Page 69 - 2024-2025 Travel Guide to California

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Cove Trails; shopping Old Town La Quinta; Birdsong Mural; dining by Lake La Quinta.
OPPOSITE: Cove Trails, top; Cliffhouse meal, bottom.
flora and impressive mountain views. Suit-
able 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 Pre-
serve, 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
October to April. Join a nighttime Star Party
in the Mountains sky tour and study the
night sky through telescopes and binocu-
lars. For info on biking, hiking and 15 city
parks, download the Bike, Trails and Parks
Map on PlayInLaQuinta.com or find one at
City Hall.
A Public Art Oasis
In this vibrant art community, the famous
murals are worth a drive around town. Down-
load an Art Map at PlayInLaQuinta.com.
Inspired by the desert, native wildlife,
and local history, view murals such as
“Portal of Poppies” by Larry Cush at Desert
Club Drive and Calle Tampico or a Terri
Hayes sculpture, “Fish Traps with Bear,” at
Bear Creek Trail.
The city’s newest mural, “Birdsong,”
reflects the legacy of the Desert Cahuilla
Indians; view it on Avenida Montezuma on
a building next to the La Quinta Art
Museum. Find more murals at the La Quinta
Library and at Art @ Fifth, a public art exhibit
displaying over 100 unique pieces, from
sculpture to mosaics.
Billed as the nation’s top fine art and craft
showcase, the La Quinta Arts Celebration
welcomes artists from around the world
each March. View original works in ten dif-
ferent categories, including digital, glass
and 3D mixed media.
Or make your own art. Create a cool gift
to bring home at Art Major, a hands-on art
studio for kids and adults at Plaza La Quinta.
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 jewelry, golf
apparel or gifts. Afterwards, find a café for
dining local-style, alfresco under drapes of
bougainvillea.
On Sundays from October through May,
experience Coachella Valley’s agricultural
abundance at Old Town’s certified farmers’
market. Pick out locally-grown fruit, honey
or flowers as well as chef-prepared dishes
and artisanal goods. Arrive early for
morning yoga on the lawn, hosted by
Gather, a local studio.
La Quinta’s Hollywood History
Explore local history at the La Quinta
Museum with Andre Blanche’s 32-foot-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 and 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 and
Club.
2024-25 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA 67