Visitors wanting to explore the days of Greater Palm Springs past need look no further than the City of Coachella. Not to be confused with the globally famous music and arts festival which is located in nearby Indio, Coachellla is a charming city known for its historic facades and its emerging public art scene. The city’s civic and cultural center, located in the Pueblo Viejo (old city) neighborhood, is anchored by the Civic Center and Veterans’ Park, which was renovated in 2016.. Running through the heart of Pueblo Viejo is 6th Street, which beckons with its outdoor eateries and friendly, local vibe. 

Morning

6th Street Coffee

Start the morning with a cup of Latin-inspired Joe at 6th Street Coffee. Since it opened its doors in 2019, the coffee shop and eatery has become a local favorite. Located inside the historic Coachella Library, 6th Street Coffee serves a variety of distinctive beverages, including the best-selling cortadito, which combines two shots of espresso and steamed milk with an ounce of condensed milk. Other coffee favorites are the Horchata Latte, Horchata Cold Brew and the Honey con Canela Latte. There’s also a tasty brunch menu, which features items like avocado toast, nutella toast, and lox and bagel. Vegetarians rejoice, there are also menu items for you. 

Las Tres Conchitas

If it's history you’re seeking, then Las Tres Conchitas, located next to 6th Street Coffee, is another breakfast must. Second breakfast anyone? This bakery has been serving up some of the Valley’s favorite Mexican baked goods, including pan dulce, bolillos and conchas, for more than 50 years. Don’t forget to order a warm beverage to go with your pastry, such as a Cafe de Olla (spiced Mexican coffee) or a champurrado (a Mexican chocolate drink thickened with masa harina). 

Morning Mural Walk: Coachella Walls

Three different colorful murals are painted on the sides of two walls at Coachella City Hall.

Fueled up, and ready to explore, you’ll want to spend your morning diving into Coachella’s public art scene, which has been quietly making a name for itself on the national front in recent years. 

It won’t take long to hear the name Armando Lerma, who is one of the few local artists to be featured at the biannual Desert X, an series of public art pieces that “respond meaningfully to the conditions of desert locations,”

Beyond his Desert X contributions, Lerma is also the co-producer of Coachella Walls, a community revitalization project of featured murals that celebrate the local art scene and are found throughout the Pueblo Viejo District. With support from the City, the California Desert Arts Council and in partnership with curator Medvin Sobio, Coachella Walls opened in April 2014 with five murals. The installation has since grown to 19 art works. A downloadable walking map is available at the California Deserts Art Council’s website. 

Anonymous Farm Worker Mural

Mural of farmer

Artist: El Mac

Among the most recognized murals on 6th Street, Anonymous Farm Worker was created by the artist known as El Mac. This mural pays homage to the farming community that is an intrinsic part of Coachella’s storied history. The opening of the Coachella rail station in the late 1800s brought commerce and new residents to the city, including itinerant workers who came in search of work at the area’s abundant farm lands. These laborers faced harsh conditions, which led activist Cesar Chavez along with Dolores Huerta and Gilbert Padilla, to found Farmworkers United in 1962 here in the Coachella Valley. 

Mid Day

Jalisco Restaurant

After taking in Coachella’s emerging art scene, cold beverages beckon at Jalisco Restaurant, the first Mexican Restaurant to open in Coachella. Dating back to 1971, Jalisco celebrates the food culture of its namesake: Mexico’s Jalisco State. The restaurant is known for its out-of-this-world rendition of birria, a flavorful, tender stew. Other menu favorites include tacos, tortas, burritos and enchiladas. Ask any local and they’ll tell you the best bet is Jalisco’s frosty chavelas, a beer cocktail served with tomato juice and hot sauce, which can be ordered by the pitcher.

Etherea

Etherea

With the taste of your last Chavelas lingering, you may want to dedicate your afternoon in Coachella to contemplation. Start by viewing Etherea, a transparent building-size sculpture. 

Etherea was one of three structures that were introduced at the 2018 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The original buildings, which were constructed from transparent wire and which ranged from 36 feet to 72 feet, were Inspired by Neoclassical and Baroque architecture .Of the installation, Italian artist and creator Edoardo Tresoldi said, “Etherea follows a growing experiential path where architecture becomes a tool and place for contemplation, a dedicated space where the sky and clouds are narrated through the language of classical architecture.” One of the three buildings now makes its home at the corner of Cesar Chavez Street and 6th Street. 

You can spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Veteran’s Park or ducking into the historic Coachella Library to see if any local programs are scheduled. 

Dinner

Coachella Firehouse Bar & Grill

For dinner, the recently opened Coachella Firehouse Bar & Grill provides another nod to Coachella’s history. Opened in a former firehouse, the restaurant has become a hangout for local firefighters. The menu is heavy on classic comfort food, but with a slightly modern spin. Fully loaded burgers are a favorite choice, and Happy Hour and Thirsty Thursdays are an especially great time to visit. Order beer flights or instagram-worthy wine flights and mimosa flights. Or, continue your chavela tour of Coachella with Coachella Firehouse Bar & Grill’s spin on the beer cocktail.