Things to Do in La Quinta

La Quinta rewards people who get up early. The mountains rise straight out of the Cove neighborhood, the trails start at residential streets, and by nine in the morning most of the good stuff is done.

Hiking

The Bear Creek Oasis Trail climbs from the Cove trailhead through a canyon to a small palm oasis — around five miles round trip with real elevation and no shade after the first mile. The Cove Oasis loop is the easier version, a flat-to-rolling three miles suitable for most walkers. Both start from the same parking area at the top of Calle Tecate and both fill by seven on winter weekends.

Old Town La Quinta

Two blocks of low, tile-roofed buildings with restaurants, a Sunday-morning farmers market from October to May, and a handful of shops and galleries. It is small, it is genuinely pleasant to walk, and it is the only place in La Quinta with any street life after dark.

Lake Cahuilla

A county park at the base of the mountains with a stocked lake, campground, playground and picnic ramadas. It is the closest thing the valley has to a lakefront afternoon, and it is a favorite for families and anglers.

Golf

PGA WEST is the reason many people know the city — several courses including the Stadium Course that hosts the American Express tournament every January. Public tee times exist but book well ahead in season; summer rates fall by two-thirds.

Where to eat afterward

Adobe Grill at La Quinta Resort for margaritas and Mexican on the patio, The Cliffhouse for a view dinner in a building set into the rock, La Brasserie for French bistro in Old Town, and Stuft Pizza for the after-hike casual meal.