Legend claims that the name La Quinta originated from early Spanish explorers who were known to travel by horseback for days at a time, going straight from dusk to dawn for four days in a row. They would finally rest on “la quinta” or “the fifth” day. Eventually La Quinta became the term used for a resting place or small country estates. The Cahuilla Indian history reports that the ancient tribes called La Quinta “The Garden of Eden” because they believed that it was where human life began on Earth.
In the early 1920s, a San Francisco businessman, Walter H. Morgan, became enamored by this place in the California desert that the native Cahuilla Indians referred to as the Land of Eternal Sun. Morgan envisioned a tranquil retreat that would capture the essence of quiet hacienda-style living. Morgan purchased 1,400 acres from the Cahuilla Indians and enlisted renowned architect Gordon Kaufman, along with teams of artisan craftsmen to make his dream a reality. From more than 100,000 hand-formed adobe bricks and 60,000 locally fired roof tiles, a small grouping of quaint casitas and a cozy dining room were born. Morgan named his oasis in the desert La Quinta, and today we know it as the famous La Quinta Resort Hotel and Spa. The legend of Morgan’s La Quinta grew and word spread among Hollywood’s elite. Offering an escape from the limelight, the legends of the big screen came to release themselves from prying eyes and to bask in the sun and serenity. Gretta Garbo came to be alone and Clark Gable came with his pals. Frank Capra found his creative inspiration there and penned some of his most famous works, including It’s A Wonderful Life.
As the legend of La Quinta continued to grow, the area expanded into a relaxed playground for championship golf, world-class tennis, fine dining and blissful spa experiences. La Quinta has also become one of the leading golf destination in the United States. PGA WEST and its history are synonymous with the game of professional golf. The Club at PGA WEST was opened for membership in 1985 and earned its title as “The Western Home of Golf in America” by hosting so many renowned tournaments including players from the PGA TOUR, Senior PGA Tour, LPGA, and NCAA.
Some of Coachella Valley’s most extraordinary golf and residential communities have found their home in La Quinta . The Tom Fazio designed golf course at The Quarry of La Quinta is ranked among the top 100 golf courses in the United States. The Tradition, a magnificent enclave of homes nestled against the Santa Rosa Mountains, boasts a private course designed by Arnold Palmer. Andulasia at Coral Mountain and Rancho La Quinta offer exceptional luxury homes and world class golf courses.
La Quinta lures not only avid golfers but appeals to the outdoor enthusiast. Miles of trails for hiking and biking are located throughout the natural preserve along the mystical Santa Rosas, which provide an amazing picturesque backdrop. Tucked away at the western edge of the La Quinta Cove, the trails are ideal for hiking, bicycling, dog walking, and jogging. The hiking trails offer both no-incline and mountainous terrain. At La Quinta’s southern end is Lake Cahuilla, a county campground and day use facility for swimming, fishing and picnicking.
La Quinta is brimming with charm. From the picturesque Main Street in Old Town La Quinta to the old world Spanish architecture seen throughout the city, La Quinta represents early California style. The Old Town Village is lined with boutique shops, restaurants and eateries, salon and spa services. Pass the day exploring the unique shops, run a quick errand, pamper yourself with a massage and relax as the sun goes down at the wine bar. Old Town is alive with outdoor concerts, charity events, art shows, seasonal activities and a weekly organic farmers market. Adding to the city’s character is the La Quinta Arts Festival, which takes place annually in March. This long-running outdoor art show is known as one of America’s finest art fairs. They have juried artists and artisans displaying paintings, jewelry, sculpture, and crafts.
Warm balmy evenings, lush green golf courses and sparkling azure pools all nestled at the edge of the majestic Santa Rosa mountains have literally transformed those who succumb to La Quinta’s captivating serenity. La Quinta will always remain a secluded hideaway in the desert and the quintessential California resort area.
