Historic Heritage

La Quinta is rich with historical and prehistoric heritage both within the boundaries of the City and in the surrounding area. Thanks in great part to its on again/off again proximity to the shoreline of Ancient Lake Cahuilla, La Quinta is located in one of California's highest concentrations of archaeological and paleontological sites which date back 2,000 plus years. The area is home to numerous important prehistoric and historic resources including may structures eligible for national and local historic recognition.

Identify and Preserve

To acknowledge, protect, and promote these important resources, the City of La Quinta has established a number of goals and policies regarding historic preservation as part of the Cultural Resources Element in its General Plan. To implement these goals and policies, the City adopted its Historic Preservation Ordinance in 1992 (Ordinance No. 207). This ordinance established the City's Historic Preservation Commission and provided the basis for the City's certification as a Certified Local Government through the State of California Office of Historic Preservation. In 1993, the City adopted its current Historic Preservation Ordinance (Ordinance No. 238) further establishing the regulations on preservation, maintenance, alteration, and demolition of potentially historic structures and other features. Title 7 of the La Quinta Municipal Code contains the general regulation and administration of Historic Preservation.

History on Display

Evidence of the City's commitment to preserving and promoting its history is highlighted by the development and operation of the La Quinta Museum which is located adjacent to the historic La Quinta Village District in the La Quinta Cove, the City's first residential area. The Museum features artifacts and exhibits regarding the history of La Quinta as well as exhibits of Regional, State, and National interest.

Historic Sites Tour

Most of the City's historic structures are still in use today. Although some have been altered over the years, many have maintained their historical integrity and can be seen from public roads. Most of them are private residences, and the owner's privacy must be respected. Fortunately, some are places of business, such as the La Quinta Hotel (now known as the La Quinta Resort & Club) and the El Ranchito Restaurant, and as such, are open to the public as part of their business. Others are located within private developments and are not accessible to the general public, and unfortunately, some no longer exist.

To promote the area's historic heritage, The City has prepared a self-guided combined driving and walking Historic Sites Tour brochure identifying many of the historic resource sites and highlights the history of the City and may of its historic places. These sites range from the waterline of Ancient Lake Cahuilla to the iconic La Quinta Resort hotel and grounds. The driving portion of the tour, which takes approximately 45 minutes, begins at the La Quinta Museum and ends at the La Quinta Resort. There you are able to walk through the hotel grounds and see its nationally-eligible historic structures and features. Printed copies of this brochure are available at the La Quinta Museum, La Quinta Library, and La Quinta City Hall.  

La Quinta Historical Society Plaque Recognition Program

The La Quinta Historical Society is a volunteer, non-profit service organization, dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich, multicultural history of La Quinta. One of the Society's programs is its Historic Plague Program which recognizes significant places from La Quinta's past. The first series of plaques were awarded in 2012 to six locations. The locations of the plaques are included on the City's Historic Sites Tour brochure.

Historic Resources

In 1997 the City conducted its first Survey of Historic Resources, surveying the entire City and inventorying all structures 45 years of age or older along with any historically significant landscape or agricultural features. The results of the survey identified 72 sites determined as eligible for either local, State or national listing of historic places.

In 2006, the City conducted a second survey in order to update the inventory with the additional properties that had reached the 45 year age requirement and to cover areas annexed to the City since the first survey; as well as including any sites that may have been omitted in the first survey.  As a result of the second survey, 183 sites were added to the inventory database with 109 of the new sites eligible for listing. 

In 2012, the City, with support from a grant from the California Office of Historic Preservation through its Certified Local Government program, consolidated the two surveys and created a digitized interactive database of the inventory of surveyed properties. The purpose of the consolidated survey and database project was to make information easier to use and more accessible to the public.

In 2022-2023, an update to the City's Historic Resources Survey was completed. See results below: 

Contact

If you have any questions regarding the information on this page please contact the La Quinta Design and Development Department at (760) 777-7023.

Last Updated: December 2023