2 Day Coachella Valley Itinerary
Explore the desert, local culture, and relaxing resort amenities.
A two-day stay near Indio gives you time to experience the incredible desert landscapes, local attractions, and unique culture of the Coachella Valley. While staying at Coachella Lakes RV Resort, you can explore nearby parks, wildlife exhibits, and local landmarks before returning to relax poolside at the resort. This itinerary blends adventure and relaxation for the perfect desert getaway.
Day 1: Desert Scenery & Local Flavor
Sunrise: Joshua Tree National Park
Start the day early with a scenic drive to Joshua Tree National Park, about an hour from the resort.
Morning light brings out the dramatic textures of the desert landscape, from massive rock formations to the park’s famous Joshua trees.
Stop at popular viewpoints like:
- Hidden Valley
- Cap Rock
- Barker Dam
Early morning is the most comfortable time to explore in summer and offers incredible photo opportunities.
Joshua Tree National Park
6554 Park Blvd
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
760-367-5500
https://www.nps.gov/jotr
Late Morning: Date Shake Stop
On the way back toward the resort, stop at the iconic Shields Date Garden, a Coachella Valley tradition since the 1920s.
Cool down with their famous date shake, made from locally grown dates harvested right here in the valley.
Guests can also stroll through peaceful garden paths lined with date palms and learn about the region’s agricultural history.
Shields Date Garden
80225 US Hwy 111
Indio, CA 92201
760-347-0996
https://shieldsdategarden.com
Afternoon: Pool & Resort Time
Return to Coachella Lakes RV Resort to relax during the warmest part of the day.
Guests often spend the afternoon enjoying:
- The resort-style swimming pool
- Putting course competitions
- Lakeside fishing
- Relaxing in their air-conditioned RV or vacation rental
Day 2: Culture & Evening Exploration
Morning: The Living Desert Zoo
Spend the morning exploring The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, a family-friendly attraction featuring desert wildlife, shaded paths, and botanical gardens.
The zoo opens early and offers shaded exhibits that make it comfortable even during summer mornings.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
47900 Portola Ave
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760-346-5694
https://www.livingdesert.org
Lunch & Shopping
Head to nearby Old Town La Quinta, a charming outdoor plaza filled with restaurants, fountains, and boutique shops.
Enjoy lunch, browse local stores, and take a relaxed stroll through the palm-lined plaza.
Old Town La Quinta
78100 Main St
La Quinta, CA 92253
https://oldtownlaquinta.com
Afternoon: Relax Back at the Resort
Return to Coachella Lakes RV Resort for a relaxing afternoon swim or quiet lakeside time.
The peaceful setting makes it easy to unwind and enjoy the slower pace of the desert.
FAQs
Coachella Lakes RV Resort is a short drive from Empire Polo Club in Indio, where both the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and Stagecoach Country Music Festival are held, making it a convenient and comfortable home base during festival weekends.
Coachella Lakes RV Resort offers full-hookup RV sites for guests traveling with their own RVs, as well as fully furnished vacation rentals for those who prefer a cottage-style stay. Both options provide more space and flexibility than traditional hotel accommodations during festival season.
Coachella Lakes RV Resort does not offer a dedicated shuttle service to Empire Polo Club. However, ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout the Coachella Valley and provide a convenient transportation option to and from the festival grounds.
Yes. With spacious RV sites, vacation rentals, and shared outdoor amenities, Coachella Lakes is well-suited for couples, friend groups, and extended festival stays who want to enjoy the music while having room to relax between festival days.