After countless trips to the desert of southern California, I like to think I know a thing or two about my favorite spots to stop on my trips. Some of these places I come back for more each time I return to the desert, and other spots made the list for their uniqueness and quirkiness that I think others would appreciate. Regardless, my instagram stories of my travel journals get a lot of questions and so many wonder how I find these places to go visit. Here’s my guide to Joshua Tree and the surrounding area!
FOOD
Desert Oasis Cafe - Yummy and Vegan/Vegetarian friendly with more interesting options than just a veggie burger or salad. Sometimes out in the desert it can be hard to find good places to eat just because its so “small-town”-y. This spot is yummy!
29 Palms Inn - Also super yummy food, and if you’re lucky you can snag a seat on the outdoor patio by the pool. Great service and it reminds me a lot of Hawaii but in the desert! Maybe you’ll like it too!
Otherwise I typically cook at my Airbnb/Hipcamp. I pick up a lot of fresh produce at the market (Stater Brothers/Vons/ Ralphs). Thats usually cheapest!
MUST SEE
Inside the National Park
Cholla Garden - It’s closer to the entrance of the park nearest 29 Palms. I recommend this area when the sun is low at golden hour, or very very early for sunrise. It is MAGICAL. We stumbled upon it this last time I was there at sunset as we were getting into the desert from Vegas and it was AMAZING. Bring your cameras!
Boy Scout Trail - We did the walk into the desert from The Boy Scout Trail and we also parked there another night, walked across the main road and sat on the rocks for sunset another night. Since you’re near the road, feel free to travel inward a little. You will feel safe because you won’t get far from the sound of cars being that the road makes almost a “U” shape around you in that specific area. Climb up the piles of rocks for the best view of the sunset. Test each rock before you climb on it as some of the smaller ones will move/some of the larger ones are slippery! For the most part you’ll be totally good in tennis shoes, but would definitely recommend at least a sandal with a back on them!
Skull Rock - An easy climb right off the side of the road, downside is it’s usually pretty busy because it’s a very popular tourist location.
Make sure to have at least 2 liters of water per person, some snacks, and a scarf or light shawl/blanket that you can cover your shoulders with in case it gets too hot! Bring sunglasses and lots of sunscreen. Reapply more than you normally would! I typically just go for the day, find a flat rock you like a little inland from the road, and post up until you feel ancy and want to walk around. Bring a speaker, and expect to not have any service so download a playlist!
Outside the National Park
Garth’s Boulder Garden (Gods Way Love) - This is actually an Airbnb location we found that didn’t have a single structure that would house all four in our group, but they had plenty of structures that were for 2. I would recommend a day visit though! They allow visitors to come see their property for free during the day. I believe they said 9 people live there. The individuals that live there will give you mini tours of all the land they live on. Lonnie showed us around (check him out on youtube, Lonnie Campbell Rabbit!!) but they’re harmless and just want to show you their backyard playground! Check out their spa/outdoor pool in the rocks, ask them about the crystal garden outside of their teepee, ask them to see the caves, and check out the peacocks! Alisa (Uh-Lee-Suh I believe her name was) showed us around as well. There were other Day visitors there as well.
Godsway Love Road, Yucca Valley, CA 92268
Coordinates: 34.212979,-116.556662
SHOPS
Acme 5 - The greatest interior decor shop ever. Mudcloth rugs, handwoven art, film photography prints, beautiful books about design, and so much more. A little pricey but worth it for something like a rug or vase that will remind you of the desert!
The End - Another little shop right next door to Acme 5 so just pop in and check it out too!!
Vintage Shops - There are a ton of really cool vintage shops in Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley and 29 Palms. Western inspired clothing and jewelry, some cool local art, and a whole lot more that I know you guys will appreciate! There’s one I love right next to the Desert Oasis Cafe in Joshua Tree!
LODGING LOCATIONS
Hipcamp
Terrace Ranch Portico - Mike was so amazing! The little outdoor cooking area was amazing for early morning breakfasts at sunrise. The bedroom is technically a four seasons porch, so be aware that you will need to snuggle up depending on the weather! The desert can get chilly and breezy at night.
https://www.hipcamp.com/california/terrace-ranch/terrace-ranch-portico
Cozy Traveli Trailer - Tammy is such an incredible woman. So kind and has such a pure heart! She welcomed us with open arms, showed us her artist studio where she makes homemade cowboy boots, fanny packs, bags, and more, and she even invited us in to use her microwave for dinner. The most amazing sunset can be seen from her horse corral - a sunset I will never forget. This is a very, very special place.
https://www.hipcamp.com/california/pink-cloud-ranch/cozy-traveli-trailer
Backyard Bohemia - A beautiful desert oasis. I loved the bathroom shed that we were able to use. We also were given the opportunity to paint a brick on the property’s wall.There are few things that compare to sleeping in a teepee in the desert. Remember it will be breezy at night. The flaps of the teepee might wake you once or twice, but I promise, the stillness of a desert night is a really beautiful thing to experience!
https://www.hipcamp.com/california/calefaction-culture/backyard-bohemia
Grand Tipi at Camp Temenos - The hosts were amazing, and their daughter was so fun to play with. The location was clean, beautiful and just like the other teepee’s, the wind at night is a pleasant surprise. I loved the kitchenette as well.
https://www.hipcamp.com/california/camptemenos-bohemia-tipiopolis/grand-tipi-camp-temenos
Airbnb
Sunny + Modern 1940’s Desert Adobe - Right by the 29 Palms Entrance to the park. The mornings were spectacular, waking up for sunrise and drinking coffee in the hot tub. One of our favorite things about this place is the ability to open the kitchen window directly to the outdoor patio in the back. It was so nice to make dinner with the window wide open while the sun was going down. We also loved reading the Desert Oracles and other items these hosts provided for us. We played monopoly one evening, and even made a late night snack run to the 7/11 up the road.