

👉 Download a Free Self-Guided Architecture Tour

🐾 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.

• Pawsitively Palm Springs 🐾: A Dog-Friendly Guide to Wagging Good Time

• Palm Springs: A Pet-Friendly Getaway

🏡 Go to Open Houses

If you’re into architecture and interior design, check out the many open houses hosted weekly throughout Palm Springs. Walk through midcentury gems and modern showpieces—for free.

🛍️ 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.

📸 Snap a Photo

Palm Springs is full of public art installations, many along downtown Palm Canyon Drive or near parks and civic buildings. Don’t miss:

• The colorful Marilyn Monroe “Forever Marilyn” statue

• Rotating installations at the Palm Springs Art Museum Plaza

• Midcentury architecture like the Palm Springs City Hall and the Palm Springs Visitor Center

Plan Your Free Day in Palm Springs

With sunshine nearly every day of the year and a laid-back vibe that invites exploration, Palm Springs is full of amazing things to do, even on a budget. Whether you’re outdoorsy, artsy, or just want to relax, there’s a free activity here waiting for you.

Budget Travel Guide to Palm Springs

Iron Tree Inn

Hilton Vacation Club Palm Canyon Palm Springs