Sunny, cheerful Palm Springs is an ideal vacation spot for families, couples, groups and solo travellers. So while you go ahead and plan your itinerary keep in mind that there are plenty of free things you should add to your list.
Stroll through VillageFest
Every Thursday night from 7 to 10 p.m. you’ll find local vendors set up on Palm Canyon Drive for VillageFest. Here, people will be selling food, arts and crafts, souvenirs, jewellery, T-shirts and more. The atmosphere is lively, and unless you pull out your wallet to buy something, the event is free to visit.
Visit some galleries
A visit to the Backstreet Art District is an opportunity to meet artists and see working studios. You get to see local artists in their element and find out what inspires their work. If you’re in Palm Springs the first Wednesday of the month you can participate in the art walk, where artists will talk about their work and where you can find free wine and snacks on offer at many studios.
Go for a hike
Palm Springs is a haven for avid hikers of all experience levels. If you feel like stretching your legs and getting a closer look at the beautiful scenery the area has to offer, head for Coachella Valley Preserve. Just 16 kilometers east of Palm Springs you’ll find 13,000 acres of springs, dunes, mesas, hiking and riding trails ideal for outdoor enthusiasts to see more of the natural beauty Palm Springs has to offer.
Explore the Palm Springs Art Museum
While not free every day, the Palm Springs Art Museum is a no-cost option on Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and the second Sunday of every month. So if you can time your visit to catch a free museum day, you’ll be able to enjoy collections that includes photography, modern art, architecture and design, and contemporary art, as well as rotating exhibits.
Check out some mid-century modern architecture
Palm Springs is home to one of the largest concentrations of mid-century modern architecture and it’s easy to explore some of it on your own. Pick up a map at the Visitors Center located at 2901 North Palm Canyon Drive and plan a self-guided tour by car, bike or foot. Some neighbourhoods to start with include Twin Palms and Racquet Club.
Play a game of tennis
There are many public tennis courts in Palm Springs where it’s free to play a game as long as you have your own racquet and balls. Some places to test your skills (and maybe win a match or two) include DeMuth Park, Palm Springs High School and Ruth Hardy Park.
Head to Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Canyon Drive isn’t just home to VillageFest, it’s also the main road through Palm Springs and is lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and is even home to Palm Springs’ own “Walk of Stars”. Look down on the sidewalks as you wander and you’ll see the names of celebrities who are affiliated with Palm Springs in some way.
Bonus tip: If you’re looking for a well-located, friendly, affordable place to stay (OK, this part isn’t “free”), book a room at the Chase Hotel. The rooms are large, there’s a heated salt water pool, you’re steps from Palm Canyon Drive, breakfast is included and there’s fresh baked cookies for the taking every night.
Lead photo: Tracy Reitmann
