joe elberson
CALIFORNIA
On the Way to Coachella
Take a road trip from L.A. to Coachella to make memories before the music starts.
By Kyle Marra
Music is calling, will you answer? Coachella, one of the most iconic and sought-after music festivals in the world, returns April 11-13 and April 18-20, 2025. Known for hosting the biggest names in rock and pop while spotlighting up-and-coming artists, this annual event held southeast of Los Angeles is more than just a festival—it’s an unforgettable experience. With its status as the most-attended and highest-grossing festival in North America, Coachella is a must for any music enthusiast.
Friends taking a road trip
ADOBE STOCK
Getting Tickets
Although sales launch in November for the following year’s festival, tickets, VIP passes, campsites and shuttle services can be purchased on Coachella’s website. AAA members also can enjoy exclusive festival ticket deals. Early access is available to attendees of the previous year.
Specifically for the 2025 festival weekend, two general admission tickets are still available, starting at $549 for the weekend. If you’ve already got yours, congratulations! Now it’s time to plan the epic road trip that will make your Coachella vacation even more memorable.
Coachella Valley
L.A. to Indio, California
Since you are making the trek to California’s Coachella Valley for a weekend of music, memories and community, why not take the scenic route? There’s plenty to see along the road to Coachella if you’ve got the time.
Cabazon Dinosaurs | Distance from L.A.: 90 miles
Snap photos and have some fun at this whimsical roadside attraction, featuring more than 50 dinosaur sculptures alongside the stars of the exhibits, a 150-foot-long Apatosaurus and a 65-foot-tall Tyrannosaurus.
Desert Hot Springs | Distance from Cabazon Dinosaurs: 20 miles
This desert town boasts some of the purest hot and cold mineral springs in the world. With 20-plus mineral spring resorts, it is the perfect place to relax and unwind before a wild weekend of late nights and music.
Summertime at Cabot’s Pueblo Museum
CABOT’S PUEBLO MUSEUM
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum | Distance from Desert Hot Springs: 1.5 miles
This four-story, 5,000-square-foot Hopi-inspired pueblo was built over a 24-year period by the adventurer, artist and human rights activist Cabot Yerxa to highlight the culture and contributions of Native Americans.
Joshua Tree National Park evening sky
Joshua Tree National Park | Distance from Cabot’s Pueblo Museum: 32 or 51 miles, depending on your chosen route
Visit Joshua Tree National Park for hiking, camping, rock climbing, birding and horseback riding across two distinct desert ecosystems. Plan ahead, as the park lacks gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores and hotels. Cell phone reception is limited, and pets are not allowed on the trails with the exception of the Oasis of Mara trail.
Salvation Mountain
Salvation Mountain | Distance from Joshua Tree: 65 miles
This visual spectacle from local resident Leonard Knight is a mountainous work of art made up of adobe bricks, car parts, tires and lots of paint. It serves as the unofficial centerpiece of the Imperial County community.
Palm Springs is located in the Coachella Valley.
Palm Springs | Distance from Salvation Mountain: 85 miles
Iconic architecture, scenic landscapes and relaxing spas await you in this Coachella Valley oasis. This desert town is a collision of art and culture, film and music, and urbanization and nature that you do not want to miss.
Coachella | Distance from Palm Springs: 28 miles
You made it!
AAA offers preferred access tickets to the Coachella Music Festival! Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
Arriving at Coachella
What should you do when you arrive at the famed festival? Well, that depends on if you plan to stay off-site or camp on-site.
Daily Drivers
If you prefer creature comforts or simply a quiet place to rest, then perhaps staying off-site is the best choice for you. AAA members are eligible for hotel discounts, so be sure to check for the best deals before booking.
General Parking: Opens at 11 a.m. daily.
Venue Access: Opens around 1 p.m. daily Friday-Sunday and closes at 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 12 a.m. Sunday.
Shuttles: If you would rather not drive, shuttles are available to transport you from your hotel to the event. They depart daily at 12:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
Wristbands: Upon purchasing your festival passes, you should receive your wristbands in the mail. These are required at all times and must be scanned when entering and leaving the venue. Be sure to activate yours with the Coachella app.
Camping
If you crave camping and community, then reserve a camping spot to set up your humble weekend abode.
Site Assignments: Campsites are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis to those with reservations. If you want to stay near your friends, you must arrive together to be stationed near each other.
Camping Tiers: Tent camping, car campsites and powered camping are all available. However, leave the RV at home, as they cannot stay on-site.
Your Stay: Check-in starts at 9 a.m. the Thursday before the festival with checkout the following Monday at 10 a.m. Camping between weekends is not allowed.
Quiet Time: Noise curfew starts at 1:30 a.m.
Additional Information: More information about camping can be found here.
Seven Magic Mountains sculptures
Ending in Vegas
If you want to extend your road trip, Las Vegas is approximately 4.5 hours from Coachella. You can even visit the Seven Magic Mountains and Mojave National Preserve along the way before capping off your epic adventure in Sin City.
Whether it’s music under the stars, scenic road trips or the thrill of Las Vegas, this year’s Coachella experience is bound to leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
Consider a California road trip to attend Coachella and rent a car for your drive! Visit AAA.com/Hertz
Click to read: For the Love of Chocolate
