# 2 Day Coachella Valley Itinerary Source: https://coachellalakesrvresort.com/curated-itineraries/2-day-coachella-valley-itinerary/ Updated: 2026-04-17 ## 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](https://www.nps.gov/jotr) ![A paved road curves past the entrance sign for Joshua Tree National Park, surrounded by yellow wildflowers and rocky desert hills under a clear blue sky.](https://coachellalakesrvresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/JOTR-sign-with-wildflowers.webp) ![Two people sit at a counter, smiling and toasting with drinks in clear cups. Both wear red shirts and are seated indoors near large windows.](https://coachellalakesrvresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DSC6557-1024x683.jpeg) ### 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](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 ![](https://coachellalakesrvresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DSC3205_HDR-1024x683.jpeg) ![Two people ride electric bicycles on a sunny suburban street lined with palm trees and desert landscaping.](https://coachellalakesrvresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Coachella_Lakes_Snapshot-18-11-2023-09_09-topaz-enhance-2.4x-faceai-1024x576.jpeg) ### 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](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](https://oldtownlaquinta.com) ![A spacious convenience store with shelves of snacks, drinks, and merchandise, a checkout counter, coolers along the wall, and folding chairs set up on a rug.](https://coachellalakesrvresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/DSC1290_HDR-1024x683.jpeg) ![Outdoor patio with cushioned chairs and a fire pit overlooks a grass lawn with palm trees, under a clear blue sky and bright sun.](https://coachellalakesrvresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Picture1.jpg) ### 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 How far is Coachella Lakes RV Resort from the Coachella and Stagecoach festival grounds? 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. What types of accommodations are available 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. Does Coachella Lakes RV Resort offer shuttle service to the festivals? 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. Is Coachella Lakes a good option for groups attending the festivals together? 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.