Page 80 - 2022-2023 Travel Guide to California

LA QUINTA
Escape to La Quinta for desert landscapes, world-class golf,
outdoor art, and a dash of Hollywood history
HIKE, GOLF,
SHOP, DINE
CITY OF
LA QUINTA
PlayInLaQuinta.com
THE SANTA ROSA MOUNTAINS at La Quinta
Cove, above; Walk Through Arch at Fritz Burns
Park, below.
The place to play, in sun-washed La
Quinta, is where you can find miles of
biking and hiking trails, 11 parks and
25 golf courses amid native Smoke Trees
and Purple Sand Verbena flowers. At the
foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains, this
desert city offers an abundance of outdoor
enjoyment with a year-round average tem-
perature of 75 degrees.
Abundant Outdoor Sports
Dubbed the world’s golf capital, La Quinta
boasts velvety greens winding around wide
lakes against a backdrop of shadowy moun-
tains, many open to the public. Hit the links
at premier golf courses such as the La Quinta
Resort & Club, PGA West, and Talus La Quinta
—the sites of legendary golf tournaments.
La Quinta boasts miles of paved and off-
road bike trails. Mountain bikers can tackle
desert trails that begin at the top of the
cove. Or rent a cruiser for a flat ride on city
bike routes. Open year-round, the La
Quinta Cove Hiking Trails offers many skill
levels for trekking past palm trees and
desert flora. From October to April, join
organized group hikes, including moon-
light excursions and explorations of
historical petroglyphs.
Extreme sports enthusiasts will want to
try out X Park, the newly opened world-
class skatepark. At Fritz Burns Park, enjoy a
game of the popular sport, pickleball.
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B Y L E N O R E G R E I N E R
An Artistic Oasis
La Quinta has a famous public art collec-
tion, visible throughout the city. Art lovers
can explore Art @ Fifth, a district which
encompasses the city’s entire art com-
munity, including public art, galleries,
shows, events and classes.
Afterwards, visit the enchanting historic
district of Old Town Village. Within its
Renaissance-inspired architecture, find
upmarket boutiques offering jewelry, golf
apparel or gifts. Eat out La Quinta-style,
dining alfresco under drapes of bou-
gainvillea beneath a clear sky.
Hollywood History
At the La Quinta Museum, learn about the
area’s local history, including its first resi-
dents—the Cahuilla Indian tribe—one of
the few Native American tribes who dug
wells. Or discover a favorite haunt of old
Hollywood: the 1926 La Quinta Hotel,
where Clark Gable, Greta Garbo and Shirley
Temple escaped to hide away and play.
Known today as the luxe La Quinta Resort
and Club, it inspired the city’s name when
La Quinta incorporated in 1982.
La Quinta’s lodging options include
vacation rentals and gorgeous hotels,
many pet-friendly, such as the upscale
Chateau at Lake La Quinta. Or go Holly-
wood with a luxurious suite at the La
Quinta Resort and Club.
JLMASTER4 FILMS; LAURA GREEN