Location: Indian Wells
Top Things to do in Indian Wells
What to do and see in Indian Wells, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Indian Wells is a city in Riverside County, California, in the Coachella Valley. Incorporated in 1967, it lies in between Palm Desert and the resort town of La Quinta. As of the 2013 census, the city population was 5,165.
Restaurants in Indian Wells
1. Indian Wells Tennis Garden
Overall Ratings
5 based on 417 reviews
Reviewed By Katy R
My husband and I had a trip scheduled to this tournament for some time and it did not disappoint.
Starting from the beginning, purchasing tickets was simple. The tickets weren’t the cheapest, and to do a full day you must purchase both day and night tickets, but the seats I selected were worth the money (4 rows up from the VIP...which meant on the day I visited, I shared air with both Will Ferrell and Pete Sampras!). I also bought parking ahead of time for $25, we didn’t need to do this as our hotel offered a shuttle and you can turn up on the day and pay $25 cash (we know for next time now!)
The stadium and venue is new and it shows. The facilities are well kept and the restrooms were some of the best public restrooms I have used (as a woman this is a vital thing). There were plenty of food & beverage stands to cater for all tastes and picnic bench seating, which seemed to be available when we needed it. The stadium seats were pretty comfortable and gave you plenty of leg room so that you didn’t feel like you were going to knee the person in front of you in the back of the head. However, the stadium had a close, almost intimate feel, where you are close to the tennis. I have been to Flushing Meadows, and it is definitely not the case there. An important thing was that the venue never felt crowded. I have been to Wimbledon a handful of times, and every time I go it seems they are trying to squeeze as many people into the grounds as possible, which isn’t pleasant.
Another pro of Indian Wells over Wimbledon is that restaurants are available to non-VIPs. My husband and I enjoyed a fantastic meal at Wolfgang Puck’s pop up restaurant, Spago. We had a short wait, but it was worth it.
We were totally sold on both the event and venue. We will definitely be back!
2. Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
The botanical gardens of this park offer great opportunities to see desert vegetation.
Reviewed By SUZSVE
Living Desert Gardens was a worthwhile trip in Palm Desert for adults and kids alike. It's a good walking experience or sign up for the $6 all day shuttle if you don't have much time or need help with mobility. The cost is reasonable per person and Costco had a coupon for a cheaper rate when we attended. Also, there's a senior and military rate. Children under two and younger are free. There are many animals to see along with feedings and different demonstrations. Start your day early there, as it gets busy quickly and you need the time if you hope to see it all. When we attended, there was a most impressive model train exhibit which was one of the best I've ever seen.
3. Palms to Pines Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 371 reviews
Offering a variety of scenic glider rides over the Coachella Valley and surrounding mountains including Toro Peak, Mount San Jacinto, Mount San Gorgonio, and Joshua Tree.
Reviewed By 894waynew - Aurora, Colorado
I absolutely love to drive this road. A lot of people love to be passengers so they can enjoy the experience. We than stop for lunch in Idylewilde . There is several different restaurants and you can choose one to suit your own favorite restaurants.
4. Old Town La Quinta
Overall Ratings
4 based on 444 reviews
Get ready to experience Main Street in Old Town La Quinta. Where the spirit and architecture of Old California is brought to life in a chic outdoor shopping and dining village. With sophisticated boutiques and curated fashion, delicious dining and exciting nightlife, wine tastings, art shows, live weekend music and a multitude of seasonal events, including Art Under the Umbrellas, Taste of La Quinta and the Sunday Certified Farmers' Market.
