Ultimate guide to spring fun in the Coachella Valley: Hikes, wildflowers, music, museums
Spring has officially sprung in the Coachella Valley, and if you ask us, it's the best time of year to be in the desert.
Everything comes alive during this season, from luscious wildflowers and grasses that color the sides of mountains to various happenings around town. There's truly something for everyone to enjoy, which makes this valley a type of paradise during the spring.
Whether you live in the area or are just visiting for spring break, this ultimate spring guide will help you take advantage of all the exciting and unique art, entertainment and nature opportunities that our area offers.
Palm Springs area museum exhibits spring 2024
Palm Springs is home to several museums in its famed downtown area, but it's not the only desert city with thought-provoking exhibits. From Cabot's Pueblo in Desert Hot Springs to the Coachella History Museum in Indio, there's something for everyone across the valley.
Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza and Museum
One of the newest additions to the desert's museum scene is the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza and Museum. The 48,000-square-foot museum is dedicated to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, with five exhibit areas that detail the history of the Cahuilla Nation and showcase ancient artifacts that were discovered during excavations for the Cultural Plaza.
Where: 140 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
More information: www.accmuseum.org
Palm Springs Art Museum: Aluminaire House
There's always something new to see at the Palm Springs Art Museum, which makes it the perfect spot to keep coming back to. The Aluminaire House, an aluminum and metal prototype residence that was designed by Albert Frey and A. Lawrence Kocher in 1931, will finally be unveiled on March 23. It was the first all-metal house constructed in the United States, according to the art museum. Visit www.psmuseum.org/visit/aluminaire for more information. Other current exhibitions include Kali, Artographer, 1932-2019; Outburst Project: Alake Shilling; Meditations in Glass; So Picasso; Contemporary African Art; Loretta Ayeroff, The Motel Series, Desert Hot Springs, California; and Norman Zammitt: Gradations. There is also the museum's Architecture and Design Center, located on South Palm Canyon Drive, which celebrates the area's famous mid-century modern style.
Where: 101 N. Museum Drive, Palm Springs
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday to Monday; noon to 8 p.m. Thursday
More information: www.psmuseum.org
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum
Ever wonder what the desert looked like before shopping plazas and restaurants filled very block? Head over to Cabot’s Pueblo Museum to step back in time. In 1913, Cabot Yerxa homesteaded 160 acres in what is now Desert Hot Springs and later found hot and cold mineral water on his Coachella Valley homestead. Yerxa began building the pueblo in 1941, at 58 years old, to be a museum and home for him and his wife, Portia. Today, Cabot's Pueblo Museum is filled with Native American art and artifacts, souvenirs of his travels around the world and his own art.
Where: 67-616 Desert View Ave., Desert Hot Springs
Hours: Check website for guided and self-guided tour times and days
More information: https://cabotsmuseum.org/
Coachella Valley History Museum
Take in the lush and beautiful history of the desert by visiting the Coachella Valley History Museum. This Indio museum has exhibits dedicated to Mexican folk art, the deliciously sweet dates that grow in the valley and a Japanese Memorial Garden which was created by descendants of early ISSEI pioneers, the first generation of Japanese immigrants to the valley. Additionally, there is a History Hunters meeting every last Tuesday of the month that feature discussions about artifacts from the museum's archives, guest speakers and more.
Where: 82-616 Miles Ave., Indio
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Monday; 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday (through May)
More information: https://www.cvhm.org/
Must-see theater in Palm Springs area in spring 2024
The Coachella Valley is home to more than 12 theater groups, including a nice mix of both professional and community theater offerings. While you're in town, consider checking out one of the following spring productions.
Green Room Theatre Co. Presents 'Maggie Magalita'
Green Room Theatre Co.'s first show of 2024 is a traveling production that centers on Maggie, a girl who lives in a tiny studio apartment in a big city with her working mother. Maggie used to be bullied by other kids because she could only speak Spanish. Now, as a high school teen, Maggie refuses to speak Spanish at all. When her grandmother comes to live with them, Maggie is re-awakened to her Hispanic roots.
When: Now through March 30
Where: Touring show, so various locations from Desert Hot Springs to Coachella (check website)
Cost: $5-$18
More info: grtccv.org
Palm Canyon Theatre presents 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street'
Palm Canyon Theatre’s production of this dark, gruesome musical showcases 25 local performers ranging in age from 13 to 75, including Paul Grant as Sweeney Todd, Se Layne as Mrs. Lovett, Christian Quevedo as Anthony, Nicole Kennedy as Johanna, Joshua Rach as Tobias, and many others. This classic musical tells the tale of Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber who returns to 19th century London seeking revenge against the judge who framed him many years ago. The now-mad man vows revenge against all who wronged him, applying his razor to unlucky customers and shuttling the bodies down to Mrs. Lovett’s pie shop for meat pie filling.
