Going to Coachella for the first time? Here’s everything you need to know about planning, packing, camping, outfits, food, the desert, and what to expect once you’re there.
So, you’re going to Coachella for the first time?! I’m excited for you.
And also – you probably have about a million questions.
What ticket should I buy?
Should I camp or stay at a hotel?
What do I pack?
How hot does it actually get?
What do people wear?
What happens if my phone doesn’t work?
What do I eat?
How do the showers work if I’m camping?
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?!
I get it.
I’m a self-proclaimed Vacation Prepper. I want to know everything before I go somewhere. I want to know what I’m packing, what I’m wearing, where I’m sleeping, what app I need, what the bathrooms are like, what I’m eating, and all the random little things nobody thinks to tell you until you’re already there.
And Coachella requires some PREP.
You’re spending several days outside in the desert, potentially camping for four nights, walking for hours every day, bouncing between stages, trying to keep track of your friends, and somehow also attempting to look cute while doing it.
There’s a lot happening.
So I created the Coachella guide I would have wanted before my first festival.
This is your starting point for EVERYTHING Coachella.
We’ll go over tickets, where to stay, what to pack, camping, outfits, food, heat, festival days, and all those little first-timer questions.
And because I have written A LOT about Coachella over the years, I’ll also point you toward my more detailed guides whenever you need to go down a rabbit hole.
Trust me.
There are rabbit holes. Hahaha.
Let’s plan your Coachella weekend.
This blog post may contain affiliate links. Please note these do not impact my review, and no extra costs have been added to the items mentioned.
Table of Contents
- What Is Coachella?
- When Should You Start Planning for Coachella?
- Coachella Tickets & Wristbands
- How Much Does Coachella Cost?
- Where to Stay for Coachella
- Camping at Coachella
- What to Pack for Coachella
- What to Wear to Coachella
- What Is the Coachella Weather Really Like?
- Food & Drinks at Coachella
- Getting to Coachella
- What a Festival Day Is Actually Like
- Staying Connected With Your Group
- Things to Do at Coachella Besides the Music
- My Best Coachella Tips for First Timers
- Coachella FAQ
- All My Coachella Guides
- Final Thoughts
What Is Coachella?
Let’s start at the very beginning.
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival takes place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.
The festival happens across two weekends, typically in April, with the same scheduled music lineup across both weekends.
And Coachella is BIG.
It’s not just a collection of stages in a field.
There are huge art installations, food and drinks, brand activations, shopping, activities, and honestly just a lot to explore.
That’s one of the things I didn’t fully understand before going.
Yes, you’re obviously there for the music.
But Coachella itself is part of the experience.
I love wandering around, looking at the art, trying food, checking out different areas, and finding things I didn’t know were there.
You could easily spend an entire weekend doing things between sets.
And then there’s camping, which is basically its own little world outside the festival.
We’ll get into that because I have THOUGHTS.
When Should You Start Planning for Coachella?
Earlier than you think.
Hahaha.
You don’t need to have every outfit planned a year in advance – although I will absolutely support you if that’s your personality – but there are a few decisions you’ll want to make pretty early.
Your biggest questions are:
- Are you actually going?
- Which weekend?
- Who are you going with?
- What ticket are you buying?
- Are you camping or staying somewhere else?
- How are you getting there?
Once you have those big things figured out, everything else gets much easier.
I tend to think of Coachella planning in layers.
First comes the big logistical stuff: tickets, accommodations, camping passes, transportation, and your group.
Then I move into the fun planning: outfits, food, campsite setup, packing, and everything I want to do once I’m there.
And finally comes my favorite part.
THE LISTS.
Hahaha.
Packing lists. Grocery lists. Outfit lists. Last-minute lists. Lists reminding me to check the other lists.
Basically, I overthink Coachella so you don’t have to.
Coachella Tickets & Wristbands
One of the first things you’ll need is your festival pass.
Coachella typically offers General Admission and VIP options, along with additional options and add-ons that may include shuttle transportation and camping.
Personally, I’ve always done GA.
I’ve never felt like I was missing out on the actual festival experience because I didn’t have VIP.
I’m still seeing the artists.
I’m still wandering around the festival.
I’m still eating the food.
I’m still experiencing Coachella.
