Pack your bags, today we’re headed to La Quinta, California! While you’ve likely heard much about Palm Springs (especially from me), you may be less familiar with — but should definitely know about — the desert resort town of La Quinta, California. I myself didn’t know that much about the under-the-radar desert oasis of La Quinta, even though it’s just a quick 30-minute jaunt from Palm Springs. So when I was recently invited by the City of La Quinta to #experiencelaquinta and see what this hush-hush hidden desert escape that’s been the hideaway of stars since the 1920s was all about, I couldn’t pack my bags fast enough. And I’m excited to share it with you today. Let’s go and discover where to stay and play in La Quinta, California!

STAY

La Quinta Resort & Club – Surrounded by the breathtaking Santa Rosa mountains, La Quinta is anchored by the sprawling La Quinta Resort & Club. With Old Hollywood history dating back to the 1920s, this Waldorf Astoria Resort has been a hideaway for stars from Garbo to Gable, and is the oldest continuously running resort in the desert. Fun fact: Frank Capra wrote his screenplays here! Along with the iconic history, I was instantly charmed by the Spanish Colonial architecture and brilliant pops of blue. The resort boasts over 40 pools, each grouping of hacienda-style villas sharing a pool, which gives the feeling of a smaller boutique hotel but with the amenities of a large resort such as a world-class spa, five championship golf courses and seven restaurants.

Iconic doors at La Quinta Resort & Club

J’adoor! 

Charming pops of blue

One of 41 pools at La Quinta Resort & Club

Tiles for miles

Brekkie poolside

Cactus gardens 

Par for the course 

Tennis, anyone?

Strolling the 45+ acres of La Quinta Resort

SEE

Old Town La Quinta – An enchanting and intimate enclave of shops and cafes, a stroll around charming Old Town is a must.

PLAY

Pedego Electric Bikes – When you’re not swimming, hitting the tennis courts or on the green at the resort, the Santa Rosa mountains make for excellent hiking, biking and photo ops. And, if you’re maybe not in the best shape, say like moi, electric bikes are the way to go. No pedaling required and you get to take in the majestic scenery all the same. You’re welcome!

SHOP

Elizabeth & Prince – I learned about this hip desert boutique when I did my shoot with Beek, and I’ve since fallen for their perfectly curated collection of fashionable desert wares in Old Town La Quinta.

EAT

Morgan’s in the Desert – I still dream about the succulent brisket and baby kale and pomegranate salad I had at Morgan’s, helmed by James Beard award-winning chef Jimmy Schmidt.

La Quinta Cliffhouse & Bar – Jutting from the side of a rock, the views at sunset were spectacular.

TWENTY6 – Located on the La Quinta Resort property, this was a nice spot to grab a casual bite.

La Quinta Baking Company – While I couldn’t indulge in the baked goods this spot in known for (gluten be damned), and which smelled incredible, this was a lovely spot for fresh salads.

Solano’s – After seeing the sites on our electric bikes, we refueled with clean and delicious salads on the patio of this quaint Old Town La Quinta spot.

Have you been to La Quinta?

Have any favorite spots?

Please share in the comments!

 You can learn more about La Quinta, California at playinlaquinta.com.

SHOP THE POST

Trina Turk dress | Hats by Olivia hat | Kate Spade sunglasses | Splendid wedges (old but similar) | Persifor dress (no longer available but love this one + more options below) | Ashley Pittman necklace | Beek sandals | Lilly Pulitzer tote | Lilly Pulitzer top | Lilly Pulitzer shorts

PHOTOS by FRED MOSER

Thank you to the lovely City of La Quinta for partnering on this trip!

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