We got you covered on the best things to do in Indio as you prepare for this vacation.
If you are searching for a fantastic place to live and work, Indio is it.
The city is full of opportunities with rolling hills, stunning scenery, and an abundance of cultural attractions.
Whether you prefer to explore the city on foot or take a tour of its most popular attractions, we’ve got you covered.
Here are some exciting things you can do in Indio, California, but first, let me introduce you to a place called Indio.
Indio is a beautiful city in Riverside County, California, known for hosting famous events and festivals every year. With more than 93,000 residents, Riverside County’s Coachella Valley is now the fastest-growing city.
Indio is located in the Sonoran Desert, resulting in mild temperatures, considerable heat, and little rainfall.
Planning a visit to Indio? Here are some of the most amazing things to do in Indio, California.
Fun Things to Do in Indio
1. Coachella Valley Art Center
One of the best things to do in Indio is to visit the Coachella Valley Art Center for a wonderful art experience.
The Coachella Valley Art Institution established the site as a non-profit arts center. It is a great spot for artists of all levels, from professionals to amateurs.
Here is a place for visiting area artists and art programs in metal sculpting and welding, kiln glass, glass blowing, and a host of other talents. As a result, things to do in India for fun should be part of your list of places to visit in Indio, California.
2. Desert Theatre Works
The Desert Theaterworks at the Indio Performing Arts Center is another item on our to-do list. Include this in your list of things to do in Indio, California.
Coachella Valley’s premier all-volunteer theatre company is Desert Theatre. Since its establishment in July 2013, it has received numerous awards and recognitions. He created 45 large theatre productions and over 25 unique shows.
It also provides an educational platform for the general public to learn about artistic developments within and outside the community.
3. Cabazon Cultural Museum
The Cabazon Cultural Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon in India. It is a small museum inside the Cabazon Indian Reservation, home to the world’s largest Indian population.
The museum has enough exhibits on various aspects of the tribe’s culture and history. You can explore the museum on foot or take a guided tour. There are also several exhibits where you can interact with Native Americans.
Things to Do in Indio at night
1. Stagecoach Festival
The city of Indio is full of fun and an aura of music. If you have a knack for great music, this is the perfect place to experience the best of this beautiful city.
Organized in partnership with Coachella Valley Music Arts, the festival is a world music festival to attend. Each year, the event features several country music genres, including country heart, southern rock, alternative country, and country rock.
Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Tim McGrew, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift, and Blake Shelton performed on this spectacular stage.
The first stagecoach festival happened in 2007 and has since expanded to attract thousands of visitors to the city. Several facilities are available on-site, including camping during the festival.
Coachella Valley History Museum
Visiting the Coachella Valley History Museum is one of the best things to do in India. You can learn about the region’s fascinating history and the diverse artifacts on display.
As you tour the museum, learn about the region’s early inhabitants, the importance of the Southern Pacific Railroad, and how their towns and villages grew.
Some exhibits depict the region’s history, the agricultural system and lifestyle of the people, and how their efforts led to the region’s growth.
You will witness a medieval school, a forge, and several gardens that have been renovated into Japanese and desert gardens. Guides are available on-site to help and answer questions while visiting the grounds.
2. Big Rock Pub
Enjoy live music at Big Rock Pub in Indio, California, where you can see and hear some of the best local musicians. If you like fantastic music, this should be high on your list of things to see and do in Indio, California.
Music fans and well-known indigenous artists gather to listen to live music while sipping on a great drink.
The modern design showcases several diverse rock archives, while a pub with a kitchen provides visitors with various refreshments and meals. They also provide a vast assortment of drinks on their drink menu.
3. Eldorado Polo Club
Eldorado Polo Club is another great pick on our list of things to do and is part of the best things to do in Indio with the whole family. If you want to visit, this beautiful city should be on your list of things to do in Indio, CA.
The Polo Club welcomes everyone who wants to have a good time. Visitors and competitors alike are welcome to join in the festivities. Relax in the club’s Cantina restaurant or on the Cantina’s outdoor terrace.
Visitors have the power to select from a wide range of spirits and wines in this bar. Adults and their accompanying children can also learn about polo and ride horses on horseback. The polo club has eight functional fields and a stable accommodating over 500 horses.