Reviewed By GPaCalgary - Calgary
We combined a visit to our favorite coffee house in Old Town with a thorough trip through the exhibits of The La Quinta Arts Festival. The artistic talent here is unbelievable. Every medium imaginable is used to create the masterpieces displayed here. And there are numerous booths to purchase food and beverages
5. Sunnylands
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 577 reviews
Sunnylands, a 200-acre midcentury modern estate, opened March 2012 for high-level retreats of leaders seeking solutions. The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization devoted to building international understanding, advancing world peace, improving the functioning of government and other purposes through high-level retreats for global leaders from a spectrum of fields.The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands welcomes national and international leaders for high-level retreats and meetings that address and seek solutions to serious issues facing the nation and world. Sunnylands, the former winter residence of Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg, is available also for limited public tours with purchase of a ticket. The adjacent Sunnylands Center & Gardens, open free to the public, features exhibitions, films, and educational programs; and visitors can enjoy a nine-acre garden. The historic house and Sunnylands Center & Gardens opened March 1, 2012. Sunnylands Center & Gardens is closed June 5 through September 13, 2017. Reopens September 14, 2017.
Reviewed By TTSGarden - Cerrillos, New Mexico
My husband and I were vacationing here for just one weekend. There were no tickets available for the home tour but we decided to show up to do the garden tour. It is well worth it. Our tour guide Grace was fabulous and informative.
6. Indian Wells Golf Club
Overall Ratings
5 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By SimoneCanada - Canada
Manicured to perfect , one of the most scenic golf courses in Palm Springs. Apparently has been rated in the top 25 golf courses in California. PGA skins events have been held here
A beautiful facility , friendly efficient staff and a fairly challenging course. Good food in the Vue restaurant
7. Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
Reviewed By MurrayTripp - Sheffield, United Kingdom
A lovely small gallery currently housing the interesting 'Lost and Found' exhibit. Great room of yellow felt to add to, our toddler loved adding some of his own pieces.
8. Shield's Date Farm
Overall Ratings
4 based on 602 reviews
Shields Date Garden has been part of the Coachella Valley for more than 90 years. Although many things have changed, Shields commitment to excellent quality and customer service remains. We invite you to visit our store/restaurant. Tour our beautiful gardens or view the iconic "Romance & Sex Life of the Date" movie.
Reviewed By mrsagf - washington dc
Where else to see the 10 minute video on "Romance and Sex Life of the Date Palm," except in the gift shop of Shields' Date Farm? Dates are a labor intensive crop brought to the Coachella Valley in 1890. This may have been the original Shields Date Farm, but now it is labeled palm and citrus gardens (free to walk in them with a meal receipt), good cafe (see separate TripAdvisor reviews) and gift shop with soda fountain, where you buy your excellent date shake. (We were skeptics, too, and became believers.)
Today's actual date farm is elsewhere, because it is serious agribusiness. The date varieties packaged in the gift shop were an education. We bought several packages and got the mail order catalogue.
9. The Nest
Overall Ratings
4 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By SanDiegoW_traveler - San Diego
Finally got around to eating at The Nest after many years spending time in the desert. The bar scene is "happening" and fun if you like that kind of thing, but this review is really about the dining.
I had heard good things about the food and was pretty disappointed. The menu has an Eastern European flair, but the food wasn't great. I had the mousakka which was pretty tasteless and uninteresting. My companions were similarly unimpressed.
Service was good, however. Overall, fine for dinner before the "show" if you don't have high expectations.
10. El Paseo Shopping District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 896 reviews
A unique shopping district filled with over 200 delightful discoveries... Shops, restaurants, art and more! Don't miss all the special events like Art Walk (1st Friday, Nov-May), Cruise Night (1st & 3rd Fridays through April), Jazz Concerts (Jan-Apr), Fashion Week (Mid-March) and so much more! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and online.
Reviewed By HappyTravels5251 - Edmonton, Canada
This district has everything you could ask for shopping, good restaurants, entertainment, coffee shops etc. Starting in January each year there is a “Concert In the Desert” series on the grass area with local artists performing. We have been to three and all exceeded our...MoreThank you for taking the time to share your El Paseo experience! We love the Gardens Concert Series too... and agree, the Starbucks corner is the BEST for people watching! We hope to see you back again soon!
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