- The list below includes 82 free or cheap things to do in or near Palm Desert, California, including 77 different types of inexpensive activities like Hiking Trails, Bars, Art Gallery and Art Museum.
- From Pines to Palms Scenic Byway to Bump & Grind Trail, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Palm Desert and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Palm Springs, Idyllwild, Cathedral City and Indio.
Showing 71-80 of
243
19.5 Miles
Idyllwild's AstroCamp offers one and two week programs that let kids learn about and experience some aspects of astronaut training. The camps are also focused on science education, allowing campers to look through powerful telescopes and participate in hands-on activities.
19.6 Miles
Mount San Jacinto, otherwise known as San Jacinto Mountain, is located in Palm Springs, California. The imposing mountain has forested shoulders and a bare granite peak. Camping is not allowed on the mountain, but there are several campgrounds nearby.
19.6 Miles
100%
121 votes
25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA
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The Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness offers 13,000-acres of land with 50 miles of trails, campgrounds and nature study opportunities. This park is located 10,834 feet above sea level and is the second highest mountain range in Southern California.
19.6 Miles
Built around Mount San Jacinto, which stands at 10,834 ft. in elevation, lies the Mount San Jacinto State Park. The park provides a serene environment for walking, hiking, and camping and is reachable within hours from several major local cities.
19.6 Miles
83%
6 votes
25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549
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Part of the California State Parks system, the San Jacinto State Park Campground features a well-maintained and staffed camping area with many sites. The campground features fully working bathrooms with power and running water.
19.8 Miles
Situated inside the San Bernardino National Forest, Fern Basin Campground is open throughout the summer and intor fall for camping in a primitive setting. Sites within the campground can be reserved four days in advance from the National Park Service.
19.9 Miles
50%
8 votes
26375 State Hwy 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549
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Situated on 50 acres of wilderness, Idyllwild Pines Camp & Conference Center hosts a Christian camp for kids of all ages. Campers get to sleep in a cabin and go through activities in the recreation area.
19.9 Miles
Cafe Cinema is home to the Classic Film Society of Idyllwild. In business for over a decade, the cinema stages classic and art house film showings throughout the community, and hosts regular screenings in-house.
20.0 Miles
The Idyllwild Nature Center offers a variety of hiking trails, a monarch butterfly exhibit and plenty of bird watching opportunities. The area also features picnic spots and occasional learning workshops.
20.1 Miles
83%
18 votes
54000 Riverside County Playground Rd., Idyllwild, CA 92549
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With over 200 acres of forests and open space, Idyllwild Park has areas for both day use and camping. The park offers scenic views, hiking on five trails, and rock climbing on enormous granite boulders.