Things to do in Indio
Indio’s Historical Murals
With a goal of 30 wall-size murals showcasing the “Old Town” area and honoring the cultural history and defining events in the Valley.
Oasis Date Gardens
This 175-acre working date garden is the home of the superb Medjool date and many other interesting and delicious date varieties. Founded in 1912, Oasis Date Gardens has grown to include a large packinghouse, retail store and year-round mail order services. Oasis Date Gardens has developed a universal reputation for excellence and quality, resulting in a wholesale distribution network to customers ranging from Europe to the Far East. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample this delicious fruit known to be the oldest cultivated by man. Open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. 59-111 Hwy. 111, Thermal, CA. For more information, call 760-399-5665; 800-827-8017.
Shields Date Garden
This local landmark, whose large sign out front can’t be missed, has attracted visitors for more than 75 years. Not only can you buy assorted dates and date treats (including date shakes) here, but you also can find out how dates are grown. 80-225 Hwy. 111. For more information, call 760-347-0996.
Cabazon Band of Mission Indians Cultural Museum
The museum features displays of artifacts, hands-on exhibits and interpretive scenes of the Native Americans who inhabited the Coachella Valley for centuries. Free admission. 84-245 Indio Springs Pkwy., Indio, CA (across from the Fantasy Springs Resort Hotel, north of Interstate 10 at Golf Center Pkwy.). Call 760-268-5770.
Coachella Valley Museum & Cultural Center
Opened in October 1984, the museum brings history forward in an adobe built in 1926 as the home and clinic of one of Indio’s first doctors. It features Native American basketry and artifacts, memorabilia from Valley pioneer families, a blacksmith shop, a sawmill, an exhibit about the railroad years in Indio and water and agricultural displays.
The Living Desert Wildlife & Botanical Preserve
Discover playful giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and over 450 animals in naturalized habitats. Enjoy 1,200 acres of scenic hiking trails, beautiful botanical gardens, African Village WaTuTu, interactive Wildlife Hospital and LGB model trains. Petting kraal and kids playland delights all. Enjoy year-long, daily programs and activities, including: Howl-O-Ween, WildLights, Living Desert University and Wildlife Wonders Animal Shows. 47-000 Portola Ave., Palm Desert, CA.
Coachella Valley Wild Bird Center
The center is committed to the rehabilitation of ill, injured and orphaned native wild birds with the goal of returning as many as possible to the wild. Birds on display. Bird walks. 46-500 Van Buren, Indio, CA. For more information, call 760-347-2647.
Desert Adventures
Provides wonderful, exciting and educational jeep tours of the desert, palm oasis and the mountains. 74-794 Lennon Pl., Ste. A Palm Desert, CA. For more information, call 760-340-2345.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is a mountainous region that encompasses part of the Colorado and Mojave deserts. There is a fascinating variety of plants and animals, a rich history of mining and homesteading, and surreal geologic features at the park. Camping, picnicking, hiking and rock climbing are available. Entrances at Joshua Tree, Twenty-Nine Palms and North of the I-10 at the Hwy. 195 exit, which is the Cottonwood Entrance. For more information, call 760-367-5500.
Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area
Lake Cahuilla, formed by the terminus of the Coachella branch of the All-American Canal, is a favorite recreation spot for locals and tourists. Camping, RV sites, fishing, picnicking, swimming, hiking, equestrian camp and trails are available. End of Ave. 58, La Quinta, CA. For more information, call 760-564-4712 or 800-234-PARK (7275).
Salton Sea State Recreation Area
The recreation area has camping, picnicking, boating, fishing and birding. The Salton Sea (actually a lake) is one of the largest bird sanctuaries in the state. The lake is 35 miles long and 15 miles wide, and was formed in 1905 when the Colorado River’s raging floodwaters broke through the headgate of an irrigation canal and roared into the Imperial Valley Highway 111, southeast of Indio. For more information, call 760-393-3059.