With its bountiful outdoors, thrifty shopping spots, and affordable entertainment, budget-conscious travelers can visit Greater Palm Springs without sacrificing memorable experiences. From free and cheap things to do, to budget-friendly family activities, we’ve rounded up the best ways to enjoy the beauty and sense of adventure that greater Palm Springs has to offer – all while staying within a reasonable price point.
Free Activities and Attractions
History enthusiasts and art buffs alike can take advantage of many free activities and attractions within greater Palm Springs. For all things art, our internationally-renowned Palm Springs Art Museum is free on Thursday nights (with advance registration), as well as on the third Sunday of every month! Eager to dive into the region’s history? Pop into the free Cabazon Cultural Museum, which preserves the heritage and legacy of our local Native American communities.
On the first Wednesday of every month, join our free monthly art walk from 5-7 p.m. that traverses the Backstreet Art District, an enclave of studios and galleries just 10 minutes from downtown Palm Springs. Or, embark on an unforgettable and family-friendly desert adventure with Friends of the Desert Mountain, where you can discover plants and wildlife along the Art Smith Trail. You can also explore greater Palm Springs by car along Highway 74 (also known as the Palms to Pines Highway), which offers a scenic drive along winding mountain roads.
Budget-Friendly Entertainment
Stop by Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs for free live entertainment four nights of the week, including the popular Cascade Dance Parties on Friday and Saturday and their Sunday Latin Nights. Or, head on over to the penny slot machines for affordable casino fun (and the chance to win big). Ready to rock ‘n’ roll? Attend one of the free Rock Yard concerts that run from spring to fall at the Rock Yard outdoor concert stage.
Affordable Dining Options
Greater Palm Springs is home to many affordable dining options that span all cuisines and tastes. Tac/Quila is a local favorite for mouthwatering tacos and Mexican food. Looking for a sweet treat? Pay a visit to Beachhouse Yogurt, where you can enjoy more than 21 flavor choices of frozen yogurt and 60 different fresh toppings for an affordable price point.
Explore the Outdoors
Outdoor enthusiasts can easily spend a day or weekend exploring greater Palm Springs’ vast landscape. Seeking out adventure? Look no further than greater Palm Springs’ picturesque surroundings, which include four mountain ranges and endless blue skies. Simply visit one of the area’s many stunning trails for a casual walk or more challenging hike, such as the easier two-mile Andreas Canyon Trail at Indian Canyons, or the longer six-mile Araby Trail, which is ideal for cyclists and lined with iconic architecture and real estate. No matter which outdoor adventure you choose, be sure to have a camera or smartphone handy, as you’ll want to capture the region’s unparalleled scenery (or snap a stunning image of a desert sunrise).
Farmers Markets
Shop for affordable produce, herbs, nuts, cheese, and honey from local farmers and vendors at the beloved Old Town La Quinta farmers market, which takes place every Sunday morning from October to May. Sample homemade bread, enjoy a live cooking demonstration, or sip on a freshly squeezed fruit juice as you browse the latest goods and wares at the market. Additional farmers markets can also be found in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and Rancho Mirage.
Thrifty Shopping Spots
Vintage shops are aplenty in greater Palm Springs, where you can take a stroll down memory lane and browse fashion from eras past. For affordable vintage home decor and clothing, look no further than Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs and Perez Road in Cathedral City. Outlet malls in greater Palm Springs also sell name brand clothing, jewelry, home decor, and more at unbeatable prices. With more than 100 stores to choose from, there’s no shortage of shopping options. Cabazon Outlets has open-air breezeways with top brands, while Desert Hills Premium Outlets is home to everyday brands with deals and steals you won’t find anywhere else.
Local Parks
Looking for budget-friendly things to do with the entire family? Pay a visit to one of the area’s many beautiful parks, like Panorama Park, which features two tennis courts, a half-court basketball court, a softball field, a sand volleyball court, tables with barbecue stands, a spray pool, and of course, plenty of shade structure and benches to take a seat out of the sun. Furry friends are also welcome at the numerous dog parks throughout greater Palm Springs, like Palm Springs Dog Park and Palm Desert Civic Center Dog Park.
Stargazing
Every night, the vast, clear skies of greater Palm Springs are aglow with a dazzling array of stars. As one of the best regions for stargazing in California, greater Palm Springs offers ongoing free stargazing opportunities at Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory, along with Sawmill Trail and the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto National Monument Visitors Center in Palm Desert. You can also bring your own telescope and set up camp at one of the many area campgrounds, where you can spot your favorite constellations and search for a shooting star.
