Despite its reputation for luxury spas, gourmet Michelin-approved restaurants, and Hollywood royalty, budget travel in Palm Springs is totally possible.
However, you don’t want to waste your time on boring tourist traps.
Today, we’re sharing five surprisingly affordable things to do in Palm Springs.
Let’s hit it!
About Palm Springs, California
Nestled in California’s Coachella Valley, Palm Springs has been the ideal weekend getaway for Hollywood celebrities since the 1930s. It’s no wonder the rich and famous flock to this desert city, where natural hot springs, world-renowned golf courses, and luxury resorts are a welcome relief for the overworked.
These days, it’s also home to some of the best restaurants in the country. From rustic French cuisine to contemporary West Coast fare, you can find just about anything to fit your tastes.
Folks here maintain their vibrant history. Many buildings are classic mid-century modern designs with landscaping to match. Additionally, multiple art museums feature hand-blown glassworks, original paintings, and inspiring sculptures.
Most visitors head to the area from fall to spring when the weather is nice. Summertime temperatures can reach 115 degrees Fahrenheit, but even then, low humidity means it’s usually bearable. For the rest of the year, you can expect warm days and cool nights.
Sounds like paradise, right? We think so, too.
But if budget travel in Palm Springs seems out of reach, allow us to fix that misconception. You don’t have to be part of the Hollywood elite to live lavishly here. We’ve put together a list of five affordable attractions in the area that won’t drain your bank account.
#1 Stroll Through Moorten Botanical Garden
Folks looking to surround themselves with the local flora will be in heaven at Moorten Botanical Garden. With over 3,000 species spread throughout more than a dozen desert biomes, there’s plenty to see.
The collection is categorized geographically, which means you can transport yourself to the South African Succulent Karoo or the nearby Baja Peninsula, all within this one-acre arboretum.
While they coined the term “cactarium” to describe their exhibits, you’ll spot more than prickly pears here. Plenty of interesting fossils, rocks, and crystals are sprinkled amongst the aloes and agaves. And don’t forget to hit the nursery on your way out. After all, once you’ve soaked in this desert oasis, you’ll be itching to take a little piece home with you.
Moorten Botanical Garden is a second-generation establishment. Clark Moorten inherited it from his parents, who started the venture in 1938. They’ve created landscape designs for Walt Disney, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and other big names on the West Coast.
Best of all, the entry fee is a steal. Adult tickets are a mere $5 and only $2 for kids under 15 years old. Those under five get in for free. How’s that for affordable travel in Palm Springs?
#2 Light Up the Night at VillageFest
Every Thursday, several blocks of Palm Canyon Drive shut down to vehicle traffic. And that’s when the streets really come alive!
VillageFest is like a farmers market, craft fair, and music festival in one convenient location. You can sample culinary creations from international chefs, try your hand at a painting workshop, or peruse the vendor booths for your next piece of statement jewelry. The following week, you might dance in the streets or dress in costume and have your picture taken at the commemorative sign.
Palm Springs only cancels this affordable event when a major holiday falls on a Thursday or on the rare occasion a bad storm moves through. Otherwise, get ready to join in the fun!
We hear you can easily have a proper date night for about $20, including dinner. It’s a must-see event for the whole family, especially if you want to live like a local.
Looking for a place to stay in the desert? Check out Palm Canyon RV Resort!
#3 Score Vintage Goods at Unbeatable Thrift Shops
One underrated perk of traveling in a high-cost-of-living area is that thrift shops are often packed with luxury hand-me-downs. And Palm Springs is no exception. Whether you’re hunting for an iconic designer handbag, a flowery shirt straight out of Hawaii 5-0, or the perfect set of vintage chairs for your breakfast table, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here.
The Fine Art of Designs boasts a rainbow wall of old-school hat boxes stacked to the ceiling above a rack of feather-fringed robes and kaftans. Be sure to hit the sales rack to get wicked discounts on clothing and accessories.
Another local favorite is The Frippery. They group all their clothing by decade so you can make a bee-line for your ideal ensemble. Their collections exude a poolside-in-Palm-Springs vibe at a price point that’s more conducive to most budgets.
Steer clear of these items, even in Palm Springs: 5 Things to Avoid When Thrifting.
#4 Visit Sunnylands Center and Gardens
The former home of Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg draws visitors from around the world. Once a meeting place for politicians and thought leaders to discuss global affairs, it’s now a beloved Greater Palm Springs attraction that’s surprisingly affordable.
As you meander through fifteen acres of manicured gardens, you’ll see why Sunnylands was called the Camp David of the West. It’s easy to imagine presidents and diplomats meditating on the nation’s greatest issues while walking among towering cacti and meticulously maintained labyrinths.
Bring your own art supplies to paint a portrait of the striking scenery, enjoy a light lunch on the shaded patio, or purchase thoughtfully designed home accessories at the gift shop.
While a guided tour of the 25,000-square-foot historic estate costs about $50 per person, visiting the property is free, and you can stroll the grounds at no cost. Sunnylands is closed during the heat of summer, so plan accordingly.
Pro Tip: Check out the official Sunnylands website to download audio recordings for your self-guided garden tour.
#5 Roar with the Cabazon Dinosaurs
Our final budget-friendly travel destination in the Palm Springs area is one for the whole family. If these colossal sculptures look familiar, it’s probably because they were featured in the 1985 movie Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure.
Artist Claude Bell began building them in 1964 to increase traffic to his Wheel Inn restaurant. Although the site briefly served as a creationist museum under new management, it’s back to being one of the most iconic roadside attractions in the California desert.
Not only can you get up close and personal with a 150-foot-long Brontosaurus named Dinny and his pal, the 65-foot-tall Mr. Rex, but you can also forage for gems and fossils at the panning sluice. There’s a museum and two gift stores, one of which is in the belly of a massive Apatosaurus.
This affordable spot is about 20 minutes west of Palm Springs. Tickets are $15, with discounts for children, seniors, and military members.
Grab a copy of Moon Joshua Tree & Palm Springs to start planning your trip!
Can You Really Enjoy Palm Springs on a Budget?
Despite its reputation for extravagance and indulgence, Palm Springs offers plenty of affordable options for folks traveling through on a budget.
Sure, you can hit the spa for a day of pampering, but take time to enjoy some of the simple things like wandering through an arid garden or rifling through the racks of a secondhand store. After all, there’s a lot to enjoy in this desert town, and you won’t want to miss any of it!
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