La Quinta Travel Guide

Plan your dream trip to La Quinta with this comprehensive guide. Discover the best things to do in La Quinta, where to eat and stay, and much more.


Introduction to La Quinta

Located in Riverside County, Southern California, La Quinta is a stunning destination that features world-class golfing, hiking, and stunning views of the Santa Rosa Mountains. The name, which means “the fifth” in Spanish, was given to the town because it was once the fifth stop on the route from Banning to Los Angeles. Today, La Quinta has become a popular destination for vacationers, retirees, and even celebrities. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you the top attractions, best activities, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in La Quinta

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • La Quinta Museum - Discover the history of La Quinta through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.
  • Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Explore the diverse wildlife and unique geology of the Salton Sea.
  • Old Town La Quinta - Take a stroll through the charming streets of Old Town and enjoy the boutique shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

Natural Attractions of La Quinta: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Hiking/Biking Routes of La Quinta

Best Things to Do in La Quinta: Activities and Tours

  • Golfing - With over 26 golf courses in La Quinta, it’s no surprise that this is one of the top activities in the area.
  • Hot Air Balloon Rides - Soar high above the desert and enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.
  • La Quinta Farmers Market - Support local farmers and vendors while enjoying fresh produce, live music, and artisanal crafts.

Week-Long Itinerary for La Quinta

Day Activity
1 Explore Old Town La Quinta
2 Hike the La Quinta Cove Trail
3 Golf at one of the area’s many courses
4 Visit the Salton Sea State Recreation Area
5 Hot air balloon ride over the valley
6 Relax at Lake Cahuilla
7 Shop at the La Quinta Farmers Market

Food and Drink Scene of La Quinta

Must-Try Dishes

  • Date Shake - Made with local dates, ice cream, and milk, this drink is a must-try when visiting La Quinta.
  • Fish Tacos - With fresh seafood caught daily, the fish tacos in La Quinta are some of the best you’ll ever taste.
  • Carne Asada - This classic Mexican dish is seasoned to perfection and served with tortillas, salsa, and guacamole.

Local Beverages

  • Date Palm Shakes - Another delicious drink made with dates, this one is blended with milk and topped with whipped cream.
  • Margaritas - Made with fresh-squeezed lime juice, agave nectar, and top-shelf tequila, the margaritas in La Quinta are some of the best in California.
  • Craft Beers - With several local microbreweries in the area, beer lovers will have plenty of options to choose from.

Where to Stay in La Quinta: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

What to Buy in La Quinta: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Dates - With over 6,000 acres of date palms in the Coachella Valley, this sweet fruit is a staple of La Quinta.
  • Artisanal Crafts - Local artisans sell pottery, jewelry, and other handmade goods in Old Town La Quinta.
  • Wine - Several local wineries in the area produce delicious wines using grapes grown in the nearby mountains.

Local Culture and Customs of La Quinta

  • Dress code - La Quinta is a casual destination, so pack comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities and golfing.
  • Tipping - It is customary to tip 15-20% at restaurants and for other services.
  • Traffic - Be aware of traffic patterns and congestion during peak tourist season, which is typically in the winter months.

Best Time to Visit La Quinta

The best time to visit La Quinta is in the fall and spring when the weather is mild and comfortable. Temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees in the summer months, so plan accordingly if you visit during that time. Winter months can also be a great time to visit, especially for those wanting to golf or escape colder temperatures.

Do’s and Don’ts of La Quinta

Do:

  • Wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water if you plan to spend time outdoors.
  • Play a round of golf at one of the area’s many courses.
  • Visit the La Quinta Museum to learn about the town’s history.

Don’t:

  • Don’t go hiking alone, especially in the summer months when temperatures can be dangerously high.
  • Don’t forget to tip service staff at restaurants and other service industries.
  • Don’t forget to bring proper attire when golfing or visiting high-end establishments.

Safety and Health

Safety in La Quinta

La Quinta is a safe destination, but as with any travel experience, common sense measures should be followed. Avoid displaying flashy or expensive items and be aware of your surroundings when walking alone at night.

Health in La Quinta

Heat exhaustion can be a concern during hot summer months, so be sure to wear appropriate clothing and bring plenty of water when spending extended periods outdoors. In case of an emergency, the nearest hospital is Eisenhower Health in nearby Rancho Mirage.

Getting to La Quinta: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near La Quinta

  • Palm Springs International Airport (17 miles)
  • Ontario International Airport (79 miles)

Bus Stations Near La Quinta

  • Greyhound Station - Indio (5 miles)
  • SunLine Transit Agency (Local Bus Service)

Other Options

Car rentals and taxis are also available at both Palm Springs International Airport and Ontario International Airport.

How to Get Around in La Quinta

The best way to get around in La Quinta is by car or bike. Several rental car companies are available at the airports in Palm Springs or Ontario. Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available.

Where to Go Next from La Quinta: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Palm Springs (30 miles) - Known for its luxury resorts, hot springs, and stunning desert landscape.
  • Joshua Tree National Park (65 miles) - A stunning national park famous for its unique rock formations and Joshua trees.
  • San Diego (140 miles) - Experience the beauty of Southern California coastline, world-famous beaches, and San Diego Zoo.

Conclusion

La Quinta is a stunning destination that offers stunning natural beauty, world-class golfing, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking to relax in a luxury resort or explore the great outdoors, La Quinta is a destination you won’t soon forget.