Top 17 Things To Do In Indio, California

things to do in indio california
Alyssandra Raiza
Alyssandra Raiza 
Updated
| 9 min read

Located in Riverside County is the city of Indio, one of the fastest growing cities in the area. This small, yet bustling city is perhaps best known for being host to the popular Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, which draws in as many as 250,000 visitors a year! However, there’s so much more to enjoy in Indio than Coachella. The city is bursting with art, music, food, and outdoor fun that you definitely wouldn’t want to miss! Planning your next trip to Indio? We’ve selected some of the fun things to do in Indio, California, just for you - be sure to check them out below.

1. Explore Coachella Valley History Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Coachella Valley History Museum on Monday, October 26, 2020

Don’t know what to do in Indio? If you’re a history buff or just interested in learning more about Indio and Coachella Valley, as a whole, you should definitely explore Coachella Valley History Museum! The museum is a treasure trove of fascinating artifacts. The museum itself is located in what used to be the home of the Smileys, who were some of the first doctors in Indio. Here, you can explore the informative exhibits on Native American history and culture, as well as their rich collection, which includes baskets, mortars, and precious minerals. You can also enlist the help of their knowledgeable guides, who can tour you around the museum and tell you more about the history of Coachella Valley and its original Native American inhabitants.

Coachella Valley History Museum

Address: 82616 Miles Ave, Indio, CA 92201, USA

Website: Coachella Valley History Museum

Opening hours: Mon, Thu - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Tue & Wed)

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2. Have fun at Riverside County Fairgrounds

Big Prizes
Source: Photo by Flickr user Randy Heinitz used under CC BY 2.0

Planning to visit Indio next February? Then you definitely shouldn’t miss the annual County Fair at the Riverside County Fairgrounds! Kids and kids-at-heart are sure to have a wonderful time at the County Fair, with all of its fun games, exciting rides, live entertainment, and delicious food and drink. However, if you do miss the annual fair, don’t fret! There are plenty of activities that are held at the Fairgrounds almost every month, all throughout the year! Be sure to check out the latest schedules - you might just find something exciting going on!

Riverside County Fairgrounds

Address: 82503 US Highway 111, Indio, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92201-5633

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3. Visit Indio Teen Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Indio Teen Center is a city-run after school program open to ALL 8th -12th grade students. Find out more at http://ow.ly/sMTH50uAESe

Posted by The City of Indio - Government on Wednesday, June 26, 2019

If you’re traveling with teenagers, they’re sure to have a blast at the Indio Teen Center! Indio Teen Center and Park is an excellent city-run after-school program designed especially for teens from the 8th to 12th grades. It features a ton of recreational options, including a game room, boxing gym, recording studio, internet cafe, a kitchen, and even a Counseling Center. Daily educational programs and even activities with the friendly elders of the Indio Senior Center are all held at the Indio Teen Center, too! Best of all, access to the Teen Center is absolutely free!

Indio Teen Center

Address: 81-678 Ave 46, Indio, CA 92201, USA

Website: Indio Teen Center

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 2:30pm - 6:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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4. Have a picnic at Miles Avenue Park

For fun activities in Indio, Miles Avenue Park is another green space that would be perfect for a day out with the family. Although most visitors have a lovely picnic at the park, with all of the barbecue areas and tables available, there are plenty of other family-friendly activities that you can enjoy here! For those with little ones, the park features a playground and a water play area that the kids are sure to love. There are also some basketball courts for those who’d love to shoot some hoops.

Miles Avenue Park

Address: 82540 Miles Avenue, Indio, CA 92201

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5. Explore Shields Date Garden

Shields Date Garden, Indio, California
Source: Photo by Flickr user Ken Lund used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Shields Date Garden is a sprawling 17-acre (6.7 hectares) date farm in Indio. The farm features a lush garden path which guests are free to explore. There are also some beautiful, Biblical-themed sculptures lined along the garden path. When you’ve finished exploring the garden, you can also enjoy some delicious meals at the restaurant and soda fountain. You definitely shouldn’t miss their original date shake or a scoop of their date ice cream! If you’d like some souvenirs to remember your visit by, you can also check out the store.

Shields Date Garden

Address: 80225 CA-111, Indio, CA 92201, USA

Website: Shields Date Garden

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

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6. Visit George S. Patton Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The George S. Patton Park is another family-friendly green space in Indio! The park is well-shaded and features large, grassy area as well as a modest playground – making it perfect for families with kids who love to run around and play! There are also a good number of tables at the two picnic and barbecue areas so you can enjoy some food here with your loved ones. For those who are more active or athletic, there are also some sports amenities, like a tennis court, a basketball court, and a soccer field. You should definitely pay the George S. Patton Park a visit on your next trip to Indio!

