One minute you’re watching a rally stretch across the court, the next you’re wondering whether your water bottle has turned into tea. That’s Indian Wells: world-class tennis, a gorgeous desert setting, and sunshine that can make a simple walk between courts feel like its own endurance event. Plan the lodging, car, and daily schedule well, though, and you can spend your energy cheering instead of hunting for shade or sitting in traffic.
The BNP Paribas Open takes place each March at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in the Coachella Valley. As of October 2026, the 2026 tournament is in the books; if you’re planning the next trip, confirm the 2027 dates, ticket details, parking rules, and event services on the tournament’s official site before booking anything nonrefundable. The basics below will help you build a trip that works whether you’re going for one big day or a full week of tennis.
Choose your dates before you choose your hotel
The tournament runs across multiple rounds, and the experience changes as it goes. Early rounds usually offer more matches around the grounds, so you can drift between courts and catch players warming up or emerging talents fighting for a breakthrough. Later rounds bring the biggest names and higher-stakes tennis, but demand for rooms and tickets can rise too.
Start by deciding what matters most: seeing a particular player, catching as many matches as possible, or enjoying a more relaxed desert getaway with tennis in the mix. If a specific player is your priority, remember that match schedules can change and players can withdraw. Don’t book a trip around the assumption that one person will play on one particular day unless you’re comfortable with that risk.
Session tickets and stadium access can differ, so read the ticket terms carefully. A ticket that gets you into the grounds may not include access to every stadium, and a stadium ticket may have rules about the session or seating area. Check the current event map and ticket descriptions rather than relying on last year’s setup.
Pick desert lodging that fits your tennis routine
“Indian Wells” can mean a few different things when you’re browsing accommodation. The tournament site is in Indian Wells, but nearby stays range from resorts and vacation rentals to chain hotels spread across the valley. Your best choice depends on whether you want the shortest drive, a lower room rate, a pool for the afternoon, or restaurants you can reach without getting back in the car.
| Area | Why it works | Trade-off to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Wells | Close to the tournament and well suited to a tennis-first trip. | Rooms can be in demand during the event; check the full cost, including resort fees and parking. |
| La Quinta | A relaxed resort-town feel, with lodging options that can work well for a longer stay. | Drive time depends on your exact address and tournament traffic. |
| Palm Desert | A practical base with plenty of dining and shopping options. | “Palm Desert” covers a broad area, so check the actual route to the gates. |
| Palm Springs | Good if you want restaurants, nightlife, and a lively downtown alongside tennis. | It’s farther from the venue than Indian Wells or nearby neighborhoods, and the daily commute adds up. |
When comparing rooms, look beyond the nightly rate. Add taxes, parking, resort or cleaning fees, and cancellation terms before deciding. For vacation rentals, confirm the exact address, check-in arrangements, and whether the advertised parking is truly available. A pretty listing with a pool is less charming if you discover that check-in ends before your evening flight arrives.
For a full tournament week, a place with a refrigerator, laundry, and a shaded outdoor area can be a real comfort. You’ll appreciate being able to chill drinks, wash dusty clothes, and sit outside after a long day on your feet. If you’re only staying one or two nights, location and a reliable cancellation policy may matter more than extra amenities.
Rental-car logistics: make the drive part of the plan
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is the most convenient airport for many visitors flying into the Coachella Valley. The Indian Wells Tennis Garden is within driving distance, but allow more time than a map’s quiet-hour estimate suggests—especially around session start and finish. Los Angeles and other major airports can offer more flight choices, but the onward drive is substantially longer and traffic can make it unpredictable.
For most travelers staying outside walking distance of the venue, a rental car offers the simplest mix of flexibility and control. It lets you choose when to leave, return to your room between sessions if you want, and explore restaurants or desert attractions on a non-tennis day. Compare the total rental cost, not just the daily rate: airport fees, insurance, fuel, parking, and any extra-driver charge all count.
Before you reserve, check whether your lodging charges for parking and whether the tournament’s current parking setup requires an advance purchase, a particular pass, or a specific entrance. Follow event-day directions rather than automatically using your usual navigation route. Temporary traffic plans can change, and the shortest route on your phone may not be the route event staff are directing cars to use.
- Save your lodging address and the tournament entrance or parking location before you leave the airport.
- Keep water in the car, but don’t leave valuables visible. Desert sun can also heat a parked vehicle quickly.
- Agree on a meeting spot with your group before entering the venue. Crowds and patchy phone service can make “I’m by the main gate” surprisingly unhelpful.
- Build in extra time for returning a rental car, refueling, and airport security on departure day.
