Things to do / Travel Guide
Our Tourist Attractions Expert Says:
The desert of southeast California is where you'll find Coachella Valley. A mostly sunny location with mild winters, Coachella Valley is a place for lovers of outdoor activities and nature buffs. Coachella Valley hosts 9 cities, one of which is the relaxed and luxurious Palm Springs, the most known city in the valley. Coachella Valley extends 45 miles out to Salton Sea, the largest saltwater lake in California. The resort hotels and spas are a popular draw because of the mineral springs.
Boaters will love Salton Sea because of its high water salinity; boats can potentially reach higher speeds than on almost any other body of water in the country. Seven marinas, mostly around the northern half of the lake, have boat ramps and mooring that are easily accessible from the road. Almost all have boat rentals. Salton Sea Recreation Area's headquarters, at Varner Harbor, has a fishing jetty, so fish are caught more easily. Catch Tilapia and other varieties of saltwater fish, such as corvina, sargo, and croaker.
Hiking and horseback riding in the surrounding mountains are very popular. Hike through the Coachella Valley Preserve, a short drive east of Palm Springs. This 20,000-acre sanctuary is home to several species of rare animals and several palm oases. The preserve is over the famed San Andreas fault-line, which forces underground spring waters to the surface. Hike the McCallum Trail through oases and open desert until you arrive at McCallum Oasis. The trail is well marked and most of the plant species are identified with signs. Wildlife can be seen on the desert trail, so keep your eyes peeled. There's no charge to hike or visit the preserve.
Weaving through the beautiful, open spaces of the Coachella Valley, are many bike paths through Palm Springs. Mountain bikes and gear can be rented from Big Wheel tours in Palm Springs. Bike on your own, or take part in a guided tour on or off-road.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will take you near the top of Mount San Jacinto Peak, at 8516 feet above sea level. On your way up, keep a lookout for plant and animal communities. Dress warmly as it gets very cold high up. On the mountain, walk on nature trails or take a donkey ride in Mount San Jacinto State Park. There are restaurants and gift shops at the summit and wildlife presentations.
Every year, Palm Springs heats up with partygoers on spring break from college, and in late-April each year, thousands go to the nearby city of Indio for the three-day weekend Coachella Valley Music Festival. Tickets aren't cheap, but popular entertainers like Bjork, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Rage Against the Machine are worth the price.
Shoppers don't despair! Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs has a wealth of boutiques, art galleries and shops. Many stores are geared towards luxury shopping but shopping on a budget is possible too. While strolling down the star-lined Palm Springs walk of fame you can find everything from souvenirs to luxury wines to lingerie boutiques. Every Thursday evening Villagefest on Palm Canyon Drive is held. Streets are closed off and several blocks become an open market with stalls, stores, food and live music.
If you're a skater, head to Palm Springs Skate Park. With a variety of skating options to enthrall the most die-hard skaters, it's one of the finest skate parks in California. Another great spot in the city is Ruth Hardy Park, across from the shaded trails and fountains of the movie colony estate. The park has tennis courts, huge playgrounds, forests, and tons of places to take kids for a picnic. Palm Springs is also home to Knott's Soak City Water Park.
Palm Springs has a number of spa resorts to spend a night or a few days, but it's expensive. Alternatively, the California Desert has motels and hostels or you can camp out in the middle of the desert and enjoy clear stargazing. Usually, lodging rates are lowest in summertime but highest in midwinter.
Endless fun waits in Coachella Valley but don't forget you're in the desert. During the spring and summer months, the heat is intense and hazardous. If you're outdoors for a while, have a lot of water handy.
Coachella Valley is located in southeastern California at the northern end of the Colorado Desert, and is bordered by the Salton Sea to the south and the Little San Bernardino Mountains to the north. Coachella Valley is located very near several airports. Desert Resorts Regional Airport is a 6-minute drive to Coachella Valley. Other ways of getting there are Greyhound bus, limo or taxi.