For me, I’d rather put that extra money toward other parts of the trip.
That doesn’t mean VIP isn’t worth it for everyone. If you care about the additional VIP amenities and spaces, look at exactly what’s included for your year and decide whether those perks matter to you.
Vacation Prepper Tip: Don’t just buy your festival pass and assume you’re finished. If you’re camping, need shuttle transportation, want a locker, or need another add-on, figure that out while you’re planning your ticket purchase.
Always check Coachella’s current ticket options and rules before buying because prices, packages, and available add-ons can change from year to year.
How Much Does Coachella Cost?
I’m not going to lie to you.
Coachella is expensive.
Your festival pass is only the beginning.
Your total cost can also include:
- Accommodations or camping
- Transportation
- Food and drinks
- Camping gear
- Outfits
- Groceries
- Merchandise
- Lockers or other add-ons
- Travel to Southern California
This is also why I don’t love giving readers one magic number for “how much Coachella costs.”
Your weekend could look completely different from mine.
Someone flying across the country, staying at a hotel, ridesharing every day, and buying VIP is going to have a completely different budget from someone driving in with friends, splitting a campsite, and making meals at camp.
My biggest ways of saving money are actually pretty simple.
I stick with GA.
I camp.
And I eat some of my meals at camp instead of buying every single thing inside the festival.
Those three choices can cut down several of the biggest expenses of the weekend.
I’ve broken down exactly how I do Coachella on a budget and the three areas where I personally save money if you’re trying to figure out where you can cut costs without feeling like you’re missing out.
Where to Stay for Coachella
This is one of the BIG decisions.
You essentially need to decide:
Do I want the full camping experience?
Or do I want to leave Coachella at night and return to a bed, air conditioning, and a private shower?
There is no wrong answer.
Coachella Camping
I’m a camper.
And I genuinely love it.
Camping makes Coachella feel like one giant experience instead of a festival I commute to every day.
I wake up at Coachella.
I get ready at Coachella.
We make food.
We hang out at our campsite.
Then we walk into the festival.
And when the night is over, we walk back.
No waiting for a rideshare.
No driving back to a hotel.
No figuring out transportation when I’m exhausted.
But.
You are camping.
It’s hot.
It’s dusty.
You have communal bathrooms and showers.
You’re sleeping outside.
You need to bring significantly more stuff.
If you’re considering camping, I’ve created an Ultimate Coachella Camping Guide covering the entire experience, including your campsite, packing, showers, food, setup, and all the little things I wish I knew.
Staying at a Hotel or Vacation Rental
If camping sounds like your personal nightmare, don’t do it just because other people say it’s part of the Coachella experience.
Hotels and vacation rentals give you something camping doesn’t:
A real bed.
Air conditioning.
Your own bathroom.
A proper shower.
That comfort can be VERY nice after spending an entire day outside.
The tradeoff is transportation.
You’ll need to think about how you’re getting to and from the festival every day, whether that’s an official shuttle, driving, or another transportation option.
This is why I recommend figuring out accommodations early. Where you stay affects a huge part of how the rest of your weekend works.
Camping at Coachella
Okay, campers.
We need our own section because Coachella camping requires an entirely different level of preparation.
Your campsite is basically your tiny desert apartment for the weekend.
You need somewhere to sleep.
SHADE.
Food.
Water.
Lighting.
Chairs.
A cooler.
A way to get ready.
Power for your devices.
And some kind of organization system so your campsite doesn’t look like an explosion by Saturday afternoon.
Plan Your Campsite Before You Arrive
Do not arrive and THEN start thinking about where everything is going.
Know your campsite dimensions for the camping option you’ve booked and start planning around them.
Think about:
Where is the car?
Where are we sleeping?
Where is our shade?
Where are we sitting?
Where is the cooler?
Where are we getting ready?
Where is everyone’s luggage going?
If you’re camping with multiple sites, how are you combining the space?
I have an entire tour of my Coachella camping setup showing how we organize our campsite and what has worked for us.
Do Not Underestimate Shade
I will say this approximately 700 times throughout my Coachella content.
SHADE.
SHADE.
SHADE.
The desert sun is not playing around.
Your shade structure becomes your living room during the weekend, and I personally like having more covered space rather than trying to survive with the bare minimum.
