(Greater Palm Springs, CA) – February 27, 2017– Having the time of your life in Greater Palm Springs doesn’t have to cost a fortune.  In fact, many of the very best things to see and do are absolutely FREE! With over 100 miles of hiking trails, near-perfect weather and a variety of world-class events, Greater Palm Springs offers visitors a memorable and inexpensive getaway for all ages with fun and unique things to do and see.

Take a “tour” of the “Top 10 Free Activities” in Greater Palm Springs:

1. Desert X: The Desert Exhibition of Art
Looking for an instagrammable shot? Why not snap a few unforgettable photos in front of the 16 site-specific art installations, known as Desert X, that range across the nine cities of Greater Palm Springs.  From February 25 – April 30, 2017, the art installations created by international artists will be on display and free to all.  For specific locations and information, visit www.desertx.org.

2. Midcentury Modern Architectural Tour
Greater Palm Springs is home to the largest concentration of mid-century modern architecture in the nation.  Since the 1920s, visionary modernist architects have designed sleek, modern homes and businesses that have embraced the desert environment.  To see the iconic designs by such greats as Donald Wexler, Albert Frey and E. Stewart Williams, don’t miss out on this free self-guided Midcentury Modern Architectural tour

3. Sunnylands Center & Gardens
The former Annenberg Estate and "Camp David of the West” takes up 200 manicured acres and is rich with historical significance. Visitors to Sunnylands Center & Gardens can enjoy a variety of free public programs.  Yoga is scheduled every Friday at noon and Tai Chi every Saturday at 10 a.m. A guided, one-hour walk through the Gardens takes place on Thursdays at 11 a.m, though birdwatchers may prefer the walk at 9:15 a.m. on Fridays with an experienced birder. In March, Music in the Gardens brings performances to the Great Lawn every Sunday. Be sure to check the events calendar for the lineup of entertainment and times.

4. Vintage Shopping
Take a stroll down memory lane at Greater Palm Springs’ many vintage shops. From home décor to clothing, these shops offer a fun look at midcentury style. Start your exploration on Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs, then head to Perez Road in Cathedral City, and ultimately to El Paseo in Palm Desert.

5. Coachella Walls Mural Tour
Experience rich history, culture, and art by exploring the beautiful murals throughout the City of Coachella on a walking tour.  In nearby Indio, the Coachella Valley History Museum is lodged in the historic 1909 Indio Schoolhouse and hosts the world's only Date Museum.  Admission is free on the first weekend of the month.

6. Take a hike
There is no shortage of ways to explore the diverse natural beauty that is Greater Palm Springs. Outdoor exercise enthusiasts share more than 100 miles of scenic paths winding throughout the oasis.  For hiking trail recommendations, visit www.hikingingps.com.

7. Shields Date Garden
Opened in 1924, Shields Date Garden remains a top spot to visit. Explore the Garden, a 17-acre landscaped date farm, and have a date shake or lunch on the patio overlooking the gardens. Don’t miss the free movie, “The Romance and Sex Life of the Date.”

8. Palm Springs Art Museum
From February 18 – May 29, 2017, check out a new groundbreaking exhibition, Women of Abstract Expressionism, featuring more than 50 major paintings by female artists associated with the Abstract Expressionism movement of the mid-20th century at the Palm Springs Art Museum.  Admission is free every Thursday at Palm Springs Art Museum from 4-9 p.m. and every second Sunday of the month.

9. Rock out
Dance the night away at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio at the casino’s free Rock Yard concert series featuring tribute bands of all your favorite bands and performers of yesteryear.  The Rock Yard concerts are held every Saturday night (and some Fridays) starting at 7:30 p.m. for five straight hours of music beginning in late April.  The city of Rancho Mirage offers a Music in the Park Concert Series in their outdoor amphitheater. All performances are free and begin at 7:00 p.m.  Bring a blanket, pack a picnic and enjoy music under the stars.  For music buffs, take a walk through history and become immersed in the music memorabilia that line the walls of the lobby of the Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs.  The hotel Manager also offers a personalized free memorabilia tour. 

10. Star Parties
The clear skies of Greater Palm Springs are lit up with a dazzling array of stars each night, making stargazing a popular pastime in the oasis. If you forgot your telescope, the Astronomical Society of the Desert has you covered with their ongoing free Star Parties at Sawmill Trail and the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto National Monument Visitors Center in Palm Desert. Every full moon brings an evening celebration to the Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs. Celebrate the full moon with dancers, a drum circle and card readers, an experience not to be missed.

Chill Deals

Combine your free fun with some great deals on everything, from resorts and meals to attraction by visiting www.chillpass.com –it’s FREE!

For images, visit Barberstock.com/GreaterPalmSprings and search Top 10

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About Greater Palm Springs, California

Greater Palm Springs is Southern California’s premier resort and golf destination. Discover a place of many experiences and surprises in nine distinctive cities: Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella.  As a respite for mind, body, and spirit, Greater Palm Springs is ready to provide you with an unparalleled sense of escape, adventure, recreation, relaxation and your own unique way to play - any time of the year. For more information on Greater Palm Springs, visit www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com.

Media Contacts
Nicky Faeth, Communications Manager
nfaeth@palmspringsoasis.com
760.969.1327

Desert X photo courtesy of: Desert X installation view of Claudia Comte, Curves and Zigzags, 2017, photo by Lance Gerber, courtesy of the artist and Desert X.