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La Quinta is a desert resort city in the Coachella Valley of Southern California, tucked against the rugged Santa Rosa Mountains about 20 miles southeast of Palm Springs. The Cahuilla people lived in the area for centuries, drawing on the springs and the shoreline of ancient Lake Cahuilla, whose old waterline can still be traced on the rocks. Modern La Quinta began in 1926, when the La Quinta Hotel opened as a secluded Spanish Colonial hideaway that drew Hollywood stars, and the community grew around it before incorporating as a city in 1982.
Today La Quinta has about 38,000 residents and is known as the Gem of the Desert. Its neighborhoods of red tile roofs and palm-lined streets spread across the valley floor, while the Cove neighborhood sits right at the foot of the mountains. The city is a major golf destination, with famous courses at PGA West and La Quinta Resort, and it hosts a stop on the PGA Tour each January. Old Town La Quinta, built in a Mexican village style, has restaurants, galleries, a weekly farmers market and events.
Outdoor lovers come for the mountains. The Cove Oasis Trailhead gives direct access to the Bear Creek Trail, Boo Hoff Trail and Cove to Lake Trail, with views across the valley and frequent sightings of desert bighorn sheep, roadrunners and wildflowers in spring. Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park offers fishing and camping beneath the peaks, and the La Quinta Museum tells the story of the city's Cahuilla, ranching and resort history. Winters are sunny and mild, making La Quinta a favorite escape from colder climates.
A historic desert resort opened in 1926, with Spanish Colonial style casitas, dozens of pools, tennis courts and golf courses set against the Santa Rosa Mountains. Old Hollywood stars once used it as a hideaway. Non-guests can visit its restaurants and spa, and stroll the grounds after a meal.
A large Mission Revival parish church on Washington Street, built with a bell tower, arches and a tiled courtyard that echo the California missions, set against the mountains. Visitors are welcome outside of services. Step inside quietly to see the interior and check service times before a visit.
A compact Mission-style shopping village on Main Street with restaurants, cafes, boutiques, galleries and a weekly certified farmers market held in the cooler months. Fountains and shaded courtyards make it pleasant for a slow stroll. Come on a winter Sunday morning for the market and stay for brunch.
The trailhead at the top of the La Quinta Cove neighborhood, with parking, restrooms and access to desert hikes such as the Bear Creek Trail and the Cove to Lake Trail into the Santa Rosa Mountains. Bighorn sheep are sometimes seen. Hike in early morning, carry plenty of water and avoid summer afternoons.
A county park around a reservoir at the edge of the desert, with fishing for catfish and winter trout, a campground, picnic areas, a seasonal swimming area and trails linking to the mountains. Views of the Santa Rosas are wide open. A day-use fee applies and swimming in the lake itself is not allowed.
A landscaped park next to City Hall and the library, with a lake, walking paths, desert gardens, public art and wide lawns used for city events and the annual art festival. It is a calm place for an evening walk. Bring a picnic and visit around sunset, when the mountains glow behind the lake.
A city park on Avenue 52 with tennis and pickleball courts, a public swimming pool open in warmer months, a playground, dog park and picnic areas under shade trees. It is a practical stop for families and active visitors. Check pool hours with the city and reserve courts ahead in the busy winter season.
A major golf resort community with several championship courses, including the TPC Stadium Course designed by Pete Dye with its famous island green on the 17th hole. It hosts The American Express PGA Tour event each January. Some courses take public tee times; book well ahead in the winter season.
A small city museum near Old Town that tells the history of La Quinta, from the Cahuilla people and early settlers to the resort and golf era, with rotating art and history exhibits and family activities. Admission is modest or free. It makes a good cool indoor stop on a hot afternoon.
A juried outdoor art festival held each March at the La Quinta Civic Center Campus, with painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelers and other artists from around the country, plus food and wine areas. It is one of the larger art shows in the region. Buy tickets in advance and wear a hat for the sun.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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