Earlier this month, Forbes magazine published a feature highlighting La Quinta and its must-see sites — but many of my favorites didn’t make the list. Piggybacking off my recent Instagram Reel showcasing a few of the landmark spots the article missed, this week’s newsletter dives even deeper into the many gems of the Gem of the Desert.
XO,
Lindsay
LA QUINTA RESORT
This hotel has long been my family’s favorite staycation spot! With gorgeous grounds, dramatic views, over 40 pools, and an array of restaurants and shops, there is plenty to soak up and enjoy. But for me, it’s all about the history! Established back in 1926 – five decades before LQ was incorporated! – the property became so iconic that the city was eventually named after it! Frank Capra wrote It’s a Wonderful Life here, Greta Garbo made it her desert retreat, and Ginger Rogers got married on-site. The hotel is also home to Adobe Grill, where you’ll find my favorite meal in the entire Valley – the unparalleled Enchiladas Verdes.
YES PLEASE
When it comes to coffee and baked goods, Yes Please truly lives up to its name! My mom and I can’t make a trip into Old Town without popping in for one of the café’s frothy lattes and buttery croissants. Everything – from the scones to the biscuits to the cannoli – is baked fresh on-site each morning by delightful owner Gina Mallano – and each treat is seemingly more addictive than the last! The eatery also serves up a stellar breakfast and lunch, best enjoyed on the inviting sun-dappled patio.
COCO ROSE HOME
This bohemian wonderland of home décor, founded by Shannon and Eileen Burke—the mother-daughter duo behind the Valley’s beloved Coco Rose clothing boutiques—is packed with unique finds. From whimsical gifts to stylish furnishings to fun kitchenware (all personally sourced from the Burkes’ travels to Bali and other far-flung locales), it’s become my go-to for hostess gifts. The shop also regularly gives back to the Bali community, making it a place where you can feel genuinely good about each and every purchase.
MÉLANGE
Lakeside dining in La Quinta? You’ll find that at Mélange, a New American restaurant perched waterfront at the boutique hotel Chateau at Lake La Quinta (another local gem). Serving elevated fish, chicken, and steak dishes with a Mediterranean twist—and unbeatable views—this spot is a true hidden gem, and one of my favorite places for an aperitif! Sipping a cocktail on the sprawling patio as the sun sets over the tranquil lake feels like being transported to an enchanting European village.
LAVENDER BISTRO
This elegant eatery—“where every night is a special occasion”—was founded in 2008 by French-born chef Michel Despras and his son, Nicolas, and has been lauded as the city’s most romantic restaurant pretty much ever since. While the interior is lovely, it’s the magical rear patio that truly steals the show, thanks to its picturesque canopy of trees strung with thousands upon thousands of twinkle lights. And the fare is just as impressive! Be sure not to miss the Wild Mushroom Soup and Kobe Beef Sliders, both personal favorites.