Coachella(United States) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For the Coachella Music Festival, top recommendations include Empire Resort & Spa and Palm Springs Oasis Hotel, both located in the heart of the Coachella Valley. These properties offer shuttle services to the festival grounds, spacious rooms with desert-inspired design, and amenities like outdoor pools and private terraces. Many provide exclusive guest packages with VIP access and early entry. HopeGoo at least 3 months in advance is essential due to high demand during festival season.

The Coachella Valley, especially around Palm Springs, is perfect for a tranquil desert escape. Stay at boutique resorts like Desert Hot Springs Inn or The Parker Palm Springs, which blend modern luxury with natural surroundings. Features such as heated pools, desert gardens, meditation decks, and spa treatments allow guests to unwind amidst the serene landscape. The area also offers easy access to hiking trails, golf courses, and stargazing opportunities, making it ideal for those seeking peace and rejuvenation.

Beyond music, Coachella offers rich cultural immersion through the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, where visitors can explore the history and traditions of the Cahuilla people. Participate in native crafts workshops or attend storytelling sessions. The annual desert art installations—like the iconic Firebird sculpture—are must-see attractions that merge contemporary art with the vast desert canvas. Guided tours of ancient rock art sites and desert ecology walks enhance understanding of this unique region’s heritage.

During the festival, use the Coachella Valley Shuttle for reliable, affordable rides from Palm Springs and nearby towns to the venue. Tickets cost around $15 per person. If driving, secure a premium parking pass in advance—prices exceed $200. Consider renting an electric bike to explore the desert paths comfortably. Avoid peak travel times (10 AM–4 PM) to minimize traffic congestion. Ride-sharing apps like Uber are available but may have surge pricing.

Families should consider Hyatt Regency Palm Springs or La Quinta Resort & Spa, both offering kid-friendly amenities including children's clubs, family suites, and on-site pools. La Quinta Resort features a desert-themed playground, mini-golf course, and daily activities like cooking classes and nature hikes. Many hotels also host stargazing events and interactive workshops, creating memorable experiences for all ages. Opt for meal-inclusive packages to save time and money.

Must-try foods include slow-roasted beef tacos from festival food trucks and avocado salsa with tortilla chips. In Palm Springs, visit Cafe Boulud for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine or Sushi Katsu for creative sushi rolls. Don’t miss cactus fruit smoothies and organic tomato tacos at local farmers’ markets. Pair your meal with a local craft beer—such as Desert Sun Brewery’s Amber Ale—crafted using desert ingredients, reflecting the region’s sustainable spirit.

Coachella has a semi-arid desert climate: scorching summers (up to 45°C) and mild winters. Choose hotels with air conditioning, shaded patios, and private pools—like Bighorn Golf Club Villas—for comfort. Look for rooms facing north or shaded areas to avoid midday heat. Many resorts offer evening programs such as star gazing and desert bonfires, allowing guests to enjoy cooler temperatures. Always bring sunscreen, hats, and hydration essentials.

Top photo locations include the giant Firebird sculpture and The Portal installation, which create dramatic silhouettes at sunrise and sunset. Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for panoramic views of the valley. Explore Indian Canyons for red rock trails and blooming cacti. For urban desert aesthetics, visit the abandoned buildings near Salton Sea—ideal for moody, cinematic shots. Night photography of the Milky Way above the desert adds a magical touch to your collection.

Purchase early bird tickets via the official Coachella.com site—they’re typically 30% cheaper than on-site prices. Use authorized platforms like Ticketmaster or StubHub if missing early access, but verify authenticity. Two-day passes offer better value and unlock more performances. Some hotels and travel agencies bundle tickets with accommodation, often including VIP perks like backstage access or lounge privileges. Book at least two months ahead to secure the best rates.

Don’t miss Salton Sea, a surreal salt lake surrounded by ghost towns and wildlife. Indian Canyons features scenic trails through red rock canyons, home to rare flora and ancient petroglyphs. Just one hour away, Joshua Tree National Park boasts iconic Joshua trees, massive boulders, and breathtaking night skies. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid extreme heat. Guided tours often include stargazing sessions, where you can witness the Milky Way stretching across the desert sky—a truly unforgettable experience.