The Perfect Day in Old Town La Quinta

A sunrise to sundown journal for getting the most out of your day in beautiful Old Town La Quinta

The spirit of Colonial California still thrives in Old Town La Quinta, where echoes of its rich Spanish history call out from every edifice and linger within the rugged mountains that frame this community built on individuality and enterprise. Visitors and locals alike can immerse themselves in the local culture, outdoor opportunities, and extraordinary shops and restaurants that make Old Town La Quinta so popular with artisans, entrepreneurs, and those that enjoy the finer things like has to offer.

If you have the willingness and motivation, we believe that the following itinerary offers you the best opportunity to experience the perfect day in Old Town La Quinta.

8:00 am – Eat Breakfast at Old Town Coffee Company

Fuel up for your busy day at this popular local eatery, where you can enjoy the crisp morning desert air on their shaded patio. Whether you prefer a sweet or savory breakfast, you will find something that entices your palette and leaves you ready to meet the day with a spring in your step.

The real stars at Old Town Coffee Company are their handmade juices and gourmet coffee drinks. Enjoy a smoothie made from fresh local fruit, or take full advantage of the almost limitless options available at their popular juice bar.

9:00 am – Take a Ride with Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours

Red Jeep Tours’ Indian Canyons Tour is a desert adventure you can enjoy before the heat of the day arrives in full force. Small groups of up to seven people drive into the magnificent oasis of Palm Canyon for a one-mile hike and an opportunity to learn about the culture and history of the Cahuilla Indians’ Agua Caliente Band.

You will also stop at a local Indian trading post to shop for locally made souvenirs and crafts. Flora and fauna abound in the largest natural palm oasis in North America. Red Jeep Tours keeps the groups small so you can enjoy more personalized attention, and they offer complimentary snacks and water so you don’t have to worry about running out of energy.

12:00 pm – Enjoy Lunch at One of the La Quinta Resort Mountain Golf Course Clubhouses

The entire Old Town La Quinta region is famous for its golf, so if you have a day to hit the links be sure to take advantage of it. The La Quinta Mountain Golf Course is nestled between some of the most stunning desert mountains in the area, which is why it’s the perfect place to enjoy a delicious lunch.

With three dining options available, you have your choice of setting and cuisine. Our favorite is the MD Grill at the Mountain & Dunes Clubhouse, featuring an all-American menu with juicy burgers, chili, and hearty club sandwiches. The dazzling, dramatic backdrop overlooks the 9th and 18th green and the vast verdant expanse of this award-winning course.

1:00 pm – Take in the Exhibits at the La Quinta Museum

The entire Old Town La Quinta area is rich with history, and there is nowhere to better to immerse yourself in its storied local culture than this popular museum. Rotating exhibits reward those lucky enough to make return visits, and the permanent displays tell a story of La Quinta that can be enjoyed by people of any age.

The museum is especially popular with families, as admission is free and various children’s activities keep kids entertained. The La Quinta Museum is small and charming, so if you want to take a nap and refresh yourself after your visit, you’ll be primed for your night out on the town.

6:00 pm – Cocktails and Dinner at Fortun’s Kitchen & Bar

Fortun’s Kitchen & Bar next to Old Town La Quinta is also the most popular, and with good reason. Every dish prepared at Fortun’s is made to order from fresh ingredients, and their menu offers a diverse selection that is sure to satisfy everyone in any sized party.

The bar features signature cocktails, bottle and tap beers, and an extensive wine selection, all of which can be kept cold on Fortun’s innovative frost rail. Multiple dining areas offer ideal seating for a business meeting, romantic dinner, or simply enjoying a few drinks with friends after work.

The indoor courtyard is climate controlled and boasts a retractable ceiling, so you can dine under the stars without breaking a sweat. The crown jewel of Fortun’s is their expansive patio, where you can sip on a hand-crafted margarita while watching the sun drift below a painted horizon.

Our favorite dishes include Fortun’s original hand-tossed pizzas, which are cooked in a fire brick oven, and their ridiculously decadent Burnt Ends, a slow-cooked brisket that will magically disappear from your plate.

Fortun’s was built for networking and lingering, so you can enjoy the perfect end to a perfect day as you soak in their fun, energetic vibe.