Live music gig tripping in Greater Palm Springs

Home to the iconic Coachella and dramatic desert landscapes, Greater Palm Springs is no ordinary ‘Gig tripping’ destination.

‘Gig tripping’ has been a standout travel trend in recent years – and it’s only continuing to grow.

Greater Palm Springs is a hotspot for music lovers, home to world-famous festivals and intimate live music venues.

Whether it’s just for a weekend gig or a more extended stay, Greater Palm Springs offers more than just incredible music – think stylish hotels, top dining, desert landscapes, and a vibrant arts and culture scene.

Coachella: the ultimate desert festival experience

Get ready for one of the world’s biggest and most renowned music festivals. Coachella offers an exciting blend of music, art, and fashion in the heart of the desert.

The event: Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (11-13 and 18-20 April) draws top artists and fans from all over the world. Taking place at Empire Polo Club, revelers can look forward to performances by artists including Lady Gaga, Green Day, and Post Malone, must-see art installations, top food and drink, and a whole host of other immersive activities.

The stay: A boutique bolthole just a 20-minute drive from the Coachella festival area, the Mojave Resort is an adults-only retreat featuring only 25 guestrooms. It has retro and modern design elements, an outdoor pool, gourmet restaurants, cosy cafes, and social spaces. While this could easily be a self-contained desert hideaway for guests seeking complete peace and quiet, the excitement of the El Paseo shopping district is only a short walk away. Prices start at £190.02 per night for a double room. 

The activity: The Coachella Valley History Museum offers an insight into the cultural and musical history of the area. This museum showcases a diverse collection of exhibits, including historical artefacts, vintage photos, and cultural displays that highlight the valley’s heritage. Visitors can also explore the property’s grounds, which include a historic schoolhouse and a resorted 1920s home.

Stagecoach: Country music

Stagecoach is the perfect escape for country music fans or new listeners in a laid-back desert setting. It boast a top tier lineup of artists, lively party atmosphere, and delicious food.

The event: Stagecoach Festival (25-27 April) unites some of the genre’s biggest stars for a weekend of high-energy performances, honky-tonk dancing, and classic BBQ under the desert sky. Zach Bryan, Jelly Roll, and Luke Combs will headline, with artists including Lana Del Rey, Sturgill Simpson, and T-Pain also taking to the stage.

The stay: The Sands Hotel and Spa is located in the city of Indian Wells (a 20-minute drive from Stagecoach. The property is complete with 46 elegantly appointed guest rooms – including two suites and one presidential suite – an on-site restaurant combining traditional Mediterranean and Moroccan flavors, and a spa. Prices start at £294.66 per night for a double room. 

The activity: In Joshua Tree National Park, travelers can hike through otherworldly rock formations, gaze at the stars, and soak in the desert scenery at one of the most popular national parks in the US. Here, gig trippers can enjoy the tranquility of a post-festival escape, where natural beauty and outdoor adventure await.

Pappy and Harriet’s: Live music in the desert

Tucked away in the desert retreat of Pioneertown, Pappy and Harriet’s is a local favorite, where live music, good food, and great atmosphere come together. Known for hosting both big-name acts and intimate performances, it’s perfect for your next gig trip.

The event: National music publication Consequence of Sound deservedly ranked Pappy and Harriet’s ahead of Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Gardens in its round-up of the 100 greatest American music venues. Upcoming gigs include Braxton Keith (27 March) and Martha Wainwright (30 March).

The stay: The Thompson Palm Springs is located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs and features 168 rooms (including 18 suites). A signature restaurant, outdoor pool venues, and a wine tasting lounge complete the experience. Prices start at £442 per night for a double room.

The activity: Palm Springs Vintage Market is the place to go for vintage pieces that you’ll be unlikely to find anywhere else. Music fans can pick out mementos of their favorite artists from a range of retro goods and memorabilia or grab an outfit for the desert gig. The market takes place on the first Sunday of every month.

Splash House: poolside parties and desert beats

Splash House combines the best of music, sun, and poolside partying for a festival vibe like no other. With electronic tunes and stunning hotel venues, it’s the ultimate way to experience the desert’s charm while dancing the weekend away.

The event: Splash House (8-10 and 15-17 August) is a poolside electronic music festival spread across some of Palm Springs most stylish venues. From soaking in the tunes at colorful desert hotel Saguaro to partying under archived aircraft at the Palm Springs Air Museum, guests are invited to dive into the ultimate summer experience.

The stay: The Saguaro Palm Springs is a great spot to stay while attending Splash House – in fact, it’s one of the festival’s main venues. The vibrant, colorful hotel features an iconic multi-colored façade, which leads to comfortable rooms in which to relax after partying by the pool. Guests won’t miss a beat here. Splash House offers special hotel packages for guests attending the event. Prices start at £950.25 for the first weekend of the festival, including a king room with two general admission pool passes. 

The activity: With Magic Cart Ride, visitors can discover the best of local attractions, celebrity homes and downtown Palm Springs from the comfort of a six-seater electric buggy. Knowledgeable local guides share fun anecdotes and personal experiences as they navigate the striking desert landscape and the hidden gems it has to offer. Stops for drinks and snacks are included along the way and each participant will receive an exciting gift bag.

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