11 Best Things to Do in Palm Springs on a Budget

Palm Springs has been a vacation destination for a century now, thanks to its gorgeous mountains framing the city, massive, one-of-a-kind California fan palm trees, and artsy, midcentury modern vibes. Few places are as fit for a relaxing desert getaway as Palm Springs.

But the sad truth is, costs can add up quickly here.

I’ve been to the Palm Springs area three times now — most recently, in April, 2026, for a long weekend getaway with my husband. This was definitely my most planned-out trip of the three. During my first visit, it was mid-Covid, and my friend and I were just desperate for a quick change of scenery, and the second time I spent holed up at a gorgeous spa hotel with healing mineral springs (more on that in a bit!). 

This time around, the trip also stemmed from desperation. My husband and I were on a pretty tight budget, but I hadn’t traveled anywhere in a few months, and was going a bit stir crazy. 

This prompted the ultimate question for a budget travel writer — how affordably could I visit Palm Springs? As it turns out, pretty affordably!

I was happy to discover that there are so many great things to do in Palm Springs that don’t cost a ton, all of which allow you to experience what exactly makes this California city so unique — its distinct landscapes and nature, history and culture, and desert modern style.

And now I’m sharing my favorite, budget-friendly things to do in Palm Springs with you — these recommendations are all aimed at giving you a well-rounded view of the city, and almost all come out to $20 or less.

1. Explore Downtown (free)

If you haven’t been to Palm Springs yet — start here. And even if you’ve already visited, come back again. Downtown is, unsurprisingly, filled with unique shops, ideal for picking up a souvenir or just window-shopping. 

You’ll also find charming features like the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, akin to Hollywood’s Walk of fame.

If you’re unfamiliar with Palm Springs history, a lot of its popularity as a vacation destination stemmed from the 1920s, when Hollywood was in its heyday. During these days, actors were attached to specific studios, who pretty much controlled every aspect of their lives. 

This meant they could only travel a maximum of two hours away from Los Angeles — which made Palm Springs pretty much the best choice. Anyways, celebrities and other significant people who have been influenced by Palm Springs in some way are memorialized along downtown’s streets. Some notable ones include Elvis Presley, Ginger Rogers, and Frank Sinatra.

If you do have the room in your budget, are on a tight schedule, and you really want to get a full overview of the city, I’d check out this Legends and Icons tour. You get to learn a ton of history, see the city’s best photo spots, and see some of Palm Springs’ gorgeous nature, all in a compact, and well-rated, hour-and–half tour.

2. Check out public art (free)

One of my favorite things about Palm Springs is how undeniably artsy it is. This extends to its architecture (more on that soon!), and the public art you’ll see scattered throughout the city.

The most recognizable piece is perhaps its giant Marilyn Monroe statue, a 26-foot-tall replica of Marilyn in her iconic “the Seven Year Itch” pose.

To be honest, it’s a bit controversial (her dress is totally up in the back, which if you ask me, is just unnecessary), and it was even relocated from a spot right in front of the art museum, due to outcries from residents. Now, you can find it in Palm Springs Downtown Park, just a short way away from the museum.

You’ll also find a number of galleries in Downtown and around Palm Springs (Hohmann Fine Art Gallery is among the best-known ones). A number of galleries and working artist studios are also tucked into various art districts, like Sunny Dunes Art District, one of the newer additions to the city’s art scene.

If you’re up for some more traditional art, Palm Springs has a great art museum that dates back to 1938, the Palm Springs Art Museum. However, it doesn’t really meet my threshold for “budget-friendly,” as it’s $25 per person, or $17 for students and teachers.

3. Visit Agua Caliente Cultural Center ($10)

This museum was also one of the highlights of my recent trip. I knew very little about the local tribe, and this museum did an amazing job sharing their story.

Your time in the museum starts watching a short, animated movie about the Agua Caliente’s creation story, and then you move through several exhibits, documenting their traditions and lives prior to colonization, the colonial era, and onward. I walked away from the museum feeling much more informed, and honestly inspired by the place I was visiting, now that I understood the spiritual significance and history.

Definitely make time for this in your Palm Springs itinerary!

The museum is $10, or $5 with a student ID, and is closed on Mondays.

4. Take a self-guided architecture tour (free)

One of the most unique features of Palm Springs is without-a-doubt its architecture. Home to the midcentury modern architectural movement that developed in the 1930s, Palm Springs’ distinct vibe stemmed from both the need to adapt to the desert’s harsh climate — and a celebrity clientele moving into the area during Hollywood’s Golden Era. The end result is entirely one-of-a-kind.

You could for sure take a more formalized tour, like this top-rated, 2-hour celebrity homes tour (and I’m sure you’d learn way more, to be honest), if you’re on a budget and just looking to check out some cool houses, you can DIY it like I did. 

(My recent architecture tour basically consisted of my husband driving around and me yelling “stop!” every time I wanted to take a photo. I, for one, had a great time — not sure if he can say the same).

