Whether you're visiting on a budget or love a good freebie, Palm Springs is packed with fun, free things to do that don't cost a dime. From scenic trails and desert art walks to iconic architecture and lively weekly events, this guide highlights the best free things to do in Palm Springs—all within city limits.
Explore Palm Springs’ Free Outdoor Adventures
Palm Springs is home to some of the most iconic desert trails in Southern California. While some areas require admission, many local trails are completely free and offer spectacular views.
Try these free things to do outdoors in Palm Springs:
- Explore scenic local paths such as the Coffman Trail in Murray Canyon
- Explore cooler, forested terrain on the Guide to Hiking the Mt. San Jacinto Peak Trail
- Discover Tahquitz Canyon
- Explore the Beauty of Lower Palm Canyon: A Family-Friendly 3-4 Mile Hike
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.
Ride Through Palm Springs on a Bike
Palm Springs is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the region, making cycling one of the best free things to do in Palm Springs.
- Palm Springs Big City Loop Bike Tour
- Explore Historic Deepwell Ranch Neighborhood: Self-Guided Bike Tour
- Pedal Through Palm Springs: A Self-Guided Tour of Midcentury Charm
👉 Visit our Bike Palm Springs guide for route suggestions.
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!
Top parks for free things to do in Palm Springs:
- 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
Enjoy Palm Springs’ Free Art and Creative Districts
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.
Free Art Walk - First Wednesday
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. One of the best free things to do in Palm Springs for art lovers.
Check Out:
- Backstreet Art District - Stroll through a dozen artist-owned galleries and studios.
- 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.
- 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 Free Tennis Courts
Stay active without spending a cent. Palm Springs offers free public courts perfect for tennis or pickleball.
Where to play for free:
- Demuth Park
- Ruth Hardy Park
- Palm Springs High School (public access outside school hours).
👉 Game on! Sports Courts to Play, Compete, and Have Fun in Palm Springs.
Join Free Outdoor Fitness or Yoga
Looking for wellness-focused free activities in Palm Springs? Drop into free or donation-based yoga, stretching, or fitness meetups at:
- Sunrise Park
- Wellness Park - you’ll often find free or donation-based yoga and fitness classes, especially during the cooler winter and spring months.
The Wellness Park, located next to Desert Regional Medical Center, features a serene walking loop, native desert plants, and a healing garden for reflection. It’s a perfect spot for light exercise, quiet time, or a midday reset.
Walk the Palm Springs Walk of Stars
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. One of the most iconic free things to do in downtown Palm Springs:
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
Address: 300 S. Sunrise Way (Temporary location at 4721 E Palm Canyon Drive while the main library is under renovation)
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 media presented through 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
Experience VillageFest on Thursday Nights
Every Thursday evening, Palm Canyon Drive transforms into the lively VillageFest, a free, walkable, open-air market featuring artisans, makers, musicians, and more. It's one of the best free things to do in Palm Springs.
Snap Instagram-Worthy Photos
Palm Springs offers plenty of photo-worthy backdrops, from bold public art to iconic design landmarks.
Top Insta-Worthy Spots in Palm Springs:
- Colorful Creations: Exploring the Art Benches of Palm Springs
- Greetings from the Palm Springs mural at the Palm Springs Visitor Center
- Palm Springs Self-Guided Colored Door Tour
- Forever Marilyn Statue
- Palm Springs Visitor Center.
Take a Free Self-Guided Architecture Tour
Palm Springs is a living museum of midcentury modern architecture, where entire neighborhoods showcase iconic design. This is one of the best free things to do in Palm Springs for architecture lovers.
- 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
Let Your Pup Play at 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
Window Shop & 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.
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 soak up the views—there’s always something happening, and plenty of ways to enjoy the best free things to do in Palm Springs.
Additional links:
Budget Travel Guide to Palm Springs
Hilton Vacation Club Palm Canyon Palm Springs
Palm Springs Art Walking Tour: Museums, Galleries & Public Art Downtown