Festival Season Guide: Coachella Like a Pro
With festival season in full swing, there’s none more highly anticipated than Coachella. Over two weekends, the desert in Indio, California is filled with music, parties, activations, and more, making it a favorite for both festival pros and newbies alike. But with a festival so big, it can be quite difficult to plan everything: how to get there, where to stay, what to do, who to see… That’s where a first-timer’s guide to Coachella comes in clutch, so you can experience the influencers’ paradise like a veteran.
Coachella: More Than Just a Music Festival
The first thing you should know about Coachella is that it’s not only a music festival, but a full experience. In addition to musical sets happening at the festival grounds throughout the weekend, some of the biggest brands in the world - from Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila to Revolve - host pop-ups and parties throughout both weekends. There’s plenty to do in between watching your favorite acts, and Coachella is also a place to flex your fashion sense. If you love getting dressed up, there are tons of opportunities to be adventurous with your wardrobe and beauty looks, like festival queen Vanessa Hudgens.
Getting to Coachella
There are various ways to get to Coachella 2024, including taking a private jet from Aero. Flying in for the festival gives you a few options: You can either fly into one of Los Angeles’ many airports and drive to Indio, or take connecting flights into the Palm Springs airport, which is significantly closer to Coachella. From any of those airports, you have a few options for getting out to the desert. Renting a car gives you a lot of flexibility. You can also take a rideshare or book a car from LA to the festival (Gateway Executive Transportation is a limo service that many LA-based influencers prefer), so it’s up to your preference and whether you’d like to drive. Valley Music Travel also offers one-way shuttle service to and from LAX and Indio (each direction is sold separately), so that’s an option if you don’t want to drive but also don’t want to worry about booking a car.
Choose a Hotel or Airbnb
There actually aren’t many places to stay in the Coachella Valley area. You’ll find more options in the surrounding towns, including La Quinta, Palm Desert, and Palm Springs, which are about 20 minutes, 25 minutes, and 35 minutes from the festival site, respectively. Palm Springs hotels are known for their luxurious approach to wellness, coupled with the city’s love of mid-century decor and stunning desert and mountain views. The Ace Hotel & Swim Club is a frequent favorite, especially for young festival-goers. For a more upscale, relaxing experience away from the energy of the festival, the Moroccan getaway-inspired Korakia Pensione will make for a beautiful retreat while you recuperate from your festival activities.
Parking and Other Options
There are a few different avenues you can take for getting to and from Coachella once you’re in the desert. If you are renting a car, it’s pretty easy to drive from your accommodations to the festival. Ridesharing is very readily available as well, especially if you’re staying in one of the festival’s surrounding towns. Getting to Coachella is fairly easy (there’s a designated drop-off zone), and getting home is actually pretty seamless as well. All of the drivers line up in a big waiting area and passengers get in line and call a car; your rideshare app will then give you a code. Once you get to the front of the line and are assigned a car, you give the driver your code and your destination is put into their app - this way, you don’t have to worry about searching for the right car. Valley Music Travel also offers Any Shuttle passes, which stop at various local hotels in the area and run frequently throughout the day and night to get attendees to and from the festival.
Remember To Pack The Festival Essentials
Unfortunately, you’re not allowed to bring in any outside food or drink, so keep that in mind when you’re grocery shopping for the weekend. You are, however, allowed to bring in a refillable water bottle, provided that it’s empty upon your arrival (it just has to be 40 ounces or less and can’t be made of metal or glass). Stands and trucks are scattered throughout the festival grounds so you can grab a quick bite on the go in between acts, but if you want to sit down for a second, stop by the Indio Central Market, which is a huge tent featuring over 15 different restaurants. For anyone camping at the festival (or don’t have a car and just want to take advantage of it), there’s a free supermarket shuttle that runs from the campgrounds to a nearby grocery store so you can pick up the essentials. This is a great chance to pick up things you forgot to pack as well, like sunscreen.
Plan Ahead To Save Money During Coachella
Between festival tickets, flights, lodging, and food and drink, the expenses of going to Coachella can really add up. A great way to save money during the festival is to go grocery shopping at the beginning of your weekend so you can make breakfast (and maybe even lunch) at home. Most festival days don’t start till around noon, so you can enjoy your food from the comfort of your accommodations. Making breakfast means you only have to buy one meal at the festival. You should also remember that rideshare platforms activate surge charging for the entire weekend, and taking cars everywhere will probably be one of your bigger expenses. If you’re up for driving, renting a car can be the more economical option, especially if you’re in a group and can split the cost. However, gas is always more expensive in California (especially these days). For that reason, opt for a smaller, more fuel-efficient car. Now that you’re armed with the basics, it’ll be easy for you to get to and around Coachella. All you need to do is throw on some fringe and glittery eyeshadow, and you’re ready to dance the weekend away.
