Welcome to Joshua Tree, California, home to vast desert landscapes, lively towns, and some great eats. I have spent several weekends exploring Joshua Tree, so it’s about time I put together a guide to visiting.
I can never quite find the right words to capture the allure of a weekend in Joshua Tree. There is something intrinsically surreal about the vastness of the desert sprinkled with towering Joshua Trees and boulders. Something quirky but equally thought-provoking about the local art installations. And then a very rather welcoming feel from a tight-knit community who calls the desert their home.
Joshua Tree has a “choose your own adventure” vibe. You could spend the entire time embarking on trailheads that lead up thousands of feet. Or you could do some of the leisure walks and couple it with time shopping vintage and checking out art. That’s what I love about Joshua Tree.
And this trip, I did a little bit of all that, and even did it with my toddler in tow. We had a blast — we spent our nights barefoot on the desert ground dancing around the campfire at our airstream at AutoCamp. Mornings were spent in cool weather scattering over boulders in the national park.
Come the afternoon, we rediscovered restaurants we had loved from previous trips and tried out some of the new local spots. It was incredible. I can’t recommend a weekend (or two) in Joshua Tree. It makes for a great place to gather with friends, explore solo, or take a family trip.
Get the Lay of the Land: Joshua Tree, Joshua Tree National Park, and Nearby Towns
Let’s differentiate some things here. There is Joshua Tree National Park and then the town of Joshua Tree which sits near the first entrance. Then there is the entire valley and a handful of towns like Yucca Valley, and Twentynine Palms across it. The gist of it is, everything is spread out. Most of the popular park trailheads are 40 minutes *into the park* so plan accordingly.
This is where two deserts meet: the Colorado Desert meets the Mojave Desert. Each brings its unique ecosystems, creating an incredible high desert. Read on to find the ultimate guide to visiting Joshua Tree, California.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Joshua Tree:
Airbnbs
- The Joshua Tree House (2 bedrooms / Where I Stayed), for an iconic 1949 hacienda with a pool, hot tub, and 100+ Joshua Trees on the property
- Little Jo (1 bedroom), for a secluded 1950s cabin with sweeping desert views and an outdoor showe
- The Atrium (Studio), for a modern desert studio with 360° views, soaking tubs, and a fire pit minutes from the park
- La Sombra (2 bedrooms), for a European farmhouse-style home with a cedar hot tub, pool, and a casita for extra privacy
- The Midnight Sun House (2 bedrooms), for a midcentury modern pool house featured in Condé Nast Traveler and Architectural Digest
Hotels
- AutoCamp Joshua Tree (Where I Stayed), for the best overall stay
- Sacred Sands, a small luxury B&B near the park entrance
- The Castle House Estate, a collection of unique accommodations like glamping tents and villas
- The Bungalows by Homestead Modern, an elevated boutique hotel with suites
- Field Station, a modern lodge in Yucca Valley
Travel Tip: The best way to explore Joshua Tree is by driving yourself. We use Booking.com for our rental cars in California, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Book your car with Booking.com here.
The Ultimate Joshua Tree, California Guide
Things to Know Before Visiting Joshua Tree
Best Time of Year to Visit & Timing
When it comes to the most comfortable time of year to visit Joshua Tree, spring and fall is best for the weather. You won’t have extreme heat or freezing temps. Summer is very hot, and often not recommended for day experiences in the park. Winter can still be good, but come night time you will have freezing temps. For timing, consider going more Wednesday through Sunday, as many of the restaurants/shops are closed early in the week.
The Best Way to Get to Joshua Tree
The closest airport is Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), which is about 1 hour from the park entrance. You will need to rent a car from the airport to be able to explore Joshua Tree and Joshua Tree National Park.
Rental Car Tip: We use Booking.com for our rental cars in California, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
How Far is Joshua Tree from Los Angeles by Car?
In distance, it is 128 miles from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree. The drive can take 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on traffic. Many people ask if they can do it in a day, while you could, I recommend a weekend trip to see the surrounding towns and the park.
Will I Need a Rental Car?
Yes, you will definitely need a car to visit Joshua Tree. Most of the highlights inside the national park are 45-minutes plus drive from town, plus most of the restaurants and shops are scattered along 29 Palms Highway.
Rental Car Tip: We use Booking.com for our rental cars in California, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
Be Desert Prepared
If you have not had experience spending time in the desert, here are a few tips: Bring layers and protect your skin from the sun with SPF, hats, and SPF clothing when spending lots of hours. Always bring adequate hydration as well; it can get very hot, and the dryness from the elevation can affect you.
