Five Of My Coachella Valley Happy Places

We all have them: those places that instantly put us in a better mood the moment we arrive. Maybe it’s the setting, the scenery, the memories—or simply a really good cup of coffee. These are five of mine.

XO, Lindsay

SUNNYLANDS CENTER & GARDENS

Give me a free afternoon, and there’s a good chance you’ll find me here, grabbing a salad or coffee at the café and just soaking in the scenery. There are gardens to explore, exhibits to check out, pathways to stroll, and even a meditation labyrinth to wander. Peaceful, inspiring, and just stunningly gorgeous, there’s really nowhere else like it. Not only does Sunnylands always put me in a good mood, but its tranquility also offers a much-needed mental reset, and I invariably leave feeling refreshed and ready to take on whatever the day holds. Best of all—the Center & Gardens are free to visit!

THE LIVING DESERT ZOO & GARDENS

I’ve never really been much of a zoo person, but The Living Desert is no ordinary zoo. Spread across sprawling grounds with wide-open, naturalistic habitats, seeing the animals here feels a bit like being on safari. I love to walk (it’s my preferred—and pretty much only—method of exercise), and meandering along the paths through Australian Adventures, Wild Americas, and African Safari while spotting everything from giraffes and patas monkeys to hippos, sand cats, cheetahs, and foxes never gets old. A day here is fascinating, educational, and pretty much guaranteed to put this animal lover in a good mood.

LA QUINTA RESORT & CLUB

The extensive history! The exquisite grounds! The Spanish Colonial architecture! The stunning mountain backdrop! What’s not to love about La Quinta Resort? I’ve been obsessed with the place ever since my very first stay in December 2010, when the property was transformed into a Bedford Falls-inspired winter wonderland in honor of Frank Capra, who wrote the classic It’s a Wonderful Life there. It’s been one of my favorite staycation spots ever since, especially during the holidays—though I’m just as happy stopping by any other time of year. Strolling the grounds, soaking in the scenery, and grabbing some enchiladas verdes from Adobe Grillnever fails to put a smile on my face.

KOFFI PALM SPRINGS NORTH

It probably goes without saying at this point that I am a coffee fiend! And this spot is one of my favorite places to grab a latte in the desert—not just because the coffee is excellent (which it is!), but because tucked behind the café is one of the most picturesque settings in the Valley. Part of The Corridor complex, Koffi opens onto a lush, park-like rear courtyard, with grassy patches, tucked-away seating nooks, and a striking Mount San Jacinto backdrop. Give me a latte, a seat in the courtyard, and that mountain view, and I’m one happy camper.

THE FLANNERY EXCHANGE

I love architecture, history, shopping, coffee, and pink—and this place has all five in spades! Originally built as a Bank of America branch in 1981, the property was reimagined as the Flannery Exchange in 2021. Modern and open, with sleek design elements and pops of pink throughout, the building itself is stunning. Add in some of the desert’s best boutiques—Bobo, Covet, Bean Goods, Los Angeleaves, and more!—plus Café La Jefa (one of my favorite local coffee shops), and it’s pretty much impossible for me to be anywhere even remotely nearby without popping in.

Thanks for Reading…

Here’s to finding—and frequenting—the places that bring us joy.