Last week, we took you to the racetrack in Suzuka. This week, we’re trading tire smoke for sagebrush, race cars for road trips, and temple visits for tie-dye tents. Welcome to the California desert, where music, fashion, and freedom collide at one of the most iconic festivals in the world: Coachella.
With Weekend 1 kicking off April 11, this is your ultimate guide to experiencing the Coachella Valley — not just the festival grounds, but everything this sun-drenched slice of California has to offer.
🌴 Festival Vibes in Full Bloom
Held in Indio, California, just outside Palm Springs, Coachella is more than a concert — it’s a cultural pilgrimage. Expect massive stages, surprise guests, pop-up art installations, and a fashion-forward crowd that turns the Empire Polo Club into a living runway.
From headline sets at the Coachella Main Stage to late-night DJ tents under glowing palms, the festival offers something for everyone — even if your idea of fun is people-watching with a frozen lemonade in hand.
🚘 The Desert Road Trip Experience
Part of the Coachella magic is getting there. Fly into LAX, San Diego, or Palm Springs, rent a convertible, and take the scenic route. The highways wind past desert blooms, wind farms, and roadside diners that look frozen in time.
Before or after the festival, spend a day exploring Joshua Tree National Park, where surreal rock formations and starry skies offer the perfect contrast to the energy of the main stage. Or take a lazy afternoon to soak in a retro poolside scene at a boutique hotel in Palm Springs.
🕶️ What to Pack, See & Expect
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Pack this: Sunscreen, hydration packs, festival fits, bandanas for the dust
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Don’t miss: The Do LaB stage, iconic Ferris wheel photos, and surprise guest performances
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Fuel up: Try Coachella’s gourmet food stalls — from vegan tacos to celeb-chef pop-ups
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Pro tip: Renting an RV? Book early — on-site camping spots sell out fast
✈️ Your Festival, Your Adventure
Whether you’re there for the music, the fashion, the art, or the freedom of a desert road trip, Coachella delivers more than just a weekend — it delivers a memory you’ll still feel buzzing in your bones come summer.
So roll the windows down, queue up your playlist, and hit the highway. The desert is calling.
🧳 Check back every Thursday for a new edition of GTA Weekly’s Travel & Tourism series — and follow us on social media for more travel inspiration. #GTAWeekly ✈️
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