Things to Do in Indio For Couples
1. Empire Polo Club
The Empire Polo Club began operations in 1987 and quickly became a popular venue for anyone who wanted to attend a polo game. It is now a significant part of California polo history.
The Empire Polo Club hosts tournaments around the year, parties, and other public events. It also features facilities such as ten glass polo fields, two practice tracks, a nightclub, Tack Room Tavern, the best burgers in Palm Springs, a regulation-size pop stadium, and stables.
Located on 300 acres of land, the Polo Club is home to the famously formidable Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, whose goal is bringing together artists of all genres.
2. Shields’ Date Garden
Shields Date Garden sits on 17 acres of land. It is a large complex with a beautiful setting that allows tourists to take several photos.
From 2011 to 2013, the Shields Garden has gone through extensive renovations and now houses the Vancouver Garden and several biblical figures.
Along the winding path, 23 statues can be seen depicting 14 major stories from the life of Jesus. Visitors can use their mobile phones to listen to stories about what they observe on site.
Don’t forget to add it to your list of things to do in Indio, CA.
3. The Coachella Valley Festival for Music and Arts
The Coachella Valley Festival is one of the most important things to do in Indio, California. The Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, organizes the festival, also known as the Coachella Festival or Coachella, which is held annually.
Visitors can also witness relics and statues from these events and performances from various musical genres such as rock, electro, and indie music.
Live music performances are held on many stages throughout the festival. Since 2001, well-known groups such as Guns n’ Roses, AC/DC, Paul McCartney, and Red Hot Chili Peppers have performed here.
Kanye West, Beyonce, Ariana Grande, Radiohead, and many other musicians performed at the Coachella event.
So don’t hesitate to add it to the best places to visit in Indio, California.
Things to Do in Indio For kids
1. General George S. Patton Memorial Museum
There is much history to learn and so much to learn at the General George S. Patton Memorial Museum right where it happened!
You see, the General Patton Memorial Museum was created to promote peace by honoring the service and sacrifices of America’s veterans and ensuring that those who visit can learn all about the rich modern military history of the US.
To support this, there are fascinating exhibits and artifacts from major conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries. Children can enjoy an invaluable educational experience – and even come face-to-face with some real tanks!
2. Big Bear Snow Game
Big Bear Snow game was once a ski resort but now offers the longest slopes in Southern California, served by a fully enclosed Magic Carpet lift AND tons of other year-round activities suitable for the whole family.
So no matter what time of year. You will have a lot to look forward to in the year you will visit!
The lift-assisted inner tube allows parents and children to save energy for exciting downhill turns and turns instead of walking uphill!
The combination of natural and artificial snow provides a great base for using inner tubes, building snowmen, and other family games for all ages.
A winter recreation area means the snow stays away from guests as they ride.
When it’s cold enough, we make our own snow. Whether it’s natural or man-made, you’ll have a fun-filled day on our spacious snow hill with up to 8 different slopes.
Great snowmaking conditions at Big Bear Snow Play mean plenty of beautiful, fluffy white snow will come your way!
3. Pennypickles workshop
Peter Piper chose the Pep Of Pickled Pepper? No, Penny Pickle chose Peter Piper’s Peppa.
Oh, wait, Professor Phineas T. Pennypickle’s workshop! And it is done!
The mysterious and elusive Professor Phineas T. Pennypickle cordially invites you to his home – his weird and wonderful home full of fun and exciting things, crazy gadgets, and experiments! And he asks that you get up close and personal with them while playing!
Children of all ages will learn through play at this weird and wonderful attraction – where even the fundamental principles of a complex problem can be learned and understood through experimentation and play. Best of all, the family can enjoy it together and parents you might even learn a thing or two!
Professor Pennypickle hosts workshops throughout the year where kids can discover science adventures and activities!
Events cover a range of interesting topics – from nature explorations where you and Pennypickle can enjoy learning about animals and plants… or Monday Madness! (It is supposed to be a surprise!)
They also have Summertime Science fairs where you can have fun with crazy experiments the professor will burden you with, or Bad Movie Night – a fun experience with popcorn and cheesy monster movies – what else!?
If you’re in for some shopping, you can also enjoy Supermarket Science, where Pennypickle and Beaker have hidden hundreds of science gadgets in your local supermarket – and you have to find them!