Learn From Other People’s Camping Mistakes
There are so many tiny things that can make camping significantly harder when you don’t prepare for them.
Not enough shade.
Too many people crammed into one campsite.
No cooler strategy.
No plan for power.
No bathroom supplies.
Not thinking about wind.
And THE DUST.
I have an entire guide to the Coachella camping mistakes first-timers make because I’d rather you learn these lessons before you’re standing in the desert wondering why nobody told you.
What to Pack for Coachella
I am an over-packer.
You know this.
And Coachella is one of those trips where my over-packing tendencies really get to shine.
But I don’t want this section to become another 100-item packing list because I have a complete Coachella packing guide for that.
Instead, think about your packing in a few categories.
Your Festival Bag
This is everything you need once you’re actually inside Coachella.
Think about sun protection, hydration, your phone, charging, ID, your payment method, and whatever other current permitted essentials you want throughout the day.
Always check the current festival rules before packing your bag because permitted and prohibited items can change.
Your Clothing
You’re packing for heat, sun, dust, walking, and cooler temperatures after dark.
Which is…a lot.
We’ll talk about outfits next.
Your Camping Gear
If you’re camping, you basically have an entirely separate packing list.
Your tent is only the beginning.
You’ll need to think about shade, sleeping, seating, food storage, campsite lighting, power, toiletries, shower supplies, and everything else you need to live outside for several days.
The Random Things That Make Coachella Easier
THIS is where I thrive.
Portable chargers.
Fans.
Lights.
Organization.
Little things that solve oddly specific festival problems.
I have a complete Coachella packing list, along with separate guides to what I pack for Coachella in my 30s, Coachella camping essentials, my favorite Coachella gadgets, and Coachella essentials I buy on Amazon.
Use the big packing list first, then go down whichever rabbit holes apply to you.
I support the rabbit holes.
What to Wear to Coachella
Let’s talk OUTFITS.
Because yes, I love this part.
Coachella fashion is a huge part of the festival, and if putting together a fun festival outfit makes you happy?
DO IT.
I love planning my outfits.
I love accessories.
I love themed looks.
I love dressing up for things.
But your Coachella outfit also needs to survive Coachella.
You’re going to walk.
A lot.
You’re going to be outside.
It’s going to be hot during the day.
There will be dust.
And the temperature can feel completely different after dark.
My biggest rule?
Try the entire outfit on before you pack it.
Not just the dress.
Not just the top.
THE WHOLE THING.
Shoes.
Bag.
Jewelry.
Sunglasses.
Everything.
Walk around in it.
Sit down.
Move.
If something is already annoying you in your bedroom?
It’s not magically going to become comfortable after six hours in the desert.
For more ideas, I have a complete guide to what to wear to Coachella, plus a separate guide to what I wear while camping at Coachella because campsite clothes are a completely different category.
Yes.
I plan those too. Hahaha.
What Is the Coachella Weather Really Like?
Prepare for heat.
But don’t ONLY prepare for heat.
That’s one of the biggest mistakes first-timers can make.
You’re in the desert, which means you’re dealing with intense sun, dry air, dust, possible wind, and temperature changes once the sun goes down.
Hydration needs to start before you feel thirsty.
Take breaks.
Find shade.
Reapply sunscreen.
Cover your face when the dust gets bad.
And bring layers for later.
I have a complete guide to surviving the heat at Coachella because this is one part of the weekend I don’t think you should wing.
Being prepared for the weather isn’t about being dramatic.
It means you can spend more time actually enjoying the festival.
Food & Drinks at Coachella
One of my favorite parts.
FOOD.
There are food and drink options inside the festival, and I absolutely budget for trying things.
But because I camp, food planning actually starts before I ever walk through the festival gates.
If You’re Camping
Bring food. Please. Hahaha.
I would not rely on buying every breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and drinks for the entire weekend.
We bring groceries and make food at our campsite.
That means I can eat breakfast before getting ready, snack while we’re hanging out, have a real meal before going inside, and keep easy food waiting at camp for later.
I’ve put together a complete guide to what food to bring to Coachella camping, including easy meal ideas and my grocery list.
And if you run out of something?
You have options.
