As the World’s Largest Rotating Tramcar, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will provide you with a journey of a lifetime. Climb 6,000 feet from the Coachella Valley and up the Chino Canyon to reach the top of San Jacinto Peak.
This ten-minute ride will take you across two and a half miles of beautiful landscape featuring steep cliffs and unspoiled wilderness areas.
At the top, you can stay a while and enjoy access to two eateries, several observation decks, more than 50 miles of nature trails, a museum, and a gift shop.
Spend a Day in Nature at the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve
Spend a Day in Nature at the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve
There are many natural areas around Indio that highlight the prominent desert landscape. Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve in the Indio Hills is the perfect place to explore and get a taste of this unique terrain.
Some of the most notable features of this preserve include the San Andreas Fault, McCallum Pond, and the tall, ancient palm trees growing all over the area.
There are more than 25 miles of hiking trails in the preserve. As you make your way along the trails, you’ll see canyons, dunes, and other features that make up this unique desert ecosystem.
For an evening of fun and excitement, head to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino to try your luck at winning some cash or prizes. With 40 table games and more than 2,000 popular slots and video lottery machines, you’re bound to leave with at least a little more than you came with.
This elegant, world-class entertainment venue features desert-inspired decor. It’s also home to several restaurants and a bar, and many concerts and events take place throughout the year.
It’s hard to miss the beautiful art displayed on various buildings around Indio. The best way to truly appreciate this art is by stopping at each one to admire the detail.
This mural project came to life back in the mid-90s to revitalize the city and draw more people. Since then, the murals have been a hit, and they’ve added a unique charm to the area.
There are ten murals, most of which are in the Old Town area of Indio. Most of this spectacular artwork is done by local artists and depicts scenes of early settlers and various historical events. Visitors can purchase posters of the murals from the city.
Once a simple date farm, the Shields Date Garden is now a 17-acre farm and garden that you can explore at your leisure.
During a walk-through of the garden, you’ll make your way along a path lined with biblical-themed statues and surrounded by spectacular scenery. As you make your way along, you can listen to an audio description using your smartphone.
Before you leave the farm, make sure to grab a snack or meal at the restaurant, where traditional date shakes and date ice cream are served. A gift shop is also on-site.
Shadow Hills Golf Course in Indio is a beautiful, well-maintained desert golf course suitable for all levels.
The surrounding scenery, consisting of mountains and valleys, combined with the option to play on two vastly different courses, makes Shadow Hills the perfect place to spend a day on the greens.
The North Course is a more challenging par-3 course with water hazards and sand traps. The South Course is a more laid-back, traditional 18-hole course.
Whether you choose one over the other or play both, you’re sure to have a fantastic day. Also available on site are a practice area, private lessons, and a restaurant.
On nice days, having a picnic is a great way to save money and relax in a natural setting; Miles Avenue Park is the perfect place to do this.
This pretty green space is equipped with barbecue areas and picnic tables. There are leisure facilities for all ages, including a playground, a water play area, and basketball courts.
Visit the Past at the Coachella Valley History Museum
Visit the Past at the Coachella Valley History Museum
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for some interesting stories, the best way to learn about the history of Indio and the Coachella Valley is with a visit to a museum. At the Coachella Valley History Museum, many exhibits with fascinating artifacts are on display.
Learn about the original settlers who arrived in the late 1800s, the importance of the Southern Pacific Railroad, and the beginnings of the region’s cities and towns.
Explore exhibits dedicated to Native American history, the region’s agricultural history, and its people and the important contributions they made towards the development of the area.
The outdoor grounds are home to an old schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, and several gardens, including a Japanese garden, desert garden, and a date garden. The on-site guides are available to answer questions and take visitors on a tour of the museum.