Coachella Valley, CA

Travel Guide

Indian Canyon featuring landscape views
Indian Canyon featuring landscape views
Sunnylands Center and Gardens showing a house
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway featuring landscape views and desert views
Sunnylands Center and Gardens featuring a garden as well as a small group of people
As a host of some of California’s biggest festivals and events, this warm and sunny rift valley keeps visitors active through the year.

Visit Coachella Valley, a picturesque resort area in and around Palm Springs, famed for its pleasant climate and eclectic events. In winter, so-called snowbird travelers from northern territories trade the colder weather back home for Coachella Valley's entertaining deluxe resorts. Play golf or attend festivals as you travel around this scenic rift valley.

Note the imposing San Bernardino Mountains and Little San Bernardino Mountains in the landscape. The valley sits between the Salton Sea and the San Gorgonio Pass, creating a stunning topography.

Stay in a hotel in the city center of Palm Springs and explore the area’s highlights. Visit the Sunnylands Center and Gardens and embark on a guided walk. Admire the historic estate that has welcomed celebrities and world leaders since 1966 and check out any temporary exhibitions. Enjoy golf at one of more than 100 courses in the area.

Study the vintage aircraft in the hangars of the Palm Springs Air Museum. Chat with the docents, many of whom have piloted the planes.

Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, a large rotating tramcar, above the valley to spot your favorite highlights among the landmarks below. Other sights around Palm Springs include the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum and the Palm Springs Art Museum.

Make your way east for the attractions in the cities of Indio and the Cathedral City. Here you’ll find the Desert Holocaust Memorial. When you reach Indian Wells, visit the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Attend the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival or the Indian Wells Masters tennis tournament, among other regional events.

Find Coachella Valley around Palm Springs in the southern part of California. From Los Angeles, drive east for 110 miles (193 kilometers) to get here in 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. You can also travel by Greyhound bus. While in this part of the state, make sure to visit surrounding natural attractions such as the Cleveland National Forest, Joshua Tree National Park and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Where to stay in Coachella Valley

Palm Springs Art Museum which includes interior views and art

Downtown Palm Springs

4.5/5(1,565 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Downtown Palm Springs is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Agua Caliente Casino and Agua Caliente Cultural Museum.

Downtown Palm Springs
Snapped this shot as I was leaving my hotel in PS. The sky with the building, palm trees, and flowers all caught my eye and blended well together. No filter!

Baristo

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

While visiting Baristo, you might make a stop by sights like Plaza Theatre and Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center.

Baristo
 View from my hotel in Palm Springs Cali

Midtown

If you're spending some time in Midtown, Agua Caliente Casino and The Spa at Se-che are top sights worth seeing.

Midtown
Palm Springs California Sign along North Palm Canyon Drive welcomes visitors to this historic city

Uptown Design District

4.5/5(421 area reviews)

Uptown Design District is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Las Palmas or San Jacinto Mountains.

Uptown Design District
Default Image

Sunrise Park

While visiting Sunrise Park, you might make a stop by sights like Palm Springs Mall Shopping Center and Palm Springs Swim Center.

Sunrise Park
Aerial tramway scenic landscape view at sunset in California.

Tahquitz River Estates

4/5(183 area reviews)

Though Tahquitz River Estates might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium and Tahquitz Canyon.

Tahquitz River Estates
Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas

Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas

4.5 out of 5
44600 Indian Wells Lane Indian Wells CA
Fully refundable
$308 nightly
The price is $356 total per night from Feb 11 to Feb 12
$356 total
Feb 11 - Feb 12
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Indian Wells. Enjoy free WiFi, 9 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,114 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on Jan 20, 2026

Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas
Indian Wells Resort Hotel

Indian Wells Resort Hotel

3.5 out of 5
76-661 Highway 111 Indian Wells CA
$98 nightly
The price is $113 total per night from Feb 4 to Feb 5
$113 total
Feb 4 - Feb 5
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this golf resort in Indian Wells. Enjoy room service, a fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,563 reviews)
We have stayed here before..we Love the history of the place, the Decor, the "Old Hollywood" vibe, and the location can't be beat. We were here for the American Exress PGA Tournament. The place is clean, comfortable, and a great value for the money!

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2026

Indian Wells Resort Hotel
Miracle Springs Resort & Spa

Miracle Springs Resort & Spa

3 out of 5
10625 Palm Dr Desert Hot Springs CA
$92 nightly
The price is $105 total per night from Feb 16 to Feb 17
$105 total
Feb 16 - Feb 17
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Desert Hot Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,689 reviews)
Staff was so helpful. Poolside rooms were big, clean and convenient. The on site restaurant was great for breakfast.

Reviewed on Jan 28, 2026

Miracle Springs Resort & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Marriott's Shadow Ridge I-The Villages

Marriott's Shadow Ridge I-The Villages

3.5 out of 5
9003 Shadow Ridge Road Palm Desert CA
Book a stay at this golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,744 reviews)
Clean room. Very comfortable room. Great amenities. Giuseppe’s is a great place!

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2026

Marriott's Shadow Ridge I-The Villages
The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert

The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert

4 out of 5
75 Willow Ridge Palm Desert CA
Book a stay at this golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,284 reviews)
The facilities were extremely clean and spacious!

Reviewed on Jan 22, 2026

The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert
Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II

3.5 out of 5
1091 Pinehurst Ln Palm Desert CA
Book a stay at this golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, 7 outdoor pools, and a health club. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,254 reviews)
The area around Palm Desert is pretty. The Villas were well appointed and walkable to the main Marriott. I would stay there again.

Reviewed on Jan 28, 2026

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Coachella Valley

Explore a world of travel with Expedia