Must See Stops on your way to the Festival Grounds
Sometimes driving to your long-awaited, most anticipated event can feel more like a chore than a vacation. This is why it’s important to make the journey just as memorable as the destination. Discovering hidden gems and unexpected detours is a hallmark of vacations. Here are some well-loved tourist attractions that will make your road trip just as unforgettable as Coachella or Stagecoach:
QUICK STOPS:
Cabazon Dinosaurs - World's Biggest Dinosaurs
If you’re taking the 10 East to get to the festival grounds, the Cabazon Dinosaurs is something you can’t miss, literally! The Cabazon Dinosaurs are a roadside attraction in Cabazon, California, featuring over 70 dinosaur sculptures, including a T-Rex and Apatosaurus that you can walk through. The Apatosaurus houses a gift shop with dinosaur-themed souvenirs. It's a popular stop for families and road trip enthusiasts, offering plenty of photo opportunities!
Need to park your RV nearby? Morongo Casino & Resort just 1.5 miles away allows RV parking in their parking lot! If you require hookups and more amenities, there is also a KOA Campground a few miles west!
Palm Canyon Drive
Looking for a bite to eat? Palm Canyon Drive in Downtown Palm Springs has a variety of highly rated restaurants guaranteed to satisfy your culinary cravings. With dozens of different options like The Front Porch, Farm, and Clandestino, you’re sure to get a bite out of life. For dessert, check out some local favorites like Lappert's Super Premium Ice Cream, Balboa Candy, or Great Shakes. Or take a stroll down the strip and check out the plaza’s many shops, boutiques, and galleries. With its limitless activities and lively atmosphere, Palm Canyon Drive has become a notable hot spot for travelers.
Need to park your RV nearby? Head south to Happy Traveler R.V. Park which is within walking distance of downtown!
The Movie Colony
Step back in time and experience the glamorous history of Hollywood. The Movie Colony in Palm Springs is an iconic neighborhood that was once home to legendary stars like Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Cary Grant. There are even private, guided tours on Frank Sinatra’s estate where you can immerse yourself in a piece of music history. Admire stunning examples of Spanish Colonial Revival and Mid-Century Modern architecture. The homes are beautifully preserved and showcase the unique architectural styles of the era. While not guaranteed, but quite common, you might even spot a celebrity (just in case seeing Lady Gaga at Coachella isn’t enough to fan over)!
Need to park your RV nearby? Head south to Happy Traveler R.V. Park which is within walking distance of downtown! Or keep strolling a few more miles southeast on Palm Canyon Drive to Horizon Mobile Village & RV Park
DAY TRIPS:
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
If you have an extra day in your itinerary, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens may be worth your while! Only 12.7 Miles from Coachella and Stagecoach, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has unique desert ecosystems, animal encounters, naturalistic exhibits, beautiful gardens and interactive experiences! You can also walk with the wallabies or feed a giraffe up close! Truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and a can’t miss event!
Need to park your RV nearby? Silver Spur RV Resort is only a 5 minute drive from the animals! Or enjoy a scenic drive to Indian Wells Sun Outdoors RV Community or Motorcoach Country Club about 20 minutes away.
Palm Springs Aerial Tram Way
One of Palm Springs most iconic tourist attractions is The Palm Springs Aerial TramWay. It's one of the largest rotating tramcars in the world, offering stunning panoramic views of the Coachella Valley as you ascend Mount San Jacinto. The tram ride itself takes about 10-15 minutes each way, but you should plan to spend approximately a 2.5 to 3 hours visit. Once at the top, you can enjoy the observation decks, restaurants, a natural history museum, and hiking trails. The tramway offers a welcome escape to cooler temperatures at the mountaintop!
Need to park your RV nearby? Happy Traveler R.V. Park is still the closest!
If you’d like to enjoy more of the stunning views of Palm Springs, take a drive towards some of Thousand Trails’ local campgrounds like Encore Palm Springs Oasis and Thousand Trails Palm Springs
Joshua Tree National Park
If you’re looking for more outdoor fun, head over to Joshua Tree, just a short drive away. Joshua Tree National Park is a valuable natural, historical, and cultural treasure. Explore the unique landscape, go hiking, or enjoy stargazing. The fresh air and beautiful, natural environment offer the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Coachella and Stagecoach. The peaceful and quiet desert life is bound to rejuvenate you before the end (or start) of your vacation.
Thinking of bringing your RV? Joshua Tree National Park allows RV parking! There are also many campsites outside of the park that still offer the benefits of secluded camping under the stars.
Salton Sea & Salvation Mountain
The Salton Sea is a shallow, landlocked, and highly saline lake in Southern California, located within the Salton Trough. It's the largest lake in California, stretching approximately 35 miles long and 15 miles wide. Located near the south of the Salton Sea is Salvation Mountain, a unique and colorful roadside attraction featuring a large, man-made adobe mound covered in vibrant religious folk art created by artist Leonard Knight. The mound is about 150 feet high and 500 feet wide, covered in messages of love, peace, and salvation. It's a popular spot for tourists and photographers and has since gone viral for obvious reasons.
Need to park your RV nearby? Just a few minutes away from Salvation Mountain is Kamper RV Park.
On the opposite side of the mountain is Slab City, an off-the-grid alternative lifestyle community that offers several RV spots for rent such as California Ponderosa and Mojo’s Slab Camp.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite and a leg stretch during your road trip, or you’re looking to add an extra eventful day into your itinerary, be sure to visit any of these memorable sites! With so many photo ops and recreational value, you’re sure to make your Spring Break one to remember!
Complete list of Nearby RV Resorts mentioned (short term parks and all-ages communities) :
Horizon Mobile Village & RV Park
Indian Wells Sun Outdoors RV Community
Interested in staying at these RV resorts and want to make your road trip even sweeter?
Rent a spacious RV and take the fun with you!
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