Craving sunshine, festivals, and desert beauty? Head to Indio, California! Located in the Coachella Valley, Indio is known as the “City of Festivals,” offering world-famous music events, date farms, golf, and access to striking desert landscapes. It’s a sun-soaked escape with vibrant energy year-round.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Indio is from October to April when the weather is warm and pleasant. Spring is peak season for festivals, while winter offers great hiking, golfing, and desert exploration. Summers can be extremely hot but less crowded.
How to Get There
- By Car: Indio is located along I-10, about 30 minutes from Palm Springs and 2 hours from Los Angeles.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), about 25 miles away.
- By Bus: Greyhound and FlixBus provide service to Indio, and local SunLine buses connect to nearby desert cities.
Where to Stay
- Indian Palms Country Club & Resort – Comfortable resort with golf courses, pools, and easy access to festival grounds.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Indio – Reliable option with free breakfast, pool, and proximity to I-10 and local attractions.
- Vacation Rentals – Many homes and condos available for rent, perfect for groups visiting during festival season.
Top Attractions
1. Sample Famous Date Shakes and Stroll the Gardens at Shields Date Garden
Shields Date Garden, which was initially just a date farm, was completely renovated between 2011 and 2013 with the addition of biblical statues from a separate garden in Vancouver that was closing down. Today, you are invited to explore the 17-acre farm and garden at you own pace; take the time to appreciate the beautiful scenery and take as many pictures as you would like. There are 23 statues on the winding path, all of which come together to depict 14 sequential scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. During your tour, use your smartphone to listen to an audio narrative of everything you see and experience.
80225 US Hwy 111, Indio, CA 92201, Phone: 760-347-0996
2. Travel Through Desert Heritage at the Coachella Valley History Museum
The Coachella Valley History Museum is a historical campus which has several exhibits dedicated to preserving the history of the area. Some their most popular main exhibits are a 1909 Indio schoolhouse, a Blacksmith shop, a desert submarine, pioneer farming tools, and archives for Historical Society. Once you’ve explored the museum’s interior, head outdoors for a look at their variety of gardens. Visitors of all ages love walking through the Japanese Garden, Memorial Date Garden, the Geissler Rose Garden, Desert Garden, and also stopping to appreciate Liberty Tree, which is the oldest cork tree in the Coachella Valley.
82616 Miles Ave, Indio, CA 92201, Phone: 760-342-6651
Attractions for Couples
3. Catch World-Class Matches or Events at the Empire Polo Club
Founded in 1987, the Empire Polo Club quickly became a popular place for competitors and spectators to enjoy a game of polo and is now an intricate part of California’s polo history. The season is filled with competitive tournaments, parties, and other events, almost all of which is open to the public. Facilities include ten glass polo fields, a regulation-sized pop arena, two exercise tracks, stabling facilities, the Tack Room Tavern, and a night club. Housed on an expansive 300-acre land, the club is also the location of the renowned Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival which brings together artists from an array of genres.
81-800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA 92201, Phone: 760-342-2762
4. Try Your Luck and See a Show at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Transport yourself to a world of excitement and elegance at Palm Springs’ premier gaming destination, the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. The award-winning entertainment venue is home to an action-packed casino floor filled with 40 table games and over 2,000 of the hottest slots and video poker machines. The friendly hosts and dealers will ensure you have an amazing experience - a winning one if luck is on your side! Afterwards, explore the desert oasis setting, have a drink at the Springs Bar, dine at one of the many restaurants, attend a concert or other special event, or spend the night at the casino hotel.
84245 Indio Springs Drive, Indio, CA 92203, Phone: 760-342-5000, (website link)
5. Experience Polo Culture and Scenic Matches at Eldorado Polo Club
The Eldorado Polo Club is an exciting way for the entire family to spend the day. Both competitors and spectators are invited to experience and witness the wonderful sport. Enjoy a refreshing drink and meal at the Clubhouse Restaurant or on the field side patio beside the Cantina; their bar is filled with an array of wines and liquors. Their polo and riding academy provide an opportunity for visitors of all ages to be introduced to the game or fine tune their skills. The club itself has ten regulation fields and a stable which can hold over 500 horses.
50950 Madison St, Indio, CA 92201, Phone: 760-342-2223
6. Celebrate Community and Culture at the Riverside County Fairgrounds
The Riverside County Fairgrounds is home to several fairs, festivals, and other events throughout the year. The Riverside County Fair is its most popular and is held every February since its inauguration in 1921. The festival celebrated the annual date palm harvest in the Coachella valley, which is home to over 250,000 date palm trees. There are over 7,000 exhibitions and competitions for people to participate in and enjoy. Some aspects include a monster truck rally, bull riding, performances by musicians and comedians, and of course, the crowning of a Date Festival Queen.
