Top Things To Do In The Coachella Valley This Summer

Despite popular belief, there's so much more to the Coachella Valley than its coveted music fest. From tennis lessons from the #2 instructor in the world to tiptoeing along the San Andreas Fault, we've got a few rockin' summer ideas to fuel your next road trip.

JW Marriott Desert Springs
74855 Country Club Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 364-3126
www.marriott.com

Once you check in, you really don't need to venture outside of the resort until it's time to check out. This long standing, ever-evolving mainstay in the desert is a veritable oasis that has figured out the challenging task of being relevant to all types of visitors, making it a popular destination for couples and groups that want to enjoy endless options that suit varied tastes, so agendas can be enjoyed together and/or separately. This sprawling property is home to six restaurants, two championships golf courses, Costas Nightclub, four pools (ranging from family friendly to a high energy day club vibe), and more. With a plethora of activities to enjoy, you can plan your activities around those you are traveling with, making it feel like a first time visit no matter how many times you've stayed here. The one constant is the uncompromised hospitality of the smiling staff. We've lined up a few highlights for all types to stir up some itinerary inspiration.
 
Solo business travelers: The tennis center is a must; sign up for lessons with Jim Leupold, also known as the #2 instructor in the world. Once you're ready to put your skills to the test, they've got you covered with award winning player matching so you can get your feet wet on the courts...all three surfaces if you're feeling ambitious. This is the only place in the world that features this combination, after all. Lessons are available during the summer season from 7-11am.
 
Girl's trips: Shift gears into relaxation mode by booking the Sanctuary Suite inside the Spa Desert Springs. This private retreat is a luxurious VIP experience for bachelorettes, bridal parties, and groups of all types that want to reset after long pool days and party-filled nights. The suite features a lounge, living area, soak tub, and an outdoor patio with spa tub. Guests can also enjoy exclusive butler service and welcoming amenities like champagne, chocolate truffles, and fresh fruit. Organic and seasonal spa treatments can be enjoyed in the adjoining private rooms. Branch out to indulge in the other spa amenities throughout the spa, including a wet room with a Turkish hammam, fitness center, and outdoor saltwater pool. And don't forget to visit the Spa Bistro for a delicious date shake, a favorite local treat.
 
Couple's getaway: Ball it out on a private boat charter to cruise around the waterways surrounding the property. It's a romantic way to celebrate a special occasion. To make it extra memorable, arrange for a special on-board meal and a few personal decorative touches for added wow factor. Take the lead of a past guest for example, who took a boom box aboard à la Ferris Bueller as part of his proposal plans.

Desert Adventures
74-794 Lennon Place
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 324-5337
www.red-jeep.com

We couldn't think of anything cooler than riding in an open air Jeep, exploring dystopian landscapes that bring out the inner Mad Max in all of us. Leave it to the longest running tour operator in the desert to lead guests through winding canyons and geological wonders of the San Andreas Fault Zone, where you'll experience the full force of mother nature firsthand. As an added bonus, adventurers will explore a private and 800 acre preserve, rich with history of the native Cahuilla Indians, an exclusive experience that only Desert Adventures naturalists can take you on. Private tours can accommodate seven guests per Jeep; light snacks and water are provided.

La Quinta Brewery
La Quinta Brewery
77917 Wildcat Drive,
Palm Desert, CA 92211
(760) 200-2597
www.laquintabrewing.com

Don't judge this brewery based on its size. It might be micro, but it's mighty. What started as a home brewery that is a little over its first year in business, La Quinta Brewing Co. has been recognized as an award winning brewery, taking home medals from international beer competitions. Suds lovers can tour this locally owned and operated 15 barrel brewhouse to learn about the brewing process before bellying up to the bar in the taproom. Here, you can enjoy a tasting of the Taproom Series, brews that can only be experienced on site. These suds are made in small batches and therefore available for a limited amount of time, so be sure to get a few bottles of your newly discovered favorites to bring home. If you find yourself thirsty for more after your visit, you can continue to "drink the sunshine" in over 170 restaurants or bars in the local area that La Quinta Brewery serves; their core line features aptly named beers like the Poolside Blonde and Indian Canyon IPA.

EagleRiders
74855 Country Club Dr.
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 718-3327
www.eaglerider.com

Rent a Harley and fly by the seat of your pants, because the hog is your oyster and the roads are endless. Just be sure to catch magic hour at Keys View, the highest drivable point in Joshua Tree National Park. This vantage point captures Palm Springs, San Jacinto, and the Salton Sea, spectacularly washed over with cotton candy skies. EagleRiders carries the largest selection of top names that include Harley-Davidson, Triumph, and BMW. Rentals at EagleRiders are available for a 24-hour period (motorcycle license required).

The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
47900 Portola Avenue
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 346-5694
www.livingdesert.org

At this part zoo, part botanical garden, the overarching theme is education and conservation of the wild and varied inhabitants of the North American and African deserts. There is so much beauty and life that miraculously thrive within the harsh desert environment, and this is the place to visit to obtain a higher appreciation and respect for the rare, threatened, and endangered that reside in it. Marvel at the fascinating qualities that nature has equipped the wild with, along with brilliant adaptations they've made to have what they need to survive in this inhospitable ecosystem. You can spend an entire day exploring over 1,200 protected acres, consisting of hiking trails, discovery rooms, learning gardens, wildlife education tours, and more. Due to the increased heat during summer (June 1-September 30), hours are from 8am to 1:30pm.

Public Art Palm Desert
(760) 346-0611
www.palm-desert.org

Over 150 artworks make up the city's public art collection, consisting of sculptures, bus shelters, murals, and others that adorn the Palm Desert Public Library, Civic Center Park, and the El Paseo Exhibition. Free hour long tours of this collection are held on select Saturdays from September - May at 9 a.m. Reservations are not required, simply check out the website for the current schedule and arrive with water, comfortable footwear, and an appreciation for art. Private tours can be arranged for parties of three or more, tailored to the preferences of your group; call for booking information. Or, if you prefer to dance to the beat of your own drum, go the self-guided route using this map to appreciate the arts on your own schedule.

Indian Canyons Hiking Trails
38520 S. Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264
(760) 323-6018
www.indian-canyons.com

The hiking trails within the boundaries of the Agua Caliente Indian Reserve consist of three canyons (Palm, Andreas and Murray), each offering a variety of trail lengths and difficulty levels to suit all levels. These canyons are filled with California Fan Palms, juxtaposition to the surrounding rocky gorges. As a former settlement of the Agua Caliente Cahuilla Indians, remnants of their society can be found throughout the trails, such as house pits, bedrock mortars, irrigation ditches, and other historically significant artifacts. The Peninsula Big Horn Sheep still roams the high ground here; keep your fingers crossed to be one of the lucky few to catch a glimpse of this majestic endangered species. During the summer season, hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday only. Visit the website for hours, admission, and more information.

Joy Bitonio has the phrase "Joie de Vivre" tattooed on her shoulder, a reminder to enjoy life every single day. She has a voracious appetite for fun, adventure, food, good cocktails and works out like a madwoman to keep it all together. Check out what else she recommends around Los Angeles in the links below.

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