Coachella Valley, CA

Travel Guide

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
Indian Canyon showing a gorge or canyon
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 Plaza Theatre and Agua Caliente Casino.

Downtown Palm Springs
Palm Springs which includes wildflowers

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
Palm Springs which includes wildflowers

Midtown

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

Midtown
Look up #villaroyale #palmsprings #lifeatexpedia

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
You know you want this #marshmallowlatte #ernestcoffee #lifeatexpediagroup

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
Light and shadows on the east face of Mt San Jacinto. I love the mountain as the sun touches it differently throughout the day. Dancing in and out of the crevices and shadows. Never grows old. #culture. #weekend getaways

Warm Sands

4/5(109 area reviews)

Warm Sands might not have many top sights, but Agua Caliente Cultural Museum and Plaza Theatre are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Warm Sands
Embassy Suites by Hilton Palm Desert

Embassy Suites by Hilton Palm Desert

3.5 out of 5
74700 Highway 111 Palm Desert CA
$103 nightly
The price is $118 total per night from Jan 6 to Jan 7
$118 total
Jan 6 - Jan 7
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Palm Desert. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,802 reviews)
Yes! Love the omelette station!

Reviewed on Dec 29, 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Palm Desert
Indian Wells Resort Hotel

Indian Wells Resort Hotel

3.5 out of 5
76-661 Highway 111 Indian Wells CA
$79 nightly
The price is $92 total per night from Jan 7 to Jan 8
$92 total
Jan 7 - Jan 8
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! (3,480 reviews)
Clean room clean fresh smelling room. Very comfortable bed. Spacious room. Staff was very welcoming and friendly

Reviewed on Dec 31, 2025

Indian Wells Resort Hotel
Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas

Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas

4.5 out of 5
44600 Indian Wells Lane Indian Wells CA
$276 nightly
The price is $319 total per night from Jan 14 to Jan 15
$319 total
Jan 14 - Jan 15
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! (1,108 reviews)
Great resort. Loved it. Great staff and activities.

Reviewed on Dec 28, 2025

Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas
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! (2,720 reviews)
Wonderful getaway spot with family. Lots of activities for the kids.

Reviewed on Dec 29, 2025

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! (3,261 reviews)
Agave restaurant staff great ! Welcome girl at concierge station Great 12/23 at 10:30 am .

Reviewed on Dec 27, 2025

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! (3,237 reviews)
Great Staff, great room and great amenities

Reviewed on Dec 23, 2025

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