Friday Evening: The city takes its name from the historic La Quinta Hotel (now La Quinta Resort & Club), so it’s only fitting to begin the weekend there. Reserve a table at Morgan’s in the Desert — the resort’s fine dining restaurant, named for founder Walter H. Morgan. There’s live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
Saturday Morning: Start with brunch in Old Town La Quinta. Yes Please is a favorite for grab-and-go coffee and sit-down brunches of chilaquiles and mimosas. Time your visit right and you can browse Art on Main Street, a seasonal showcase by local and regional artists (select Saturdays, November through April). Then stroll to La Quinta Museum for a dive into the city’s history.
Display at La Quinta Museum.
Photo by ashley chruszcz
Dinner at Kiki’s.
Photo by Mollie Kimberling
Saturday Afternoon: Golf or glaze? Take your pick. Play a relaxed round on the recently refreshed course at Trilogy Golf Club or test your game at PGA WEST’s Stadium Course, known for the diabolical island green on Hole 17. If you’d rather continue your adventure in art, check out the workshop schedule at Old Town Artisan Studios or just pop in to paint pottery (firing takes about a week, so plan for shipping if you’re visiting).
Saturday Evening: Skip the movie in favor of a little sleight of hand. Start with cocktails and shareable plates at Kiki’s, then head a few doors down to Marvyn’s Magic Theater for an evening of mind-bending illusions and comedy. (The venue is 21 and over.) Prefer something mellow? Turn in early for a night swim under the stars back at your hotel or rental.
Sunday Morning: Get moving in the mountains. Multiple trails depart from the La Quinta Cove neighborhood. The paved 4.8-mile Bear Creek Nature Trail traces the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains and winds through a nature preserve. The 6.4-mile Cove Oasis Loop leads through the foothills to Lake Cahuilla and back.
