Whether it’s your first La Quinta vacation, or you spend time here every year, it’s a destination with a lot to see, experience, and explore. This gem in the Coachella Valley is packed with fan-favorite attractions to check out, but La Quinta also has hidden gems to add to your list, too. When you’re looking to find something a bit unique or off-the-beaten-path on your next getaway, the following are 10 options you’ll want to consider.
Old Town Artisan Studio
Located in the heart of Old Town La Quinta, Old Town Artisan Studios is a hidden gem you simply won’t want to miss when you’re inspired to be creative during your time in California. This nonprofit art studio offers guests options to sign up for workshops and classes of all kinds. Here, you can enjoy learning to paint, mastering the art of glass fusion, or trying your hand at pottery. It’s a fun place to browse the artistic works on site, and a great addition to a family-friendly getaway to the Coachella Valley.
Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park
You don’t have to venture far from downtown La Quinta to enjoy an afternoon under the sun at Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park. This is a picturesque place to cast a line, enjoy a picnic with family and friends, or simply sit back and make the most of the surrounding mountain views.
The La Quinta Cove to Lake Trail
If you’re a hiking enthusiast heading to La Quinta, there’s a good chance routes like Bear Creek Trail are already sitting at the top of your list. However, when you’re looking to expand on your local options, the La Quinta Cove to Lake Trail is also a must. This lesser-known route spans 6.5 miles out and back and provides hikers with gorgeous panoramic vistas out and over the desert landscape to enjoy. Bring plenty of water for this adventure and consider an evening hike if you want to make the most of a gorgeous sunset along the way.
RD RNNR
When you find yourself craving something tasty in La Quinta, RD RNNR in Old Town is a terrific place to land. This gastropub serves up elevated comfort food in style and is a particularly popular place to be for craft cocktails at happy hour. Don’t overlook the prickly pear margarita, and consider pairing it with a short rib grilled cheese when you drop by.
Spa La Quinta
Mention La Quinta and there’s a good chance La Quinta Resort comes to mind. However, you may not know that this iconic destination in town also hosts a more hidden-away spa to enjoy while you’re here! When time in a eucalyptus steam room sounds lovely, or you could really go for a massage followed by a soak in a private garden, this is exactly where you want to find yourself.
The La Quinta Museum
When you have a passion for history and you’re heading to La Quinta, don’t overlook all the learning that awaits at the La Quinta Museum. This educational and engaging stop is a great place to explore on a hot afternoon when you’re looking to learn more about La Quinta’s past, early tribes, and settlers. There’s a lot of terrific regional art on display, including a 32-foot mural to admire in the community room.
The Shops at Old Town
There is always a great array of storefronts to explore in La Quinta’s Old Town. However, if you’re willing to wander off on the side alleys of the main plaza, you’ll find inspiring second-story boutiques in this area to shop as well! When you’re on the hunt for desert-inspired home décor, handcrafted jewelry, and custom apparel, these off-the-beaten-path boutiques are where you want to go.
Boo Hoff Trail
Yet another hidden gem for hiking enthusiasts heading to La Quinta to enjoy during their getaway is time on the Boo Hoff Trail. This 8-mile loop is an amazing choice when you’re looking for a refreshing early morning route that comes complete with rocky switchbacks to navigate and sweeping views, too. The Boo Hoff Trail is both rugged and remote, yet unexpectedly peaceful when you pair your hike with the sunrise.
The Grill on Main
La Quinta is home to some truly incredible restaurants to enjoy when you’re here, and among them is The Grill on Main. This beloved eatery is likely familiar to many, but it might be lesser known that on weekends, it’s a destination in town where you can also pair your plate with live musical performances. Local bands head this way to entertain patrons on weekends, and depending on when you drop by, you might find fellow guests dancing under the stars, too.
The Coffee Shop & Marketplace
The Spa La Quinta isn’t the only hidden gem within the parameters of the iconic La Quinta Resort. When you need to fuel up for fun ahead, you’ll find The Coffee Shop & Marketplace is located here as well. This tucked-away destination is a great local place to grab a cup of Joe in the mornings before enjoying it in the resort’s Spanish-tiled courtyard. There’s something super refreshing about enjoying your hot beverage when surrounded by mountain views and citrus trees in abundance.
Book Your Stay Today
When an adventure calls you to La Quinta, Legacy Villas has the luxurious accommodations you need to feel right at home upon arrival. Reach out today to learn more about our inviting property options available to book, as well as our upscale community amenities that will make your trip even more memorable.
