ConnecticutJohn

I'm driving to La Quinta from LAX in a week from now. Just wondering if anyone had any suggestions of things to see or unique places to eat along the drive to La Quinta. Thanks for any advice.

JBass1

Hi--Assume you are not talking about going into Los Angeles at all; but rather heading directly to La Quinta (which is what I would do, unless you enjoy traffic). Having driven that route a lot, and typically not stopping -- I would suggest the Mission Inn in Riverside. Not really out of the way and quite an historic and charming place. Ronald and Nancy Reagan were married there. Otherwise drive straight to Palm Desert and have lunch at Le Cafe des Beaux-Arts on El Paseo -- my favorite place.

Tomsd

If you are talking about La Quinta - golfing resort in the Coachella Valley/just past Palm Desert - it's only two or so hours from LAX.

If you want to see/do something unique - suggest you take the tram in Palm Springs up to the top of Mt. San Jacinto.

Or go see the Living Desert/zoo/gardens - - a lot of beautiful birds and animals.

logandog

It will be warm.
I love The Mission Inn in Riverside as well.
The Palm Springs Tram up the mountain is a world class travel experience.

POlson

There is an outlet mall in Cabochon that we sometimes stop at on our way to PS. Agree, the Living Desert (Zoo) and Mt. San Jacinto Tram are fun activities. I also remember going to a Farmer's Market or craft fair that was fun so check local listing for when you are visiting.

mlgb

It is called Cabazon. Huge outlet mall and casino. I used to stop at Hadley's (for a sandwich and a date shake, plus free snacks). Now if I'm hungry I stop at the Morongo Casino buffet. Get a frequent player card for a discount.

And I do love the Mission Inn.

The other suggestions are really things you can do in the Coachella Valley, not places to stop "on the way".

Cali

I also love the Mission Inn. We don't really need to stop there when going to the desert but we enjoy it so often try to stop there for lunch on trips to and from the desert.

ConnecticutJohn

Thank you all so much! I will check out the tram and the Mission Inn and Cabochon.

ConnecticutJohn

Also the Le Cafe des Beaux-Arts on El Paseo looks great!!!
I'll check that out next trip as they will be closed for the summer.