THINGS TO DO
Discover Indio
From pool breaks to scenic trails, explore the best things to do during your stay at Indian Palms Vacation Club.
Our front desk team is happy to share the best spots to eat, explore, and enjoy in Indio.
Daily Activities
Want the inside scoop on today’s happenings? Text us at (760) 566-6689 and our front desk team will fill you in!
Monday
9:00am - 10:00am – Welcome Breakfast of fresh pancakes and fruit
Tuesday
11:00am - 12:00pm – Towel Origami on the Activity Patio
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
4:00pm - 5:00pm – Check-In Cookies at the Front Desk
Saturday
9:00am - 1:00pm – CVHB Harvest Market in Indio
Sunday
4:00pm - 5:00pm –Check-In Cookies at the Front Desk
Offered All Week
Pool Toys and Loungers (Pick up at front desk before 3:00pm)
Free DVD with a complimentary popcorn and hot cocoa pack(Pick up at front desk) *
Desert, Bites & Beyond
Make the most of your Indio getaway with our hand-picked highlights—whether you’re here to shop local boutiques, savor fresh cuisine, soak up iconic sights, or dive into unforgettable activities. Here’s where to start your adventure.
Eat & Drink
The Cafe at Shields
The Cafe at Shields is a classic café at the famous Shields Date Garden with tasty American & farm-fresh fare. This is a great spot for breakfast and lunch.
La Hacienda Restaurant
La Hacienda Restaurant is a longtime local favorite in Indio known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, generous portions, and welcoming, casual atmosphere. It’s especially popular with locals for traditional comfort dishes and friendly service.
Sushi Bento
Sushi Bento is a casual Japanese spot known for quick service, affordable sushi, and combo bento boxes. It’s a great option for a relaxed lunch or easy dinner rather than a high-end sushi experience.
Heirloom Craft Kitchen
Heirloom Craft Kitchen is a casual, trendy restaurant focused on fresh, scratch-made, farm-to-table food—perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. They combine classic comfort with inventive twists, and the menu includes options for many diets (including vegetarian and vegan).
See & Snap
Coachella Valley History Museum
Coachella Valley History Museum features fascinating exhibits on the history of Indio and the Coachella Valley, including the date industry, early settler life, and local culture.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Ride up to alpine views overlooking the entire desert valley on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Their observation decks give huge panoramic photo opportunities. There is a dramatic contrast between desert floor and forested mountains. Visit all year-round for amazing views.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is a world-renowned national park with surreal landscapes, rock formations, and hiking (about ~45–60 min drive).
Cabazon Dinosaurs
(Cabazon, 40 min) Make sure to stop on your drive in and check out the famous Cabazon Dinosaurs. These giant dinosaur sculptures are visible from the 10 freeway and make for a classic quirky SoCal photo stop.
Shop & Stroll
Shields Date Garden
Shields Date Garden is an iconic local destination and gift shop dedicated to dates, candies, jams, hot sauces, souvenirs and more. It also has a café and botanical garden — great for both shopping and photos.
Indio Towne Center
Indio Towne Center is one of the largest shopping centers in the area with anchor stores and a variety of shops, boutiques, and places to browse all in one place.
The Place (Downtown Indio)
The Place (Downtown Indio) is a newer neighborhood marketplace with over 100 local vendors offering apparel, jewelry, candles, artwork, home goods and handcrafted items — perfect for finding one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts.
Indio Grand Marketplace
Indio Grand Marketplace is an indoor marketplace with independent vendors and local retailers. This will be replacing the old Indio Fashion Mall.
Play & Explore
Indio Hills Badlands Loop
Just north of Indio, this is the most popular local hike — roughly a 5 mile (8 km) loop with moderate difficulty. You’ll traverse sandy washes, narrow slot canyons, and a ridge with panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and desert landscape. The trail crosses terrain exposed by the San Andreas Fault and offers fun geological features.
Coachella Valley Preserve Trails
These trails are part of a protected preserve northeast of Indio and showcase palm oases, desert washes, and wildlife habitats: McCallum Pond & Moon Country Loop – Easy ~4 mile loop with gentle terrain, great for beginners and families. Hidden Palms Trail Loop – Short (~3 mile) easy trail that winds through palms and desert landscape — peaceful and scenic.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
(about a 30 minute drive) The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is one of the Coachella Valley’s most popular family-friendly attractions and a must-see for tourists visiting the Palm Desert/Indio area. It’s a combined zoo and desert botanical garden dedicated to desert environments, wildlife conservation, and education.
