Best Free Things to do in Palm Springs
Presented Alphabetically
Experience VillageFest
VillageFest transforms downtown Palm Springs into a free Thursday-night street fair with more than 150 vendors, local art, food, live music and entertainment. It runs 7–10 p.m. June through September and 6–10 p.m. October through May along Palm Canyon Drive.
Location: Intersection of N. Palm Canyon Drive and W. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Phone: (760)320-3781
Website: https://villagefest.org/
Explore Downtown Palm Springs
Downtown Palm Springs is an easy way to spend a few hours for free. Start at the Forever Marilyn statue (address below), then walk Palm Canyon Drive, explore public art and murals, admire midcentury architecture, and browse boutiques and galleries. Enjoy people-watching and views of the San Jacinto Mountains along the way.
Location: 230 N. Museum Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: 760-779-6990
Explore Ruth Hardy Park
Ruth Hardy Park is a 22-acre Palm Springs park with plenty of free ways for families to spend an afternoon. Kids can enjoy the playgrounds while adults can use the tennis and basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, picnic areas and grills. With open space, restrooms and drinking fountains, it’s an easy option for anyone looking for free things to do in Palm Springs with kids.
Location: 700 Tamarisk Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (760)323-8272
Website: palmspringsca.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation
Hike Museum Trail
The Palm Springs Museum Trail is a short but challenging hike with sweeping views of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. Starting behind the Palm Springs Art Museum at 101 N. Museum Drive, the roughly 1.7-mile round-trip trail climbs nearly 1,000 feet, making it a demanding option for hikers looking for a free outdoor activity in Palm Springs.
Location: 101 N Museum Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (760)322-4800
Website: www.psmuseum.org
Hike the South Lykken Trail
South Lykken Trail is a popular free hiking option in Palm Springs, offering desert scenery, mountain views and a workout just minutes from downtown. The trail climbs into the San Jacinto Mountains and provides sweeping views of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, making it a great choice for visitors looking for free outdoor activities in Palm Springs.
Location: Park near Mesquite Avenue and Belardo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Phone: (760)862-9984
Website: alltrails.com/trail/us/california/south-lykken-trailhead
Hot Spot Bingo with Deven Green and Handsome Ned
Hot Spot Bingo with Deven & Ned brings comedy, music, prizes and bingo to the Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs. ACE Club members can enjoy free entry and receive $10 in Free Slot Play at check-in. Seating is first come, first served, and guests can order food from 360 Sports for delivery to the lounge.
Location: 401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (888)999-1995
Website: https://www.aguacalientecasinos.com/agua-special/ps-hot-spot-bingo/
Play Free Tennis or Pickleball
Get outside and play tennis or pickleball for free at public courts around Palm Springs. Courts are available at Ruth Hardy Park, Demuth Park and Palm Springs High School outside school hours. It’s an easy option for free outdoor activities in Palm Springs and a great way to stay active without spending money.
Location: 4365 E Mesquite Ave Palm Springs
Phone: (760) 323-8272
Website: https://www.palmspringsca.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation/parks-facilities/demuth-park
Rock the Park
Location: Museum Way and Belardo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (760)325-1577
Website: https://pschamber.org/rock-the-park/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Take a Self-Guided Midcentury Architecture Tour
Explore Palm Springs’ iconic midcentury modern architecture for free. Start at the former Tramway Gas Station, (address below), then explore Racquet Club Estates, Twin Palms Estates and Vista Las Palmas. Look for Alexander homes, butterfly roofs, breeze-block walls and the famous “Swiss Miss” houses.
Location: 2901 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: 760-568-1441
Website: https://visitpalmsprings.com/mid-century-architecture-self-guided-tour/
Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum for free
The Palm Springs Art Museum is a great way to experience art, photography, architecture and design without spending a dime. The museum offers free admission every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m., with special programming and activities often taking place during its weekly Free Thursday Night. Children under 18 also receive free admission every day.
Location: 101 Museum Drive
Phone: (760)322-4800
Website: psmuseum.org
Visit the Village Green Heritage Center
Step into Palm Springs history at the Village Green Heritage Center, a free downtown attraction featuring historic buildings including the 1884 McCallum Adobe and the Cornelia White House. Visitors can also explore Ruddy’s General Store, a recreation of a 1930s shop filled with period items. It’s an easy stop for anyone looking for free things to do in downtown Palm Springs.
Location: 219–221 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (760)323-8297
Website: pshistoricalsociety.org/pages/village-green-museums
Walk the Palm Springs Walk of Stars
The Palm Springs Walk of Stars offers a free way to explore downtown while discovering the people who helped shape the city’s history and culture. Located along Palm Canyon Drive, the walk features hundreds of stars honoring entertainers, civic leaders and other notable figures with connections to Palm Springs. It’s easy to explore on foot and makes a great stop for visitors looking to experience the city without spending money. The stars extend along Palm Canyon Drive and also onto Tahquitz Canyon Way and Museum Drive.
Location: 100 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (760) 325-1577
Website: walkofthestars.com