Where to Stay for Joshua Tree National Park
Where I Stayed: AutoCamp Joshua Tree
The premier choice for accommodations in Joshua Tree is AutoCamp. This elevated glamping property features a selection of airstream trailers and a few stand-alone cabins. They’re outfitted well to have everything you need for your stay with the amenities of a hotel. Onsight, there is a pool, lounge area, restaurant with hot dishes available, and a great “camp” store.
The property is set up well for groups, and family travelers, and each “campsite” has its private firepit. You feel like you’re camping, but so much easier. The best part is also the location — you’re minutes from Joshua Tree town and a short drive to the park entrance.
Other Accommodations
There are a handful of inns and private vacation rentals depending on your budget and needs. I rounded up a few to consider.
Airbnbs
- The Joshua Tree House (2 bedrooms / Where I Stayed), a 1949 hacienda with a pool, hot tub, and over 100 Joshua Trees on the property, featured in Dwell and Vogue. 10 minutes from the west park entrance and a short walk to downtown JT
- Little Jo (1 bedroom), a renovated 1950s homesteader cabin with panoramic desert views, an outdoor shower, and bohemian-modern design. Pet-friendly, about 15 minutes from town
- The Atrium (Studio), a modern studio on 2.5 acres with 360° views, side-by-side soaking tubs, a hot tub, fire pit, and a 100-inch projector. 7 minutes from the west park gate, dog-friendly
- La Sombra (2 bedrooms), a European farmhouse-style home with a cedar hot tub, pool, separate casita, and 13-foot beam ceilings. Two minutes from JT town center and 10 minutes from the park
- The Midnight Sun House (2 bedrooms), a midcentury modern pool house with valley views, a hiking trail off the property, and a separate pool house. Featured in Condé Nast Traveler and AD, pet-friendly
Hotels & B&B’s
- Sacred Sands, a small luxury B&B near the park entrance
- The Castle House Estate, a collection of unique accommodations like glamping tents and villas
- The Bungalows by Homestead Modern, an elevated boutique hotel with suites
- Field Station, a modern lodge in Yucca Valley
Where to Eat in Joshua Tree, California
When it comes to dining in Joshua Tree, you’ll see many of these listed restaurants are spread out across several towns. You’ll likely be in the vicinity depending on which part of the park you’re departing from and where you’re at. Plan accordingly…
Pappy + Harriet’s
It’s a classic and every trip to Joshua Tree deserves some time in Pioneertown. So book in for Pappy + Harriets, whether it’s for lunch or dinner with a show. The menu is all things barbeque, with hefty portions and incredible food. We’ve been a handful of times and it’s just an all-around good time.
The Big Dez + The Dez Fine Food (Takeaway)
Dez Fine Foods is your go-to when it comes to elevated takeaway food and sit down in Joshua Tree. We love the espresso bar the Dez Fine Food (the takeaway location about a block away from The Big Dez). They do these incredible charcuterie plates as well. If you’re headed into the park, stop here for a sandwich and other provisions.
JT Country Kitchen
A Joshua Tree mainstay, the JT Country Kitchen is all things classic American. On the weekends it’s quite busy, so arrive early to grab a spot for a cozy breakfast.
Crossroads Cafe
For diner food with a twist, come to Crossroads Cafe. Another long-standing restaurant in the area, it almost always has a bit of wait as it’s popular. The food is good, you’ll find everything from brunch classics to sandwiches here.
The Kitchen at AutoCamp Joshua Tree
If you’re staying at AutoCamp, the “Kitchen” on the property is a good spot to have a meal. We had breakfast here a few times on the trip, loved their “breakfast sandwich” and one night we did a grill kit. Super convenient if you don’t want to leave the property.
Más o Menos
One of the newer places to open on the way to Twentynine Palms, it’s a cocktail bar by night and espresso bar by day. Some days they have local street food pop-ups to pair with their artisanal coffee and craft cocktails.
Joshua Tree Coffee Company
Our go-to coffee shops in Joshua Tree. A cup of coffee here always makes me happy, and we stop in a few times each trip!
La Copine
Set out in Yucca Valley, this newer chic spot is picking up a lot of energy for its creative food. Think everything from batered fried eggplants to housemade ricotta with figs. You’ll want to book a table in advance here!
The Copper Room
Another Yucca Valley location, The Copper Room was recommended several times to me by locals. The space looks cozy, and their menu features some fun dishes like garlic shrimp toast, Vietnamese Salad, and skewers.
