5 hidden gems at Coachella (besides the music, obvi)

5 hidden gems at Coachella (besides the music, obvi)

It’s here — another two glorious weekends at Coachella! While Weekend One-ers are gearing up for the great unveiling of the 2024 installment, let’s look at a few not-so-obvious thrill spots and chill spots that await attendees of both weekends.

Sure, the music’s great. But what else?

Between the iconic ferris wheel and the controlled chaos happening around the clock at the campgrounds, Coachella-goers have a plethora of side parties cleverly woven throughout the fest — and beyond.

1. Coachillin’ at the Goldenvoice Surf Club

Let’s start outside the gate and work our way in. For the first year, festival-goers are privvy to attending the ultra bougey, ultra lush Goldenvoice Surf Club, hosting day parties all weekend(s) long from sun-up to sundown. Located at the Palm Springs Surf Club, this 21+ desert oasis spans over a 21-acre estate, including a grassy amphitheater that collides with a larger-than-life 68,000 square-foot wave pool, a lazy river, and an entire waterpark… just to name a few. Luxury cabanas are awaiting if you want a break from the pool or the dancefloor, and did we mention the premium EDM programming spinning all weekend long (NOT listed on the Coachella lineup)?

That’s right. The Do LaB Stage is reserved just for Surf Club-ers, featuring massive deejay talent like Bicep and Barry Can’t Swim for Weekend One and Skream B2B Benga for Weekend Two. The first weekend even closes with LA’s renowned house and techno event visionaries Sound Nightclub taking over the programming with a super secret lineup. You’ll just have to swing by to see who is showing up! Weekend Two closes out with DJ sets from both Jungle and NEIL FRANCES, enhancing your view from the water or the wellness amenities.

Have all this and more starting at only $40 for the day. For more details or to grab your passes, check out the Goldenvoice Surf Club website.

2. The Activities Tent

Alright, you’ve made it through the car line and you’re officially in the campgrounds. After you’ve set up your spot for the weekend, make sure to head over to the Activities Tent in Lot 8 for some major good vibes. From classic games to beer pong to dance competitions, this is one place where the party never stops. They even have mf musical chairs!

Also, for campers that arrive early enough, there’s an Early Bird Raffle that’s giving away anything from food and merch vouchers to ferris wheel rides — even VIP upgrades! But you have to be there to get a ticket before 5pm Thursday as the raffle kicks off at 9pm.

3. The Heineken House

The musical stages are in full swing and you’re in the gates… and there’s so much to see and do! If you have a break from the madness and mania, make sure to check out the Heineken House — also bumping a lineup of grade-A artists NOT on the official Coachella bill.

Both weekends will have Bob Sinclair, GoldFish, Lupe Fiasco, Channel Tres, and more while two very special guests split the weekends — T-Pain the first weekend and Fat Joe the second. If that wasn’t enough of a good time, there’s also beer EVERYWHERE. For more info, visit here.

4. The Record Safari

Vinyl junkies, assemble! In between daily artists, the Record Safari gives purists the chance to dig through over 25,000 new and used vintage vinyls with complementary air-conditioning. They’ll even offer Record Store Day exclusives to celebrate the national holiday on Saturday, April 20th! And, best of all, whatever you buy can get stored at the tent until Sunday night for only $10. No running back to the campground necessary.

5. Official Cooldowns

Oftentimes, three full days of fun in the sun requires some extensive wind-down action. Before you head home or hit the hay, there’s always mellow jams going on at designated areas, like the ‘every one’ venue and The Turn Down in Lot 8 — spinning downtempo grooves for instant zen.

As for an active recovery, there’s also the Wellness Oasis next to the Activities Tent for anything you need to get your mind, body, and soul back in the game. Reconnect with yourself and others with daily yoga, meditation, and sound healing sessions — there’s always something for everyone!

And, for those who DON’T want to turn down (#ever), there’s always the silent disco raging into the wee morning hours.

We wish everyone a safe and stupendous festival experience for 2024. Let us know what you end up getting into!

Article thumbnail image courtesy of DoLaB // Credit: Jess Gallo

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