Some neighborhoods to check out are:

• Twin Palms Estate and Canyon View (both neighborhoods are close to each other)
• Then, about 15 minutes away, Vista Las Palmas and Old Las Palmas, which are also next to each other.

Apart from exploring some of Palm Springs’ coolest neighborhoods, you can also head to individual buildings, like the Aluminaire House, in Downtown. This was built in 1930, and is the first all-metal house built in the U.S. It was meant to be emulated, as an affordable and easily mass-produced model.

Fortunately, the idea didn’t take off, and we’re not all living in metal homes now (seems like it would be a nightmare in the summer?), but it’s still considered really architecturally significant. You can’t go inside, but you can check it out from the outside!

5. Hike in Indian Canyons ($12)

Ok, if you only do one thing — make it this. I’m so serious when I say this is one of the coolest hiking experiences I’ve ever had. It’s why I think the fall through spring are the best times to visit Palm Springs — it’s not advised to hike during the summertime (unless you make it super early the morning or around sunset) due to heat, and you don’t want to miss this!

Part of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians reservation, Indian Canyons has a ton of historic and spiritual significance, not to mention a bunch of gorgeous hiking trails.

It’s also located right outside of Downtown — just a 15-minute drive or so.

I’d recommend starting your hike early-ish. Not only can the heat in Palm Springs get really intense, but you may even be turned away due to capacity. My husband and I showed up around 10:45 on a Monday, and were told to come back at 12:30. I’m so glad we did, but if it were a hotter time of year, I honestly wouldn’t risk it.

There are a few different sections you can explore, but we went with the Palm Canyon area, because this is where you can see the largest California fan palm oasis in the world. We followed the Victor Trail, which was moderately difficult, and took us around three hours with frequent stops due to the aforementioned heat.

Right at the trailhead, was a little shop, where you could buy snacks and drinks, and use the restroom. 

Next time, I have to go see Tahquitz Falls, a 60-foot waterfall with rock art.

To enter Indian Canyons, it’s $12, or $7 with a student ID.

6. Moorten Botanical Garden ($7)

This cute little desert garden has been around for over 70 years — and it is such a gem! It’s filled to the brim with all sorts of desert plant species. 

Although the garden is relatively small, there is a lot to see, so definitely take your time. I’d say I spent around an hour or so wandering around and taking photos. You’ll even see a couple of tortoises who live at the garden! There’s also a little shop where you can pick up a plant of your own.

Moorten Botanical Garden is just $7 to visit.

7. Relax in hot springs ($15 – $20)

This one is more the Greater Palm Springs area, not right in the city, but super easy to reach, assuming you have a car. As the name, Palm Springs, suggests, the area is home to ancient natural springs, which are said to have healing properties, from easing stress to relaxing your muscles.

Séc-he, which translates to “the sound of boiling water,” is integral to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians’ origin story, and has played a huge role in their history and culture as a source for healing. 

Post-colonization, as Palm Springs began to shift into a tourist hub, the springs became a huge part of its marketing as a wellness and relaxation destination. So if you’re in need of some R&R, you’re in the right place — and it doesn’t have to come with a huge price tag!

Miracle Springs​ Resort and Spa

I spent a whole weekend here for my birthday a couple of years ago (I was literally forcing myself to relax; staying at a hotel for two days straight without leaving is typically not my vibe, but hey, mission accomplished. I relaxed!). 

It’s just 20 minutes outside of Palm Springs, and is home to eight different mineral water pools. According to the hotel, they’re the only place that has both hot and cold mineral spring aquifers. If you work up an appetite, I also enjoyed every meal I had at Capri Italian Restaurant!

I stayed here for my birthday one year. A pool day pass is $20.

Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel

If you’re looking for an even more affordable option, head to Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel, which offers day passes for just $15 (and pretty budget-friendly room rates as well, if you’d rather make it your base for your Palm Springs trip.)

8. Wander around Sunnylands (free)

I have yet to make it here, but it’s high on my list for next time!

Located in Rancho Mirage, about 20 minutes from Downtown Palm Springs, this estate originally belonged to Walter and Leonore Annenberg, who welcomed all sorts of prominent guests to their home, from U.S. presidents to celebrities.

I have heard the gardens aren’t huge — so while it’s a nice place to relax for locals, it’s not necessarily a “must-visit” for out-of-towners like you and me. With that said, if you have some extra time, or are super interested, I have heard it’s super pretty here! I’m sure it would be nice for walking around and taking photos.

While guided tours are available for a fee, touring the gardens on your own is completely free. The property features a desert art garden, along with the building itself, where you’ll find a rotating exhibit, an exhibit about the estate, a shop, and a cafe.

Sunnylands is open Wednesdays through Sundays, and closes for the summer.

9. Enjoy the food scene

Ok, finding budget-friendly meals isn’t the easiest in Palm Springs — and I hate to say that my threshold for an affordable meal has gone up in recent years, and I am now excited every time I can find a meal under like, $18 per person. Here are a few of my favorite places I’ve tried:

• Taqueria Tlaquepaque — Honestly the best meal I had during my last trip, and the most budget-friendly! They’re best known for their tacos and birria, but I had an amazing milanesa torta for less than $11, and a delicious, and affordable mango margarita. I immediately knew we were in for an actually good meal when we were served chips and salsa with salsa that was actually spicy. 

