Free Things to Do in Greater Palm Springs
Palm Springs Art Museum The nationally noted Palm Springs Art Museum offers “free 2nd Sundays” with children’s activities, performances, exhibitions and films. Admission is also free every Thursday night from 4-8 PM Palm Springs VillageFest Every Thursday night, historic Palm Canyon Drive (between Baristo and Amado) is the place to be. This giant “block party,” a Palm Springs tradition, offers music, food and entertainment. Locals shop the Farmer’s Market. Find unique jewelry, clothing, art and other perfect gifts for those back home. Free Hiking Explore the natural beauty of the oasis while hiking along mountainsides and palm trees. Hardcore hikers and out- door loving families alike find plenty of free trails to explore in Greater Palm Springs. Be sure to go early in the morning and bring plenty of water. Historical Society and Museum of Palm Desert The Historical Society and Museum of Palm Desert showcases the rich history of Palm Desert and the celebrities who called it home. Kids love the old fire truck. Cabazon Cultural Museum Learn about the history of the Cabazon Band of Misison Indians in the desert at the museum in Indio Night Adventures in the Monument Discover an array of night creatures with Friends of the Desert Mountains. Family friendly hikes are scheduled on select days through September. Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert Add some art and culture into your trip with a stop at the Palm Springs Art Museum. Four dedicated galleries offer rotating exhibits all year long, and admission is always free. Fritz Burns Park Families and dogs alike can find plenty to enjoy at this La Quinta park. Besides the dog park, there are picnic tables, a playground, public art, skate park, swimming pool, tennis courts and a water feature. Shields Date Garden Opened in 1924, Shields Date Garden is worth a 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.” Backstreet Art District Art Walk Tucked along Highway 111 just 10 minutes from downtown Palm Springs is the Backstreet Art District, an enclave of studios and galleries featuring everything from paintings to sculptures to jewelry. Join the free monthly art walk on the first Wednesday of the month from 6-9 p.m. Vista Point Sweeping views of the Oasis can be found for free with a short drive up Highway 74 to Vista Point. Here, at the edge of the San Bernardino National Forest, you’ll discover a new perspective on the Coachella Valley. Palms to Pines Highway Turn your trip to Vista Point into a scenic drive along Highway 74, also known as the Palms to Pines Highway. As you climb this winding mountain road, you’ll enjoy desert and forest inspired sights before reaching the charming mountain town of Idyllwild. Outdoor Public Art The oasis has no shortage of wonderful locations for casual visitors and art connoisseurs alike to enjoy. Visit visionary murals and astounding sculptures, perfect for snapping a quick Instagram photo or learning more about local history and culture. 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 Na- tional Monument Visitors Center in Palm Desert. Self-Guided Architecture Tour Greater Palm Springs is home to an incredible collection of midcentury modern architecture designed by greats like Donald Wexler, Albert Frey and E. Stewart Williams and you can see many of these buildings on a self-guided tour.
19
Made with FlippingBook Publishing Software