Looing at maybe doing a trip out there next April. For those that have been, any suggestions on where to play, stay, avoid, etc? Of course looking at PGA West and La Quinta as an option but maybe some lesser known that a worth a look? Thanks.

Indian Wells, IMHO the most Palmspringiest course of them all. I played Jr Golf in SoCal and my uncle lived on Thunderbird so I spent a lot of time in the summer in the Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage area. I would play any of the PGA West courses and any of the Indian Wells courses

Lived/Worked in Coachella Valley for several years. I worked at Omni Rancho Las Palmas, while the wife worked at La Quinta Resort. If golf is your main focus, then La Quinta or Hyatt Indian Wells is hard to beat. Westin Mission Hills isnt too bad either. If you want to do other activities while you're there, that could influence where you stay as well.

A few things to keep in mind. April is Coachella/Stagecoach, so 3 weekends full of craziness and expensive hotels. SoCal Spring Break follows Easter, so thats late March/early April next year. Again, expect big crowds at most resorts the week pre/post Easter.

There are a lot of things to do there besides the golf. I would look into the following:

• Joshua Tree
• Ariel Tram up to Mt. San Jacinto
• BMW Driving Performance School in Thermal.
• a night on the town in Palm Springs proper (Melvins is an old school PS establishment)
• if staying in IW or LQ, then a visit isnt complete unless you stop by The Nest for some dinner/drinks/dancing. You'll have anywhere from 20 to 80 year olds cutting a rug. Such a good time.
• There's a few casino's as well, if you're into that.

I'm going out there in July (I know how hot it'll be) and I'm annoyed because I'll be solo and I want to play first time in the morning. But they won't let me make a tee time for 1.