Coachella Tips for First Timers: What I Wish I Knew Before Going

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Introduction

I am so glad that I went to Coachella or should I say Beychella! I had every intention of writing this while I was at Coachella… but let’s be honest, that was never going to happen. Between the music, the heat, the food (Bubble Gum Shrimp, try it if you ever make it to the states), Vegas, Arizona, and just living my best life, I didn’t do a single productive thing for my blog and for that I apologise to you all! So now that I am back to reality.

I wanted to share not just Coachella planning guide. This is for anyone that is thinking of going Coachella this here are Coachella tips for first timers because you are going to honestly need them.

Now, years later, I’m updating this guide because Coachella 2026 is happening as we speak, April 10-12 (Week 1) and April 17-19 (Week 2) at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.

And the dates for next year are already out, Coachella returns April 9-11 (Week 1) & April 16-18, 2027 (Week 2) and there are now price plans that you can get on their website with also the ability to get your tickets now here.

Coachella is not just a festival, it’s a full experience. And if you’re flying all the way out there, for Coachella I would say you need to do it properly. And I mean you will want to add on a few other surrounding states and make it a whole trip in itself, but I will explain a little more on that later. First lets share with you my ultimate Coachella tips for first timers guide with you.

Key Things to Know Before Going to Coachella

Related post: Coachella 2018 – MyBreakingViews Amazing Travel Diaries

So, what is Coachella?

Coachella (officially known as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival) is a huge music and arts festival held every year in Indio, California, at the Empire Polo Club right in the middle of the desert.

The festival runs over two weekends (Friday to Sunday), and is usually around April. It features a mix of artists across different genres think pop, R&B, hip-hop, indie, and electronic music. Alongside the music, you’ve also got food spots, art installations, and just an overall good vibe that’s hard to explain until you experience it.

For my Beychella experience I went for weekend two, and people always ask me if I felt “prepared” after seeing everything from weekend one on social media. I can honestly say, watching Coachella online and actually being there are two completely different experiences. Trust me. There are multiple stages across the festival, with the Coachella Stage being the main one for headliners. This year the headlines where absolutely amazing it included artists like Beyoncé, The Weeknd (old time fave), Daniel Ceaser, SZA, Khalid (my new crush), Kygo, Ibeyi, Migos, Miguel, HAIM, 6LACK, Cardi B not to mention the incredible Beyonce!!!

If you’re from the UK, the easiest way I can describe it is: it’s like Wireless Festival… but bigger, hotter, and in the middle of the desert.

The 2026 Headliners

Coachella 2026 headliners are absolutely stacked this year. There will be Sabrina Carpenter headlining Friday, Justin Bieber on Saturday, and Karol G closing out Sunday, and can we just take a moment because Karol G made history as the first ever Latina artist to headline Coachella. That is huge. Here are some other Coachella lineup artists performing include The Strokes, The XX, Addison Rae, Young Thug, BIGBANG and so many more across the different stages.

Oh You Went to Beychella! What is Beychella?

So what is Beychella you may ask? Well Beychella is and will always be an historic moment at Coachella where Beyonce basically classified the Coachella festival Beychella in 2018. She mentioned that she was the first Black women to ever headline the Coachella festival and that for me was historical, nostalgic and just simply amazing. I mean who would have thought that little old me from Wroughton would have made it to the first ever Coachella festival that had a Black women perform.

Beyonce performance was nothing less than absolutely incredible. It represented everything to be Black, from the tribute to historical Black colleges and universities in America (HBCUs) to the featured dancers, musicians, Solange (her sister) Destiny’s Child members and Jay-Z it was truly an experience and one that I will always remember.

It’s been about a month since I went to Coachella and the reason why I haven’t written anything is simply that I have been debating what I should write about first. I asked my lovely followers what they wanted to hear first between Vegas and #Beychella!  I knew the answer was going to be Beychella, but I always like to hear from you guys first. It’s always important for me that I deliver content that you value!! I am pretty sure I will have to write a few articles about the festival itself, so if I haven’t covered everything you want to know in this Coachella guide, be sure to put your requests in the comments section below!

So How Was Coachella?

Since I have been back from America, the question I get asked is “how was COACHELLA” LOL! My immediate response is and always will be that“it was AMAZING”, because it honestly really was amazing. Coachella in one word was fantastic, but also breathtaking. Now don’t get me wrong, there are several other words I can use to explain how the festival was, but I wanted MyBreakingViewers to be the first to know my actual initial thoughts. Now, before I get into the glitz and glam, I thought it would be good to give a personal overview of what Coachella is because I don’t expect everyone to know.

Tip.. make sure to have something that covers your face like a bandana.

Your Ultimate Coachella Planning Guide

Now to the most important bit of the post where I share not just Coachella tips for first timers but give you and actual Coachella planning guide that will help you plan your Coachella experience successfully:

Coachella Tickets Need to Be Booked Early

When I went to Coachella in 2018 I bought my ticket on 5th January 2018 for around $500 (roughly £370). And I would say the tickets didn’t last that long. I didn’t need that much convincing to be honest. I was able to make the decision after my friend convinced me that I was going to want to see Beyonce and I did. However, I heard that Coachella in 2026 the tickets sold out within a week of the lineup announcement and I am not surprised.

Here’s what tickets cost at face value:

• General Admission: from $649 (Weekend 1) / $549 (Weekend 2)
• GA & Shuttle: from $779 (Weekend 1) / $679 (Weekend 2)
• VIP: from $1,299 (Weekend 1)

I did Beychella during week 2 and personally I would say that it was much better. You can wait for ticket to go on resale. The Weekend 1 GA passes were going for around $1,000+, while the Weekend 2 tickets were more affordable on resale. I also did mine with shuttle which was a game changer. The lineup usually drops in September each year so subscribe and have your card ready.

