Quick Take Indian Wells and the surrounding Coachella Valley offer 14 standout activities for families and visitors: the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Indian Wells Golf Resort, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, hot air balloon flights over the desert, Eagle Mountain Aquatics Center, Desert Adventures Eco-Tours, Civic Center Park, Fantasy Balloon Flights, the Palm Springs Art Museum, Chino Canyon hiking, Riverside County Regional Park, Kidspace Children's Museum, Smoke Tree Village entertainment, and The Range Steakhouse for family dining. Full breakdown below.
14 Best Things To Do in Indian Wells, CA: Activities, Dining & Day Trips
Indian Wells is one of those places that surprises visitors. Most people arrive knowing about the BNP Paribas Open — one of the largest tennis tournaments in the world — and discover that the city and its surrounding valley offer far more than a week of world-class sport. Golf resorts, desert eco-tours, a world-class zoo and botanical garden, hot air balloon flights at sunset, and a family aquatics center are all within a short drive. This guide covers the 14 best things to do in and around Indian Wells, organized so you can plan a day, a weekend, or a full stay without wasting time on anything that doesn't deliver.
Things To Do in Indian Wells — At a Glance
| Activity | Best For | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| BNP Paribas Open | Tennis fans, all ages | Indian Wells Tennis Garden | One of the world's largest tennis tournaments, March annually |
| Indian Wells Golf Resort | Golfers, families | Indian Wells | Putting green, driving range, mini-golf, award-winning restaurant |
| Living Desert Zoo & Gardens | Families, all ages | Palm Desert (5 min) | 200 acres, hundreds of animals, botanical gardens, educational programs |
| Fantasy Balloon Flights | Families, couples | Indian Wells / Coachella Valley | Sunset desert flights, panoramic valley views |
| Eagle Mountain Aquatics Center | Families, water sports | Near Indian Wells | Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, youth swim lessons |
| Desert Adventures Eco-Tours | Nature lovers, adventurers | Coachella Valley | Guided desert tours, full moon hikes, stargazing |
| Palm Springs Art Museum | Families, culture seekers | Palm Springs (20 min) | Natural history, contemporary art, outdoor amphitheater, live animals |
| Chino Canyon Hiking | Active families, hikers | Palm Springs (20 min) | 2.2-mile loop, 360° mountain views, dog-friendly |
| Riverside County Regional Park | Families, outdoor enthusiasts | Coachella Valley | Beaches, 30 miles of bike trails, skating, desert vistas |
| Kidspace Children's Museum | Young families | Pasadena (day trip) | Interactive exhibits, live entertainment, café on-site |
| Civic Center Park | Families, kids | Palm Desert (5 min) | Indoor/outdoor play, open 7 days, year-round programming |
| Smoke Tree Village | Families, casual evenings | Palm Springs (20 min) | Harkins Theaters, California Pizza Kitchen, Lucky Strike Lanes |
| Eisenhower Walk of Honor | History-curious families | Palm Springs (20 min) | Presidential tribute trail, nature walks, educational signage |
| The Range Steakhouse | Family dining | 432 S. Indian Canyon Dr. | Steaks, vegetarian options, live music, trivia nights |
Thinking about living where this is your everyday? Browse Indian Wells homes for sale — or keep reading for the full breakdown of every activity.
1. BNP Paribas Open: World-Class Tennis in Indian Wells
The BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden is the anchor event that puts Indian Wells on the global map. Held each March, it's one of the largest tennis tournaments in the world outside the four Grand Slams — drawing top-ranked ATP and WTA players and tens of thousands of fans to the valley for two weeks of competition. The venue itself is exceptional: the main stadium holds over 16,000 spectators, and the grounds feature multiple show courts, excellent food and beverage options, and a festival atmosphere that makes it worthwhile even for casual fans. Book accommodations well in advance if you're planning to attend — Indian Wells fills up fast during tournament week.
2. Indian Wells Golf Resort: Golf for Every Level
Indian Wells Golf Resort is the valley's premier public golf facility, with two championship courses, a large putting green, a full driving range, and mini-golf for younger players who aren't ready for the full course. The setting — with the Santa Rosa Mountains as backdrop — makes even a casual round feel like a special occasion. The on-site restaurant has earned consistent recognition for its food quality, so plan to extend your visit into lunch or dinner. Tee times on weekends fill early; book as far ahead as possible.
