8 Free Things to Do in Palm Springs

Palm Springs Art Museum

Located in downtown Palm Springs, the museum’s extensive permanent collection includes significant works by western, contemporary and glass artists, and features temporary exhibitions from internationally acclaimed artists. Each month the museum features a free community day on the second Sunday of every month and is always free every Thursday from 4:00 – 8:00 pm.

VillageFest

Every Thursday evening, Downtown Palm Springs transforms into a diverse array of artists, artisans, entertainers, and purveyors of fresh fruits and veggies, flowers, jewelry, snacks and sweets. Add all that to the great shops, restaurants, clubs, and entertainment venues located along World Famous Palm Canyon Drive – and the result is one of Southern California’s most popular weekly events. Dog friendly.

October through May 6:00 – 10:00 pm; June through September 7:00 – 10:00 pm

Backstreet Art District Art Walk

Whether you are looking to purchase your first work of art or add to your art collection, we have a wonderfully-varied selection of paintings, sculptures, encaustic prints, monotypes, jewelry, ceramics, photography, bespoke leather accessories, mixed media works of art and more by locally, nationally & internationally recognized artists. Join the monthly First Wednesday Art Walk is held year-round, 5:00 – 8:00 pm

Palm Springs Walk of Stars

Discover the many Hollywood Stars who lived, loved and played in this beautiful desert oasis called, Palm Springs. Al Jolson, William Powell, Rudolf Valentino and Harold Lloyd started the escape from Hollywood to the desert in the 1920’s. They were soon followed by Shirley Temple, Buddy Rogers, Mary Pickford, Clark Gable, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Ginger Rogers, Gene Autry, Liberace, Elizabeth Taylor, Elvis Presley, George Montgomery, Dinah Shore and most of Hollywood’s stars enjoyed the special magic of this desert village.

Downtown Palm Springs

Stroll the revitalized downtown Palm Springs with new shopping, dining and artwork all within a few blocks. Visit the seventh floor rooftop High Bar at the new Rowan Palm Springs, the tallest building in Palm Springs, and take in views of the San Jacinto mountains and valley.

Go Bike Riding

Palm Springs has miles of well-marked and maintained routes throughout the historical neighborhoods and downtown. Palm Springs has added many bike lanes throughout the city.

Enjoy the Park

Sunrise Park, Ruth Hardy Park, and DeMuth Park offer pleasant, shady spots to picnic, complete with tables, barbecues, and playground equipment.

Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center

The Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion is located in downtown Palm Springs. It is the country’s first historic structure to be transformed into a free-standing architecture and design museum that is housed in a modern building. The 13,000 square foot building, designed by renowned mid-century modern architect E. Stewart Williams, is a classic mid-century international style structure, and was recently designated as a protected Class I Historic Site. Free admission Thursdays from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and every second Sunday.

Read about it in San Diego Magazine