Kitchen in the Desert
If you’re coming out of the North Entrance of the park, Kitchen in the Desert in Twentynine Palms is the spot to go for meals most of the day. It’s New American food, with fresh juices and smoothies on the menu.
Things to Do in Joshua Tree, California
Go Hiking in Joshua Tree National Park
Best All-Around Easy Hike: Hidden Valley Nature Trail
The one-mile Hidden Valley Nature Trail is one of the best loops to do and is close to the west entrance. It has a variety of terrain with views with an easy-to-follow trail. There are boulders, cactus, and many fun views along the way. I’ve seen kids as young as 4 walk it with some help in certain areas. It’s also a popular spot to camp at the Hidden Valley Campground. If you need more tips for hiking, be sure to stop by the visitor center for more resources.
Other Hikes to Do in Joshua Tree National Park
- Barker Dam Trail, an easy 1-mile loop with boulders and trees
- Ryan Mountain, a 3-mile out-and-back trail with the best views (1,050 ft elevation gain, considered difficult)
- 49 Palms Oasis, a 3-mile roundtrip trail that brings you out to a palm oasis
- Arch Rock, a 1-mile out-and-back trail to see a 30-ft arch rock
- Skull Rock, a .25-1.75 mile trail depending on how far you go after seeing Skull Rock
- Lost Horse Mine, a 4-mile out-and-back trail
See Sunset at Cholla Cactus Garden
Set in the Pinto Basin where the Colorado and Mojave deserts transition, the Cholla Cactus Garden is for me one of the best things to see in Joshua Tree. At a minimum, I suggest arriving one hour before sunset to enjoy the golden glow that lights up right before sunset. After that, you’re often treated to the pink and purple sunsets over the valley. The Cholla Cactus Garden has a flat trail that takes you through a portion of 10 acres of landscape featuring the “teddybear cholla.” It’s truly a surreal sight, feels like a sea of never-ending cactus.
Safety Note: They often refer to cholla as jumping cactus as new spurs break off and can be lying around. It is so easy to step on one if you’re not paying attention. Please mind little kids very carefully here.
Catch Sunset at Keys View
Set up on the ridge of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, you’re treated to panoramic views of the Coachella Valley. It’s a very popular spot to catch sunset, so plan accordingly if you want to.
Shop The Weekend Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday in Joshua Tree there is a local Farmer’s Market that sets up in the main town. I popped in this time, there were a few local produce stands, and some bakeries, and Joshua Tree Coffee had a stand as well. It’s worth popping in to see what’s on offer and shop for regional products from the high desert.
Experience Noah Purifoy & Transmission
Joshua Tree is very well known for its art. It’s something that I feel has to be experienced during a trip because something about the vast desert with art installations is beyond moving. Two places I recommend that are entirely free to visit. The first is the Transmission Sculpture by Daniel Popper. You can’t get super close, but there is an observation deck to see the 26-foot statue; it’s just beautiful.
The second spot would be to go to Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum, a collection of art set in the desert. It’s self-guided, and brochures are available. You’ll find a range of art, ranging from quirky to thought-provoking.
Visit Pioneertown
It is well worth the jaunt out to the historic Pioneertown for a few reasons. The first is to have a meal at Pappy + Harriet’s for an incredible BBQ and to catch one of their nightly live music shows. The second is to go back in time to an 1880’s cowboy town that was created for movies. But today, these buildings host a variety of shops like local ceramicists, apothecaries, and even a personal favorite, Soukie Modern.
Do Some Vintage Shopping + Local Stores
Joshua Tree is the mecca of all things vintage shopping and incredible local stores. Where to begin! For local stores, my personal favorites were Sun of the Desert, the JT Trading Post, Acme 5 Lifestyle, and Wine & Rock Shop. For vintage shopping, the one I went to was Ricochet Vintage Wears. I also saw The End, Nitty Gritty, and Funky Desert Vintage.
Spend A Day in Palm Springs
Since you’re right there, you can easily go spend a day in Palm Springs. Some of my favorite things to do in Palm Springs are to grab a great meal at one of these restaurants, shop downtown, and ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Check out my guide to Palm Springs here.
Go Stargazing in Joshua Tree
In Joshua Tree National Park there are four designated stargazing areas within the park — that’s how good it is here! You can go by yourself stargazing and park at Quail Springs, Cap Rock, Ryan Mountain, or Hidden Valley lots. Now if you want a guided tour, this professional stargazing tour comes highly recommended.
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1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
