A Tennis Fan’s Guide to the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells
Tennis is my second passion, right behind travel, and it’s taken me all over the world — including two trips to France just to catch Roland Garros in person. This spring, I swapped Paris clay for desert sunshine and headed to California for the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
If you’re a tennis fan (or just need a sunny escape from the winter chill), a trip to Indian Wells is absolutely worth it. Here’s everything I learned — from travel logistics to where to sit for the best desert views.
TL;DR: Go! It’s so worth the trip.
Getting There ✈️
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is the closest and most convenient option — but also the priciest during tournament season. After monitoring fares for months, I finally booked a direct flight into LAX on Delta. The tradeoff? A 4:00 AM wake-up for a 7:05 AM flight and a three-hour time change that hit hard later that day.
If you fly into LAX or San Diego, expect a 2–3 hour drive to the desert. But the route is scenic, and if you have a day or two to spare, you can easily combine your tennis weekend with a Palm Springs or Joshua Tree getaway. My traveling partner in crime fellow tennis lover and I chose to check out Palm Springs on our way to Indian Wells.
Where to Stay 🏠
Accommodations in and around Indian Wells and Rancho Mirage skyrocket during the tournament — no matter if you’re looking at hotels, Airbnbs, or bed and breakfasts. I booked about six months out and still had to get creative.
I ended up staying in Cathedral City, about 15 minutes away, and rented a camper in an RV park. It turned out to be surprisingly fun — and much easier on the budget than the luxury resorts nearby.
Tip: If you’re set on staying close to the grounds, plan way ahead or look into nearby towns like Palm Desert or La Quinta.
The Tournament Experience 🌴
Indian Wells Tennis Garden lives up to its name. You walk into beautifully landscaped grounds surrounded by the snow-capped Santa Rosa Mountains. Between matches, there are shaded lounges, grassy areas to relax, filtered water stations, and some of the friendliest staff you’ll meet at any sporting event.
While Roland Garros will always have my heart, Indian Wells wins for overall experience. It’s well-organized, scenic, and easy to navigate — a true tennis paradise in the desert.
And dare I say it? It’s my favorite U.S.-based tournament so far — I’d even pick it over the U.S. Open (I know, unpopular opinion!) and just ahead of Cincinnati.
What I’ll Do Differently Next Time 💡
- Skip the night session on arrival day. That early morning flight plus the time change was brutal. I’ll use my first day to explore local attractions or maybe squeeze in a hike.
- Pack for two seasons. Warm days, cool (sometimes cold!) nights — and desert wind that can make it feel even chillier. Layers are your friend.
- Don’t forget the reusable water bottle. There are refill stations throughout the venue, and while bottled water is available, it doesn’t stay cold long.
- Study your seating. If you’re at Stadium 2, Section 204 is gold — morning sun, afternoon shade.
- Consider a grounds pass. It gives you access to every court except Stadium 1, and you’ll still see tons of action up close.
- Plan extra time. One day at the tournament is plenty, but build in a day before and after to relax or explore the desert.
Final Serve 🎾
Between world-class tennis, incredible scenery, and that unmistakable California vibe, Indian Wells is a must for any tennis fan. Whether you go for a day or a full week, you’ll leave already planning your return.
So go ahead — Google the 2026 BNP Paribas Open dates and start planning your desert tennis getaway!