This award-winning experience will keep the whole family on their toes and you in the amazing world of science.
Indoor Activities to Do in Indio
1. Indio Spa
After a long day of sightseeing, you’ll undoubtedly need a place to pamper your body, and Indio Spa is the place to go. It should be on your to-do list.
Indio Spa boasts of a team of professionals and qualified specialists who provide the best possible service to visitors.
The Indio Spa in Indio, California, is staffed by a group of highly qualified and experienced professionals who work hard to provide excellent customer service throughout their visit.
All spa treatments use heated massage tables, eye pillows, heat therapy, and heated milk. CBD treatments, facials, wraps, massages, private group sessions, exfoliators, and other spa treatments are available here
2. Hotel Royal Plaza Inn
This Indio, California hotel is just a 25-minute drive from Joshua Tree National Park, featuring a heated outdoor and spa pool. Royal Plaza Inn offers rooms with cable TV and free Wi-Fi.
Beautiful building and setting, as well as polite staff. The only flop is that the restaurant is not yet open for patronage
Yes, you can book fully refundable rates at Royal Plaza Inn on their website.
Depending on the cancellation conditions of the accommodation, you can cancel the fully refundable hotel rate up to a few days before check-in.
Ensure you read the cancellation policy for any recent up-to-date information.
3. Indio Teen Center
The Indio Teen Center is another one of the most interesting things you can do as a teen during your vacation. It’s okay for teenagers to enjoy the whole vacation.
This destination is open to students in grades 8 through 12. The youth center features a game room, recording studio, boxing gym, cafeteria, and Internet cafe.
A counseling center is available for those who need help. Several educational activities and events with patrons from the Indio Senior Center are organized daily.
Romantic Things to Do in Indo
1. Reserve The Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve
At top of your list of fun things to do in India, California, the Thousand Palm Oasis Preserve is the place to go if you want to appreciate nature.
The region is surrounded by many natural landscapes that highlight the historic desert scenery, and this destination is an excellent place to visit and appreciate this unique landscape.
Palms Oasis Preserve also offers nearly 25 miles of hiking trails.
As you hike along the trails, you’ll see dunes, canyons, and other natural features that add to the splendor of this wonderful desert life.
2. Miles Avenue Park
In Indio, California, Miles Avenue Park is a great attraction worth seeing on our list of things to do. It’s the perfect spot to bring the whole family together for a fun weekend or vacation and should be on your to-do list.
Despite the abundance of barbecue and picnic areas, the park offers a variety of family-friendly activities that any family would enjoy.
Children are not forgotten, and families with children can bring their children to the playground and water playground. There are many basketball courts in the park that you can have fun in.
3. Maclin’s Open-air Markets
The second largest outdoor market in Maclin’s history is next on this list of things to do in Indio, California.
Palm Springs is just around the corner, a walk away from Maclin’s open-air market. This night market features the best of everything you are looking for, as it is full of unique items.
When you come here, the environment is lively and full of fun. Southern California fairgrounds are known for their high-quality architectural design that fantastically depicts Moroccan city life.
Many people flock to the market every Wednesday and Saturday to shop from the more than 300 merchants on site.
While watching the sunset, you can purchase fresh vegetables produced the day before for the residents.
If you plan to buy food, you can also buy local data.
The market has several aisles to walk through, and the moonlight serves as a guide to help people find that unique item they are looking for.
You can also spend enough time with family and friends while indulging in delicious food, snacks, and drinks.
4. Jackalope Ranch
If you prefer fine dining, stop by the Jackalope Ranch for the best Southwestern cuisine in a beautiful setting. It should be on your list of interesting things to do in Indio, California.
The first thing you notice when you walk into the restaurant is how huge the grounds and stone cottages are.
Several terraces have beautiful views, including the lounge, palapas, and waterfalls. Whether you come for lunch or dinner during the day doesn’t matter. You can be sure to find the perfect setting for your lunch at this ranch.
The restaurant’s culinary menu includes a variety of dishes, including family-style combination meals, high-end barbecue specialties, native California cuisine, and three-course steak dinners.
They also provide a pleasant outdoor and indoor environment where tourists can enjoy food.