Rideshare can work, particularly if you’re staying close to the grounds, but don’t assume pickup will be instant after a marquee match. Check the event’s designated pickup rules and expect a busy exit period. If you’re traveling with friends, compare the cost and convenience of a shared ride against the flexibility of a rental car before choosing.
Plan for heat, sun, and long days on your feet
March in the Coachella Valley is not automatically scorching, but desert weather can shift, and a sunny afternoon on an exposed stadium seat may feel much hotter than the forecast suggests. You’re also dealing with dry air, lots of walking, and long stretches between shade. Think of heat planning as part of your match strategy: prepare well and you’ll have more focus left for the tennis.
Pack a refillable water bottle if the current venue rules allow it, plus sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Apply sunscreen before arriving and reapply according to the product directions, particularly after sweating or spending several hours outside. Lightweight, breathable clothes help, while a thin layer is useful for cooler mornings, shaded areas, or evening matches. Check the venue’s current bag and bottle policies before packing, since rules can change.
Try to arrive with time to find your seat, locate water and food, and get oriented before the first match you care about. If your schedule allows, take a break in the shade or indoors during the hottest part of the afternoon. You don’t have to watch every point from the same seat. Between matches, stretch your legs, refill water, and give yourself a few minutes out of direct sun.
Hydrate steadily rather than waiting until you feel parched. If you’re sweating for hours, food and electrolyte drinks may be useful too; follow your own health needs, and ask a clinician if you have a medical condition or take medication that affects heat tolerance. Feeling faint, confused, nauseated, or unusually weak is a reason to stop, cool down, and seek help from venue staff or medical services—not to tough it out for one more game.
Build your day around the tennis, not just the start time
A day session is rarely a neat block of predictable entertainment. One match can be over quickly; another can turn into a three-set tussle with long rallies and momentum swings. Match order and court assignments can shift, so check the official schedule on the morning of your visit and again before leaving your lodging.
If you’re following a player, watch their match time and court assignment closely, then leave room for delays. If you’re there to explore, early rounds are especially fun: you may see a range of playing styles in one day, from a heavy-hitting baseline attacker trying to dictate with the forehand to a counterpuncher absorbing pace and waiting for a short ball. Indian Wells’ hard-court tennis often rewards patience and clean movement. Watch how players manage depth, use height over the net, and decide when to step inside the baseline. Those little tactical choices make the day more interesting than simply waiting for a winner.
Here’s a flexible rhythm that works for many visitors:
- Before you leave: Check the schedule, weather, parking instructions, bag policy, and your group’s meeting plan.
- On arrival: Find your first court, note nearby water and restrooms, and get a sense of the grounds before the crowds build.
- Between matches: Eat, refill water, take a shaded break, and check for schedule changes before crossing the grounds.
- At the end of the session: Expect a busy exit. Decide whether to leave promptly or wait for crowds to thin, and set your pickup plan in advance.
Don’t overstuff the itinerary. It’s tempting to plan a sunrise hike, a full day of tennis, and a late dinner after every session. In practice, a little downtime can make the whole trip better. Save one morning or evening for the pool, a leisurely meal, or simply putting your feet up. Your enthusiasm—and your legs—will last longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book lodging for the BNP Paribas Open?
Once your travel dates are firm, start comparing rooms early, especially if you want to stay close to Indian Wells or need specific accessibility features. Read cancellation terms closely and confirm the dates for the edition you plan to attend before committing to a nonrefundable stay.
Do I need a rental car?
Not always, but it’s often the easiest choice if you’re staying outside the immediate venue area or want to explore the valley. Compare rental, parking, and fuel costs with rideshare and any current event transportation options. Check the tournament’s official travel information for the year you’re attending.
What should I bring for a day session?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, and a light layer for cooler periods. Check the current venue rules for bags, outside food, and refillable bottles before packing, and carry any medication you may need.
Is Palm Springs too far away as a base?
Not necessarily. Palm Springs can be a great choice if you want restaurants and nightlife as well as tennis. Just account for the longer daily drive compared with staying in Indian Wells, La Quinta, or Palm Desert, and allow extra time when traveling to and from busy sessions.
Final Thoughts
A great Indian Wells trip comes down to a few smart choices: book a base that suits your budget and routine, understand the full rental-car and parking picture, and treat sun protection and hydration as part of the day’s plan. Check the official tournament details as your travel date approaches, because schedules, access, and transportation arrangements can change from one edition to the next. Do that homework, leave a little breathing room between matches, and you’ll be free to enjoy the best part: a full day of tennis with the desert mountains glowing beyond the courts.
