What Makes It Guide-Worthy: Coachella is one of the world’s largest and most iconic music festivals. Every April, an international crowd arrives in the Coachella Valley for two sunny and sandy weekends of music’s top acts. The festival’s six major stages begin performances at 1 p.m. daily, with a who’s who of top music acts partying on until 1 a.m. on weekends and midnight on Sundays. Previous headlining acts have included Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Harry Styles and Paul McCartney.
When to Book: The festival lineup is typically released in late November for the April weekends. Advance sales usually begin in May for the upcoming year, long before the lineup is announced. Then, once the major acts have been announced, a general sale occurs and tickets sell out within hours.
Must-See & Do: More than just a music festival, the Coachella Valley is a renowned destination for its natural desert beauty, booming arts scene and top-rated culinary offerings. Here are a few of the best ways to enjoy the desert oasis when you’re not at the festival.
Beyond the Music: There's so much more to see and do at Coachella beyond jamming out to the many musical acts. The grounds are filled with giant art installations that are colorful, interactive and built with the perfect photo opportunity in mind. Many on-site vendors sell festival gear, vintage fashion and artisan jewelry for fun changeups to your weekend wardrobe. For the best views, a ride at sunset on the Coachella Ferris wheel should be high on your list.
The Best Bites at the Fest: Arrive hungry to the festival, as the grounds are home to numerous foodie-favorite stalls. Top food choices include gourmet vegan burgers from Monty's Good Burger, Tacos 1986’s adobada pork tacos and the bougie yet fun chicken nuggets and caviar from Camphor.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: For the best hiking trails in the desert, head to the mountain tops. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, a 30-minute drive from the festival grounds, offers a scenic route up the side of Mount San Jacinto in a unique, rotating tram car. From desert heat to an alpine forest (and maybe in some snow!) in minutes, pack layers as you’ll be greeted by a brisk wind at the top. Start with the easy Long Valley Discovery Trail, a three-quarter-mile loop around the summit or the more moderate Desert View Trail, a 1.5-mile loop.
Where to Stay: Looking to stay close to the action? Here are our top three hotel picks for the ultimate Coachella experience.
Premier: Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Marriott: Among its many amenities and benefits, Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa is just a short ride away from the music festival’s grounds. The highlight of the resort is its multiple pools, great for post-festival cooldowns.
Mid-Range: Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Spa, Hyatt: Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort is steps away from an official Coachella shuttle stop, the easiest way to get to and from the festival grounds. The resort’s sprawling footprint carries on the party vibe with seven pools, including an adults-only oasis, a lazy river, waterslides, poolside craft cocktails and cabanas available for day rental.
Budget-Friendly: Hampton Inn & Suites Indio, Hilton: A stop on the official Coachella shuttle stop route, the Hampton Inn & Suites Indio is the top value hotel for festivalgoers. Many complimentary amenities, such as a hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi and complimentary parking, help stretch your dollar even further. The hotel also features a heated outdoor pool and hot tub.
SideQuest: After a few days of jamming out, a quiet retreat is in order. About a 40-minute drive from the Coachella festival fairgrounds, Joshua Tree National Park offers the perfect desert escape. The eponymous Joshua trees are otherworldly wonders to behold. The park is easily accessible by car, bringing you within close reach of sweeping desert landscapes. Hike the easy mile loop of Hidden Valley Trail, go for an easy climb around Skull Rock, and pose for a fun photo session amidst pink and magenta cactus blossoms of the Cholla Cactus Garden.