5. Mulligan Dog Park
Mulligan Dog Park is another attraction on our list of things to do in Indio, California. This is a fantastic place to visit with your dogs for a fun-filled adventure.
The park has many trees that serve as shelters and a large grassy area. There is plenty of space in the park for your dog to run around and have fun.
The dog park accepts dogs of all sizes and breeds, with separate areas. The park has several amenities to ensure your pets have a good time, including water taps on both sides of the park and easy-to-clean greens.
Cheap Things to Do in Indio
1. Riverside County Fairgrounds
The Riverside County Fairgrounds is home to various festivals, fairs, and other events held throughout the year. Since its inception in 1921, the Riverside County Fair has become a well-known event.
The Riverside County Fairgrounds used to be the site of the Coachella Valley’s annual harvest of date palms and is now home to more than 250,000 date palms.
There are nearly 7,000 exhibits and various competitions in which visitors can compete in this place. Bull riding, live performances by comedians and artists, and the Date Festival Queen Crowning are just some of the competitions.
2. Shadow Hills Golf Course
If you love golf, one of the great things to do in Indio, California, is to visit the Club at Shadow Hills Golf Course, which should be high on your list.
Both amateur and professional golfers are welcome on the course. There are two separate golf courses in the valleys and mountain areas, making it an ideal place for golf.
The North Course features water hazards, bunkers, and sand traps, making it tough and enjoyable.
The South Course area is home to one of the newest 18-hole courses in the estate, which is peaceful and convenient. Whichever golf course you play, you’ll get the same energy and satisfaction, so you’ll have a great time here.
3. Regional Exhibition Centre
A visit to the County Fairgrounds is next on our to-do list. Various events and fairs are held at the fairgrounds throughout the year.
This venue, which opened in 1921, has become an iconic and well-known event in the region. The core reason for the festival’s existence is the harvest of date palms in the Coachella Valley, which attracts many visitors.
Visitors can participate in one of the more than 7,000 competitions and events held here or see a variety of comedians and performers perform. There will also be an event to choose the best festival queen for the year.
Free Things to Do in Indio
1. Wall Paintings in Indio
Indio has plenty of beauty and excitement thanks to the many public art displays that can be found throughout the city. So if you like art, this is an interesting site to visit and enjoy, and it should be on your to-do list.
The city is known for its massive murals, perfect for use as public art. Murals are especially important in the city as they have become a large part of the landscape in the area and can be seen throughout the Coachella Valley.
The murals were mostly painted by local artists and emphasized and showed the city’s rich history and activities. Visitors to the Riverside County Date Festival often make it a point to see these amazing murals.
2. George S. Patton Park
George S. Patton Park in India is another family park worth visiting. It includes lots of fun family activities that will capture the attention of all family members and should be on your list of things to do.
The park contains a large grassy area and a small playground that is well-protected and allows children to have fun playing, exchanging ideas, and having fun.
There are two BBQs and picnic areas with plenty of opportunities to enjoy a meal with family and friends. A tennis court and basketball court are also available in the park. They are safe and welcoming for those who want to have fun.
Cool Places to Visit in Indio
1. A living desert of zoos and gardens
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is another attraction worth visiting on our list of things to do. Abandoned environments have traditionally been a haven for various types of plants and wildlife.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is an excellent destination if you want to learn more about life in the desert.
The zoo and garden cover 1000 acres and provide tourists with various beautiful experiences. Visitors can also take a self-guided tour.
Visitors can ride a carousel, explore museum exhibits, see diverse desert fauna and flora such as snakes and jaguars, feed a giraffe, and walk nature trails while exploring the area.
2. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
One of the best things you can do if you want to have the best gaming experience possible is to go to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.
The casino offers more than 2,000 of the most up-to-date video and slot poker machines in a state-of-the-art, fun-filled casino environment.
With the casino’s pleasant and excellent service, you can be sure that you will have a fun gaming experience when you visit the casino. You can also visit their Springs Bar for delicious cocktails, attend an event or show, or stay at the casino hotel.
This is a great activity to do in Indio, CA, so add it to your list of things to do in Indio, CA.
Conclusion
The best things live here!
Indio is home to everything interesting, plus a very welcoming environment for tourists and guests.
This vacation will surely leave you feeling like staying in Indio forever. Cheers to endless fun.
