Joshua Tree, located in Southern California is most well-known for its quirky desert atmosphere and Dr. Seuss-like trees. While this spot makes for a great day trip from Palm Springs, you could easily spend anywhere from a weekend to a week here.
Where to stay in Joshua Tree
When it comes to accommodations, there’s something for everyone. How so? Interested in a glamp moment? Check! Camping? Of course! Normal cozy hotel vibes? Yes!
- For the campers: Opt to stay in the park – most sites have bathrooms, fire pits, tables, etc. My favorite part? Waking up to the sunrise surrounded by Joshua Trees. This article has some great tips for camping in the area.
- For the glampers: I love the idea of staying in an airstream. It’s that glamp vibe in between camping and hotels. There are various airstream options on Airbnb, but this one is too cute for words!
- For those seeking comfort: Go the hotel route. Friends that have been before recommended Pioneer Motel and Mojave Sands.
My experience: I think each of these options offers you a different experience. This past time we camped, but next time I’d love to try out one of the other options to mix it up!
Where to Eat in Joshua Tree
When it comes to cuisine, because we camped we didn’t spend too much time going out to eat. However, below are a few of the places we tried (and loved!), as well as some recs from y’all on Instagram!
- Castañeda’s Mexican Food – This spot is nothing fancy, but 1) you’re getting a great bang for your buck 2) it’s perfect if you’re in a rush and 3) the food is great!
- Address: 61761 Twentynine Palms Highway
- What to order: Breakfast burritos
- Fun fact: they’re also open 24 hours a day!
- Larry’s & Milt Western Cafe – Think hearty food, big portions, and Southern hospitality.
- Address: 58890 29 Palms Hwy, Yucca Valley, CA 92284
- What to order: Really anything, but we all especially loved the omelettes.
- Natural Sisters Cafe – For those needing a green juice or some vegan breakfast dishes.
- Address: 61695B Twentynine Palms Highway
- What to order: A latte (I think they have some of the best coffee in the area) & anything healthy!
- Pie for the People – FYI multiple people recommended this pizza joint. My biggest regret is not trying it out.. but please let me know if you do!
- Address: 61740 Twentynine Palms Highway
Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park
Prior to actually spending some time in the National Park, I had no idea what to expect! Luckily there is something for everyone. Looking to rock climb? Go on a long hike? Maybe just drive around and visit a few spots? Done and done. Due to only having one full day in the park (and part of that being a hike), I didn’t get to visit as much as I would have liked. However, I highly recommend checking out this article with 14 things to do!
Tips for Visiting the Park:
- Carpool – each car is charged about $30 to enter, so to get a better deal, carpool!
- Pick up a map – Don’t lose the map that they give you at the entrance! There isn’t good (or sometimes no) cell service, so you’ll be needing that map to get around.
A few must-do things in the park:
1. Skull Rock
2. Cholla Cactus Garden
3. Ryan Trail
4. Find a spot to watch the sunset/sunrise
Where to Shop in Joshua Tree
I would love to go back to Joshua Tree even just for the shopping. Why? All the shops are incredibly unique and you’re bound to find a souvenir! Into vintage clothes? Roam down the main street (Twentynine Palms Highway) and pop in and out of the different shops. A few spots that you should check out –
1. The Mincing Mockingbird
The Mincing Mockingbird (located down the street from the Natural Sisters Cafe), is part home decor, part souvenir shop, and part art gallery. They have everything from Joshua Tree-specific souvenirs to mind boggling artwork.
2. Sun Alley Shops
We stumbled upon the Sun Alley Shops while looking for the Crochet Museum (we’ll get to that in a bit). The two attractions are actually connected to eachother. The Sun Alley Shops is a group of tiny artisan-run shops with interesting odds and ends. You’ll be sure to find a unique home decor item or some cool handmade jewelry.
3. The Station
Can someone scream AESTHETIC GOALS?? I just wanted to sit and bask in the vibes. This coffee shop/ boutique/ bar / plant shop is located inside a repurposed vintage gas station.
Artistic Attractions
Last up, let’s talk about a few artistic attractions. Attached to the Sun Alley Shops is:
This trio is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Walk through this outdoor art gallery and leave thinking about the meaning behind it all. All I can say is that it was pretty cool.
