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california
La Quinta
La Quinta’s desert landscapes offer outdoor adventures and vibrant public art with a dash of Hollywood history
By LENORE GREINER
At the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains, sun-washed La Quinta offers year-round fun in temperatures averaging 75 degrees. Amid native smoke trees and purple sand verbena flowers, this desert city draws hikers and bikers, families and art lovers, shoppers and foodies.
Play Outside
Popular with local and visiting cyclists, this resort destination recently refreshed miles of bike lanes with visually appealing lime green reflective paint for safety. Around town, bikers can ride pancake flat bike paths. Outside town, mountain bikers can tackle off-road desert and mountain trails. Bring your own bike or rent a cruiser at Village Peddler. If you want to go farther and faster, rent an e-bike from Pedego Electric Bikes.
Suitable for all skill levels, trek past palm trees on compacted trails or tackle a steep, rugged mountain route. Whether hiking or biking, head to the Fred Wolff Nature Preserve, a natural desert park and wildlife habitat with trails winding past palo verde trees and creosote bushes. Carry lots of water and watch out for critters, such as the native Gambel’s quail.
The La Quinta Cove hiking trails offer organized group hikes in partnership with Friends of the Desert Mountains from November–March. Join a nighttime Star Party in the Mountains sky tour and study the night sky through telescopes and binoculars. For info on biking, hiking and 17 city parks, download the Bike Trails and Parks Map on PlayInLaQuinta.com or find one at City Hall.
An Enchanting Historic District
Inspired by Carmel, CA, wander the Spanish-style cobblestone streets of Old Town La Quinta for its creative vibe and architectural charm. Explore upmarket boutiques and art galleries for jewellery, golf apparel or gifts. Afterwards, find a café for dining local-style, alfresco under drapes of bougainvillea.
La Quinta’s Hollywood History
Explore local history at the La Quinta Museum with Andre Blanche’s 10-metre-long mural depicting the town’s rich history. In the local history gallery, learn about the earliest residents, the Desert Cahuilla Indians, one of the few Native American tribes who dug wells.
Next, head to the 1926 La Quinta Hotel to explore old Hollywood history. At this Tinseltown haunt, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo and Shirley Temple escaped to play under the desert sun. Today known as the luxe La Quinta Resort & Club, this resort literally gave the city its name upon its 1982 incorporation.
Around town, lodgings range from short- and long-term vacation homes, chain hotels and gorgeous resorts; many are pet friendly, including the upscale Chateau at Lake La Quinta. Or go Hollywood in a luxury suite at the La Quinta Resort & Club.
Travel Planner
For more travel information about La Quinta, visit PlayInLaQuinta.com
