Located in the heart of Greater Palm Springs, tucked against the base of the awe-inspiring Santa Rosa Mountains, lies a true haven of relaxation—the city of Indian Wells. From an impressive collection of resorts to a diverse selection of restaurants and bars to world-renowned sporting events and golf courses, there are endless reasons why a visit to this beautiful destination is bound to be unforgettable.
Feeling inspired yet? Here are 6 reasons to visit Indian Wells this spring.
Luxurious Resorts
Every getaway starts with a great place to stay, and you'll find unparalleled options with amenities and on-site activities perfect for a spring escape. Indian Wells is home to five luxurious properties all within 20 minutes of the Palm Springs International Airport, each with its own unique style and flair.
The Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas offers experiences for the whole family to enjoy, with seven heated or chilled pools, including an adults-only pool and the HyTides Plunge, an on-site waterpark with a lazy river and two 30-foot dueling waterslides.
Feel the sand between your toes at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, home to one of the area’s only sandy beach pools. Find guestrooms and suites designed with a combination of midcentury modern style and hues that draw on the vibrant aesthetic of Southern California.
Take a step back in time at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel, founded by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in 1957. Today, this beautiful property is equipped with two pools, two tennis courts, live entertainment, in-room or poolside massages, a daily free breakfast buffet, and a retro atmosphere resembling that of the Rat Pack era.
Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa is a Mediterranean-inspired property situated on 11 acres of beautiful, lush grounds that boast olive trees, citrus groves, and rose, herb, and vegetable gardens. The resort features three swimming pools, two whirlpools, private cabanas and an award-winning spa.
Moroccan-inspired decor and colorful backgrounds practically made for Instagram photo-ops set the Sands Hotel & Spa apart. This smaller property was designed by renowned interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, one of Architectural Digest’s Top 100 designers in the world.
Pampering Spas
A handful of the resort properties in Indian Wells have spas that offer top-of-the-line amenities and packages. Whether you’re planning a romantic spring getaway with your partner or are just looking for time alone, you will surely get your dose of serenity at these private locations.
THE SPA at the Sands Hotel & Spa embodies luxury, offering various massages, body treatments, and facials using naturally sourced ingredients from Morocco that detoxify, hydrate, and replenish the skin and body.
Agua Serena Spa, located at Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas, offers a relaxation room, a dry sauna, jetted hot tubs, and outdoor showers. The swaying palm trees and beautiful scenery alone will set the scene for a serene experience.
Head to Spa Esmeralda at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa for a full day of self-care. This spa features 11 indoor treatment rooms, eight treatment cabanas, one indoor couples suite, men’s and women’s steam rooms and relaxation lounges, as well as a garden courtyard with a jacuzzi spa.
Spa Rosa at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa is a destination in itself, ideal for anyone in need of a little R&R with a touch of island flair. Find tranquility with amenities like River Bench water therapy, eucalyptus-infused steam rooms, and a relaxation lounge.
Eclectic Dining
From live entertainment and old Hollywood nostalgia over at Frank’s Place Restaurant and Lounge at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel to award-winning cuisine and cocktails at the Pink Cabana to innovative California fresh flavors at CAVA, the collection of resorts in Indian Wells offer a dining experience for everyone.
However, if you're looking to wander beyond your resort property, grab a table at Vicky’s of Santa Fe, which has been awarded "Best Hot Spot" and "Best Live Music Venue" by OpenTable numerous times.
For something a bit more casual, try Don Diego’s, known for their delicious authentic Mexican cuisine; Eureka!, which serves classic American food; or IW Coffee for a small bite and pick-me-up latte. Their coffee is actually made with fresh, locally roasted beans from Joshua Tree!
If elevated dining is more your style, make a reservation at Nobu, which is now permanently open to residents and visitors. This world-famous Japanese restaurant located in Stadium 2 of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden has recently opened its doors to the public year-round after a successful debut during the annual BNP Paribas Open.
At Tia Carmen at Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas, led by acclaimed chef Angelo Sosa, contemporary Mexican flavors meet sophisticated elegance in a beautifully designed space. With dishes inspired by the heart of Mexico and crafted with locally sourced ingredients, Tia Carmen provides a memorable dining experience for those seeking something refined yet vibrant.
For a chic and rustic escape, head to Kestrel, A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge at Indian Wells Golf Resort, a hidden gem with an inventive menu that blends global influences with California’s fresh, seasonal produce. Whether enjoying a light dish or a decadent main course, Kestrel offers a warm, inviting atmosphere paired with delicious, innovative flavors.
World-Class Tennis
Want to add off-site activities to your itinerary this spring? Then a trip to "Tennis Paradise" is a must.
The BNP Paribas Open is the largest ATP Tour and WTA Tour combined two-week event in the world and is held annually at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. See some of the best players in the world competing for more than $17 million in prize money this year on March 2-16, 2025.
Premier Golf Courses
Swing into spring at the Indian Wells Golf Resort, home to 36 holes, lush fairways, and panoramic mountain views. The Players and Celebrity courses have ranked in the Top 25 “Best Municipal Courses in the United States” by Golfweek Magazine and hosted Golf Channel’s Big Break and the PGA’s Skins Game.
Here’s a tip: Stay 30 minutes after sunset, and the grounds at Indian Wells Golf Resort light up! Shots in the Night is an after-dark golf experience that mixes a driving range with Top Tracer technology and mini-golf with colorful lasers, glow-in-the-dark targets, music, food, and a whole lot of fun.
Nearby Attractions
A stay at any of the resorts in Indian Wells puts you only minutes away from some of Greater Palm Springs’ most beloved attractions. Take a walk on the wild side with a day at the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, shop till you drop at the Shops on El Paseo, or travel to new heights with Fantasy Balloon flights.
For those looking to explore the great outdoors near Indian Wells, several scenic hiking trails offer breathtaking views and a taste of the region’s natural beauty. Just a short drive away, the Indian Canyons in Palm Springs offer diverse hiking experiences, from the scenic, streamside trails of Palm Canyon to the tranquil, photo-friendly Andreas Canyon and the wildlife-rich, secluded paths of Murray Canyon.
Cathedral Canyon Trail, accessible from the nearby Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains, offers a more challenging route with panoramic valley views, perfect for adventure seekers. Closer to town, The Cross trail in Palm Desert is a local favorite, rewarding hikers with sweeping vistas of the Coachella Valley and a striking illuminated cross at the summit. Whether you're seeking a leisurely nature walk or a more strenuous trek, these trails near Indian Wells offer something for every level of hiker.
Whether you’re relaxing at the spa, watching the pros compete in Tennis Paradise, or a little bit of both, there are plenty of ways to soak up the spring season. Discover more reasons to visit and start planning your next spring getaway in Indian Wells.