You’re headed to Coachella for a wild weekend in the sun, but all the planning that goes into your trip to the desert is anything but fun. We’ve mapped out the ten best Coachella vacation rental destinations this year to help you out a little. Not all festival-goers are the same, so we’ve provided some different options so you can pick your own adventure. Of course, we’ve prioritized location and convenience above all. Whatever your scene, these neighborhoods promise to keep you close to the action all weekend long. Plus, the entire Coachella Valley, which used to be a vacation playground in the 1950s for stars like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, is having a resurgence of hipster swagger and next-gen energy. With hot new restaurants, luxury lodgings, and fabulous shopping, you’re in a for a great vacation, Coachella tickets or not.
1. Rancho Mirage
This resort city is perfect for you if you need to get out of the city for some much needed spa time. Luxury hotels like The Ritz-Carlton or Omni Rancho Las Palmas have you covered with spa treatments ranging from swedish massages to guava body scrubs. Here, you can explore lush outdoor gardens, tee off at exceptional golf courses, or enjoy indoor and outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment. You’ll be about 30 minutes away from Coachella (without traffic), but you’ll be living like royalty.
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2. Indio
Indio is known internationally as the “City of Festivals,” and is the birthplace of the Coachella Music and Arts Festival. Definitely stay here if you’re going to be spending the bulk of your time at the music festival. If you need a break from Coachella, don’t worry, there’s still plenty of other things to do. Take in a polo game, visit the historical museums, or try your luck at the casino.
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3. Palm Desert
If every vacation rental within a 30-mile radius of Coachella is already booked up, Palm Desert still makes a great option. You’ll also be able to find some more wallet-friendly accommodations compared to locations closer to the venue. Rooms at places like the Holiday Inn Express Palm Desert can run only $80 a night and include free breakfast too!
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4. Coachella
Guess what! You can stay closest to the festival with the most affordable option and camp on-site. Car camping spots are 10’x30′ and you can pile as many people in your spot as you can comfortably fit. Spots are good for the weekend, Thursday through Monday, but once your car is parked, it has to stay there for the entire weekend. Tent camping spots are 10’x15′ and you can also have as many people as you want. Don’t worry if you’re not into “roughing it.” Campground amenities include free showers, free water refill stations, mobile phone charging stations, free wi-fi and more. Now the fun never has to stop!
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5. Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a bona fide party destination on its own. Who needs Coachella, right? This city is home to a dynamic downtown, stylish hotels, new and fashionable restaurants, chic shops and boutiques; the list goes on and on! The closest airport to Coachella is also the Palm Springs International Airport, so you’ll be closest to the airport but a little far from the venue. Definitely look into getting a rental car or carpooling.
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6. Cathedral City
Cathedral City is only 20 miles away from Coachella, and it’ll take about 45 minutes to an hour to get parked and walk into the gates. It’s the perfect way to recharge in the evening if you don’t mind the little commute, especially since most vacation rentals in the area have private pools, full kitchens, washer/dryers, and all the other comforts of your own home.
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7. Indian Wells
If you can’t get enough of music festivals, come to Indian Wells a week early for their very own, the Indian Wells Music Festival, on April 6th and 7th. Headliners are GRAMMY award-winner Jonny Lang and Jon Batiste & the Dap Kings. Stay for the entire week and you’ll only be less than ten miles from Coachella.
8. La Quinta
La Quinta, California, not to be confused with the popular chain of inns and suites, is a leading golf destination in the Coachella Valley. In addition to being one of the closest areas to the festival, the city also offers quaint shopping, biking the Bear Creek Trail, and beautiful views of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Of course there’s world-class golfing, and La Quinta is also ranked among the country’s top tennis resorts. It’s perfect for families and pets too. Some spas even offer canine massages!
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9. Bermuda Dunes
Bermuda Dunes, located just west of Indio, also offers a lot of great vacation rental options for your weekend at Coachella, ranging from private rooms to eight bedroom villas with a pool and hot tub. Come here if you also want to do a little golfing. (Are we seeing a trend here?) The Bermuda Dunes Country Club is one of the finest golfing experiences that California has to offer. Any family members not interested in singing along to The Weeknd and Beyonce can still take a mini vacation with you and spend their time here instead.
10. Joshua Tree
Camping on the south end of Joshua Tree puts you only about 30 minutes east of Coachella. Definitely make sure you have a designated driver to get back to your campsite as you’ll be taking some unlit, unpaved roads. Keep in mind that April is also Joshua Tree’s busiest time of the year, so you’ll be competing with non-Coachella goers too. It’s probably not the most convenient place to stay, but if it’s your only chance to see Joshua Tree, the trek is worth it.
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