The chic resort area of La Quinta espouses the lifestyle of California’s elite. The town is the leading golf destination in the US, dotted with Spanish-style casitas, located in the Coachella Valley between Indian Wells and Indio, in Riverside County. A destination renowned for being a health and fitness oasis, La Quinta offers panoramic mountain views over lush greenery. In addition to the spectacular views and idyllic weather, the town embraces local art and culture, with food connoisseurs rejoicing over the freshest local ingredients and interesting culinary mixes. Explore Old Town for its cobblestone sidewalks and bright bougainvillaeas or take in the city with hiking or biking options. Read on to find your most comprehensive list of things to do in La Quinta, California.
1. Admire nature at Cove Oasis
There is no better way to take in the desert landscape of La Quinta than with one of the many hikes that the town has to offer. The Cove Oasis offers hike mountain views and surrounding lakes bundled in a family friendly hike on a well-marked trail. There are options to take trails that are short or longer in distance, depending on your availability and schedule of the day. The hike takes you through the golf course, Morrow Trail and finally to Lake Cahuilla.
Cove Oasis
Website: Cove Oasis
2. Visit Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Finding a lake in a desert is a dreamy experience for many hikers, and Lake Cahuilla delivers. A peaceful 710-acres (287 hectares) park surrounds the lake for an ideal picnic destination, isolated from the busy streets of California. The park is also ideal for overnight stays for the more adventurous amongst us, with 91 individuals and group campsites in the backdrop of the stunning Santa Rosa Mountains.
Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park
Address: 4600 Crestmore Road, Jurupa Valley, CA 92509
Website: Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 6am - 7pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 6 USD
3. Learn the history at La Quinta Museum
History buffs will enjoy learning about La Quinta’s place and the city’s story within the historical narrative of the USA. The La Quinta museum preserves the city’s past in a beautiful two-story Spanish Colonial Revival style building. An ideal way to spend rainy afternoons, exploring the museum the several permanent and travelling exhibitions that are available for viewing. Take advantage of the frequent events and cultural activities that are also hosted at the museum, ideal for families and children of all ages.
La Quinta Museum
Address: 77-885 Avenida Montezuma, La Quinta, CA 92253
Website: La Quinta Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tues)
Price: Free entry
4. Explore IMAGES Fine Art Gallery & Garden
La Quinta’s art scene is buzzing. From the galleries, regular exhibitions to art shows and frequent pop-ups, the town is well known for its contributions to the art world and its renowned art galleries that showcase a range of local, national and international artists. The IMAGES Fine Art Gallery & Garden is a standout space in the area, open to the public by reservation only, its worth walking through their gallery and gardens for a wonderful experience and relaxed way to spend an afternoon.
IMAGES Fine Art Gallery & Garden
Address: La Quinta, CA 92253 USA
Website: IMAGES Fine Art Gallery & Garden
Opening hours: By appointment
5. Go skating at La Quinta Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The 18 acres (7.2 hectares) of La Quinta Park make for an ideal location for a family outing. The skate park is a popular year-round and is the ideal way to burn off some energy and calories. Horne in on perfecting your skating skills The park is fully equipped with barbecue grills and picnic tables and the largest in the city, making it an ideal location to spend an evening with family and friends.
La Quinta Park
Address: Corner of Blackhawk Way & Adams Street, La Quinta, CA 92253
Website: La Quinta Park
6. Go camping at Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area
Whether a scenic hike or a drive in your RV led you to the Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area, you will be pleasantly greeted by the wonderful sights and sounds of the area, including the resident bighorn sheep, a scenic lake acting as an oasis in the desert and ofcourse an amazing golf course, a true reminder of being in California. Camping has long been a popular activity in the area with locals and visitors alike, an opportunity to take in the surrounding mountains and for several outdoor activities, it is an ideal location for families and friends to take advantage of the scenery and warm weather.
Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area
Address: 58075 Jefferson St, La Quinta, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92253-7676
Website: Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area
7. Tour Fred Wolff Nature Preserve
A family-friendly nature preserve where kids on bicycles and dogs are welcomed along the hiking routes. Enjoy the natural vegetation of the area including smoke trees, paloverde, creosote bush, and cheesebush, a sight for visitors from outside California in particular. The natural preserve has is highly regarded for its preservation of wildlife and as a natural desert park for the La Quinta community.
Fred Wolff Nature Preserve
Address: 54855 Avenida Madero, La Quinta, CA 92253
Website: Fred Wolff Nature Preserve
8. Take your kids to Adams Park
If anybody wants to come have some fun for $5, were at Adams park in la Quinta. It also works as a couples therapy ☺️.
Posted by David Valenzuela on Sunday, 23 October 2016
The ideal space for toddlers and older children alike, Adams Park delivers a playground, an interactive water feature and a large field area providing ample space for running and stretching those legs. Take advantage of the volleyball area and spend time interacting with family and friends over the net.
Adams Park
Address: 78930 La Palma Dr, La Quinta, CA 92253
Website: Adams Park
9. Indulge the children at Fritz Burns Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A park designed to shave off the energy of your children and dogs, Fritz Burns Park is equipped with a playground, tennis courts, a swimming pool, a skate park and dog park, perfect for your evening activity quota with the kids. The family-friendly space also has picnic tables and a barbecue for rent, to get the whole clan together on the weekend.
