GETTING THERE
From Los Angeles, try the 60 Freeway through the Inland Empire instead of the dreaded 10. Or Palm Springs International Airport is a good way to go. -Jason Bentley, music director/host, KCRW Los Angeles
Leave on Thursday night. There’s no substitute to waking up in the desert Friday morning and beating all the traffic that day. -Alex Black, A&R, Warner Bros. Records
STAY HERE
Rent a house as close to the festival site as possible; we reserve ours one year in advance. Or try hotels in Palm Springs: The Ace Hotel (above) is hip and popular, or Saguro is a less expensive option. -Tom Windish, president, the Windish Agency
Everyone either stays at La Quinta or finds a house to rent, or someone else who’s renting a house to stay with. -Ryan Rabin, Grouplove
Fantasy Springs in Indio has it all: rooms, a pool, a casino, bowling and a buffet for under $20. -Alan Miller, co-owner/co-founder, Filter Creative Group
If you’re feeling like a high roller, you can’t beat the Parker. -Joe Lester, Silversun Pickups
DRINK UP
The AEG agents’ trailer is the best place for a tipple. It has AC and a big-screen TV to watch the main stage. -Simon White, United Management
Neil’s Lounge in Indio has been the dive bar since I was kid. -Joe Lester
GRUB HUB
The Kogi truck. Pitch your tent right in front. -Nicholaus Arson, the Hives
The Spicy Pie pizza stand in the VIP area. Grab a slice on your way to the Sahara Tent. -Simon White
Make time for brunch at Cheeky’s. The wait is astronomical but the huevos rancheros cannot be beat. -Jennifer Knoepfle, senior director of creative, Sony/ATV Music Publishing
Taqueria Teotihuacan, buried in a strip mall in La Quinta, is family-owned and awesome for cheap and delicious Mexican food. -Joe Lester
SIDESHOW
Joshua Tree National Park is worth an extra day off to visit. Go to the Integratron and get a sound bath. -Taylor Rice, Local Natives
Lacoste always has a great day party that isn’t impossible to get into but always fun. -Sally Bunnell, senior VP, Razor & Tie Entertainment/Kidz Bop
I love to steal away and shop for vintage mid-century modern furniture. Palm Springs has some of the best finds. -Jennifer Knoepfle
My friend is throwing a mini festival on April 20 called Desert Daze with Tinariwen and Warpaint headlining. -Joe Lester
TRAFFIC MAGIC
Buy a VIP parking pass. It’s worth its weight in gold to not have to park in the regular car park. -Simon White
Ask a local. Since I grew up there, I know quite a few secret routes. But no, I’m not telling. -Joe Lester
BIZ HOT SPOT
At the artists’ trailer area, right next to where the bands line up to eat their complimentary lunch, you’ll pretty much spot all the A&R people chugging free coconut water. -Danny Gabai, executive creative director, Vice
The Viceroy has the biggest stars chilling late at night. -Sally Bunnell
AFTER HOURS
The Neon Carnival by Bolthouse Productions typically runs on Saturday night of the first weekend. Imagine a fully equipped carnival for adults with a massive dancefloor in the center. -Jason Bentley
There are always crazy house parties in Palm Springs. Someone’s always renting out the Frank Sinatra house. There are always free towels at the Jeremy Scott party. And one time I saw someone in a bear suit grab an ice sculpture and jump in a pool. -Danny Gabai
The Merv Griffin estate is always amazing. And you can sneak in through the stables, whether or not they’re “at capacity” at the door. -Sally Bunnell
BEAT THE HEAT
The music tents are the perfect refuge from the sun during the day. But you cannot show up without sunscreen. -Tom Windish
Bring a fan, drink plenty of water and use a mister. Carry a white long-sleeve, light-material shirt to cover up from the sun-it’s brutal. -Nicole Blonder, director of marketing, Mute Records
MUST SEE
I’m excited for Disclosure and Blur. -Mickey Church, White Arrows
A big part of the experience is jumping into the musical free-fall and not planning too much, but I definitely want to see the Stone Roses, the Selecter and James Blake. -Jason Bentley