If you’re writing a wish list for the perfect weekend getaway, chances are it will include maximum fun for the kiddos, relaxation for mom and maybe a golf course an for dad. Lucky for you, La Quinta Resort and Club will help you check off every single box. Located just 2.5 hours northeast of San Diego in Palm Springs, La Quinta sits at the bottom of the Santa Rosa mountains. Here’s your insider’s guide to a weekend of paradise for your family.
Photo: Lenya McGrath
A Resort Made For Families
Built in the 1920s but renovated a few years ago, La Quinta is full of old school charm. This resort feels nothing like those high rise pack ’em in, ship ’em out hotels and destinations. Here you’ll find more than 700 single and double story “casitas” sprawled over 45 acres of landscaped goodness. Guest rooms and villas are clustered around pools with a view of the mountains or gardens. Even the smallest rooms are on average 462-square-feet. So you’ll have plenty of space even with two queen beds, a pack n play and an assortment of pool toys. Outside you’ll find huge gardens, winding paths and green belts perfect for the kiddos to explore. And feel free to call one of the complimentary golf carts to zip around from place to place — it’s a guaranteed kid-pleaser.
Photo: Lenya McGrath
Where to Dine
Delicious food is never far away at La Quinta with seven restaurants on the resort. Family-friendly Centre Court Cafe serves up classic American fare like burgers, chicken tenders and fish tacos. It’s a perfect spot of lunch while you sit around in your bathing suit. For dinner check out Adobe Grill. Make sure to grab a table around the double sided fireplace and feast on Mexican fare like tamales and fajitas and their bottomless salsa and chips. You’ll also find a marketplace packed with family-approved shops like the marketplace (coffee and pastries to go), and Lollipops, a candy and ice cream shop that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Photo: La Quinta Resort and Club
Fun Galore
You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to fun at La Quinta. With all that desert heat, a swim is a perfect refresher. Choose from the main pool or stay closer to your room at one of the other 41 pools located close by. Yes, that’s right – 41 pools! For the junior guests, take advantage of the one-foot kids pool, splash pad, mini putting green and playground that sits just off the main pool.
If something more active is on the cards, check out the multiple tennis courts or rent a set of bikes for a cruise around the picturesque grounds. The hotel has a range of bikes available for the largest and smallest of riders, including tandems and buggies so no one in the family will miss out. Guests ages 8 – 17 should check out the junior spa menu for some mini pampering. There are also weekend family friendly movies playing, such as Frozen and Up. Screenings start at dusk over peak periods and you can pull up a lounge seat or a float in a raft in the pool.
Photo: La Quinta Resort and Club
Getting Out And About
If it’s time to get out and about, there’s plenty to do within desert palms. The Palm Springs Ariel Tramway will take you on a suspended journey up the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon soaring all the way to an elevation of 8,516 feet! When you reach the top check out Pines Cafe for a cafeteria style restaurant open daily for lunch and dinner with family favourites like pizza, grab and go sandwiches, salads and soups. Tickets start at $16.95 for kiddos (ages 3 – 17) and $24.95 for adults. There is plenty of parking available at the base station for $5 per car.
The Living Desert is a hop, step and a jump away from the resort and is a remarkable zoo and botanical garden. There are 450 wild animals living within the park plus live animal shows, tram rides, hiking trails, tranquil gardens and even a kids play area. Entry starts at $19.95 per person for general admission with kids (ages 3-12) is $9.95 and free for those under 3.
If shopping is calling, check out old town La Quinta. This village heralds back to the spirit and architecture of old California with shops, restaurants and cafes that are perfect for moseying around. On Saturdays, they hold an “art under umbrellas” event, and Sundays feature delicious local produce at the La Quinta Farmers Market. Refreshments are always aplenty at Old Town Coffee where you’ll find organic coffee, home-baked pastries and delicious treats like the kids blended chocolate milk with a whole cookie mixed in!
La Quinta Resort and Club
49499 Eisenhower Drive
La Quinta, Ca 92253
760-564-4111
Online: LaQuintaResort.com
Have you stayed at La Quinta before? Let us know in the comments below!
— Lenya McGrath
