Known as “The City of Festivals”, Indio is your official gateway to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and is also renowned for its casinos and historic museum. Indio’s artistic community is showcased through numerous murals, while the downtown area reveals major shopping malls and classic American dining.
Things to do in Indio
Most visitors tick off Indio during the annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, which has hosted world-famous musicians, including Pearl Jam, Snoop Dogg, Prince, AC/DC and Kanye West. Although Coachella is its largest festival, Indio has numerous other events throughout the year, such as the two-day country music festival, Stagecoach. Foodies should time their visit for the National Date Festival or Indio International Tamale Festival.
Outside of festivals, Indio offers two contemporary casinos, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and Spotlight 29 Casino, which deliver international dining, table games and late-night partying. If you prefer some daytime entertainment, head to the Indian Palms Country Club & Resort to enjoy two outdoor pools, hot tubs, tennis courts and a 27-hole championship golf course.
Retail therapy comes naturally around Monroe Street, which is surrounded by outlet malls, shopping plazas and boutiques. Check out Cardenas Markets for authentic Mexican food, where you can purchase international clothing and jewellery brands from Indio Fashion Mall Shopping Center or find affordable brands at Indio Plaza.
Indio is home to the only date museum in the world, the Coachella Valley History Museum, which showcases the history of the date palm in Coachella Valley, along with Mexican culture. Discover more about the local culture by admiring the artistic murals scattered around the city, most of which feature the native Cahuilla people.
Getting around Indio
Indio is serviced by multiple domestic and international airports, including Palm Springs International Airport, located 30 minutes away. You can use local buses and taxis to get around or rent bicycles or a private car.