Free Things to Do in Palm Springs
Good ones, not filler
Palm Springs Spots Editors · Published Aug 28, 2026 · Updated Aug 28, 2026
A surprising amount of the best of Palm Springs costs nothing: the architecture, the gardens, the Thursday street fair.
| Activity | Day | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture self-drive | Any | Free |
| Sunnylands gardens | Wed-Sun | Free |
| VillageFest | Thursday | Free |
| Art museum | Thursday PM | Free |
Architecture, for free
The Kaufmann House, Twin Palms and the Tramway gas station can all be seen from public streets. Keep the noise down; people live there.
Gardens
Sunnylands Center & Gardens in Rancho Mirage is free, shaded and rarely busy on a weekday morning.
Thursday nights
VillageFest closes Palm Canyon Drive for a street market from 6pm.
FAQ
- Is the Aerial Tramway free?
- No. It is around $30 for adults, and worth it.
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In this guide
Where to go
Sunnylands Center & Gardens
The Annenberg estate's free public gardens — nine acres of desert planting and a modernist visitor center.
Full detailsUptown Design District Vintage Crawl
Six blocks of midcentury furniture, vintage clothing and design shops on North Palm Canyon.
Full detailsWhile you're here
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