Sculpture at 2007 Coachella Music & Arts Festival
I've been to my share of Coachellas. But even though I won't be able to make this next one, I thought I'd share a few extra tips, beyond those that I laid out two years hence. Got your own to share? Feel free to do so at the bottom of this post. Consider it your public service for the day.
(For those of you who haven't yet seen the roster, check out the Coachella lineup so far.)
- Firm up lodging plans yesterday. Seriously, if you wait any longer, you'll be sleeping in your car in the parking lot. And while that might be a step above the campground experience, sleeping in a backseat full of Del Taco wrappers doesn't earn you cool points for "roughing it."
If you haven't yet booked one of the few seedy hotel rooms left in the valley, you might consider getting your entourage to chip in to rent a home. It's relatively cost effective, and even if you spend a few more bucks than you would have crashing on some stranger's floor, the sleep you'll get will help you make the most of your $100-something ticket for the next day.
Know someone with a time share? See if they can pull some strings and use their points to land you a room. Depending on their program -- and how well you know them -- this might be a slightly pricier option, but the digs will more than likely come with a bunch of amenities. Is there a better pick-up line than telling a dusty, sweaty hottie that you have a cool pool waiting for you after that night's headliner? Yes, that you have cold beer, too. See next point.
- Stock up on beer/wine/liquor in the morning. Two years ago, catastrophe struck me and my merry band of travelers when we tried to purchase a case of frosty brews after the Friday-night show. I don't remember exactly what time it was, but it couldn't have been much later than midnight, and not a single location was still selling. I don't know if this was due to the festival or if it's an everyday law, but we didn't risk that happening a second night and made sure to hit the local supermarket first thing the next day.
- Avoid fast-food chains right after the show. Skipping the drive-thru line doesn't help. A friend and I once waited in a Taco Bell in Palm Desert for two hours. We weren't told about the wait until after we'd ordered and sat down, and by then we were too tired and ornery to skip out on our $3.25 meals. Stock up on food at the same time you're stocking up on beverages and you'll save yourself two headaches.
- Arrive at any band signings early. Like the day before. This may be your one chance to meet your idols/mentors in person, so don't waste time drinking over-priced foam in the lousy beer garden.
- The VIP area is overrated. Except you can sit on real furniture. And there's no line for the toilets (and they flush!). And they serve more than just beer. Okay, I lied.
- Eat at Rick's. I really shouldn't be telling you this, but the best breakfast to be had in Palm Springs is at Rick's. It's affordable, plentiful, and has enough options to please everyone in your party. The food is above average, but the best part is the kitschy retro decor and waitresses whose names, if they aren't already, should be Flo.
- Take time to smell the flowers. Or pine, as the case may be. One of my favorite Coachella memories occurred far from the polo grounds. My friends and I spent an extra half day in town to check out the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which shot us up 8,516 dazzling feet to the summit of Mt. San Jacinto, where an evergreen forest and patches of snow awaited. After the scorching heat of the valley, the 30+ degree drop was quite welcome, as was the utter lack of crowds. Plan at least two hours for the excursion; more if you choose to eat at the restaurant at the top, which is worthwhile for the views but only so-so for the food.
C'mon. Share your tips. Don't be stingy.
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