3. Living Desert Zoo and Gardens: A Desert Natural History Lesson
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in neighboring Palm Desert is the Coachella Valley's most complete family attraction. Spread across 200 acres, the facility houses hundreds of animals — including several endangered species — alongside extensive botanical gardens featuring desert plants from around the world. Educational programming runs throughout the day, and the scale of the property means you can easily spend three to four hours without running out of things to see. Pack snacks and water, take advantage of the picnic areas, and plan to arrive when it opens to avoid the afternoon heat.
4. Fantasy Balloon Flights: Sunset Over the Desert
A hot air balloon flight over the Coachella Valley is one of those experiences that's difficult to replicate anywhere else. Fantasy Balloon Flights offers packages ranging from scenic leisure rides to more adventure-oriented options, with most flights scheduled around sunset when the desert light is at its best and the Indio Valley views are exceptional. Children are welcome and tend to be the most enthusiastic passengers. Book ahead — popular flight times sell out, especially during peak season (November through April).
5. Eagle Mountain Aquatics Center: Water Sports for All Ages
Eagle Mountain Aquatics Center is one of the valley's best warm-weather family destinations, offering swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet ski rides on Lake Esther with no age minimums. Youth swim lessons run throughout the season, but the facility's real draw is the range of water activities available to families who just want to spend a day on the water. It fills up on hot weekends — arrive early or book activities in advance where possible.
Considering a Move to Indian Wells?
Indian Wells is one of the most sought-after addresses in the Coachella Valley — low density, exceptional golf, world-class tennis, and a quality of life that's hard to find elsewhere at any price. Team Armstrong specializes in Indian Wells real estate and can show you what's currently available across the full range of communities and price points.
Browse Indian Wells Homes →6. Desert Adventures Eco-Tours: Into the Coachella Valley Backcountry
Desert Adventures Eco-Tours offers guided exploration of Southern California's natural landscape — from the Coachella Valley desert floor to destinations like Death Valley, Big Bear Lake, and Yosemite. Their full moon hike, conducted without artificial light, is a particularly memorable option for older kids and adults. Camera tripods are available for astrophotography. If your family includes nature enthusiasts or anyone interested in the geology and ecology of the desert southwest, a Desert Adventures tour provides context that makes the landscape far more compelling.
7. Palm Springs Art Museum: Natural History and Contemporary Culture
About 20 minutes from Indian Wells in downtown Palm Springs, the Palm Springs Art Museum covers both California's natural history and its contemporary cultural scene in a single well-designed facility. Live animal exhibits, rotating art installations, an outdoor amphitheater, and hands-on educational activities make it genuinely engaging for a wide age range. It's an ideal half-day option when you want something substantive but not physically demanding — particularly useful mid-week or on days when outdoor heat makes active activities less appealing.
8. Chino Canyon: The Valley's Most Accessible Family Hike
Chino Canyon, located just outside Palm Springs, is a 2.2-mile loop trail that delivers strong scenic payoff for modest physical effort — making it one of the best family hikes in the region. The trail's highlight is a 360-degree overlook of the San Jacinto Mountains that photographs exceptionally well at any time of day. The trail is dog-friendly, well-maintained, and educational about native desert plants. Bring plenty of water for everyone, wear proper footwear, and go early in the morning during warmer months.
9. Riverside County Regional Park: A Full Day Outdoors
Riverside County Regional Park packs an unusual range of activities into a single destination — two swimming beaches, paddle boarding, 30 miles of bike trails, 13 miles of hiking trails with desert vista payoffs, and four skating rinks when the season allows. It's one of the most versatile outdoor family destinations in the valley and works well as a full-day anchor if your group wants variety rather than committing to a single activity. Pack a picnic and build the day around the trails in the morning, water in the afternoon.
10. Kidspace Children's Museum: Best Day-Trip for Young Kids
Kidspace Children's Museum in Pasadena is a longer drive from Indian Wells but earns its place on this list as the most complete interactive children's museum within reasonable reach of the valley. Interactive exhibits, live entertainment, and structured educational programs are well-designed for younger kids who need active engagement rather than passive observation. An on-site café handles snacks and meals, and the parking situation is manageable. Worth the drive for families with children under 10.
11. Civic Center Park: Open Every Day, Always Something On
Palm Desert's Civic Center Park is the valley's most reliable family-friendly public space — open seven days a week with year-round programming for kids and adults. It works as a standalone destination or as a stop on a broader Palm Desert day, particularly if you're pairing it with a visit to the Living Desert or Westfield. The park's consistent programming means there's typically something organized happening even without advance planning, which makes it a useful fallback when other plans shift.
