La Quinta, A Coachella Valley Gem, Is Most Certainly Not A Hotel Chain
Originally published in Forbes
It might be trite to use the word “literally,” but in this sense, it is accurate. Literally everyone I spoke to before traveling to La Quinta asked me why I would visit a chain of roadside hotels. La Quinta is, in fact, a beautiful Palm Springs-adjacent city in California named after the five-star resort and spa founded there, and it has no ties whatsoever to the chain. And what did I know about it? That the Golden Bachelor wedding was filmed there, and that it looked positively idyllic.
Imagine my surprise, then, when I learned that the history of both the city and the resort is deep, beginning with the Cahuilla people, nurtured from a kernel of a developer’s idea, then discovered by vacationing movie stars whose contracts forbade them from going farther than two hours from Los Angeles. It’s where Ginger Rogers held her fourth wedding, where Frank Capra wrote It’s a Wonderful Life, where Coachella and Stagecoach music festivalgoers frolic every April, and where golfers play some of the most beautiful courses in the world.
As Coachella runs from April 11-20 and Stagecoach gears up for its April 25-27 festival, the place to hang your hat and have a whole lot of fun is La Quinta.
What To Do In La Quinta, California
The best activities in La Quinta are centered around the outdoors, and trust me, you wouldn’t want it any other way. This town is pure California, with arid temps, soaring date palms, and bursts of impossibly red bougainvillea that spills from white adobe brick courtyards. Biking is a popular way to get around – designated bike lanes and minimal traffic make pedaling safe and easy, and renting an e-bike helps with the hills. Pedego Electric Bikes is located in Old Town and is the perfect starting point for a ride.
While in Old Town La Quinta, take some time to wander the local shops and enjoy the casual vibe of this quaint town. You’ll find artisanal gifts, unique clothing, hair and nail salons, and specialty items like olive oils and French macarons. Quaff your thirst with a craft beer at La Quinta Brewing Company, an establishment that despite its posh façade, serves up delightfully casual snacks like chips and soft pretzels.
If you enjoy hiking, trek out to the trailhead of Cove to Lake Trail, an in-and-out route of about 6.5 miles. I highly recommend an early morning hike – this trail is entirely exposed to the sun, so you will appreciate kicking out at least half of it before the desert heat descends on your brow. An early start also increases your chances of seeing the bighorn sheep that make this area their home. If you don’t spot any, you’ll still enjoy the surrounding Santa Rosa mountain vistas, especially as they reflect off the water of Lake Cahuilla, named after the indigenous people who found and settled in this part of California.
Your hike will even take you past a golf course, something you should make time for while in this town. La Quinta is the long-time host city for the PGA Tour’s American Express Golf Tournament, and its award-winning courses are legendary. PGA West offers four courses here including the Pete Dye Dunes Course and the Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course. Majestic mountain views, clear blue skies, and lush greens make for beautiful days on the fairway.
Finally, the small but mighty La Quinta Museum is worthy of a visit. Its displays bring to life the history of La Quinta, from the life of the early Cahuillas to the development of the desert oasis we see today. You’ll learn about the origin of the city name (spoiler alert: it comes from the La Quinta Resort & Club that started it all) and the famous people who frequented both the hotel and the city, bringing attention to a town that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.
Where To Stay In La Quinta
To really embrace the history of this city, stay in its namesake, the La Quinta Resort & Club, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026. Reserve a casita with a view of one of the 42 pools that dot the property, and be sure to dine at every restaurant on the grounds – you just can’t go wrong at any of them. In February, the resort debuted its first adults-only pool, an ultra-relaxing setting with a full bar and a market where you can grab a panini or snacks. And at Spa La Quinta, splurge on the Citrus Escape body treatment, a sugar scrub followed by a Vichy shower and topped off with a massage. Note: The walk to the spa is one of the most beautiful you will take, so allow time for photos.
Where To Eat In La Quinta
Old Town is home to a variety of restaurants, and the vast majority offer outdoor seating so you can soak up the incredible views. If I had to pick just three meals, I’d choose breakfast at Yes Please for a delectable egg sandwich and lavender honey latte and lunch at RD RNNR for a massive and filling bowl of lamb chili. Back at La Quinta Resort, make Morgan’s in the Desert your top dinner priority. The chateaubriand is cooked to perfection and perfectly paired with Levendi’s Legacy cabernet sauvignon. And do not ask for your check until you’ve indulged in the caramel cheesecake. You can thank me later.
