Things To Do In La Quinta California
I once drove into La Quinta expecting a sleepy golf town and a parking spot I could actually find. Ten minutes later, I was sipping a date shake, staring at the Santa Rosa Mou...
I once drove into La Quinta expecting a sleepy golf town and a parking spot I could actually find. Ten minutes later, I was sipping a date shake, staring at the Santa Rosa Mountains, and wondering why nobody had told me the desert could look this dramatic. That’s La Quinta: quietly confident, a little fancy, and full of surprises if you leave the resort pool.
Yes, the pools are excellent, but you don’t have to be a golf pro or a snowbird to enjoy this corner of Greater Palm Springs. Here’s what to do when you trade the lounge chair for adventure.
Start in Old Town La Quinta
Old Town is the walkable heart of things, all Spanish-style buildings and string lights. Grab coffee or breakfast, then wander the shops without a real plan. If it’s Sunday, check for the farmers’ market; if it’s not, people-watching is free.
Must Read
For lunch, try La Quinta Brewing Co. or one of the casual spots along Main Street. You’re in the desert—hydration is a personality trait, so order water too. Later, come back for dinner and live music when the weather cooperates.
Hike the Cove
The La Quinta Cove is where the mountains stop being scenery and start being a workout. The Cove to Lake Trail is a local classic, climbing steadily toward wide views of the valley. Bring sun protection and more water than feels reasonable.
If you want something shorter, the Bear Creek Trail and Fred Wolff Nature Preserve offer gentler paths. Early morning is best, unless you enjoy sweating like a piece of fruit. For serious hikers, Boo Hoff and Eisenhower Mountain deliver the bragging rights.
Play Golf, or Just Look Like You Do
La Quinta is practically a golf cathedral, with courses at PGA West, SilverRock, and La Quinta Resort & Club. If you play, book ahead—especially in winter. If you don’t, the resort grounds are still worth a wander for the architecture and mountain backdrops.
TouristSecrets | California | TouristSecrets
The La Quinta Resort & Club has that old-Hollywood desert charm. You can often enjoy a drink or spa treatment without a membership. Yes, you can pretend you’re in a 1930s movie.
Museums, Art, and Civic Center Strolls
The La Quinta Museum is small, free-ish, and surprisingly interesting if you want the story behind the date palms. Pair it with a walk around the Civic Center campus, where public art and a lake make for an easy outing. It’s the kind of place where you accidentally learn something.
In season, keep an eye out for the La Quinta Art Celebration and other events around town. Art festivals here are not just folks selling driftwood—they’re polished, juried, and full of pieces you’ll wish fit in your suitcase.
Eat, Drink, and Embrace the Date
You cannot leave the area without trying a date shake, ideally at Shields Date Garden in nearby Indio. It sounds odd, tastes like caramel and nostalgia, and somehow makes 105-degree heat feel almost charming. Also worth a stop: local Mexican food, steak houses, and any patio with misters.
La Quinta Resort Palm Springs
For a nicer night out, La Quinta Cliffhouse and similar spots deliver views with your meal. Just don’t wear your hiking shoes unless you’re making a statement. Reservations are smart in peak season.
Day Trip Beyond La Quinta
La Quinta sits close to Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and Indio, so you can easily mix things up. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is great for families, El Paseo is for shoppers, and the Indian Wells Tennis Garden is a pilgrimage for tennis fans.
If you have a full day, drive to Joshua Tree National Park or the Salton Sea for a weirder, wilder desert experience. Both are doable, but check conditions and don’t rely on your phone signal.
Final Desert Wisdom
La Quinta isn’t trying to be Palm Springs, and that’s exactly its charm. It’s relaxed, polished, and close enough to everything without feeling crowded. Come for the golf or the spa, stay for the hiking, food, and that strange date shake you’ll crave again.
Just remember: summer is for early mornings and air-conditioned museums, while fall through spring is for everything else. Drink water, wear sunscreen, and tip your server. The desert rewards good manners—and good planning.