George S. Patton Park

Address: 83700 Avenue 43, Indio, CA 92203, USA

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7. Eat authentic Mexican food at Pueblo Viejo Grill

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Satisfy your craving for Mexican food at the Pueblo Viejo Grill! At this top-rated restaurant, you can enjoy mouthwatering authentic Mexican dishes! Some of their must-tries include their Chili Rellenos, their Steak Fajita Salad, and their Carne Asada. You can also ask about their vegetarian and vegan options! If you’re looking for some drinks, you can enjoy some tequila with your meal. The restaurant is also noted for its warm and inviting interiors, as well as their top-notch service. Truly, the Pueblo Viejo Grill offers not just good food, but an excellent dining experience as well!

Pueblo Viejo Grill

Address: 81931 US Highway 111, Indio, California

Website: Pueblo Viejo Grill

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm

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8. Embark on a 'red jeep' desert adventure

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Sign up for our signature and most popular Jeep tour, the San Andreas Fault "Bones of the Earth" 4x4 Jeep tour! Enjoy...

Posted by Red Jeep Tours by Desert Adventures on Monday, July 12, 2021

Itching to go on an exciting adventure? Head to the great outdoors with Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours & Events! You and your loved ones can go on an exciting tour ride through Palm Desert on a - you guessed it - red jeep! The tour will be lead by a highly knowledgeable guide who can tell you all about the area’s fascinating history, geography, flora, and fauna. You’ll even get to enjoy the view of the stars from the desert at night! The ride is family-friendly as well - kids will be very much safe and welcome to join. However, it is recommended that you bring enough water, sunscreen, and snacks to keep everyone hydrated and full throughout the tour.

Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours & Events

Address: 74-794 Lennon Place, Suite B Palm Desert, CA 92260

Website: Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours & Events

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9. Play polo at Empire Polo Club

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

@HopeArellano has her spring wardrobe saddled up and ready to ride this season with @USPoloAssn. #USPoloAssn #USPAstyle

Posted by Empire Polo on Monday, May 10, 2021

Fancy a game of polo? On your next trip to Indio, why not visit the Empire Polo Club and enjoy a fun game or two! Spanning 78 acres (or about 315,655 sq m), the Empire Polo Club is one of the largest polo grounds on the West Coast. When not host to to Coachella, Stagecoach, Desert Music, and other similar music festivals, the Empire Polo Club is host to numerous local, national, and international tournaments. The grounds of the Empire Polo Club are known to be incredibly beautiful and well-maintained, with sculptures and even a large lily pond. When you aren’t out on the field you can enjoy some champagne and sandwiches at the tiki bar. Truly, the Empire Polo Club is an oasis in the heart of Indio!

Empire Polo Club

Address: 81800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA 92201, USA

Website: Empire Polo Club

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

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10. Check out the public murals

Art in Progress
Source: Photo by Flickr user Randy Heinitz used under CC BY 2.0

Indio is a city with a lot of charm and character and it owes this in part to wonderful public art. One of the most distinct forms of public art that you can find in Indio is its grand murals. Scattered all across the Coachella Valley, these murals have come to be an indispensable part of Indio. Many of these are painted by talented local artists, whose paintings largely depict the history of the city and its residents. The murals have also helped attract more tourists to the city as they have become must-sees during the annual Riverside County Date Festival!

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11. Take your dogs to Mulligan Dog Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Today is Walk the Dog Day! Get outdoors with your four-legged friend and enjoy Indio's dog parks - Station 87 Dog Park &...

Posted by The City of Indio - Government on Monday, February 22, 2021

When visiting Indio, why not take the opportunity to spend some quality time with your four-legged friends? You and your dogs are sure to have lots of fun at the Mulligan Dog Park! The dog park features a large, grassy area and plenty of trees, giving your dog lots of space to explore, frolic, and play to their heart’s content! Large and small dogs alike are welcome at the park, with designated areas for dogs of different sizes. Conveniences like baggies for easy clean up and water fountains on either side of the park are also available, assuring dog owners of a hassle-free time at the park!

Mulligan Dog Park

Address: 45355 Van Buren St, Indio, CA 92201, USA

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12. Go to Stagecoach Festival

Stagecoach 2011 entrance
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Laundry Week used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Held every year at the Empire Polo Club, the Stagecoach Festival is a “sister” festival to the popular Coachella Music Festival - which is also typically held the weekend after Stagecoach! Stagecoach Festival features hundreds of musical acts - both those that are popular in the mainstream and those that are up-and-coming - on numerous breathtaking stages. You’ll also enjoy meeting lots of new people at the RV Resort, a staple of the Stagecoach Festival! You can set up camp in an RV and enjoy games, drinks, and good music with the thousands of other festival-goers.

