Once a year, Coachella, California comes alive with hundreds of thousands of music enthusiasts attending the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. But the rest of the year, the small, family-oriented community of Coachella remains a relatively quiet destination. But despite the low-key atmosphere, visitors will find there is plenty to do in the "City of Eternal Sunshine".
Sunshine really does abound in Coachella. In fact, 350 days a year sun rules the skies in the desert town. The Coachella valley, also the home of popular vacation destination Palm Springs, extends for approximately 45 miles between the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains on the west and the Little San Bernadino Mountains on the west. The city of Coachella is located 130 miles east of Los Angeles, making it a great getaway for city-dwellers in need of a long weekend of recreation and relaxation.
While the city of Coachella has experienced healthy growth in the past several decades, it has retained its agricultural roots. Those visiting Coachella should be sure to sample the delicious produce, particularly the citrus, dates, melons, and grapes. Hispanic residents have brought the very best of their culture for visitors to Coachella to enjoy; most notably, three fiestas are celebrated each year: Cinco de Mayo (May 5), the 16 de Septiembre Fiestas Patrias (Mexico's Independence from Spain) and the 12 de Diciembre to celebrate the Virgin Mary.
Ten miles south of Coachella is the Salton Sea, the largest lake in California. Birdwatchers will rejoice in knowing that the Salton Sea is considered by many scientists to be "California's Crown Jewel of Avian Biodiversity". Fishing is a popular sport on the lake, and popular game fish such as Tilapia and Orange Mouth Corvina are numerous. Boat launch facilities are available all around the lake, and boating is excellent year round; in fact, the Salton Sea is one of the fastest lakes to boat on in the nation as its salinity makes for great buoyancy. Over 2,000 campsites are available on the shores of Salton Sea, including dozens with full hook-ups for outdoors enthusiasts that don't want to sacrifice modern-day conveniences. Miles of hiking trails surround the area, and several natural hot springs are located just a few miles drive from the lake.
Near the city limits of town, several fabulous casinos await you. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, opened in 2004, is a true desert oasis, boasting seven restaurants, a gorgeous palm tree-lined swimming pool, a comedy club, and an 18-hole golf course. The Spotlight 29 Casino is currently undergoing an expansion that will add a 200-room four-star hotel to their already impressive lineup of restaurants and bars. The Augustine and Red Earth casinos offer gaming and dining in a more casual setting.
Fans of alternative rock, hip hop, and electronic music should really consider making the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival a part of their visit. The three-day festival, often referred to simply as "Coachella", has hosted artists such as Madonna, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Jay-Z in past years. The 2010 Coachella Festival drew a record 225,000 spectators, including celebrities such as Katy Perry, John Mayer, and Anne Hathaway.
Visitors will love all Coachella has to offer. From fiestas and festivals to outdoor activities, every member of the family will have a reason to return.