There’s a supermarket shuttle for campers, and camping also has a General Store where you can pick up certain things you forgot.
I have a separate Coachella supermarket shuttle guide, and I’ll keep adding my current camping food and General Store coverage here as I update it.
Inside the Festival
This is where I let myself have fun.
I don’t bring food to camp because I refuse to buy anything inside.
Quite the opposite. Hahaha.
I save money on some meals so I can spend it on the festival food I ACTUALLY want.
Check the current food lineup when it’s released, save anything you really want to try, and budget for it.
And apparently budget for multiple lemonades if you’re me.
We don’t need to talk about it.
Getting to Coachella
How you get to Coachella depends heavily on where you’re coming from and where you’re staying.
If you’re flying, you’ll need to think about which Southern California airport makes the most sense for your trip and how you’re getting from there to the Coachella Valley.
If you’re driving, your parking or camping setup matters.
If you’re staying at a hotel, shuttle access can make a huge difference.
This is another area where I wouldn’t wait until the week before the festival to figure things out.
Your transportation plan should be part of your early Coachella planning because it connects directly to where you’re staying.
Vacation Prepper Tip: Don’t just plan how you’re getting TO Coachella. Plan how you’re getting home at the end of each festival day too.
That second part matters.
A lot.
What a Festival Day Is Actually Like
This was one of the things I wanted to know before my first Coachella.
What do you actually DO all day?
And honestly?
Every day is different.
If I’m camping, my day starts at camp.
We wake up, eat, slowly get ready, hang out, look at the schedule, figure out who everyone wants to see, and eventually head into the festival.
Once inside, the day becomes a mix of:
Music.
Walking.
Food.
More walking.
Art.
Sitting down.
Walking again.
Finding friends.
Losing friends.
Drinking water.
Trying to figure out where you’re going next.
And MUSIC.
Hahaha.
You probably won’t see every artist you want to see.
That’s okay.
Sets overlap.
The festival is huge.
You need time to get between stages.
And sometimes your body is going to say, “Absolutely not. We’re sitting down.”
Listen to it.
One of my biggest pieces of advice is not to destroy yourself on Day One trying to do absolutely everything.
You still have an entire weekend ahead of you.
Staying Connected With Your Group
Do not assume you’re going to spend the entire festival holding hands with your group.
People want to see different artists.
Someone needs food.
Someone needs the bathroom.
Someone gets distracted.
Someone says they’re “right by the big art thing,” as if there aren’t giant art installations EVERYWHERE.
And phone service can be unreliable when you’re surrounded by that many people.
Have a plan before you separate.
Pick an obvious meeting spot.
When you’re texting your location, include a TIME.
Instead of:
“I’m at Sahara.”
Send:
“At Sahara near ___ at 5:15.”
That timestamp can make a huge difference if the message doesn’t deliver immediately.
And before heading inside each day, talk about the artists everyone REALLY wants to see.
You don’t need a military operation.
You just need enough of a plan that nobody spends an hour wandering around looking for everyone else.
Things to Do at Coachella Besides the Music
Please explore.
Even if you came specifically for the lineup.
One of my favorite parts of Coachella is everything happening between the sets.
There are art installations, food, drinks, activities, shopping, brand experiences, and plenty of things you can stumble across simply by walking around.
Give yourself time to wander.
You don’t need to schedule every minute between artists.
Some of my favorite festival memories aren’t necessarily from the main stage.
I’ve put together a complete guide to things to do at Coachella besides the music, along with my personal Coachella bucket list if you’re looking for fun things to add to your weekend.
My Best Coachella Tips for First Timers
After everything I’ve learned from going to Coachella, these are the things I would want a first-timer to remember:
Prepare for the desert, not just the festival. Heat, dust, wind, sun, and cooler nights can all be part of your weekend.
Wear comfortable shoes. I know. Your outfit. I KNOW. But your feet have to survive three festival days.
Start hydrating early. Don’t wait until you’re exhausted and thirsty.
Eat real food. A granola bar and three lemonades are not dinner.
Don’t schedule every minute. Give yourself room to wander and change plans.
Pick your priority artists. You will probably have conflicts. Decide which sets matter most to you.
Have a plan for your group. Especially if service gets weird.