Stagecoach Festival

Address: 81800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA 92201, USA

Website: Stagecoach Festival

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13. Try your luck at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


If you love a good game of chance, why not try your luck at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino! It’s one of the exciting things to do in Indio, CA. The Fantasy Springs Resort Casino boasts clean and well-equipped rooms, as well as plenty of options for leisure. The hotel features plenty of fun slot machines and games, as well as a decent rewards club! Aside from their games, there are plenty of other things you can enjoy here, as well. You can enjoy bowling with the family at the lanes, take a refreshing dip in the pool, or unwind by the hot tub. You can also explore the hotel’s numerous restaurants and try all their mouthwatering dishes. You might even catch some live musical acts at their concert venue during your stay.

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

Address: 84245 Indio Springs Drive, Indio, CA 92203, USA

Website: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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14. Enjoy live music with drinks at Big Rock Pub

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Looking for a fun way to spend your next weekend at Indio? Well, you can enjoy some great booze and great music at the Big Rock Pub! Catch local up-and-coming rock bands as they perform their latest songs onstage. In addition to their top-notch live entertainment, the pub is also known for its eye-catching rock motif - decked in stylish decor and rock memorabilia, you’ll feel just like you’re at the Hard Rock in Vegas! Of course, the pub also offers an excellent selection of meals, with burgers, pizza, fries, nachos and other mouthwatering eats. You can wash these down with one of their delicious cocktails or an ice cold beer.

Big Rock Pub

Address: 79940 Westward Ho Dr, Indio, CA 92201, USA

Website: Big Rock Pub

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri: 11am - 1:30am; Sat: 10am - 1:30am; Sun: 10am - 11pm

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15. Relish hearty meals at TKB Bakery & Deli

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Enjoy healthy, hearty meals at the TKB Bakery & Deli! The deli is best known for serving up sandwiches that are filling and incredibly delicious. Take a bite into their must-try sandwiches: all-time favorites like Ham and Turkey, as well as newer offerings like the Cobb Sandwich - a twist on the turkey sandwich with bacon, avocado, provolone, and egg salad! If you’re craving for something sweet rather than savory, you can also try the deli’s great selection of cookies, cakes, and other desserts. Either way, you can be sure to enjoy your meal with ease, as the TKB Bakery & Deli is also noted for their excellent customer service. Simply indulge yourself with great food and good company at the TKB Bakery & Deli!

TKB Bakery & Deli

Address: 44911 Golf Center Pkwy, Indio, CA 92201, USA

Website: TKB Bakery & Deli

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

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16. Party at Tack Room Tavern

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

A little mid week treat at Tack Room tonight! Blackbeltspices seasoned Tri- tip, baby back ribs, sausage, baked mac & cheese, coleslaw and honey cornbread $28

Posted by Tack Room Tavern on Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Located at the Empire Polo Club, the Tack Room Tavern is another great food spot to enjoy at Indio! The Tavern is known for its fun atmosphere, with eclectic Western-themed decor, karaoke, and talented live musical acts. The tavern also serves consistently great food! Some of the pub grub that you can’t miss here include their huge, juicy burgers paired with some shrimp cocktails or their addictive onion rings! You can also wash these down with some drinks. Try their Bloody Mary, mimosas, or even just a pint of their ice-cold beer!

Tack Room Tavern

Address: 81800 51st Ave, Indio, CA 92201, USA

Website: Tack Room Tavern

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 3pm - 10pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

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17. Play golf at Shadow Hills Golf Club

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Who says that a Par 3 course can’t be challenging? Enjoy a fun and challenging game at the Shadow Hills Golf Club! The Shadow Hills features two different courses - the North Course and the South Course. The North Course features more hazards, like water and sand traps, while the South Course is more traditional. Both, however, are kept in tip-top shape! The course’s staff are also known to be very professional and friendly - it’s little wonder why the course attracts many regulars. They also serve complimentary water and ice, to help you keep cool during your game. And to cap off the day, you can even enjoy some delicious meals at the restaurant within the grounds.

Shadow Hills Golf Club

Address: 80875 Ave 40, Indio, CA 92203, United States

Website: Shadow Hills Golf Club

Opening hours: 6am - 5pm (daily)

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Enjoy arts, music, and the outdoors

Coachella 2014 sunset with balloon chain and Lightweaver
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Alan Paone used under CC BY 2.0

With a nickname like “City of Festivals”, you just know you’re going to have an unforgettable stay in Indio. Whether it’s art, good music, mouthwatering food, or keeping active outdoors that you enjoy, you’re sure to find it in this exciting city!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Aly is an ever-curious wanderer who enjoys constantly learning and exploring the world. With more than five years of experience as a travel writer based in Manila, she enjoys writing about her...Read more

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