Page 69 - 2024/2025 Travel Guide to CALIFORNIA

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.
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.
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 underthedesertsun.Todayknownasthe 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.
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