Coachella Valley, CA

Travel Guide

Coachella Valley
Coachella Valley
Coachella Valley
Coachella Valley
Coachella Valley
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

Downtown Palm Springs

Downtown Palm Springs

4.5/5(1,582 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 Cultural Museum and Plaza Theatre.

Downtown Palm Springs
Baristo

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
Midtown

Midtown

If you're spending some time in Midtown, Palm Springs Convention Center and Agua Caliente Casino are top sights worth seeing.

Midtown
Watering lawn grass palm trees and plants

Sunrise Park

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

Sunrise Park
Snow Capped San Jacinto mountain towering over Palm Springs at Sunrise

Tahquitz River Estates

4/5(184 area reviews)

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

Tahquitz River Estates
Sonora Sunrise

Sonora Sunrise

4/5(67 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in Sonora Sunrise, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Palm Springs Swim Center and Palm Springs Convention Center.

Sonora Sunrise
Indian Wells Resort Hotel

Indian Wells Resort Hotel

3.5 out of 5
76-661 Highway 111 Indian Wells CA
The price is $144 total per night from Apr 20 to Apr 21
$144 total
per night
Apr 20 - Apr 21
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! (3,733 reviews)
This place is a dump

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2026

Indian Wells Resort Hotel
Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas

Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas

5 out of 5
44600 Indian Wells Lane Indian Wells CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $414 total per night from May 11 to May 12
$414 total
per night
May 11 - May 12
Book a stay at this luxury resort 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! (1,122 reviews)
This resort is unacceptable for a Hyatt property. On the positive side, the design of the pool itself was great for the area, and one of the few properties with a lazy river. The water temperature was refreshing. Beyond that, not much to like. For context, we stayed here on weekdays. The service ...

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2026

Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas
Aqua Soleil Hotel & Mineral Water Spa

Aqua Soleil Hotel & Mineral Water Spa

3 out of 5
14500 Palm Drive Desert Hot Springs CA
The price is $83 total per night from May 3 to May 4
$83 total
per night
May 3 - May 4
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 helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,233 reviews)
We are regulars at this hotel, have stayed many many times. I'm so sad that we will never stay again. They recently added 2 new fees one for early check in which is so ridiculous and a pet for of 75 per pet. This is outrageous and if you have 2 pets more than the cost of the hotel. They will lose ...

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2026

Aqua Soleil Hotel & Mineral Water 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.
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,366 reviews)
Food needs a bit of work for quality and accuracy.

Reviewed on Apr 11, 2026

The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert
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! (2,835 reviews)
Large room, balcony, and pools. Great for families. Onsite restaurant was terrible.

Reviewed on Apr 13, 2026

Marriott's Shadow Ridge I-The Villages
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! (3,315 reviews)
Excellent property. Very clean and well-maintained. Exactly as pictured.

Reviewed on Apr 9, 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