• Cafe Mon Amour — This super cute French cafe is perfect for breakfast! I had a delicious croissant sandwich and coffee. The employees are all really sweet too!

• L’Atelier Café — We came here for breakfast on another day, and would also recommend it for its really high-quality dishes. I had an amazing omelette!

• Lulu California Bistro — Most of their entrees fall in the $18 to $25 range (and you’ll find lots of burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, salads, pastas, etc.) but if you sit in the bar area, you can also snag their Happy Hour deals, which include lots of food items under $12, and affordable drinks. 

• Sherman’s Deli — Ok, this is not the most budget-friendly meal here, but it is a Palm Springs staple, so I had to include it anyway. It’s a New York-style Jewish deli that opened in 1963, and is still family-run. I went for the gefilte fish and a brisket sandwich, and as a New Jerseyan who desperately misses Jewish delis in California, it hit all the marks for me. I was way too stuffed this time, but I have to go back and try one of their desserts next time! Like I said, it was a bit pricey, but you get big portions, and I think it’s really worth it for the quality.

• El Mirasol — Also not the cheapest meal, but giant portions, great value, and it’s a local institution that’s been around since 1985! It’s right near Moorton Botanical Garden, so perfect for an easy lunch before or after visiting. (They serve three meals a day).

Here are a couple other spots I haven’t checked out myself, but I’ve heard are affordable and worth visiting:

• Bill’s Pizza — a casual spot known for great slices and even better drink deals — especially on Mondays, where beer and wine is all under $5

• Gabinos — They are a tiny, casual crepe spot. The flavors weren’t really speaking to me at the moment so we went to El Mirasol, which is right around the corner (they were in the chicken caesar, chicken ranch realm), but I’ve heard great things, and prices were reasonable!

I haven’t had a ton of experience with bar-hopping in Palm Springs, but there is also a ton of nightlife, and many spots have great happy hours (which typically include appetizers!)

10. Hike in nearby Joshua Tree ($30/vehicle)

This one has an admission fee of $30 per vehicle, but if you’re not traveling solo, I’d still consider that pretty affordable.

Located about an hour outside of Palm Springs, I came here my first time in Palm Springs, and I only got to experience a tiny sliver of it, but it’s still more than worth visiting, even if you just have a day.

For a short visit, you can check out iconic sites like the Cholla Cactus Garden and the “Arch” rock, which can be reached in just a quick hike.

If you’d rather go with a guide, Viator has highly-rated tours available as well (this 5 star, 4-5-hour one would be my pick.)

For those of you who do a little more room in your budget …

11. Aerial Tramway ($34)

My goal was to cap off each recommendation at $20 per person, but I do have to include Palm Springs’ bucket list activity here.

As you’ll see when you visit, Palm Springs has some incredible landscapes, and what better way to experience them than sailing above the mountains?

This is on my must do list for my next trip … it’s $34, which while not particularly budget-friendly, by my definition at least, is also not super unreasonable. 

The tramway sails 5,783 feet (1,790 meters) up in the air, making it among the world’s largest revolving cable cars.

This is SUCH a bucket list activity, that I really think is worth saving up for. I’m definitely regretting not making it work for my budget during my last trip! Grab your ticket here.

Planning your Palm Springs Trip on a Budget

Definitely rent a car for your trip to Palm Springs!

Although you don’t need one if you’re just hanging out downtown, Palm Springs has so many amazing places to explore in the surrounding area, and having a car will make your life 10 times easier.

Ubers in California can add up quickly. And on my most recent 3-day trip, I was pleasantly surprised to see how easy it was to find free parking everywhere without ever struggling for a spot, despite it being a weekend. 

Browse the most affordable car rental rates on DiscoverCars.

Budget-friendly Hotel Recommendations

I’ve got more accommodation options for you in this guide — but here are a couple of quick suggestions.

Hyatt Palm Springs

To make my last trip even more affordable, I transferred points from my Chase Sapphire card to stay at Hyatt Palm Springs. 

Its ratings were a tad lower than what I usually go for, which did give me pause. 

But, it ended up being super convenient for our quick trip, thanks to its perfect location in Downtown.

The room itself was also really spacious (all rooms are suites), with a little balcony too. If I’m being super nitpicky, my only two complaints were that the living room area was pretty dark, and the TVs weren’t smart TVs. 

Stay right in the heart of Palm Springs at the Hyatt.

The Saguaro Palm Springs

I stayed at The Saguaro Palm Springs during my first trip to Palm Springs — they often offer pretty reasonable rates. I couldn’t help but take a million photos of the pool area, and entire hotel, to be honest — it’s so colorful, and the mountains and palm trees only made it more photo-worthy. 

It’s a little farther away from the main downtown area, but is still accessible to Palm Springs’ sightseeing. 

Book your Palm Springs stay in style here.