Welcome to the City of Festivals! Nestled in the Riverside County’s Coachella Valley, Indio lies approximately 26 miles east of Palm Springs and a mere 125 miles east of Los Angeles. The word  Indio  is Spanish for  Indian.

Population: 76,036 (2010 U.S. Census) – this does not include its seasonal residents.

A Bit of History

Indio’s long history began as midway point for the Southern Pacific railroad line running between Yuma, AZ and Los Angeles – the engines needed to be refilled with water. In fact, the first permanent building was the Southern Pacific Depot Station and Hotel built in the late 1870s.

Despite its start as a railroad town, agriculture began to thrive in the area. The desert conditions were prime for such commodities as onions, dates, cotton, and grapes. People began to settle in the area and put down roots. Schools and hospitals were built and the population steadily increased.

Soon, Indio began to advertise itself as a place senior citizens and those with respiratory problems could come to get some relief. For this reason, the population of Indio and the surrounding cities sharply increased during the fall and winter months.

For more history about Indio, visit the  Coachella Valley History Museum .

Nearby Attractions

If gaming is your thing, then you’ve come to the right place. Try your luck at  Fantasy Springs Resort Casino  or at  Spotlight 29 Casino . Even if you don’t like to gamble, many of the casinos have alternative entertainment including concerts, bingo, and bowling…and don’t forget the fabulous buffets! If you want to roll the dice a little further away, there are numerous other casinos off Interstate 10.

If the bright green of the blackjack table reminds you of the lush green of golf courses, then you truly have hit the jackpot! There are over 10 courses in Indio proper, and countless others within reasonable “driving” distance. Here is a link to a  list of courses complete with reviews.

After a few hours at the casino or on the green, stop by the  Shield’s Date Garden  for some shopping, a bite to eat, and for one of their famous date shakes. Besides, where else could you sink your teeth into a date burger or date pancakes?

Dec. 5-6, 2015 (no date for 2016 yet):  Indio International Tamale Festival

Jan. 29-31, 2016:  Southwest Arts Festival

Feb. 12-21, 2016:  Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival

Mar. 5, 2016:  Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience

Mar. 19, 2016: Relay For Life Run/Walk-A-Thon

Apr. 29-May 1, 2016:  Stagecoach Country Music Festival

Apr. 15 & 22, 2016:  Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival

Apr. 16 & 23, 2016:  Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival

Nov. 27-29, 2015 (no date for 2016 yet):  Indio Pow Wow

With so much to do in the area, it’s no wonder why the city’s motto is “The Place to Be”!