Indian Wells

Indian Wells, California

Indian Wells is a village in California, United States, nestled in a cove in the Santa Rosa Mountains. The village was incorporated in 1967 and boasts blossoming palm trees, gardens, and lush, breathtaking scenery in all directions. While being host to luxurious resorts, Indian Wells is also a mere 20-minute drive from the Palm Springs International Airport. Before the arrival of settlers, the area now known as Indian Wells was a thriving Native American village. After the arrival of settlers and upon the discovery of gold, a trail was built from Los Angeles through the desert, leading to said gold mines. This trail passed through Indian Wells, and the village became an important stop along the rails. The area's first golf courses were opened in the 1950s, and in 1957 the first hotel was opened by Desi Arnaz, named simply the Indian Wells Hotel. In 1960, the first Bob Hope Desert Classic golf tournament was held.

Additionally, the city is host to the sixth-largest tennis tournament in the world- the Indian Wells Masters tennis Tournament- presently known as the BNP Paribas Open. The tournament is one of nine ATP World Tour Masters 1000 high-level events that is operated by the Association of Tennis Professionals and is one of the four WTA Premier Mandatory tournaments of the Women's Tennis Association. These tournaments are held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, which holds the second-largest tennis-specific stadium in the world.

Geography And Climate Of Indian Wells

Indian Wells
The beautiful landscape of Indian Wells.

Indian Wells is located in Riverside County, California. According to the United States Census Bureau, the area is made up of a total area of 14.6 square miles. 14.3 of the 14.6 square miles is land, and 0.3 square miles- 1.85%- is water. Summers in Indian Wells is classified as arid and sweltering, with winters being classified as cool. It is mostly clear year-round, and the temperature typically varies from 6 °C to 42 °C and rarely falls within the below 2 °C or above 45 °C range. The best time to visit Indian Wells is from late May to late September.

Population And Economy

Indian Wells has a population of approximately 4,958 people, with a population density of 339.8 inhabitants per square mile. From 2009-2013, it was recorded that Indian Wells had a median household income of $83,884, with 5.2% of the population living below the federal poverty line.

Tourist Attractions In Indian Wells

Indian Wells hosts several country clubs, such as the Toscana Country Club, a variety of golf resorts, such as the Indian Wells Golf Resort and Indian Wells Golf Club, and several bars and pubs, including The Nest. Some other enticing tourist attractions are as follows:

Indian Wells Tennis Gardens

Indian Wells Tennis Garden
Aerial view of Indian Wells with the Tennis Gardens in the front.

Opening in March of 2000, The Indian Wells Tennis Garden held the vision of becoming a world-renowned tennis sanctuary. It has become known as a form of a tennis oasis with what is considered one of the most picturesque and luxurious venues in all sports. It houses the world's second-largest outdoor tennis stadium, which can host 16,100 visitors, a second stadium with an additional 8,000-seat capacity, 29 regulation hard courts, a beautiful member's lounge, and a spacious fitness center with locker rooms. Among the many other sports and entertainment events that this venue is known for hosting, the BNP Paribas Open is held at this venue. This tournament is known to be the world's largest combined men's and women's tennis tournament.

Fantasy Balloons

For the more adventurous of visitors, Indian Wells is home to Fantasy Balloon flights. Founded in 1981, Fantasy Balloons offers hot-air balloon voyages with FAA-certified commercial pilots/instructors, typically covering a 10-30 mile journey spanning over 60-90 minutes. Voyagers will enjoy a 'bird's eye view' of Indian Wells's majestic mountains, a panorama of the surrounding cities, farms, resorts, and the desert. The adventure additionally provides exciting views of the agricultural areas to the east of the Indian Wells area, which includes date palm groves, vineyards, and citrus. The pilot will point out interesting sites throughout the flight, including windmill farms, natural landmarks, and celebrity homes.

Although small in size, the community of Indian Wells offers some major attractions. It is an ideal place for those seeking serenity, and the outdoors. 

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