If you’re camping, take your campsite seriously. Shade, organization, food, sleeping, and power matter.
Don’t try to see everything. You won’t.
And my biggest tip?
Prepare enough that you can stop thinking about logistics once you’re there.
That’s basically my entire Vacation Prepper philosophy.
I don’t make all these lists because I want to spend my vacation following a spreadsheet every second.
I plan everything beforehand so that once I’m actually there?
I can relax.
Coachella FAQ
Is Coachella good for first-timers?
Absolutely.
Coachella is huge, so it can feel overwhelming when you’re researching it, but you don’t need to understand every stage, restaurant, camping rule, and transportation option before you go.
Start with the parts that apply to YOUR trip.
Figure out your ticket, accommodations, transportation, packing, and a few festival-day basics.
Then build from there.
Do you have to camp at Coachella?
No.
Camping is one way to experience Coachella, but it isn’t your only option.
I personally love camping because of the convenience and because I genuinely enjoy the campsite part of the weekend.
But if you know you need air conditioning, a private shower, and a proper bed to enjoy yourself?
Book the hotel.
Know yourself.
Is Coachella only for influencers and celebrities?
No.
Hahaha.
Regular people go to Coachella.
I promise.
Don’t let social media convince you that everyone is attending a brand party wearing a $4,000 outfit.
People go because they like music, festivals, fashion, food, camping, traveling with friends, and the overall experience.
Can you go to Coachella in your 30s?
YES.
And personally, I think being a little older has made me better at festivals.
I know what I need.
I care about being comfortable.
I drink water.
I sit down when I need to.
And I am not sacrificing my feet for a pair of shoes.
Growth. Hahaha.
I’ve also put together a separate guide to what I pack for Coachella in my 30s if this is something you’re wondering about.
Is Coachella camping worth it?
For me, yes.
But that’s a much bigger conversation than simply whether camping saves money.
There are real tradeoffs involving sleep, heat, showers, dust, comfort, convenience, and the social experience.
I’m putting together a complete guide to whether Coachella camping is worth it so you can decide whether it makes sense for the way YOU like to travel.
How many days should I plan for Coachella?
The festival itself runs Friday through Sunday, but your total trip may be longer depending on where you’re coming from and whether you’re camping.
Campers generally need to account for arrival/setup before the festival begins and packing up afterward. Campers need to arrive on Thursday and leave Monday morning.
If you’re traveling from farther away, I would also avoid making your travel schedule unnecessarily stressful if you can give yourself some breathing room.
What should I know before my first Coachella?
If you remember nothing else from this ridiculously detailed guide, remember:
It’s hot.
You’ll walk a lot.
You need water.
Comfortable shoes matter.
Camping requires more planning than you think.
You won’t see every artist.
Phone service may not always cooperate.
And you are probably going to come home with dust in places you didn’t know dust could reach.
Hahaha.
You’ll be fine.
Plan the important things.
Pack thoughtfully.
And leave yourself room to actually enjoy the weekend.
All My Coachella Guides
Okay.
THIS is where you go down the rabbit hole.
Hahaha.
I’ve written a lot about Coachella because every time I go, I come home with another list of things I wish I knew, things I packed, things that worked, things that didn’t, and questions I know someone planning their first trip is probably Googling at midnight.
Instead of making you hunt around my website for all of it, I’m keeping my Coachella guides organized right here.
I’ll continue adding new guides and updating this directory as I publish more Coachella content.
Start Here
The Ultimate Coachella Guide for First Timers
You’re here! This is your master planning page and starting point.
How to Do Coachella on a Budget: 3 Ways I Save Money
How I save on some of the biggest expenses without feeling like I’m missing out.
Coachella Camping Guides
The Ultimate Coachella Camping Guide
Everything you need to know about camping at Coachella, from arrival and campsite setup to food, showers, shade, and what to expect.
My Coachella Camping Setup: Full Campsite Tour + Tips
Exactly how we organize our campsite and what our setup looks like.
Coachella Camping Mistakes First-Timers Make
The mistakes I would avoid, including not bringing enough shade, overcrowding your campsite, ignoring the dust, and arriving without a plan.
Coachella Camping Morning & Nighttime Routine
What our actual days at camp look like.
