The city of Indio was established due to the need for a halfway point between Los Angeles and Yuma, Arizona for the Southern Pacific Railroad, which needed to refill its engines with water. Originally, the town was called Indian Wells, but because so many other areas were already called that, the name “Indio” was chosen, a variation of the Spanish word for “Indian.” The first permanent building was the craftsman-style Southern Pacific Depot station and hotel. Because this area was such an extremely difficult place to live in at the time, Southern Pacific was worried that their workers would soon tire of residing here and would want to move elsewhere. As a result, the railroad tried to make life as comfortable as it could for its employees and ensured that this was the center of all social life in the desert, complete with a fancy dining room and dances on Friday nights. Although it started as a railroad town, Indio quickly developed into an agricultural area.
Citrus, grapes, cotton, onions, and dates thrive in the arid climate. Indio is home to the Date Museum – the only one in the world! Indio is referred to as the City of Festivals with good reason – the world-famous Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is held here annually, attracting top-name music acts and thousands of concertgoers from around the globe. In 2007, the promoters of the Coachella Festival started Stagecoach, a country music festival that is held the following weekend. Indio is also the site of the National Date Festival, the Indio International Tamale Festival, Cabazon Indian National Pow Wow, the Southwest Arts Festival, the Palm Springs Kennel Club’s Annual Dog Show, and the Family Motor Coach Association’s Annual Western Region RV Rally! When you have the chance, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Indio. Hotels in the area allow you to stay conveniently close by to where you want to be. When you stay at Choice Hotels, you can enjoy affordable rates, many amenities, and friendly service. Reserve your room today! We look forward to hosting you soon!