Old Town La Quinta
Old Town La Quinta is a charming desert hub, about a 10 minute drive, featuring boutique shops, local dining, art galleries, and scenic mountain views. With Spanish-style architecture and a relaxed, walkable atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to explore local culture, enjoy outdoor patios, and experience the heart of La Quinta.
Farmers Market
Sundays 9:00am to 2:00pm (from October-May)
Fresh Finds Every Sunday at the Indio Farmer's Market
From vibrant produce to handmade treats, discover the best of our local growers and artisans—just minutes from Indian Palms Vacation Club. Join us in supporting our community—click here for hours and directions and plan your visit this Sunday!
Events
March 1-15
One of the biggest professional tennis tournaments outside the Grand Slams, held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells.
March 19-22
The Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival is an outdoor, top-quality culinary event featuring celebrity chefs, tastings, demos, and dinners in the El Paseo area.
April 10-12 & April 17-19
One of the world’s most iconic music festivals located at Empire Polo Club in Indio, with top headliners and art installations.
April 24-26
Popular country music festival located at Empire Polo Club in Indio with top headliners, following Coachella.
Trivia
Date Capital of the World
Indio sits in the heart of the Coachella Valley, which is one of the largest date-producing regions in the United States. The city even hosts a Date Festival every year celebrating this sweet fruit.
Festival City
Indio is known as the “City of Festivals” because it hosts the world-famous Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and the Stagecoach Country Music Festival every year. These events draw tens of thousands of visitors from around the globe.
Record High Temperatures
Indio recorded a scorching 123 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer of 1970 – one of the hottest temperatures ever recorded in California. Despite the heat, the desert’s dry climate makes mornings and evenings surprisingly comfortable in spring.
Desert Blooms
The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park occasionally experiences a “super bloom” when rare heavy rains cause entire valleys to erupt in wildflowers. It’s one of the most dramatic natural transformations in Southern California.
Come Back to the Desert
A Note from Our General Manager
At Indian Palms Vacation Club, we love seeing familiar faces return to soak up the sun, stroll Downtown Indio, and discover something new each visit. Whether you’re coming back for another family vacation, a romantic escape, or just a quiet weekend in the desert, we’d be honored to welcome you home again.
While you’re here, take a moment to browse the carousel below, featuring our sister resorts. We think you’ll enjoy discovering these unique destinations just as much as you love staying at Indian Palms Vacation Club.
Reach out anytime—our team is here to make your next stay even more memorable.
Located halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles along the Pacific Coast, Capistrano is your idyllic seaside escape.
Let your worries melt away with a soak in our rooftop hot tub with mesmerizing ocean views, enjoy exclusive discounts at select shops on Orange Avenue, or meet fellow guests at our welcome breakfast on Mondays.
Spend your days exploring scenic trails, teeing off on the championship golf courses, or enjoying family-friendly fun at the activity center. At Canyon Rim at Eagle Crest, adventure and relaxation go hand in hand.
Experience a comfortable and convenient stay just one block from the beach at Channel Island Shores, offering Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, beach gear, hot tubs in select suites, and more for your perfect seaside getaway.
Let your worries melt away with a soak in our hot tub with mesmerizing ocean views, enjoy a walk down to the beach, or meet fellow guests at our Koi Fish Feedings in the main lobby.
Relax in Palm Springs Escape to the heart of the desert at Vista Mirage Resort, where your getaway begins the moment you arrive.
Kick back in cozy, condo-style accommodations located within walking distance to Palisades Tahoe and world-class skiing, hiking, and dining.
Feel your worries melt away with a soak in the hot tub, a walk along the Napa River, or while meeting fellow guests at our wine reception on Wednesdays.
Discover the best of Olympic Valley with its unparalleled beauty, breathtaking mountain views, and a wealth of outdoor adventures at your doorstep.
Located on a beautiful tropical hillside alongside the championship Makai Golf Course in Princeville, Makai Club Resort has everything you need to make it your home away from home on Kauai.
From boating and fishing on the sparkling blue waters of Lake Tahoe, to skiing and snowboarding down the mountain slopes, you get to choose your own year-round adventure in Tahoe Vista.
Located halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles along the Pacific Coast, San Clemente Cove is your idyllic seaside escape.
Come experience the tranquility and exclusive ambiance of this beloved Del Mar resort neighboring the village. The property is just a block from the beach, offering breathtaking views of the sun setting over the ocean each night.
Kick back in our ocean-view hot tub, grab some free beach gear for sandy adventures just steps away, or cruise through Oceanside with our complimentary bike rentals.
Let your worries melt away as you take a refreshing dip in our pool or unwind in the soothing waters of our jacuzzi, all while basking in the California sun.