Things To Do In The Coachella Valley

The Coachella Valley isn’t just a festival poster come to life. It’s a sunny playground where desert weirdness, mountain views, and endless things to do collide in the best possible way.

Whether you’ve got a weekend or a whole winter, you can fill your days with hikes, art, food, golf, music, and glorious pool time. And yes, you can absolutely do it all in flip-flops—well, maybe not the mountain hike.

Start With a Spin Through Palm Springs

Midcentury Magic and Thursday Night Strolls

Palm Springs is the valley’s retro-cool heart, and it rewards aimless wandering. Cruise past midcentury modern homes, then stop for a photo beside a giant Marilyn Monroe statue.

If architecture is your thing, take a self-guided tour or hop on a guided one during Modernism Week. You’ll learn why those clean lines and butterfly roofs still make people swoon.

Downtown’s VillageFest happens Thursday nights, with art, snacks, and live music. Go hungry, bring cash, and let the desert evening work its magic.

Ride the Aerial Tramway, Then Chase a Waterfall

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a non-negotiable first-timer move. In about ten minutes, you’ll go from palm trees to pine forests—yes, really.

At the top, hike a trail, sip hot cocoa, and pretend you’re in the Alps. Pack a jacket, because the temperature drops fast up there.

Back down in the valley, Tahquitz Canyon and Indian Canyons offer actual waterfalls and palm oases. It’s a magical reminder that the desert is far from empty.

Play Golf, Tennis, or Just Act Like You’re Rich

The Coachella Valley is a world-class golf destination, with courses for pros and happy duffers alike. You don’t need a perfect swing—just sunscreen and a sense of humor.

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Tennis fans should plan around the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. The tennis is elite, the grounds are gorgeous, and the people-watching is top-tier.

Prefer polo? Empire Polo Club hosts matches and events that feel fancy but friendly. Wear a hat, sip something cold, and enjoy the show.

Eat Dates, Drink Shakes, and Shop El Paseo

You cannot leave without trying a date shake. It’s sweet, frosty, and basically the desert’s official milkshake.

Shields Date Garden in Indio is a classic stop for date samples, history, and that famous shake. Trust me: one is never enough.

For upscale browsing, head to El Paseo in Palm Desert. Galleries, boutiques, and cafes make it easy to spend a leisurely afternoon.

Catch a Show, a Festival, or a Starry Night

The McCallum Theatre and the Acrisure Arena bring big-name concerts, comedy, and Broadway shows to the desert. Check the calendar before you arrive—you might luck into something amazing.

And then there are the festivals: Coachella, Stagecoach, and smaller events all season long. Even if you skip the big stages, the valley hums with live music.

Coachella Valley : 10 Things To Do in the Coachella Valley During the

For a quieter thrill, drive out to a dark-sky spot and look up. The stars here don’t do subtle.

Go Beyond the Valley for Weird and Wonderful Detours

Joshua Tree National Park is an easy day trip and a whole different planet. Climb rocks, watch the sunset, and let your phone die in peace.

If you like your road trips strange, head to the Salton Sea, Bombay Beach, and Salvation Mountain. They’re colorful, eerie, and unforgettable.

Closer in, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert is perfect for families. Feed a giraffe, meet a camel, and feel like a kid again.

Soak It All In—Then Come Back for More

The Coachella Valley has a way of making life feel bigger and brighter. You can hike a canyon in the morning, shop art galleries in the afternoon, and eat tacos under the stars at night.

So pick a weekend, pack light, and say yes to the desert. Your next favorite memory is already waiting there, just past the wind turbines and the palm trees.

Go learn more, make a plan, and let the valley surprise you. The best adventures start with a little curiosity—and maybe a date shake for the road.