When: 7 p.m. on Thursdays, 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays now through March 24
Where: Palm Canyon Theatre, 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: $17-$38
More info: Call (760) 323-5123 or visit PalmCanyonTheatre.org
Desert Theatreworks presents 'Beautiful: The Carole King Musical'
"Beautiful," the Tony and Grammy Award-winning Carole King musical sharing the true story of one woman's journey from teenage songwriter to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, ran on Broadway for six years. Now, Desert Theatreworks production of "Beautiful" will take desert audiences back to where it all began with more than two dozen pop classics, including "You've Got a Friend," "One Fine Day" and "Up on the Roof."
When: Now through March 24 (Check website for times)
Where: The Indio Performing Arts Center, 45-175 Fargo St., Indio
Cost: From $38
More info: dtworks.org
Revolution Stage Company presents 'The Woman In The Mirror'
Enjoy this dark (yet also uplifting) comedy making its West Coast premiere. In Dayna Steele’s one-woman tour de force, "The Woman in the Mirror," the audience is invited to laugh, cry, and nod with recognition and hope at an issue that has become all-to-real in the lives of many Americans: Alzheimer’s. Based on Steele’s critically acclaimed best-selling book "Surviving Alzheimer’s with Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of Wine," the play is “a love letter to an often-unsung group of people: caregivers,” as the Houston Press said.
When: Now through March 31 (check website for times)
Where: Revolution Stage Company, 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: $20
More info: revolutionstagecompany.com/events
Coachella Valley Repertory presents 'Nice Work if You Can Get It'
"Nice Work If You Can Get It" will be the biggest production ever mounted on the CV Rep stage, according to the theater. The classic Broadway blockbuster is filled with actors, singers, dancers and beloved Gershwin tunes, such as "Sweet and Lowdown," "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off," "S’Wonderful," "Fascinating Rhythm," "Lady Be Good" and "I’ve Got to Be There."
When: April 10-21 (Check website for times)
Where: Coachella Valley Repertory, 68-510 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City
Cost: $87
More info: cvrep.org
Desert Ensemble Theatre presents 'Sherlock Holmes Confidential'
Desert Ensemble Theatre's upcoming production will be the world premiere of "Sherlock Holmes Confidential" by Tony Padilla. The show presents an alternative version of the Holmes origin story, where a spurned romance leads to someone threatening to unmask the young detective as a fraud.
When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 p.m. Sundays April 12-14 and April 19-21
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $37.50
More info: desertensembletheatre.org
Best Palm Springs area hikes in the spring
With beautiful mountains surrounding the Coachella Valley on all sides, this is a haven for adventure-seekers and those who want to reach new heights. Here are some of the best desert hikes.
Mt. San Jacinto State Park
Take a ride up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway where you can spend a day in the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. The area offers more than 50 miles of hiking trails within a 14,000-acre wilderness. While up there, you can summit Mount San Jacinto, which towers over the Coachella Valley at more than 10,000 feet. Or, if you're into a more leisurely stroll, there are a few nature walks available as well. Visit pstramway.com to purchase tramway tickets.
Mecca Hills
The entirety of the Coachella Valley has something to offer when it comes to outdoor adventure. One of the most interesting and unique hikes is located in the Mecca Hills. The Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon Trail has outdoor enthusiasts climbing up a couple of ladders, walking along tall, curvy canyon walls and then descending into colorful rock formations. You can take it at your own pace, and if you don't want to do the whole hike, you can focus on just the Ladder Canyon or Painted Canyon portions.
Indian Canyons
Even though this is a desert, palm tree oases can be found throughout the area. The beautiful Indian Canyons, located on the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation, offers beautiful, lush scenery and more than 60 miles of hiking and walking trails. Andreas Canyon is considered the world’s second largest California Fan Palm oasis, according to the Indian Canyons website, and is an easy 1.2-mile hike that shows off healthy palms and rock formations to visitors. Visit www.indian-canyons.com for more information.
Where to get ice cream, date shakes in Palm Springs area
The Coachella Valley gets hot, to say the least. One good thing that has come from that is that it has perfected its cool treat offerings. The only problem you'll find is that there are too many good places to choose from. But have no fear, we have a couple of suggestions.
Great Shakes in Palm Springs has a number of milkshake flavor combinations to choose from, including brownie almond crunch, date walnut, Oreo cookie with caramel swirl and s'mores. Plus, you get a mini donut with each shake, so you'll get twice the sugar rush. Handel's Homemade Ice Cream is another great spot, offering a ton of delicious flavors in Palm Desert and Indio. Check out our ice cream guide for our full list of favorite spots.