What to Wear Camping at Coachella
The clothes I pack specifically for mornings, getting ready, showers, nighttime, and hanging around camp.
How to Make Coachella Camping More Luxurious
The little upgrades that make living at camp significantly better.
How to Make Your Coachella Campsite More Comfortable on a Budget
Affordable ways to improve your campsite without buying everything on the internet.
Things to Do While Hanging Out at Your Coachella Campsite
Because you actually spend quite a bit of time at camp.
Coachella Showers, Food & Camping Amenities
How to Shower at Coachella Camping
What the shower and bathroom situation is actually like and what I recommend bringing.
What Food to Bring to Coachella Camping
Easy meals, snacks, groceries, and the food we actually bring.
Coachella Supermarket Shuttle Guide
How campers can restock groceries and supplies during the weekend.
Coachella Camping General Store
What you can buy at the Camping Hub when you forget something.
Coachella Packing Guides
Complete Coachella Packing List
Your main packing checklist for the festival.
What to Pack for Coachella in Your 30s
The things I prioritize now that comfort, skincare, hydration, and actually sleeping matter to me. Hahaha.
Best Gadgets to Bring to Coachella
Portable chargers, fans, lights, and other electronics and tools I actually find useful.
Coachella Essentials on Amazon
Easy-to-order festival and camping essentials.
Coachella Camping Essentials From Walmart
Camping supplies you can grab from Walmart before the festival.
Coachella Outfit & Beauty Guides
Coachella Outfit Ideas: What to Wear to the Festival
My main guide to planning cute outfits that can actually survive a festival day.
Types of Outfits to Plan for Coachella
My outfit planning structure. Planning for the main weekend moments.
What to Wear Camping at Coachella
Because your campsite wardrobe deserves its own plan.
Beauty & Skincare Tips for Coachella
How I prepare for sun, heat, dust, and several days of festival makeup and skincare.
Coachella Food Guides
Easy Coachella Camping Meals + Tips
My camping grocery list, easy meals, and snacks.
Coachella Food & Drink Guide
My current festival food coverage and what I’m excited to try inside Coachella.
Coachella Experience & Survival Guides
How Hot Is Coachella? Tips for Surviving the Desert Heat
What the heat is actually like and how I prepare for it.
Things to Do at Coachella Besides the Music
Art, food, activities, shopping, and everything else to explore between sets.
My Coachella Bucket List
Fun experiences I think are worth trying at least once.
Popular Coachella Souvenirs & Keepsakes
What you can bring home besides approximately twelve pounds of desert dust.
How to Recover After Coachella
Because eventually you have to come home. Unfortunately.
Ultimate Coachella Road Trip: Stops on the Way to the Festival
Ideas for turning the drive into part of the trip.
Coachella Arts & Crafts Tent
Free crafting at Coachella Music Festival
I’ll continue adding my newest Coachella guides here, so if you’re planning your first Coachella—or your fifth—this is the page I’d bookmark and come back to as your trip gets closer.
Final Thoughts: Planning Your First Coachella
I know this looks like a lot.
Because it IS a lot.
Hahaha.
But you do not need to plan every single part of your Coachella weekend today.
Start with the big things.
Get your ticket.
Figure out where you’re staying.
Make a transportation plan.
Then work your way through packing, outfits, food, and everything else.
That’s how I approach pretty much every trip.
I research everything.
I make the lists.
I pack too much.
And then I get there and enjoy myself because I’ve already answered most of my own questions.
That’s what I want this Coachella guide—and really all of my Coachella content—to do for you.
You don’t have to read every guide in one sitting.
Start here.
Then when you’re ready to figure out camping, go to my camping guide.
When you start packing, open my packing list.
When you’re wondering what the heck the shower situation is, I’ve got you.
When you’re staring at your campsite wondering how you’re supposed to fit all of this into your space?
Yep.
I’ve got a guide for that too.
Basically, I overthink Coachella so you don’t have to.
Prepare for the desert.
Wear the fun outfit.
Drink your water.
Make the list.
And then go have the BEST weekend.
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About the author: Hey there! I’m Julia, a travel writer, over-packer, list maker, and self-proclaimed Vacation Prepper. I share the tips and little details I learn along the way to help you feel prepared before your next adventure.
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