You don’t have to venture far to find a relaxing moment in La Quinta. Planning a three-day La Quinta staycation is ideal for recharging in sun-soaked surroundings this year.
Why La Quinta is The Ideal Staycation for SoCal Locals
La Quinta is a peaceful and welcoming destination. When you take a few days to immerse yourself in this scenic desert escape, your staycation experience will have you feeling worlds away without any major travel required.
Easy Drive
Planning a La Quinta staycation is a refreshingly easy option for Southern California residents. Located just over 2 hours from Los Angeles and just over 2.5 hours from San Diego, it’s a place that can be reached with a morning drive. Staycationers don’t have to worry about the stress of flying, airport lines, or complicated planning ahead of time. It’s a getaway that can be pulled together spontaneously and enjoyed thoroughly any time of year.
Relaxing Alternative to Palm Springs
For many travelers, a staycation in La Quinta is a tranquil alternative to places like Palm Springs. Here, you can swap out nightlife and large groups for the calm that comes with the Santa Rosa Mountains. Life in La Quinta moves more slowly, and it’s easier to make dinner reservations, tee times, and enjoy shopping at your own pace.
Perfect for Last-Minute Trips
Making the most of a SoCal weekend getaway to La Quinta doesn’t require extensive planning. The weather here is mild throughout fall, winter, and spring, so visitors can easily balance indoor and outdoor activities on their itineraries. At Legacy Villas, we have last-minute rental options available that make spontaneous staycation getaways even more welcoming, no matter when you’re inspired to book a stay.
Day 1 – Settle Into the Resort Atmosphere
Your first day of staycation in La Quinta deserves to be all about slowing down. We recommend easing into the relaxed desert pace from the start.
Check-In and Explore
Start by checking into your spacious and luxurious staycation rental at Legacy Villas. Our resort-style community sets a pristine tone for your staycation experience. Once you’ve dropped off your luggage and had a moment to relax, consider taking a walk along the community pathways and admiring our many fountains, hot spas, and lounge areas.
Afternoon Relaxation at the Pool
This afternoon, make time to treat yourself to a laid-back moment at one of our 12 sparkling pools. Enjoy a refreshing swim, read a book by the water, and let the kids splash and play at their own pace if you’re staycationing as a family.
Have a Laid-Back Dinner
When cravings come calling on night one, keep things casual at Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill. Located in the heart of Old Town, this family-friendly eatery hosts a fresh-air patio and is a great place to enjoy rib bites, blackened chicken pizza, or their fan-favorite stuft taco.
- Address: 78015 Main Street #100, La Quinta, California, 92253
- Hours: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily
- Menu
Day 2 – Outdoor Adventures
A staycation in La Quinta isn’t quite complete until you’ve taken time to explore the great outdoors. Day two of your getaway will focus on quality time in nature.
Morning Hike in La Quinta Cove
Today begins with time on the Cove to Lake Trail. Heading out early makes it simple to pair this desert hike with fresh air, fewer crowds, and the sunrise. The Cove to Lake Trail is loved by hiking enthusiasts for its beautiful scenery. It’s a route that’s suitable for experienced hikers, as the surface is a combination of loose sand and gravel. Make sure to bring your camera to capture lake views when you reach the end of the path.
- Length: 6.3 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 866 feet
- Trail Map
Mid-Day Exploration of Old Town La Quinta
After your invigorating hike, fill your afternoon with fun outdoors on day two of your stay in Old Town. This historic area is a top destination for strolling, coffee stops, and great shopping. There are outdoor patios to linger on, boutique stores to discover, and art galleries to browse.
Afternoon Golf Time
La Quinta has long been loved for its collection of incredible golf courses. If you have a passion for time on the greens, the afternoon of day two is the ideal time to hone your short and long game at SilverRock Resort. The course here showcases the beauty of the Santa Rosa Mountains while offering a balance of fun and challenging fairways. The course, designed by Arnold Palmer, is truly one of La Quinta’s standout experiences for golfers of all skill levels.
- Address: 79179 Ahmanson Lane, La Quinta, California, 92253
- Hours: 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily
- Golf Rates
Sunset Dinner & Drinks
End the second day of your staycation in La Quinta with a delicious meal at Lavender Bistro. This eatery features a collection of modern California-inspired dishes which can be enjoyed on a gorgeous garden patio. Here, you can take time to reminisce about your outdoor adventures while savoring selections such as chilled jumbo shrimp cocktail, lobster ravioli, or miso-glazed salmon. If you drop by for a meal after 5:00 PM, you’ll be right on time to enjoy live music as well.
- Address: 78073 Calle Barcelona, La Quinta, California, 72253
- Hours: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily
- Menu
Day 3 – Relaxation and Slow Departure
The final day of your staycation in La Quinta should be an exercise in ease. Sleep in, get ready at a leisurely pace, and enjoy your surroundings without rushing.
Leisurely Morning in Your Villa
When you book a stay through Legacy Villas with a private patio or balcony included, you can take time to greet the sunrise with coffee in hand without going anywhere at all. Afterward, head to the pool for a relaxing dip in the water before heading out for a stroll on one of the lush community pathways.
Brunch Favorites
Day three is optimal for a brunch experience at Louise’s Pantry. Here, the menu features classic American breakfast dishes in abundance, and patrons love the generous portions. Louise’s Pantry is the place to be for friendly service and home-style meals, whether you’re in the mood for eggs Benedict, buttermilk pancakes, or strawberry-topped French toast.
- Address: 47150 Washington Street, La Quinta, California, 92253
- Hours: 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM daily
- Menu
Optional Add-Ons Before You Head Home
If you find yourself with some extra time during your La Quinta staycation, there are always fun activities to consider adding to your itinerary. We recommend:
- Treating yourself to a restorative session at a local spa
- Taking a final walk through Old Town in search of delicious snacks and whimsical souvenirs
- Making time for a scenic desert drive before you head back home
Tips for Planning Your Staycation
A spontaneous getaway to La Quinta is a treat. However, a little planning can go a long way toward making your experience even more meaningful.
Best Time of Year for a Desert Escape
Staycationers hoping to make the most of a getaway defined by mild temperatures for outdoor adventure will want to make plans in the fall, winter, or spring. Summer temperatures can easily rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit by midday. While this can make it necessary to plan outdoor adventures for the early morning and evening, it’s a quieter time of year with fewer crowds.
What to Pack for a Staycation
No matter when you staycation in La Quinta, it’s a good idea to make sure you’ve packed:
- Swimwear
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light layers for cool evenings
- Golf or hiking gear
- A reusable water bottle
Maximizing Your Relaxation Time
When you want to ensure you’re making the most of your weekend getaway to La Quinta, it’s advisable to keep your itinerary simple. Typically, one or two activities a day are enough to enjoy yourself without feeling overwhelmed. We would also recommend:
- Building pool, patio, and downtime into your staycation
- Taking full advantage of your villa’s kitchen, private patio, and great views
- Disconnecting from work and notifications while you’re here
Ready for Your La Quinta Staycation?
At Legacy Villas, we provide staycationers with property options that offer elevated standards of comfort, convenience, and style. Whether you’re here for a weekend or looking forward to an extended stay, we’ll help you feel right at home. Reach out today to learn more about our accommodations, resort-style amenities, and proximity to area fun. We can’t wait to see you in La Quinta soon.
