Take a vacation from the bustle of the city without going over budget! Palm Springs on a Budget: Cost-Saving Tips and Hacks – Unbelievably, Palm Springs can be more reasonably priced.
There are many things to see and do in Palm Springs that are affordable, despite the resort’s reputation as an upscale destination.
We’ll show you how to travel in style without breaking the bank. It has free museums, stunning hikes, and cheap food and lodging.
Prepare to unwind and pack light—your low-cost Palm Springs trip is about to begin!
Best Time to Save on Palm Springs: Summer and Fall Deals
The summer months are Palm Springs’ low season, unlike many other attractions. As temperatures rise, prices drop. This is a great deal for hotels and resorts.
The busiest months are the weekends in April during music festivals and January through March.
If you want the best deals, schedule your visit between Sunday and Thursday in the summer. Should you have a preference for colder weather, there are still bargains available for midweek stays in the fall shoulder season.
Book Affordable Accommodations in Palm Springs
The first and foremost thing you have to do is book your hotels online and in advance.
When you book online you get various discounts and offers that you cannot get onsite.
Various websites give amazing discounts, so don’t forget to check before booking.
Visit the charming, three-story Vagabond Inn if you don’t mind more of a motel feel to your surroundings.
True, there’s little shade or vegetation around the pool and hot tub. But, there’s a coffee shop by the pool. You can cool off and get a cheap breakfast and lunch.
Rates begin at approximately $85 per night, even on popular spring and summer days.
The Motel 6 is another great option. It has a heated pool and hot tub. The modern rooms, with pickled wood, have all the expected conveniences. Its great location makes it easy to walk downtown.
Prices start at about $70 per night.
Consider renting a vacation house. It offers more space, privacy, and a kitchen and pool.
This option is especially attractive in summer due to discounts. It’s also ideal for sharing costs with loved ones.
Budget-Friendly Food Options in Palm Springs
There are lots of reasonably priced dining alternatives for all palates and cuisines in the Greater Palm Springs area.
A local favorite for delicious tacos and Mexican food is Tac/Quila. In the mood for something sweet?
Visit Beachhouse Yogurt. Enjoy 21 frozen yogurt flavors and 60 toppings, all at a great price.
If you want to save more then you can also cook your food while staying in an Airbnb. They have a kitchen and basic utensils for travelers to cook.
Happy hour promotions with cheap drinks and snacks are available at many pubs and restaurants. This is a fantastic way to sample the cuisine of the area for less money.
To locate discounts and savings on meals, use apps like OpenTable or Yelp. Several restaurants have deals that can reduce your dining expenses.
Walk or Rent a Bike in Palm Springs
There are many bike lanes and flat topography in Palm Springs, making it a bike-friendly community.
A fantastic option to see the city and avoid paying for gas or ride-sharing is to rent a bike.
Another affordable option is walking and you can have an amazing sightseeing experience.
Palm Springs has a lot of walkable areas, particularly in the downtown area. You can cut down on transportation costs by booking lodging close to the sites you wish to see.
Free Things to Do in Greater Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs has many free events and sites for art and history lovers.
Our Palm Springs Art Museum is world-renowned. It’s free on Thursday evenings (with prior registration) and the third Sunday of each month. Enjoy all things art!
Start your trip at the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. It has over 400 stars that honor those who added to this city’s allure.
As you walk, admire the mid-century modern buildings. They, along with the murals and public art, line Palm Canyon Drive.
See local artists on display at galleries, quaint cafés, and unique boutiques along the route. See the 26-foot-tall Forever Marilyn Statue at the downtown park in Palm Springs.
Budget-Friendly Hikes in Palm Springs
There are tons of hikes surrounding the city that provide expansive vistas when the weather cools off. This hiking guide will help you get started. Don’t forget to pack enough water.
A short drive from downtown Palm Springs, Indian Canyons offers an affordable way to see its natural beauty.
Three primary canyons are open for exploration: Murray Canyon, Andreas Canyon, and Palm Canyon. A full day of fun for adults costs $12.
Wander Around Moorten Botanical Garden Palm Springs
Moorten Botanical Garden is undiscovered yet tranquil. It offers a quiet escape into the desert’s plants.
Discover winding paths, full of colorful succulents, soaring cacti, and rare desert blooms. These plants, carefully chosen, provide visitors with a peaceful, educational experience.
For outdoor lovers seeking a peaceful escape, Moorten Botanical Garden is a must-see. It has a vast plant collection and a rich history.
Just $5 for adults and $2 for kids under the age of 15.
Free Thursday: Village Fest
Every Thursday night, Village Fest gathers food and festivities and serves them all up on Palm Canyon Drive.
As you move from one vendor to the next, music will fill the cool desert air and make you feel at home. Snacks and drinks abound as you browse the artwork of regional artisans. It’s no cost.
Entertainment in Palm Springs: Affordable Fun
Visit the Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs’ Cascade Lounge for free live entertainment four nights a week.
They include Sunday Latin Nights and the well-liked Cascade Dance Parties on Friday and Saturday.