Getting The Shuttle Bus

I bought my ticket with the shuttle bus included and I’d do it every time. It picked us up daily, dropped us back at the hotel, and it was only an 8-minute walk from where we were staying. After dancing and walking for hours in the heat, the last thing you want to figure out is getting back. The shuttle picks up from various points including Los Angeles. If you’re staying in Palm Springs like me, check the pickup points before you book.

Getting To Coachella

I flew from London into LA, then met friends who flew in from New York. Flying into Los Angeles then making your way to the Coachella Valley is the move. Indio. We stayed a night at my friends in LA and then we set out early in the morning, (got some American snacks) to Palm Springs where the festival is held, which was about 2 hours east of LA.

I would highly recommend booking your flights early, ideally as soon as you buy your ticket. Use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. I booked my direct flight for £480, I could have easily got it cheaper for £250 but didn’t book mine until two weeks before I was leaving and paid way more than I needed to. So don’t leave it too later!

If you’re flying from outside the US it’s worth making a whole trip of your Coachella weekend. I went to Vegas for 5 days solo after the festival and took the Greyhound bus which was affordable and easy. I also did a day trip and explored Arizona where I went to the Grand Canyon too and met some really nice women on the coach from Manchester.

Where to Stay For Your Coachella Weekend

I stayed at theCourtyard by Marriott in Palm Springs, which is about 40 minutes from the festival. Palm Springs is the best base because it’s close enough, has great hotels, and you can actually decompress after 6-9 hours on your feet in desert heat. I know some people camp on site which is an option, but after walking all day in 40-degree heat I needed a proper bed, a shower, and somewhere to take my makeup off. That’s just me.

You can also find Airbnb options but I’ve heard stories of last-minute cancellations so I’d rather have the certainty of a hotel. You can book your hotels via Booking.com or Expedia just check reviews and workout how far the hotel is from the festival site in Indio. I have also shared an interactive map below for other hotels which you can click on and find a hotel that suits your needs:

I would highly advise that you should book your accommodation as soon as you have your ticket. Hotels near the festival fill up extremely fast, especially for 2026 with the strength of the headliners.

What to Wear to Coachella?

Now I went to Coachella in 2018 so what you wear can vary depending on what you want. The festival is three days so I kept it practical and comfortable:

• Day 1: Shorts and a top
• Day 2 : A dress, I went all out for Beychella day!
• Day 3: Shorts and a top again

Most of my outfits came from ASOS, Topshop, and PrettyLittleThing. Super affordable, cute, and easy to move in. Festival fashion is very much a vibe but comfort genuinely matters when you’re walking for hours in desert heat.

Please do not wear heels. I saw women in heels and it looked painful. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. And don’t make my mistake of buying Dr. Martens two days before leaving and expecting to break them in at the festival, it does not work.

Also pack a bandana or face covering, when the wind picks up, the sand blows everywhere and you’ll be breathing it in. If you are looking for a packing guide then you can download one here.

Whats the Food Like At Coachella?

Do not sleep on the Coachella food. I had tacos, a proper American burger, fries, fried food, the classic American breakfast spread, and most memorably, Bubble Gum Shrimp. One key tip to have on your Coachella planning guide is staying hydrated. This is also really important. Water is available on site they have different docks, so carry a reusable bottle and there is $2.

Is Coachella Safe for Solo Travellers?

Now although I didn’t go to Coachella solo I certainly did fly into LA solo and then after the festival travelled around to other states solo. I met my university friends who had flown in from New York, so I had the solo travel experience at the start and the group experience at the festival itself. Both were great. However, if you’re planning on doing Coachella fully solo, the shuttle bus is brilliant for meeting people. I have no doubt that you will make friends instantly and the festival atmosphere is very social and open so don’t be afraid to go alone.

My Honest Coachella Budget Breakdown

Coachella is not cheap. If you think about the flights, accommodation, the ticket, shuttle, food and spending money in Vegas, you will certainly have to consider budgeting properly. The ticket today is around $549-$649 minimum. Add flights from the UK, 3+ nights accommodation near Indio, and spending money for food and drink at the festival.

My advice: if you’re coming from the UK, spend around 10 days to two weeks around the West Coast. If you’re taking that 11-hour flight you don’t want to just go for the weekend. You might as well explore LA, Vegas and Arizona.

Summary: Coachella Tips for First Timers

• Book tickets the moment the lineup drops.
• Use AXS official resale if tickets are sold out
• Fly into LA, base yourself in Palm Springs
• Get the shuttle bus with your ticket
• Bring a bandana for the sand
• Eat everything, especially the Bubble Gum Shrimp
• Stay hydrated constantly

Coachella FAQ: What You Need to Know

Final Views on Coachella

Coachella was one of those experiences that I’d recommend to anyone. Yes it’s exhausting, and I mean exhausting. I actually think I was a little sick from all the singing, being in the desert and just being up early and walking everywhere. However, the performances, the atmosphere, the food and the memories with my friends? Absolutely sooooo worth it.

Have you been to Coachella or are you planning to go? Drop your questions in the comments below. I’m happy to help you plan!

I hope you enjoyed my Ultimate Coachella Planning Guide. If you liked this post or are inspired to go Coachella, subscribe to the blog as I will be updating this yearly.

Speak soon,

Debs MBV x