No matter how deep your pockets, who doesn’t love “free?!” If you want a bash without forking out cash, check out these 18 great ways to enjoy Palm Springs absolutely free.

TAKE A HIKE
See Southern California's most breathtaking scenery and tallest mountain ranges... The Coachella Valley Hiking Club, 345-6234: Desert Trails Hiking Club 760-340-2256.www.cvhikingclub.net

RIDE YOUR BIKE
Palm Springs has miles of well-marked and maintained trails. Pick up a map at the Leisure Center. 401 S. Pavilion Way, or call 323-8274 or at the Official Visitors Center 800-347-7746.

VISIT VILLAGEFEST
Every Thursday night from 7-10 p.m. glamorous Palm Canyon Drive becomes an old fashioned street fair, musicians, food, arts and crafts vendors, and a Farmers Market. Between Amado and Baristo Roads. www.villagefest.org

HAVE A PICNIC
Ruth Hardy Park, Sunrise Park, and DeMuth Park offer pleasant, shady spots to picnic, complete with tables, barbecues, and playground equipment.

VILLAGE GALLERY WALK
You can spend the afternoon gallery hopping and enjoying fine art, sculptures, and unique boutiques on Palm Canyon Drive. Check out the local papers for the frequent art fairs held in Francis Stevens Park and Sunrise Park.

SOAK UP THE SUN
Palm Springs has 350 days of sunshine every year. That just may be the reason why everyone is in such a good mood.

HIT THE COURTS
Free court time is available at some of the city’s best locations; DeMuth Park, Palm Springs High School, and Ruth Hardy Park.

FEEL THE SPIRIT OF THE NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE
At the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum Information Center in the Village Green downtown to get a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Cahuilla Indians. Hours:10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. Phone: 760-323-0151. www.accmuseum.org

EXPLORE AN OASIS
The 13,000 acre Coachella Valley Preserve has springs, dunes, mesas, hiking, and riding trails. Thousand Palms Oasis has a Visitors Center and picnic areas. Sunrise to sunset just 10 miles east of Palm Springs near Thousand Palms. Phone: 760-343-1234. coachellavalleypreserve.org

LISTEN TO MUSIC
Continually changing special events, musicians, and jam sessions at Peabody’s Coffee Bar, Las Casuelas Terraza, Blue Coyote Grill, Sammy's at the Vineyard, Melvyn’s Restaurant and the Village Pub.

FOLLOW THE STARS
Palm Springs has its own "Walk of Stars", on the sidewalks of Palm Canyon Drive in downtown. Just walk outside after dark and lookup at millions of stars you'll never see in the big city.

SHOP THE WINDOWS
Stroll world famous Palm Canyon Drive. Offering unique and interesting shopping.

CHECK OUT THE LIBRARY
Our award winning Palm Springs Public Library has free wireless internet access as well as computers to use in the library. Extensive DVD, audio book, and CD collections, international reference services, Video Conferencing services, assorted free Adult and Children's programming, and much more. Call for hours: 760-322-READ www.palmsprings-ca.gov

STROLL THE PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM
Enjoy changing contemporary art, and excellent permanent Western art and Cahuilla basketry collection, a sculpture garden, gift shop, and restaurant. FREE admission Thursdays after 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Phone: 760-325-7186. www.psmuseum.org

SPOT A VAST ARRAY OF WILDLIFE
The Big Morongo Wildlife Reserve and Covington Park is a noted wildlife sanctuary, with a picnic area and hiking trails. Wednesday - Sunday, 7:30 a.m. - sunset. North of Palm Springs in Morongo Valley. Phone: 760-363-7190. www.bigmorongo.org

CATCH A CONCERT
The City of Palm Springs Recreation Division features a Fall Concert Series, along with many other free activities throughout the year. Bring a picnic supper and enjoy an evening under the stars. Phone: 760-323-8272.

DROP IN TO THE SENIOR CENTER
The Palm Springs Mizell Senior Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. - 5p.m., with many special activities on weekends and evenings. Many activities are free, with a minimal charge for others. Phone: 760-323-5689. www.mizel.org

TAKE YOUR DOG TO THE PARK
Palm Springs Dog Park open around the clock, a green doggie oasis with enclosed area for small dogs. 222 Civic Dr. North (behind City Hall). Phone: 760-323-8299.