Alternatively, visit the penny slot machines for reasonably priced casino entertainment (with the potential to win large). All set to groove and thump? Take in one of the free performances at the outdoor Rock Yard concert venue, which takes place from spring to fall.
Affordable Shopping Picks in Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs is home to a large number of vintage stores where you may peruse clothing from bygone decades and take a trip down memory lane.
Look no farther than Perez Road in Cathedral City and Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs for reasonably priced antique apparel and home furnishings.
At high prices, outlet malls near Palm Springs offer name-brand jewelry, home décor, and apparel.
There are plenty of options for shopping, with over 100 stores to select from. Top brands are in the open-air breezeways at Cabazon Outlets. Daily brands, with exclusive deals, are at Desert Hills Premium Outlets.
Park Hopping in Palm Springs
Visit one of the area’s lovely parks, like Panorama Park. It has two tennis courts, a spray pool, a half-court basketball court, a softball field, and a sand volleyball court. There are also tables with barbecue stands, and shaded benches for when the sun gets hot.
The many dog parks in the wider Palm Springs area, such as Palm Springs Dog Park and Palm Desert Civic Center Dog Park, welcome furry friends as well.
Stargazing in Palm Springs
Every night, a stunning display of stars fills the large, bright skies over the greater Palm Springs area.
One of the best places in California to see stars is the larger Palm Springs area, which includes Sawmill Trail, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto National Monument Visitors Center in Palm Desert, and Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory, which offers regular free stargazing sessions.
Also, you can tent at nearby campgrounds. Use your telescope to view your favorite constellations and look for shooting stars.
Tips for Budget-Friendly Travel in Palm Springs
Here are some more helpful hints to help you make the most of your budget:
Bring snacks, sunscreen, and reusable water bottles. This will avoid high tourist prices for these necessities.
Look online for deals and discounts on Palm Springs dining, shopping, and attractions.
Resort fees are a daily levy at some hotels. Verify this before making a reservation, and decide if the higher fees are justified by the features.
Conclusion | Palm Springs on a Budget
With the right prep and tactics, Palm Springs may be a cheap vacation spot.
You can enjoy this gorgeous desert city on a budget. Choose the best time to visit, use free events, and find cheap lodging.
A trip to Palm Springs can be opulent, even on a tight budget. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, taking in the scenery, or experiencing the local way of life.
Palm Springs on a Budget FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit Palm Springs to save money?
The best time to visit Palm Springs on a budget is during the summer months and fall shoulder season. Prices for hotels and resorts drop as temperatures rise, making these periods ideal for finding deals. For the best rates, plan your trip between Sunday and Thursday during the summer or consider midweek stays in the fall.
2. How can I find affordable accommodations in Palm Springs?
To find affordable accommodations, book your hotel online and in advance to access various discounts. Consider budget-friendly options like Vagabond Inn and Motel 6, or rent a vacation house for more space and amenities. Check multiple booking websites for the best deals and offers.
3. What are some budget-friendly food options in Palm Springs?
Palm Springs offers several budget-friendly dining options. Enjoy affordable tacos at Tac/Quila or frozen yogurt at Beach House Yogurt. Save further by cooking your own meals if staying in an Airbnb with a kitchen. Take advantage of happy hour promotions and use apps like OpenTable or Yelp to find dining discounts.
4. Is it easy to get around Palm Springs without a car?
Yes, Palm Springs is bike-friendly with many bike lanes and flat terrain. Renting a bike or walking are great ways to explore the city and save on transportation costs. Choose lodging close to the sites you want to visit to make getting around easier and more affordable.
5. What are some free activities to do in Palm Springs?
Palm Springs offers numerous free activities, including visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum on Thursday evenings and the third Sunday of each month. Explore the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, admire mid-century modern buildings and public art along Palm Canyon Drive, and see the Forever Marilyn Statue in downtown.
6. Are there any budget-friendly hikes around Palm Springs?
Yes, there are several budget-friendly hikes around Palm Springs. Indian Canyons, located a short drive from downtown, offers three main canyons—Murray Canyon, Andreas Canyon, and Palm Canyon—for a $12 entrance fee. These hikes provide stunning views and a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area.
7. What should I know about Moorten Botanical Garden?
Moorten Botanical Garden is an affordable and tranquil spot for exploring desert plants. Admission is just $5 for adults and $2 for kids under 15. Enjoy winding paths filled with colorful succulents, cacti, and rare desert blooms.
8. What is Village Fest, and is it free to attend?
Village Fest is a weekly Thursday night event held on Palm Canyon Drive featuring food, festivities, and local artisan artwork. It’s a free event with a lively atmosphere, music, and a variety of snacks and drinks available from vendors.
9. Are there any parks in Palm Springs that are worth visiting?
Yes, parks like Panorama Park offer amenities such as tennis courts, a spray pool, basketball and volleyball courts, and barbecue stands. The area also features several dog parks where furry friends are welcome..
10. What are some general tips for traveling to Palm Springs on a budget?
Bring snacks, sunscreen, and reusable water bottles to avoid high tourist prices. Search online for deals and discounts on dining, shopping, and attractions. Check for resort fees when booking hotels to ensure you get the best value.