12. Smoke Tree Village: Evening Entertainment for the Whole Family
Smoke Tree Village in Palm Springs offers the most concentrated family entertainment options in a single location in the area. Harkins Theaters for first-run films, California Pizza Kitchen for reliable family dining, and Lucky Strike Lanes for bowling make it a complete evening out without requiring multiple stops. It's particularly useful as a plan B on evenings when outdoor heat or fatigue rules out more active options — air-conditioned, central, and consistently open.
13. Eisenhower Walk of Honor: History in the Desert
The Eisenhower Walk of Honor in Palm Springs honors President Dwight D. Eisenhower's legacy and his commitment to preserving national parks and public lands. The trail combines gentle nature walking with historical education through interpretive signage — a good option for families with older children who are studying American history or have an interest in how the national parks system developed. It's low-intensity, free, and pairs well with other Palm Springs activities on the same day.
14. The Range Steakhouse: Family Dining Worth Planning Around
Located at 432 S. Indian Canyon Drive, The Range Steakhouse earns its reputation through consistent food quality, attentive service, and a menu broad enough to accommodate the full range of family preferences — including solid vegetarian options alongside the steakhouse staples. Regular events like trivia nights and live music give it a livelier atmosphere than a standard steakhouse. The craft beer and cocktail selection satisfies adults; the ice cream sundae menu keeps younger diners happy at the end. Worth a reservation rather than a walk-in on busy evenings.
About Team Armstrong Team Armstrong specializes in luxury residential real estate across the Coachella Valley — Indian Wells, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding communities. With deep knowledge of local lifestyle, community character, and neighborhood dynamics, the team helps buyers find homes that match the way they want to live. Meet the team →
Frequently Asked Questions About Indian Wells
What is Indian Wells, CA known for?
Indian Wells is best known for hosting the BNP Paribas Open, one of the largest professional tennis tournaments in the world, held each March at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Beyond tennis, the city is known for its championship golf courses, luxury residential communities, low population density, and exceptional quality of life in the heart of the Coachella Valley. It consistently ranks among the wealthiest per-capita cities in California.
What are the best things to do in Indian Wells?
The best activities in and around Indian Wells include the BNP Paribas Open (March), Indian Wells Golf Resort, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, hot air balloon flights at sunset, Eagle Mountain Aquatics Center, Desert Adventures Eco-Tours, and Palm Springs Art Museum. For families, the Living Desert and Eagle Mountain Aquatics Center are the two most consistently well-reviewed destinations for a full day out.
What restaurants are in Indian Wells, CA?
Indian Wells has a concentrated fine dining scene anchored by the resort hotels — the Renaissance Indian Wells, Hyatt Regency Indian Wells, and Miramonte Resort all feature notable restaurants. The Range Steakhouse at 432 S. Indian Canyon Drive is a strong family dining option with consistent quality and regular live events. For a broader selection, neighboring Palm Desert's El Paseo corridor and Rancho Mirage's Highway 111 restaurant row are both within a 10–15 minute drive.
Is Indian Wells a good place to live?
Indian Wells is consistently rated one of the best places to live in the Coachella Valley and in California broadly. The city has an extremely low population (around 5,000 residents), exceptional public services, some of the valley's most prestigious residential communities, access to world-class golf and tennis, and a lifestyle that combines desert tranquility with proximity to the full amenity range of Palm Desert and greater Coachella Valley. Property values reflect that quality — it is one of the most expensive real estate markets in the desert.
When is the best time to visit Indian Wells?
November through April is peak season in Indian Wells and the broader Coachella Valley — mild temperatures (65–85°F), the BNP Paribas Open in March, and the full calendar of resort and outdoor activities make this the optimal window. Summer months (June–September) are significantly hotter (often exceeding 110°F) and quieter. If you're visiting primarily for golf, the shoulder months of October–November and March–April offer the best combination of good weather and available tee times.
How far is Indian Wells from Palm Springs?
Indian Wells is approximately 12–15 miles east of downtown Palm Springs along Highway 111, typically a 15–20 minute drive depending on traffic. Most Coachella Valley attractions described in this guide — including Smoke Tree Village, Chino Canyon, the Palm Springs Art Museum, and the Eisenhower Walk of Honor — are within that same driving window from Indian Wells.
Make Indian Wells Your Home Base
The activities in this guide aren't just weekend options — for Indian Wells residents, they're the fabric of daily life. If you're considering a move to one of the Coachella Valley's most prestigious communities, Team Armstrong knows every neighborhood, every community amenity, and what the market looks like right now.
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