The heat of summer is here in The Coachella Valley and that means most of your paycheck is going to the electric company for the pleasure of not melting in the middle of your own home. But just because you are short on cash, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself this weekend. Here is a list of local Groupons your broke ass could use:

Activities

Save almost 50% on tickets and grub at Palm Springs Wet ‘n’ Wild:

http://www.groupon.com/deals/wet-n-wild-palm-springs

55% off movie tickets, popcorn, and drink at The Mary Pickford Theater:

http://www.groupon.com/deals/dealflicks-1-45

Scale a mountain with a rock climbing guide in Joshua Tree:

https://www.groupon.com/deals/the-climbing-life-guides-inc-2

Food and Drink

(Be sure to enter code EAT10 for an extra 10% off on food and drink through 7/12)

Almost half off Caribbean / Creole food at Dhat Island Rancho Mirage:

http://www.groupon.com/deals/dhat-island-4

Dhat Island’s Redland’s location has been packed just about every night for years. That’s because the food is legit (chicken fritter appetizer with “House Josh Special Sauce” is especially tasty). Now there is our very own Dhat Island in the old Marie Calendar’s building in Rancho Mirage and they are getting 4.5/5 stars on Yelp.

40% off Mexican Food at Huerta’s in Indio:

http://www.groupon.com/deals/huerta-s-restaurant

Huerta’s has 4 out of 5 stars on Yelp and you hey LA Kings fans: you can get a shrimp cocktail served in a Stanley Cup replica

Burgers and malts at Woody’s for 50% off:

http://www.groupon.com/deals/woody-s-burgers-and-beers

Taste for yourself (at a nice discount) why Woody’s won “Best Burger Palm Springs” in 2011 in Palm Spring Life’s Best of the Best

Almost half off dinner and drinks at Nicolino’s:

http://www.groupon.com/deals/nicolino-s-italian-restaurant-2

50% off bundt cakes at Nothing Bundt Cake:

http://www.groupon.com/deals/nothing-bundt-cakes-18-36

Silly name, great cake. While you are picking out your selection (may I recommend the marble?) be sure to grab a free sample. Check them out right next to Outback Steakhouse in Palm Desert.

2 for 1 at Italian at Charli Marrone’s:

http://www.groupon.com/deals/charli-marrone-s-italian-bar-grill-1

Take 40% off BBQ, burgers, and more at Willie Boys Saloon and Dance Hall in Morongo Valley:

http://www.groupon.com/deals/willie-boys-saloon-dance-hall

Take a Short Drive and Enjoy These Savings

There is an animal sanctuary with lions in Phelan (who knew?) and you can see them for almost 40% off:

http://www.groupon.com/deals/forever-wild-exotic-animal-sanctuary

Almost 60% off whale watching in San Diego:

http://www.groupon.com/deals/san-diego-whale-watch-15

Over 60% off golf in Murrietta:

http://www.groupon.com/deals/california-oaks-golf-course-4

Shotgun shooting session in Redlands for 55% off:

http://www.groupon.com/deals/redlands-shooting-park-2

Take a chauffeured win tour through Temecula:

https://www.groupon.com/deals/devine-tours-los-angeles

Finally ,a couple of Inland Empire Microbrews are offering some nice deals:

Kat Daddy Brewery: http://www.groupon.com/deals/kat-daddy-brewery

Inland Empire Brewing Company: http://www.groupon.com/deals/inland-empire-brewing-company-3

Now go and enjoy your weekend already!

(photo via 401(K) 2012 / CC)