Things to Do in La Quinta
Cove hikes, Old Town and the golf that made the city
Palm Springs Spots Editors · Published Aug 31, 2026 · Updated Aug 31, 2026
La Quinta is built against the Santa Rosa Mountains, which gives it the best hiking access in the valley and a cove neighborhood that feels ten degrees quieter than Highway 111.
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.
FAQ
- What is the best hike in La Quinta?
- Bear Creek Oasis for fitness and a payoff at the palms; the Cove Oasis loop if you want something flatter and shorter.
- Is Old Town La Quinta worth visiting?
- Yes for a meal, the Sunday farmers market or an evening walk — it is compact, so an hour or two is enough.
- Can you swim at Lake Cahuilla?
- Swimming is not permitted in the lake, but the park has a pool in season plus fishing, camping and picnic areas.
- Do you need a car in La Quinta?
- Yes. Old Town is walkable in itself but the trailheads, golf and lake are all several miles apart.
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In this guide
The restaurants
Adobe Grill
Mexican · La Quinta Resort · $$$
Regional Mexican cooking and tableside guacamole in the courtyard of La Quinta Resort. Adobe Grill is a mexican spot in La Quinta Resort, La Quinta. Prices sit in the upper-mid range. Served here: dinner. There is outdoor seating, which is the point most of the year here — though patios are rough in July and August without misters. It works for a date night. Kids are comfortable here. Best for resort dinner, margaritas. Desert restaurants change hours seasonally and some close for part of the summer, so call ahead between June and September.
The Cliffhouse La Quinta
American · La Quinta · $$$
A steak and seafood room built into a rocky outcrop, with a wraparound view patio. The Cliffhouse La Quinta is a american spot in La Quinta. Prices sit in the upper-mid range. Served here: brunch, dinner. There is outdoor seating, which is the point most of the year here — though patios are rough in July and August without misters. It works for a date night. Best for sunset drinks, steak dinners. Desert restaurants change hours seasonally and some close for part of the summer, so call ahead between June and September.
In this guide
Where to go
Old Town La Quinta
A walkable few blocks of shops, patios and a Sunday-morning farmers market from October to May. Old Town La Quinta is in Old Town, La Quinta. It suits a slow morning and lunch. There is no admission charge. Hours: Most shops 10am-6pm. This is an outdoor activity. From May through September, go at or before sunrise, carry more water than you think you need, and treat midday heat as a hard stop. It works with kids in tow.
Full detailsBear Creek Oasis Trail
A steady climb out of La Quinta Cove into a palm oasis, best in the cooler half of the year. Bear Creek Oasis Trail is in La Quinta Cove, La Quinta. It suits a morning hike from the cove. There is no admission charge. Hours: Dawn to dusk. This is an outdoor activity. From May through September, go at or before sunrise, carry more water than you think you need, and treat midday heat as a hard stop.
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