The BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells draws thousands of dedicated tennis fans to the desert every March. In 2009 Larry Ellison, co-founder, and CEO of Oracle Corporation became the new owner of the tennis tournament and the host venue, Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Since then, the event has ballooned into one of the most sought after tennis tournaments of the season. With LA-inspired dining experiences (there’s even a Nobu!), beer gardens, and live music, it’s the perfect place to spend an evening or weekend in Greater Palm Springs.
Here is all the information you need to know to start planning your trip to the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.
Where is the BNP Paribas Open?
BNP Paribas Open is located in the heart of Indian Wells. For reference, here are the approximate driving distances from other suburbs in Greater Palm Springs:
Driving time from:
- Palm Springs: 30-35 Minutes
- Cathedral City: 20-25 Minutes
- Rancho Mirage:15-20 Minutes
- Palm Desert: 10-15 Minutes
- Indio: 10-15 Minutes
- La Quinta: 10-15 Minutes
Where to Stay
Indian Wells is the closest you’ll get to the BNP Paribas action. I also love staying in Palm Desert and La Quinta as it is just a quick Uber away.
Indian Wells Hotels
Palm Desert Hotels
La Quinta Hotels
Rancho Mirage Hotels
Best Restaurants near Indian Wells Tennis Garden
Adobe Mexican Grill
Tableside guacamole, massive margaritas, and delicious Mexican entrees in a gorgeous courtyard setting. It’s located in the La Quinta Resort, so it’s on the higher end in both quality and price. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, my favorite restaurant for Mexican is Fresh Agave.
Beer Hunter
A great place to watch other sports and tennis matches you won’t be attending in person. Large selection of beer and ridiculously good nachos.
Eureka!
I like Eureka as it’s more trendy than your typical sports bar. There is a wide range of menu options and lots of vegetarian dishes to choose from. Eureka has a great selection of cocktails and large TV’s to catch the game or more of the tennis.
Cliffhouse
The patio is built into the cliffside, making it a dreamy location for happy hour tacos and margaritas. Order the artichoke appetizer!
CorkTree
Traditional California cuisine. Sit out in the courtyard if you can, or at the bar if you want something a little more casual. There is something for everyone on the menu, so a great option for groups.
JW Marriott Lounge
I love coming to the JW Marriott Lounge for sushi and people watching. Order the JW Roll and the Rainbow Roll. If you love IPA’s, try the Even Par IPA by La Quinta Brewing.
Restaurants on El Paseo (10 minute drive from Indian Wells Tennis Garden)
Mamma Gina’s
Alllll night happy hour in the lounge/bar area! I love the fresh pasta, red wine and unlimited bread with oil and vinegar.
Pacifico
They have about 1,000 varieties of vodka, so opt for a vodka-based drink and some seafood appetizers.
Tommy Bahamas
They make a mean grapefruit basil martini. Fun, open-air patio overlooking El Paseo! Order the goat cheese with your martini and take in the views.
Wilma and Frieda
Come here for the ultimate comfort food brunch experience! Prepare to wait in line.
Sullivan’s
Has a happening happy hour with live music. Always busy and full of energy.
Pink Cabana
Located in the stunning Sands hotel. Head here for dinner before dancing the night away at the Nest next door.
If you’re heading to Palm Springs during your stay, check out this post on the Best Downtown Restaurants in Palm Springs
Best Dining inside Indian Wells Tennis Garden
Nobu
Nobu, nobu, nobu, nobu. Now that Drake song is in my head. Obviously a fan favorite for sushi before or after the tennis matches!
Spago
Wolfgang Puck’s California award-winning cuisine. Another great choice for an on-site meal.
Sherman’s Deli (stadium 1 tickets only)
You can’t go to the desert without a trip to Sherman’s! Luckily for tennis goers, they set up shop during the tournament right in the tennis garden. Available for stadium 1 tickets only (where all the major matches are held).
Piero’s PizzaVino
Looking for something a little more casual? Grab a slice from Piero’s PizzaVino inbetween matches.
Tickets
Daily tickets, mini-packages, and series packages are available. You can order a la carte and select individual matches, or if you know you want to take in a few events, consider a mini package!
Getting to and from BNP Paribas Open
Parking
There is general parking available for $25 per car. If you are going during the day and coming back for the evening, you can leave and re-enter before 4:30 pm at no additional charge. Parking is Cash only!
Valet Parking is available for Front Box and Club Suites Series ticket holders. If you don’t want to valet but have Box Seat Series tickets, you can VIP self-park through Gate 9.
ADA Parking is available in the WC parking lot, adjacent to the North Gate entrance.
Complimentary bike racks are available throughout the stadium.
Uber and Lyft
To catch an Uber home, go through gate 10 off Warner Trail and meet them at the canopy labeled Drop Off Area.
Things to Do in Greater Palm Springs
Day trip to Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is about an hour away from Indian Wells. Drive out early in the morning and stop at the many photogenic spots along the way.
Shield’s Date Garden
Pop in for a date shake and explore the picturesque gardens out back.
Shopping on El Paseo
Walk the mile-long shopping street exploring the boutiques before grabbing a bite at one of the restaurants above.
Spa Treatment at La Quinta Resort
Best. massages. ever. I recently went for my birthday (thanks mom!) and it was heavenly. Go to Adobe afterward for dins.
Hiking Bump and Grind, the Cross, Indian Canyons
There are a ton of great hikes in the area. My favorite near Indian Wells is the Bump and Grind, a moderate-difficult loop that takes about 1.5-2 hours to complete. Go early in the morning to beat the crowd (and the heat!).
Head to this post for a full list of over 30 things to do in Palm Springs
I hope this helped you plan your Palm Springs vacation around the BNP Paribas tennis tournament. The tournament location allows you to experience some of the best the desert has to offer, while still catching your favorite players on the court!
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