Recommended Attractions
7. Tee Off With Desert Views at Shadow Hills Golf Course
Located in Indio, California, Shadow Hills Golf Course is an elegant Schmidt-Curley, Inc. design golf course that is laid out seamlessly across the desert floor. You’ll be able to see a picturesque view of your surroundings, from the deep greens of the hills and valleys to the towering mountain range beside it. It was voted the “Best of Indio Golf Courses” and rightly so; the North Course is a par-3 course with holes ranging from 135 to 210 yards while the South Course is a traditional 18-hole championship course that can accommodation players of all abilities. Additional facilities include an expansive practice facility that has a short-game practice area, two tee levels, and a private space for one-on-one lessons with the professional staff.
80875 Ave 40, Indio, CA 92203, Phone: 760-200-3375
8. Sing, Dance, and Camp at the Iconic Stagecoach Festival
The sister event to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, the Stagecoach Festival is the highest-grossing country music festival in the world. The festival features an array of artists, unknown and mainstream, from genres like country, country rock, alternative country, southern rock, heartland rock, roots rock, and bluegrass. Past performers include Shania twain, Taylor Swift, Willie Nelson, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, and Keith Urban. Stagecoach first took place in 2007 and has been attracting thousands of people ever since. It is hosted at the Empire Polo Club and offers facilities such as on-site camping for the weekend-long event.
Empire Polo Club: 81-800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA 92201, Phone: 760-342-2762
Where to Eat
9. If You’re Hungry for Award-Winning Sandwiches, Don’t Miss TKB Bakery & Deli
TKB Bakery & Deli is a must-try while in Indio. The business was founded on the brilliant and delicious recipes of Athena Sippel and started off as a home-based business that would sell their concoctions door to door. Now, 20 years later, TKB Bakery & Deli is one of the most successful delis in the United States. They have an array of cold and hot sandwiches such as the Mexican Meatloaf or the Pesto Chicken Ranch Club which have been proven popular with their patrons or you can build your own. Wednesdays are BBQ days and all sandwiches like the smoked tri-tip or smoked pulled pork come with a side of mac ‘n’ cheese, cole slaw, or homemade chili.
45334 Golf Center Pkwy, Indio, CA 92201, Phone: 760-775-8330
More Places to Eat
- Jackalope Ranch – Southwestern grill with BBQ, steaks, and a gorgeous outdoor patio with waterfalls and palm trees.
- El Mexicali Café – Longtime local gem offering authentic Mexican dishes and famous grilled peppers with shrimp and cheese.
Local Events
- Coachella Festival (April) – A-list music, art, and celebrity style in the desert’s biggest annual celebration.
- Stagecoach Festival (April) – Top country artists and fans gather for a weekend of boots, music, and fun.
- Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival (February) – Family-friendly fair with rides, food, camel races, and cultural performances.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Indio, California
- La Quinta Old Town (10–15 min) – Browse boutiques, art galleries, and patio cafés in a charming Spanish-style village.
- Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park (15–20 min) – Fish, picnic, or hike with mountain views at this quiet desert lake retreat.
- Fantasy Springs Resort Casino (5–10 min) – Enjoy slots, table games, live concerts, bowling, and multiple dining options in a lively setting.
- Indian Wells Tennis Garden (15–20 min) – Catch world-class tennis tournaments or tour the grounds of this premier sports venue.
- El Paseo Shopping District (Palm Desert) (25–30 min) – Shop designer boutiques, visit art galleries, and dine at upscale restaurants along the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert.”
FAQ
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Where is Indio located?
- Indio is a lovely city located in Southern California’s Coachella Valley.
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Why is Indio famous?
- It rose to fame when it became the home of the annual weekend-long music festival, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
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What activities are popular in Indio?
- The city is extremely popular with polo aficionados, golfers, and casino-goers.
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What is unique about Shields Date Garden?
- One of the most unique attractions is Shields Date Garden, which is home to a date farm while also displaying intricate statues depicting the life of Jesus.
Unique Attractions
At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Warm temperatures and peak festival season.
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino – A full-service resort with entertainment and dining.
Attend the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival – Experience one of the world's most famous music festivals.
Summer (June-August) – Hot but great for poolside relaxation and night activities.
Hampton Inn & Suites Indio – A comfortable and budget-friendly option.
Explore Joshua Tree National Park – Take an early morning or sunset hike to beat the heat.
Fall (September-November) – Cooler temperatures and outdoor event season.
WorldMark Indio – A resort with pools, golf, and beautiful desert views.
Attend the Indio International Tamale Festival – Enjoy delicious tamales and cultural performances.
Winter (December-February) – Mild and perfect for outdoor exploration.
Embassy Suites La Quinta Hotel & Spa – A luxurious stay near Indio’s attractions.
Visit Shields Date Garden – Try the famous date shake and learn about local agriculture.
Plan Your Trip