Roadtrip from Calimesa to Coachella: Museums, Parks, and Landmarks

Are you planning a road trip from Calimesa, California to Coachella, California and looking for some exciting places to visit on the way? Look no further! This area is home to several must-see museums, parks, and landmarks.

Did you know that the distance between Calimesa and Coachella is roughly 72 miles? It takes about an hour and a half to two hours to drive, depending on traffic. This route offers stunning views of the mountains and desert landscapes - a perfect backdrop for the adventure that awaits you.

Halfway between Calimesa and Coachella lies Palm Springs, known for its hot springs, upscale resorts, and golf courses. If you need a break from the car ride, Palm Springs offers fantastic dining and shopping options, as well as world-class spas, museums, and galleries.

The journey from Calimesa to Coachella is a short but sweet one that has a lot to offer in terms of activities. Below are our top five favorite spots to visit on this trip.

1. Joshua Tree National Park

Located just 30 miles east of Coachella, Joshua Tree National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers. The park is named after the iconic Joshua tree, which is native to the Mojave Desert and can only be found in this part of the world. Joshua Tree National Park is home to over 800 species of plants, as well as a variety of animals such as bighorn sheep, coyotes, and rattlesnakes. Visitors can hike, rock climb, stargaze, and camp in the park.

Point of interest: Don't miss out on the Cholla Cactus Garden, a scenic trail featuring a dense concentration of cholla cactus. It's a beautiful and unique landscape that's perfect for photos.

2. Cabot's Pueblo Museum

Located in Desert Hot Springs, Cabot's Pueblo Museum is a historic landmark that offers a glimpse into the past of the Cahuilla people and the life of Cabot Yerxa, an artist, and explorer who built the museum in the 1940s. The museum is made entirely out of reclaimed materials and features 35 rooms that showcase artifacts and displays related to Native American life and culture.

Point of interest: Take a guided tour of the museum to learn more about the history and architecture of the building.

3. Coachella Valley Preserve

The Coachella Valley Preserve is a nature reserve located in Thousand Palms, just a short drive from Palm Springs. The preserve features over 20 miles of hiking trails and boardwalks through the Thousand Palms Oasis, home to California fan palms, desert willows, and other native plants and animals. Visitors can also spot several species of birds, including the endangered least Bell's vireo.

Point of interest: Take a selfie at the McCallum Grove, a grove of towering palm trees that's great for photos.

4. Palm Springs Air Museum

The Palm Springs Air Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of aviation, showcasing several vintage aircraft from World War II and the Korean War. Visitors can enjoy exhibits and displays related to aviation history, tour the planes, and even take a ride in a vintage aircraft.

Point of interest: Take a selfie in front of the B-17 Flying Fortress, an iconic bomber plane from World War II.

5. Coachella Walls

Coachella Walls is a public art project that features several murals painted by artists from all around the world. The murals are scattered throughout the city of Coachella, and visitors can take a self-guided tour of the street art. The project aims to promote cultural exchange and appreciation of street art and the surrounding community.

Point of interest: Take a selfie in front of the "La Reina" mural, which celebrates the strength and resilience of Latina women.

In conclusion, the road trip from Calimesa to Coachella is short but sweet, and offers a variety of exciting places to visit. From the natural wonders of Joshua Tree National Park to the cultural landmarks of Cabot's Pueblo Museum and the Coachella Walls, there's something for everyone on this route. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!