Where to Eat, Shop & Explore While the Crowds Head to Indio
Palm Springs during the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival can feel busy at first glance—hotels are full, traffic picks up, and the desert is buzzing with energy. But here’s the local secret:
Most festivalgoers leave for Indio by late morning and don’t return until well after dark.
That means Palm Springs itself becomes surprisingly, especially during the day. Restaurants have availability, boutiques are easier to browse, and some of the city’s best experiences are easier to enjoy than almost any other time of year.
For residents and visitors skipping the festival, this is the perfect opportunity to rediscover Palm Springs, support local businesses, and enjoy the city without the crowds.
Dine Local: This Is One of the Best Weekends to Get a Table
Think you can’t get into a great restaurant during Coachella weekends? Think again.
With much of the visitor base heading to the festival grounds each day, many of Palm Springs’ top restaurants have open reservations, shorter wait times, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Make it a point to book a table, enjoy a long lunch, or try a new dinner spot.
Local favorites to try:
- Alice B. – Seasonal, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a story rooted in LGBTQ+ literary history
- Kaiser Grille – A longtime local favorite for steaks, seafood, and classic California fare
- Eight4Nine – Bright, stylish, and perfect for brunch, lunch, or all-day happy hour
- Trio Palm Springs – Energetic, crowd-pleasing menu with a great Uptown location
- Zin American Bistro – Elevated comfort food and an award-winning wine list
- Tac/Quila – Upscale Jalisco-inspired cuisine with standout tequila and mezcal
- Blackbook – Casual, fun, and LGBTQ+-owned with a great patio scene
👉 Pro tip: Aim for lunch or sunset dining for the most relaxed experience.
Shop Local While It’s Quiet
Palm Canyon Drive is wide open, so take advantage. During most peak weekends, downtown can be packed. During Coachella days, it’s one of the best shopping windows of the year.
Parking is easier. Stores are less crowded. And you can take your time discovering something unique.
Don’t miss these locally owned shops:
- Benjamin Perdereau – European-inspired fashion straight from Saint-Tropez
- Peepa's – LGBTQ+-owned boutique supporting local and independent designers
- Bon Vivant – Eclectic home décor and statement pieces
- Wabi Sabi Japan Living – Unique Japanese imports you won’t find elsewhere in the valley
- Phylum – Modern design-forward gifts and housewares in Uptown
- Crystal Fantasy – A longtime metaphysical shop with a loyal following
- The Best Bookstore – A true indie bookstore experience
- Just Fabulous – Books, gifts, and Palm Springs personality in one stop
👉 Why it matters: Every purchase during this window directly supports local businesses during what can otherwise be a surprisingly slow retail weekend.
Treat Yourself: Easy Stops That Support Local
Not every stop needs to be a full meal or big purchase. These quick, feel-good stops are perfect between shopping and exploring:
- Great Shakes – Famous date shakes and retro charm
- Brandini Toffee – Watch it being made and grab a gift box
- Lappert's Ice Cream – A classic for something cold and sweet
Explore Without the Crowds
Support Local Institutions While You Explore. Take advantage of smaller crowds to experience Palm Springs’ cultural side:
- Palm Springs Art Museum – Exhibits, architecture, and a strong permanent collection
- Palm Springs Cultural Center – Films, performances, and community events
- Moorten Botanical Garden – A peaceful walk through one of the city’s most historic gardens
- Architecture and Design Center – Dive into the city’s iconic modernist legacy
Relax & Recharge
Take the Spa Day You’ve Been Putting Off
With the festival energy happening miles away, Palm Springs becomes an ideal place to slow down.
- Spa at Sec-he – A culturally significant hot mineral spring experience rooted in the traditions of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
- Estrella Spa at Avalon Hotel – A serene, garden-style spa offering massages, facials, and wellness treatments in a peaceful setting just steps from downtown. It’s an ideal spot to unwind between shopping and dining, with day passes and treatments that make it easy to turn a few hours into a full reset.
Coachella weekends bring global attention to the desert—but they also create a unique window where Palm Springs itself becomes more accessible than usual.
So whether you’re a local or a visitor staying in town, this is your moment to:
- Try that restaurant you’ve been meaning to book
- Finally, explore local shops without the crowds
- Support small businesses that make Palm Springs unique
Skip the festival traffic—and rediscover the city right in front of you.
Make a Day of It
A perfect Coachella weekend day in Palm Springs:
- Morning: Coffee and a stroll along Palm Canyon
- Midday: Shop local boutiques or vintage finds
- Afternoon: Book a tour or visit a museum
- 4–6 pm: Happy hour or early dinner
- Evening: Relax—or enjoy some nightlife
Make it a point to support local this weekend—every reservation, purchase, and experience helps keep Palm Springs’ small businesses thriving.
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