5 Things to Do in Coachella Valley (Other than Coachella!)

The sunny, well-known Coachella Valley is home to one of the world’s most popular music festivals, but it also offers countless other memorable attractions. As the name suggests, Coachella Valley hosts the annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Whether Coachella is on your bucket list or not, there are plenty of other incredible activities to accomplish while visiting the area.

Coachella Valley is located in the heart of the Southwest in California near Palm Springs. This slice of the Sonoran Desert provides stunning scenery and nature experiences that are unlike any other region in the world. A Palm Springs vacation can become just the escape you need to enjoy mother nature, visit the local attractions, and enjoy the year-round sunshine.

Here are five things to do in Coachella Valley and Palm Springs – other than attending Coachella!

1. Joshua Tree National Park

Roughly 40 miles northeast of Palm Springs stands the Joshua Tree National Park. Populated with its rare and namesake yucca trees, Joshua Tree National Park is the perfect day trip from Coachella Valley to witness a unique desert.

At the protected park, you can enjoy beautiful hiking trails through a wonderland of desert rocks and marvel at the endless forest of yucca trees. Popular hiking trails in Joshua Tree National Park include the Indian Cove Natural Trail and Arch Rock Trail.

There are also camping sites scattered throughout the preserve where campers can stay overnight. Rock climbing is another factor that attracts many to this park, like at the popular Echo Cove.

Joshua Tree National Park is open year-round, but it is best enjoyed in the cooler months since the desert can reach temperatures as high as 105 degrees F. To avoid any crowds, try to plan your visit during the week!

2. Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

If you’re new to California or the deserts of the Southwest, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens are a must. This expansive outdoor nonprofit preserve is home to both exotic animals and unique plants and flora native to the region.

As a top attraction in Palm Springs for over 50 years, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has been “active in conservation research, habitat protection, breeding programs and education initiatives around the world, as well as in its own community,” says its website.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is dedicated to the conservation of both animals and plants. They help to maintain and support nature as it was originally intended. Did we mention you can feed a giraffe?

3. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Did you know Palm Springs is home to the world’s largest rotating tram car? There is no better place to get a birds’ eye view of the area than on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

Riders can experience over two and a half miles of breathtaking views whilst suspended from an elevation of 8,516 feet. The tram journey provides epic scenery of Chino Canon and Mt. San Jacinto State Park. If the views from the tramway weren’t good enough, you can enjoy over 50 miles of hiking trails once you reach the mountain station.

If you’re not a fan of hiking, that is no problem! Step off the tramway to the mountain station and enjoy some drinks or a delicious fine meal at the Forest View Restaurant. The tramway is the perfect compromise for someone who wants to experience the great outdoors – active or not. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is at the top of the attractions list for sure.

4. Enjoy (Year-Round) Pool Season

Palm Springs is an ideal vacation destination because of its wild nature and unique desert landscapes, but largely because of its favorable climate. Vacations in Coachella Valley are sought-after due to the great weather! It allows for pool service, open restaurant patios, and enjoyable outdoor amenities all year long.

During your stay in Palm Springs, carve out some time simply to enjoy your vacation rental. Whether you’re in town for business, a fun event, or simply for a getaway, you cannot beat some quality time poolside. Enjoy the neverending pool season, profit from the sunshine, and enjoy the Palm Springs rental you chose.

5. Coachella Valley’s Extensive Event Calendar

Even if ‘Coachella’ is in the name, this valley’s event calendar is stacked with exciting events other than Coachella itself! Keep an eye on the city’s social event calendar to discover fun happenings every month.

Coachella Valley and the Palm Springs area attracts millions of tourists per year for sporting events like the BNP Paribas Open and many world tour golf tournaments. It is also home to Stagecoach, a famous country music festival. In between those larger events lies countless others like farmer’s markets, car shows, film festivals, and more.

Coachella Valley is a favored destination for many reasons. These five attractions hardly scratch the surface of all the wonderful things that Palm Springs and its surrounding area have to offer visitors. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike are drawn to the area. People of all ages from young jet-setters through to retired folk can all find plenty of things to do in Coachella Valley.

Just keep in mind, due to the popularity of the area, vacation rental inventory is limited. This desert oasis is heaven to many, so be sure to book your accommodations and travel plans well in advance to guarantee the perfect Palm Springs vacation. If you need help, we’re here for you.

Coachella Luxury Rentals is a premier source for vacation and business rentals in Coachella Valley and Palm Springs. Contact us today to learn more about our one-of-a-kind rental opportunities for groups of all sizes.