Enjoy year-round fun at Big Bear Lake
Nothing is more romantic and enchanting than a desert oasis. At La Quinta, there’s a lot of things to do — from grand hiking trails to historical towns and curious art pieces. Here’s a list of the best day trips you can take from the “Gem of the Desert”:
Trip to the Old West
Enjoy a classic trip to the old west by exploring the Joshua Tree National Park and Pioneertown.
The Joshua Tree National Park is named after the park’s intriguing Yucca brevifolia trees (also known as “Joshua trees”), which stand out against a beautiful desert landscape. You can also do outdoor activities like hiking in the Hidden Valley trail and stargazing.
From there you can stop over at Pioneertown, where you can explore the iconic Old West culture that California is known for. And on your foodie bucketlist is a local barbecue joint called Pappy and Harriet’s, a place where you can also enjoy lively food, drink, and music events.
Explore the Eccentric
Want to go somewhere one-of-a-kind? Explore the strange yet colorful history of Salvation Mountain, Salton Sea, and the Painted Canyon.
Salvation Mountain is a hillside attraction and important folk-art site in Northern California. This eclectic work of art is made of straw and depicts paintings of bible imagery, which you can learn more about through its guided tour.
The coastal town of Salton Sea is not as dazzling as Palm Springs, but its fascinating history presents a charm of its own. You can browse its museum and the works of art lining the road down to Bombay Beach.
Lastly, appreciate the artistry of nature at the Painted Canyon, named after its tri-colored mountains, and famous for the colorful, exposed layers of rock and textured canyon walls. A must-try activity is hiking through the challenging Ladder Canyon Trail.
Enjoy Nature at Idyllwild
Want to escape from the bustle of city living? Like its name, Idyllwild is an idyllic town in the San Jacinto Mountains. The higher elevation provides a cooler breeze and a break from the usual desert heat. Outdoor activities like hiking and mountain climbing are offered here, but you can also just relax and have a picnic.
The Iconic Palm Springs
Of course, you can’t miss the star-studded, tree-lined boulevards of LA. Take a tour of Hollywood, hang out at lovely cafes and restaurants, or soak up the sun at the beach.
You can also experience breathtaking views when you board the Palm Springs Aerial Tram, the world’s largest rotating Tramcar, which travels along the grand cliffs of Chino Canyon and ending at the gorgeous Mount San Jacinto State Park.
Learn more about the historical and cultural roots of Palm Springs’ contemporary art, architecture, and design at the Palm Springs Art Museum. There is also a wellspring of art galleries, restaurants, pubs, historical buildings, and shops along Palm Canyon Drive, the historical heart of Palm Springs.
Year-Round Activities at Big Bear Lake
You wouldn’t expect a mountain resort or major ski properties near La Quinta, but you can enjoy both at Big Bear Lake. Located in San Bernardino Mountains, it’s one of California’s most picturesque places. With fun outdoor activities year-round, the resort offers skiing and snowboarding at the slopes during winter, or hiking and camping during the spring or fall.
All these amazing places are just a short drive away from La Quinta. Thinking of settling down in the “Gem of the Desert”? Get in touch with experienced Realtors of Contact California Lifestyle Realty and find your dream desert real estate today. Call us at 760.989.4631 or send us a message here.