More: We all scream for ice cream: The ultimate guide to the Coachella Valley's coolest treats
After you've learned about the history of date growing at the Coachella Valley History Museum, stop by Shields Date Garden in Indio to enjoy a famous date shake. It's creamy, sweet and smooth, and you'll want another one immediately.
New restaurants in the Palm Springs area spring 2024
Spring is all about new beginnings. What better way to celebrate the season than by trying out some new restaurants in the Coachella Valley.
The last few weeks have brought the opening of Shorebird in Palm Desert, a new seafood spot offering favorites like scallops, crab cakes and salmon. Additionally, Italian deli-bakery From Mouth to Mouth opened in Cathedral City. Cannoli, gelato, cappuccinos and more await.
Coachella Valley food news: Seafood in Palm Desert, burgers in Palm Springs and a comeback
With so many restaurants, new and old, to choose from, it can be overwhelming to choose just one for a day or night out. Instead, head to the Palm Desert Food & Wine culinary experience and sample unlimited goodies from local eateries. Some of the restaurants participating in this year's event include Cowboy Cantina, Heirloom Craft Kitchen, Sandfish Sushi and Wally’s Desert Turtle. The Palm Desert Food & Wine event is taking place March 22-24. Tickets for grand tastings cost $150 or $225, depending on entry time. Visit https://palmdesertfoodandwine.com/ for more information.
Movie guide for Palm Springs area in spring 2024
As much as the valley loves its live theater, it also loves film festivals and series. The Palm Springs Cultural Center has a couple of events lined up over the next few weeks that movie aficionados don't want to miss.
The 13th annual AmDocs festival will showcase the latest in animation and documentary films from March 21-25 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. More than 200 films from across the globe will be screened, including opening night film "Superpower" from two-time Oscar winner Sean Penn. For more information about AmDocs, visit www.amdocfilmfest.com
American Documentary and Animation Film: 4 filmmakers share their inspirations
Screwball Sundays, a film retrospective series featuring classic screwball comedies, is back this spring. The series will feature some of the most beloved and iconic films of the genre as Sunday matinees through May 26, with introductions and post-film Q&As with Aliece Pickett, co-founder of the Film Society of Screwball Comedy, along with a preshow of shorts and cartoons from the 1930s and 1940s. Some of the films on the lineup include "Harvey," "Sullivan's Travels" and "After the Thin Man."
Movies in the Park is also back, with free film screenings held at Downtown Palm Springs Park beginning at 7 p.m. (time may vary depending on sundown). The next few screenings are "The Princess Bride" on March 19, "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" on April 2 and "E.T." (1982) on April 16.
Hitchcock horror, live theater, music: Upcoming series at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Music festivals: Coachella, Stagecoach 2024
Some of the world's biggest music festivals take place in Indio, and when spring arrives, that means it's almost show time.
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival returns for two weekends on April 12-14 and April 19-21 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. Headliners include Lana Del Rey, Tyler, The Creator and Doja Cat. Anaheim pop-punk and ska band No Doubt, featuring Gwen Stefani, Tony Kanal, Tom Dumont and Adrian Young, will also have a reunion. It will mark the first time in nearly 10 years since the group performed together. Weekend 1 is sold out, but Weekend 2 passes are still available for purchase at https://coachella.com
If you're not ready to fully commit to Coachella, you can check out a side festival that Los Angeles promoter Goldenvoice is putting on at the Palm Springs Surf Club on April 13-14 and April 20-21. The Goldenvoice Surf Club event will feature performances by electronic dance music and alt pop artists on the Coachella lineup such as Bicep, Jungle, Neil Frances and more.
The Stagecoach country music festival is also selling a limited number of passes currently ? this comes after it sold out in October. Stagecoach is scheduled for April 26-28, 2024, at the Empire Polo Club. The headliners are Eric Church, Miranda Lambert and Morgan Wallen.
Wildflowers in the Palm Springs area spring 2024
Winter showers have brought blooming, colorful wildflowers to our area. Remember to stop and smell the desert lavender and Forget-Me-Nots the next time you're walking through a vibrant area.
Luscious grasses and wildflowers are beginning to grow at the Oswit Canyon, located on South Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. Walk along the loop trail to take in the colorful growth, along with impressive views from the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains. The farther you go in this area — past the loop trail sign — the more beauty you'll see.
The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is technically outside of the Coachella Valley, but it's totally worth a drive to see some beautiful flowers. There's even an interactive park map available so visitors know exactly where wildflowers are currently blooming. Visit https://theabf.org/experience-anza-borrego/wildflowers/ for more information.
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter @ema_sasic.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Palm Springs activities: Events, things to do in spring 2024
