Old Town La Quinta: What to Do and Where to Eat

Old Town La Quinta is a small pedestrian district at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, about 25 miles southeast of Palm Springs. It's quieter than the main resort strip and has a genuine neighborhood feel — local restaurants, independent shops, and a Saturday farmers market that draws people from across the valley. ## The Layout Old Town is centered on a few blocks around Calle Estado and Desert Club Drive. The buildings are low and Spanish Colonial in style, with shaded walkways and a central plaza. The scale is walkable and the mountains are visible from most of the streets. ## Where to Eat **Lavender Bistro** is the most established restaurant in Old Town. The menu is California-French with a strong wine list. The patio is the place to sit on cool evenings. Reservations recommended in season. **Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill** has been in Old Town for years and is the casual option — good pizza, cold beer, and a lively bar scene on weekends. **La Quinta Brewing Company** has a taproom in Old Town with a rotating selection of their beers. The outdoor seating is good on cool afternoons. **Ace of Spades** is the breakfast and brunch spot — a small counter with good coffee and a short menu of egg dishes. ## The Saturday Farmers Market The Old Town La Quinta Farmers Market runs Saturday mornings from October through May. It's one of the better markets in the valley for local produce — dates, citrus, and winter vegetables from the farms in Thermal and Coachella. The prepared food vendors are good too. ## Lake Cahuilla A short drive from Old Town, Lake Cahuilla is a county park with a fishing lake, a water park (open in summer), and a campground. The lake is stocked with trout and catfish. The views of the Santa Rosa Mountains from the park are among the best in the valley. ## Getting There Old Town La Quinta is at the intersection of Calle Estado and Desert Club Drive in La Quinta. From Palm Springs, take Interstate 10 east to Jefferson Street south. Parking is free in the Old Town lots.