Music Festivals
One of the most renowned music and arts festivals in the world, Coachella takes place at the Empire Polo Club each spring, bringing global artists and cultural experiences to Indio over two weekends each April. Immediately following Coachella, Stagecoach is the largest country music festival in the world, featuring top country performers in a spirited three-day celebration of music and community.
BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells Tennis Garden)
Often referred to as the “fifth Grand Slam,” the BNP Paribas Open is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. Held annually in nearby Indian Wells, it features top ATP and WTA players competing in a state-of-the-art stadium setting each March.
Golf Tournaments
Each January, the Coachella Valley hosts The American Express, a premier PGA Tour event formerly known as the Bob Hope Classic, played across several of the region’s most celebrated courses and known for its relaxed desert atmosphere and celebrity participation. Throughout the season, the area also features numerous pro-am tournaments, invitationals, and amateur championships across more than 100 golf courses, solidifying its reputation as one of the world’s top golf destinations.
Empire Polo Club
More than a polo venue, the Empire Polo Club is a sprawling event ground and desert landmark that hosts music festivals, sporting events, luxury weddings, corporate gatherings, and dynamic experiences year-round.
Casinos & Nightlife
Nearby Casino Destinations, including Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and Spotlight 29 Casino in Coachella, offer vibrant entertainment, gaming, dining, and live shows for a fun night out.
BMW Performance Center
The BMW Performance Center in Thermal offers high-performance driving experiences led by professional instructors on a closed track. Guests can test BMW vehicles while learning advanced driving techniques such as cornering, braking, and handling. The facility is popular with automotive enthusiasts and visitors seeking a unique, adrenaline-filled experience in the desert.
Acrisure Arena
Acrisure Arena is Greater Palm Springs’ premier indoor entertainment venue, hosting major concerts, family shows, and professional sports in a modern, 11,000+‑seat setting. It’s also the home ice of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the local American Hockey League team and affiliate of the Seattle Kraken, offering high‑energy hockey games and seasonal competition fans love to attend.
Sunnylands Center and Gardens
Explore the historic estate and beautifully landscaped grounds that once hosted presidents and world leaders. Sunnylands offers gardens, exhibitions, and cultural experiences that celebrate art, history, and philanthropy.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its rugged desert landscapes, towering rock formations, and distinctive Joshua trees. The park offers extensive hiking trails, scenic drives, and world-class stargazing. Visitors come to explore its unique blend of Mojave and Colorado Desert ecosystems, making it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.
Midcentury Modern Tours
Palm Springs is renowned for its iconic midcentury modern architecture, and guided tours allow visitors to explore some of the region’s most celebrated homes, neighborhoods, and design landmarks. In addition to year‑round tours of historic sites and architectural gems, the area hosts Modernism Week, a signature annual celebration of midcentury design, art, and culture featuring numerous home tours, architectural bus and walking tours, exhibitions, talks, and social events that draw design enthusiasts from around the world.
Shopping
Greater Palm Springs offers a diverse shopping scene, from luxury boutiques and designer stores on El Paseo Drive to charming downtown shops and artisan galleries in Palm Springs. Visitors can also explore Desert Hills Premium Outlets for brand-name bargains or enjoy local markets and street fairs, including the popular VillageFest. Nearby cities like La Quinta add even more boutique shops and specialty stores, making the valley a shopper’s paradise for every style and budget.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports visitors from the desert floor to the cooler mountain climate of Mount San Jacinto in a rotating tram car. At the top, guests can enjoy hiking trails, observation decks, dining, and seasonal snow activities. The ride itself offers breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley and surrounding mountains.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
The Living Desert combines a zoo, botanical garden, and conservation center focused on desert environments around the world. Guests can walk through immersive habitats featuring animals from Africa and North America, explore desert gardens, and enjoy family-friendly educational exhibits. The park also hosts seasonal events and special programs throughout the year.
Hiking and Trails
The Coachella Valley and surrounding mountains feature extensive hiking opportunities for all levels. Popular trails like the Bump and Grind Trail, Palm Desert Cross, Art Smith Trail, and Randall Henderson Loop offer desert views, wildlife sightings, and panoramic vistas of the valley floor—perfect for sunrise hikes, sunset strolls, or outdoor exploration.