Mid-April Trip

Question

My mid-teens kid and I are hoping to come to Palm Springs in April. A few questions:

1) Am I unrealistic in thinking that by arriving on 4/13 or 4/14 and leaving 4/17 or 4/18 we will avoid Coachella impacts? Is it best to try again next year or do you think it will be manageable?

2) How do people feel about Palm Mountain resort being a good fit for a mom and mid-teen kid? Is there someplace else you'd recommend?

3) Does anyone know of a hotel that offers table tennis or pool onsite?

4) We will definitely go to Joshua Tree and are hoping to do some of the other hikes that I've seen mentioned. Would you advise a three or four full day stay?

Thank you! I have really appreciated all the great advice given here.

Answer

Visiting Palm Springs in mid-April can be a wonderful experience, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind regarding Coachella, accommodations, and activities for a parent and teen.

1) Coachella impacts:

Coachella 2025 is scheduled for two weekends: April 12–14 and April 19–21. Arriving 4/13–4/17 will overlap with the first weekend. The festival draws huge crowds and causes heavy traffic, especially around Indio, Palm Desert, and parts of Palm Springs along major routes. You may also notice hotel rates higher than usual and some sold-out accommodations.
If your priority is avoiding large crowds and traffic, you might consider rescheduling for a different week, or booking well in advance and planning your itinerary to avoid peak festival routes/times.
Driving to Joshua Tree or other desert destinations early in the morning or later in the evening can help mitigate congestion.

2) Palm Mountain Resort for a mom and mid-teen:

Palm Mountain Resort is a boutique property with a relaxed atmosphere, a nice pool area, and generally quiet surroundings. It’s considered safe and comfortable for a solo parent with a teen.
Other options you might consider in the same area include:

Desert Hills Hotel – similar mid-range resort, with pool and casual amenities.
La Quinta Resort & Club – slightly upscale, lots of pools, tennis courts, and open spaces suitable for teens.
Omni Rancho Las Palmas – if you don’t mind being slightly further out, this has a water park area, pool, and activities suitable for teens.

3) Hotels with table tennis or pool:

Table tennis is less common at smaller boutique resorts, but many mid-range hotels have pool tables or ping pong in recreational areas. Palm Mountain Resort occasionally has seasonal activities, but you would need to confirm directly.
La Quinta Resort & Club and Omni Rancho Las Palmas are more likely to offer table tennis, pool, and other teen-friendly amenities onsite.

4) Duration of stay and activities:

Joshua Tree is a full-day adventure if you plan to hike a few of the main trails and explore the park’s iconic spots. Combining that with exploring Palm Springs area hikes and possibly short trips to nearby scenic spots, three full days is manageable but a bit tight.
Four days gives you more flexibility to relax by the pool, do multiple hikes, and not feel rushed. It also provides a buffer in case of festival-related traffic delays.

In summary, mid-April is doable but expect festival crowds on 4/13–14. Palm Mountain Resort is a solid choice for a mom and teen, but larger resorts like La Quinta or Omni offer more recreational amenities. Consider a four-day stay if you want a relaxed pace with Joshua Tree and local hikes.

Mid-April Trip

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