La Quinta vacation rentals

The palm-dotted city of La Quinta in the vast Coachella Valley provides easy access to the region’s natural wonders, from the dark skies of Joshua Tree National Park to the wildflower super bloom at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The San Jacinto Mountains National Park located immediately west of La Quinta offers acres of pristine parkland, with Jeffrey pines at higher elevations and fragrant juniper nearer the ground. Nearby Salton Sea, a saltwater desert lake, is home to 14 miles of inland coastline, where locals head for boating and fishing for tilapia.

Surrounded by the Santa Rosa Mountains, the cobblestone streets of this desert resort city are brimming with upscale boutiques, high-end restaurants, and trendy bars nestled in Spanish-style whitewash houses. Old Town La Quinta hosts the annual Art on Main Street event among whitewashed cafes and stores, with around 100 artists showcasing handcrafted textiles, ceramic pieces, and paintings.

January through April brings moderate weather, allowing visitors to take advantage of the area’s scenic trails. In January, Palm Springs hosts an international film festival that draws stars from around the globe. As spring rolls around, things begin to heat up. There’s a world-famous music and arts festival held in April, but from May through August, the dry desert heat can be challenging, and fewer people visit the area. This is definitely not the weather for hiking or cycling — poolside relaxation is a more comfortable activity at this time of year.

In the autumn, temperatures begin to drop. October marks a walking and running event that covers 2,643 feet of elevation gain in just 3.7 miles. A craft beer festival takes place in November before Palm Springs lights up for the holidays.

Joshua Tree National Park

With dramatic rock formations and untouched desert landscape, Joshua Tree National Park is a major draw for rock climbing and hiking — one of the shorter treks leads to the stunning Hidden Valley, showcasing spectacular views. The east side of the park has International Dark Sky Park status, making it a sought-after location for stargazing, while the imposing monoliths of the Mojave high desert occupy the western half.

Palm Springs

Mid-century modern architecture and vintage stores in the Uptown Design District sit against a towering mountain backdrop in the famous city of Palm Springs — a popular spa retreat for Hollywood stars since the 1930s. The nearby cable car sweeps passengers up past the cliffs of the Chino Canyon to the Mountain Station, home to 50 miles of hiking trails, restaurants, and a natural history museum.

Golf

La Quinta is home to more than 25 public and private golf courses, making it a prime spot for golf enthusiasts — indeed, some of the world-famous courses have been designed by golfing legends. A trip to a nearby course is rewarded with breathtaking vistas, from spectacular rock formations to sparkling lakes and sand dunes. Manicured greens nestled right up against foothills and challenging links courses offer a round for all abilities.