The Ultimate Coachella Guide

Coachella is quickly becoming one of the most iconic music festivals, not only in the USA, but in the world. With its unbeatable lineups, classic festival fashion, and incredible art installations, this is a legendary experience that should really be on everyone's lifetime bucket list!

Coachella Festival: Indio, California

Coachella is quickly becoming one of the most iconic music festivals not only in the USA, but in the world. With its classic festival fashion, unbeatable lineups, and incredible art installations, this is a festival that should really be on everyone's lifetime bucket list!

Why Go To Coachella?

It's only one of the best festivals in the USA...

  • Coachella is so much more than a festival.

    The music, the people, the vibes, the art — Coachella is more than a music festival, it's a massive, all-inclusive experience you'll never forget.

  • It's good for your well-being.

    Festivals are some of the only places that people are their most open, happy, and relaxed selves. Check your stress, worries, and reservations at the gate and enter the judgment-free zone that is Coachella. After all, it's good for your health!

  • Celebs <3 Coachella.

    This is arguably the most celebrity-focused festival, with loads of celebs flocking to the polo fields each year. If there was one festival you would run into someone famous, it would be here!

  • The lineup is always absolutely STACKED.

    No matter what year it is, you can have faith that the lineup will not disappoint. Hell, you can have faith it will blow your mind! With headliners like Beyoncé, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Arcade Fire, OutKast, and so, SO many more, the lineup announcement is always exciting.

  • Expect all things epic.

    Coachella is the brewing ground for all things above-and-beyond and state-of-the-art. Headliners bring out famous surprise guests that bring the house down, art and costumes are always fantastic, and artists have the performance of their year. Here are just a few epic things that happened at just one weekend of Coachella.

Getting Tickets

Coachella sells out VERY quickly, so make sure you have all the information and resources you need ahead of time.

  • Get your tickets straight from the website if buying in a general sale.

    Coachella's site holds the general and pre-sale tickets. They have an 'in-line' system for you to wait and see if you were quick enough to get your tickets. Make sure you know exactly what tickets, upgrades, and passes you want before the sale starts. You can see your options here!

  • Super desperate?! Check Craigslist (with caution).

    Craigslist is the haven of ticket reselling, but it can also be pretty sketchy. You can try and grab tickets on there from someone who can no longer go (or wants to make some extra cash), but PLEASE be wary of scams and arrange to meet people in-person in public spaces only. I have purchased tickets off Craigslist many times, just using common sense.

  • Tickets sell out FAST, so make sure you're ready.

    Pre-sale starts in June of the year before, and the general sale is in January. There are payment plans available and a few other options for buying your tickets. You can even call the ticket office, but it might be difficult!

Getting There

Coachella is located out in the desert of California, in the city of Indio. It's a few hours from LA, so it's important to consider how you'll get there.

  • Landing at LAX? Be sure to check out these driving options!

    There are a few car rental companies that apparently give discounts for those who are Coachella bound, and there are loads of taxi companies around the area too. Here are some great resources to check out options to get to the festival.

Where To Stay

There are many options when trying to find a place to stay. Here are some of the best!

  • If you ask me, camping is always the best option.

    I am a huge advocate of camping at festivals because it's the best way to make sure that you never leave the experience, are always meeting and socializing with new people, have the freedom to go in, change, and rest whenever you want, and have a unique shared experience with others. Need more convincing that camping is the way to go? Check it out here!

  • Looking for something a little more glam?

    Palm Springs is a destination for relaxation and luxury. If camping isn't for you, there are plenty of hotels, condos, and timeshares to rent in Palm Springs, Indio, and surrounding areas.

What To Bring and What To Know

Coachella is in a desert. Think hot, hot, HOT during the day, cold at night, and potentially very windy. It's important to bring the right stuff to stay hydrated and cool, and then to keep warm! There's also a lot to consider when it comes to camping (which in my opinion, is the best accommodation option).

  • Campers, make sure you're prepared!

    Here's a very in-depth packing list for campers that will ensure you don't forget a single thing! If you prepare yourself and bring all sorts of accessories, camping at Coachella could be one of the best choices you make.

  • All the info you need before you go.

    With nothing but good vibes, the desert sun, and happy people dressed like very trendy hippies listening to some of the world's top artists, Coachella is one of my favorite festivals. This guide breaks it down into 17 categories so you can feel as prepared as possible before heading to Indio.

  • Make sure you study up on some ultimate music festival hacks before you go!

    There are right and wrong ways to go about a festival. If you're properly prepared you can truly do the whole weekend like a rock star.

Coachella Fashion: Boho, Trendy, Fun

Coachella has a signature style of festival fashion that has started to spread worldwide! You may see these types of styles at other festivals, but Coachella is where it all began. Grab your frayed shorts and crops, and use these sites as inspiration to put together the perfect outfit!

  • The must-do's and the no-no's.

    Wide brim hats? Chunky jewelry? Of course. Culturally inappropriate accessories? No, thanks. Check this guide for some quick do's and don'ts for Coachella fashion.

  • Need some outfit inspo?

    Think flowy dresses, frayed denim, loose crop tops or fun bikini tops. Pair that with an excessive amount of jewelry, flash tattoos, braids, and some glitter (of course). If it's glamorous and boho-chic, it's Coachella. Browse endless ensemble inspiration on Pinterest.

  • But, I'm a guy...

    There is a Coachella dress code for you too, boys! Rock Aztec prints and fun patterns paired with shorts, a hat, and maybe a bold pair of sunglasses. Accessorizing is always encouraged.

Meet The Author

  • Kimmie Conner

    My name is Kimmie Conner, and I am the blogger behind adventuresnsunsets.com. I was born and raised in California to a pilot father and a flight attendant mother, so I like to say that I’ve had travel in my blood from the start! My two favorite things are adventures and sunsets, and although I am a big traveler and am constantly on the move, these two things can be enjoyed no matter where you are in the world. I'm a big advocate of always appreciating where you are and finding beauty even in the repetitive and mundane, so although A&S focuses on travel it also highlights the importance of always being happy in the present. For the past two years, I have been working and traveling around the world, starting off in London for half a year, and moving on to two seasons tour guiding the seas of Croatia. I've traveled through some of Southeast Asia and Australia, where I lived in Sydney and in the remote countryside of Western Australia. I am planning Africa, another season in Croatia, and South America next. I have been working throughout all my travels and am hoping to shift more fully to the digital nomad lifestyle in the coming year. I would love to have you along for my crazy journey and answer any questions you may have!

  • Adventures & Sunsets

    A travel, lifestyle, and photo/video blog designed to inspire your next adventure. See photo journals, destination blog posts, and Adventure & Sunset guides.

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