Free entry, free admission days and free hours from every section.
1 pick
Section: Free and Budget-Friendlyrecreation area
Salton Sea State Recreation Area
Pets OK
One of the world's largest inland seas, with about 130 miles of shoreline, popular with campers, kayakers, bird-watchers and photographers. Open day and night.
Hours
Day use and campground open all day and night
Cost
Vehicle day use $7; seniors (62+) $5
Dogs
Leashed (6 ft max) dogs in developed areas such as roads and campgrounds; not on beaches or trails.
Family-friendly events, hands-on activities and outings for all ages.
2 picks
Section: Family Outingsattraction
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The world's largest rotating tram car climbs 2.5 miles up Chino Canyon to 8,516-ft Mountain Station in Mt. San Jacinto State Park, with restaurants, observation decks, a natural history museum and 50+ miles of trails. Stations and cars are handicap accessible. Children under 2 ride free with a boarding pass from the ticket booth; under 16 must be with an adult 21 or older. Ride 'n' Dine (after 4pm) adds dinner at Pines Café.
Hours
Winter hours Oct 5, 2026 - May 27, 2027: first tram up 10am weekdays, 8am weekends/holidays; last tram up 8pm, last down 9:30pm
Cost
Adults $36.95; children 3-10 $20.95; seniors 65+ $33.95 (online, incl. $2 fee); Ride 'n' Dine adults $45, children (3-10) $31.50
Desert zoo and gardens with African Safari, Australian Adventures and Wild Americas areas, giraffe feeding and nature trails. Cashless. Advance ticket purchase required; reservations recommended for animal encounters.
Hours
Oct 1-May 31 daily 8am-5pm (last admission 4pm); Jun 1-Sep 30 daily 7am-1:30pm; closed Dec 25
Cost
Adult $44.95; ages 3-17 $34.95; under 3 free (prices may vary by date); military (active and retired) $37.95
The world's largest rotating tram car climbs 2.5 miles up Chino Canyon to 8,516-ft Mountain Station in Mt. San Jacinto State Park, with restaurants, observation decks, a natural history museum and 50+ miles of trails. Stations and cars are handicap accessible. Children under 2 ride free with a boarding pass from the ticket booth; under 16 must be with an adult 21 or older. Ride 'n' Dine (after 4pm) adds dinner at Pines Café.
Hours
Winter hours Oct 5, 2026 - May 27, 2027: first tram up 10am weekdays, 8am weekends/holidays; last tram up 8pm, last down 9:30pm
Cost
Adults $36.95; children 3-10 $20.95; seniors 65+ $33.95 (online, incl. $2 fee); Ride 'n' Dine adults $45, children (3-10) $31.50
Senior discounts, accessible venues and community centers.
1 pick
Section: Senior Outingsattraction
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The world's largest rotating tram car climbs 2.5 miles up Chino Canyon to 8,516-ft Mountain Station in Mt. San Jacinto State Park, with restaurants, observation decks, a natural history museum and 50+ miles of trails. Stations and cars are handicap accessible. Children under 2 ride free with a boarding pass from the ticket booth; under 16 must be with an adult 21 or older. Ride 'n' Dine (after 4pm) adds dinner at Pines Café.
Hours
Winter hours Oct 5, 2026 - May 27, 2027: first tram up 10am weekdays, 8am weekends/holidays; last tram up 8pm, last down 9:30pm
Cost
Adults $36.95; children 3-10 $20.95; seniors 65+ $33.95 (online, incl. $2 fee); Ride 'n' Dine adults $45, children (3-10) $31.50
Places whose official source says dogs or pets are welcome.
3 picks
Section: Pet-Friendlyevent
Dog Days: Pups & Pumpkins at The Living Desert
October 30, 2026Pets OK
Howl-o-Ween Dog Day: bring your dog for trick-or-treat stations, a 10am costume parade and contest. Each dog needs a Dog Day ticket and each person zoo admission; limited capacity.
Dates
October 30, 2026
Hours
Starts 9am
Cost
Dogs $35; humans general admission
Dogs
Dogs welcome. Leash no longer than six feet and non-retractable; handlers must be 18+.
Lake with watersports, rugged hills and scenic trails plus a museum (Fri-Sun). Dogs allowed but not on unpaved trails, sand or in the water, since it's drinking water.
One of the world's largest inland seas, with about 130 miles of shoreline, popular with campers, kayakers, bird-watchers and photographers. Open day and night.
Hours
Day use and campground open all day and night
Cost
Vehicle day use $7; seniors (62+) $5
Dogs
Leashed (6 ft max) dogs in developed areas such as roads and campgrounds; not on beaches or trails.
Parks, trails, beaches, gardens and nature reserves.
2 picks
Section: Outdoors and Naturerecreation area
Lake Perris State Recreation Area
Pets OK
Lake with watersports, rugged hills and scenic trails plus a museum (Fri-Sun). Dogs allowed but not on unpaved trails, sand or in the water, since it's drinking water.
One of the world's largest inland seas, with about 130 miles of shoreline, popular with campers, kayakers, bird-watchers and photographers. Open day and night.
Hours
Day use and campground open all day and night
Cost
Vehicle day use $7; seniors (62+) $5
Dogs
Leashed (6 ft max) dogs in developed areas such as roads and campgrounds; not on beaches or trails.
Dated pumpkin patches, holiday lights and seasonal festivals.
1 pick
Section: Seasonal and Holidayevent
Dog Days: Pups & Pumpkins at The Living Desert
October 30, 2026Pets OK
Howl-o-Ween Dog Day: bring your dog for trick-or-treat stations, a 10am costume parade and contest. Each dog needs a Dog Day ticket and each person zoo admission; limited capacity.
Dates
October 30, 2026
Hours
Starts 9am
Cost
Dogs $35; humans general admission
Dogs
Dogs welcome. Leash no longer than six feet and non-retractable; handlers must be 18+.
Section: Free and Budget-Friendlyrecreation area