Fritz Burns Park
Address: 78107 Avenue 52, La Quinta, CA 92253
Website: Fritz Burns Park
10. Buy fresh produce at Certified Farmers Market
The Sunday farmers market is the local haunt to finding California’s freshest produce, a variety of herbs, honey, nuts and cheese. Expect to find everything from fresh-cut flower bouquets to organic meat and warm, just out of the oven baked bread. Pair your findings with an array of condiments made locally, and educated with chef demonstrations and knife sharpening workshops that take place at the market. The whole family can enjoy live music, sip on a coffee and brunch for the perfect start to your Sunday.
Certified Farmers Market
Address: 78100 Min St., La Quinta, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92253
Website: Certified Farmers Market
Opening hours: Sun: 8am - 12:30pm (closed from Mon - Sat)
11. Watch a show at Century La Quinta and XD
The no-fuss, no-plan ahead option for entertainment is to catch a movie at Century La Quinta and XD. Relax in the comfortable seating, snack on some salty or sweet popcorn and enjoy a few hours diving into a different world. The theatre offers a variety of the latest movie choices so there should be no trouble to pick a favourite.
Century La Quinta and XD
Address: 46800 Washington St, La Quinta, CA 92253
Website: Century La Quinta and XD
12. Catch a game with drinks at Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill
Swing by this eatery for the best pizzas, burgers and other indulgent all-American items on the menu. Drinks seem to flow quickly and the vibrant atmosphere is inviting and filled with chatter and laughter on any given evening. A quality sports bar and all round venue choice for an evening out, Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill is a delicious dining choice in La Quinta.
Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill
Address: 78015 Main St Ste 100 La Quinta CA 92253
Website: Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Mon - Thu: 11am - 9.30pm; Sun: 10am - 9pm
13. Child-friendly entertainment at Velasco Park
Posted by Nancy Phillips-Rubarth on Sunday, 11 December 2016
Head to Velasco Park for the playground and open spaces, making the location an ideal space for toddler-friendly entertainment. Sit by the picnic tables and enjoy La Quinta’s fresh California weather in this local park. It is popular with those residing in the nearby residential neighbourhood.
Velasco Park
Address: Calle Temecula, La Quinta, CA 92253
Website: Velasco Park
14. Dine at La Quinta Cliffhouse Grill and Bar
To take your dining game up a notch, visit La Quinta Cliffhouse, a hidden culinary gem in La Quinta. A hugely sought-after place to dine, the restaurant boasts beautiful views of the desert from its cliffside location. Indulge in steak, pasta and fresh seafood dishes alongside an award-winning wine list and creative cocktails.
La Quinta Cliffhouse Grill and Bar
Address: 78250 Highway 111 La Quinta, CA 92253
Website: La Quinta Cliffhouse Grill and Bar
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 4.30pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 4.30pm - 9pm
15. Play golf at PGA West TPC Stadium Golf Course
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The PGA West Stadium Course is a golf course conveniently located in La Quinta and is considered one of America’s top golf courses. Playing host to a number of tournaments as part of the Tournament Players Club network of courses, golf-lovers should not miss the opportunity to play a round or two here during your visit.
PGA West TPC Stadium Golf Course
Address: 55-955 Pga Blvd, La Quinta, CA 92253
Website: PGA West TPC Stadium Golf Course
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
16. Stroll through Desert Pride Park
Another city park in which picnic tables and the playground can entice you to stay for some fresh air and to spend time outdoors. Enjoy the walking path for your daily exercise or take in the public art that you see across the park. A playground for kids is also available for entertainment options.
Desert Pride Park
Address: Birchcrest Cir, La Quinta, CA 92253
Website: Desert Pride Park
17. Check out La Quinta Community Fitness Center & Park
Editor’s note: There’s no photo available at the time of writing
Get your heart pumping and burn those extra holiday calories at the La Quinta Community Fitness Center & Park. A great option for those looking to stay active in La Quinta, the centre offers full access to the gym and equipment, exercise classes that include yoga and Zumba. Take advantage of their central location and varied schedule of classes to keep you trim and fit during your stay in La Quinta.
La Quinta Community Fitness Center & Park
Address: 77865 Avenida Montezuma, La Quinta, CA 92253, USA
Website: La Quinta Community Fitness Center & Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5.30am - 9pm; Sat: 8am - 12pm (closed on Sun)
18. Wind down at Eisenhower Park
Spend the day with friends, family and your pets at Eisenhower Park, the ideal La Quinta location for a day in the sunshine. Equipped with a playground for the children, spend a morning or afternoon with a picnic or just find a shady location from which to enjoy your latest read. The warm sunsets and breeze combined with lush greenery make for peaceful surroundings at the end of busy days.
Eisenhower Park
Address: Eisenhower Drive, La Quinta, CA 92253
Website: Eisenhower Park
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
Plan your next Palm Springs escape
California’s quintessential city offers many options for entertainment, both indoor and outdoor things to do during your time in La Quinta. Take advantage of the many parks and local neighbourhoods, top-quality golf courses and hiking trails that you find across the town. Learn about the history of La Quinta and indulge in some shopping during your stay. There is surely something for everyone to do on their idyllic Palm Springs escape.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to