La Quinta, California
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| La Quinta, California | |
|---|---|
| Name | La Quinta |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | The Gem of the Desert |
| Pushpin label | La Quinta |
| Coordinates | 33, 40, 44, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | California |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Riverside |
| Established title | Incorporated |
| Established date | May 1, 1982 |
| Government type | Council–Manager |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Linda Evans |
| Leader title1 | City Council |
| Leader name1 | Robert Radi, Kathleen Fitzpatrick, John Peña, Steve Sanchez |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total sq mi | 35.26 |
| Area land sq mi | 35.10 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.16 |
| Elevation ft | 135 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 37750 |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | PST |
| Utc offset | -8 |
| Timezone DST | PDT |
| Utc offset DST | -7 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 92253 |
| Area code | 760 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 06-40354 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature IDs |
| Blank1 info | 1660878, 2411613 |
| Website | https://www.la-quinta.org/ |
La Quinta, California. La Quinta is a city in the Colorado Desert region of Riverside County, California, United States, situated within the Coachella Valley. Known for its luxury resorts, world-class golf courses, and dramatic mountain scenery, it lies at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains and is a prominent destination in the Palm Springs area. The city's development is closely tied to the historic La Quinta Resort & Club, which established its reputation as an exclusive retreat for Hollywood celebrities and business leaders in the early 20th century.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Cahuilla people, who utilized the natural springs and oases of the valley. Modern development began in the 1920s when Walter H. Morgan, a prominent Los Angeles businessman, purchased land and established the La Quinta Resort & Club in 1926, attracting figures like Greta Garbo and Frank Capra. The resort's success spurred the growth of a surrounding community, which remained an unincorporated area of Riverside County for decades. Following a period of rapid residential growth, residents voted to incorporate, and the city was officially formed on May 1, 1982, to gain local control over planning and services.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 35.3 square miles, with the majority being land. It is located approximately 23 miles southeast of Palm Springs and borders the cities of Indio to the east and Indian Wells to the west. The city's defining geographic features include the steep slopes of the Santa Rosa Mountains, which are part of the Peninsular Ranges, and the vast alluvial plain of the Coachella Valley. The San Andreas Fault runs nearby, and the area experiences a hot desert climate with very hot summers and mild winters.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 37,750. The racial makeup of the city is diverse, with a significant White and Hispanic or Latino population. The median household income is substantially higher than both the California and national averages, reflecting the city's affluent character. Educational attainment levels are high, with a large percentage of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The population includes a notable seasonal component, with "snowbirds" from colder climates occupying homes during the winter months.
Economy
The economy is heavily driven by tourism, real estate, and hospitality, centered around premier destinations like the La Quinta Resort & Club and the PGA West residential and golf community. Major annual events such as The American Express golf tournament on the PGA Tour and the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden bring significant visitor spending. Other key sectors include construction, retail trade, and professional services. The city is also home to the SilverRock Resort, a designated Coachella Valley golf course.
Arts and culture
The city fosters a vibrant arts scene, highlighted by the La Quinta Museum, which features exhibits on local Cahuilla history and the region's development. The Old Town La Quinta district serves as a cultural hub with art galleries, public sculptures, and seasonal events like the La Quinta Arts Festival. The McCallum Theatre in nearby Palm Desert is a major performing arts venue. Cultural programming is also supported by the La Quinta Arts Foundation and events at the Civic Center Campus.
Parks and recreation
The city maintains an extensive network of parks, trails, and recreational facilities, capitalizing on its natural setting. The Lake Cahuilla recreation area offers camping, fishing, and boating. An extensive trail system for hiking, biking, and horseback riding connects to the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument and the Coachella Valley Preserve. Notable golf facilities include courses at PGA West and the Mountain Course at La Quinta Resort & Club. The city also operates numerous community parks, sports fields, and the Fritz Burns Pool.
Government
The city operates under a Council-Manager system, with a five-member City Council elected at-large, including a directly elected Mayor. The current Mayor is Linda Evans. The council appoints a City Manager to oversee daily municipal operations. The city provides police services through a contract with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, while fire protection is provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection under contract with the Riverside County Fire Department. The city is part of California's 25th congressional district, represented in the U.S. House by Raul Ruiz.