I’ve lived in SoCal for seven years and the amount of people I’ve met who have never been to Joshua Tree is astounding. The answer I usually get is “what’s there to do in Joshua Tree?” There’s truly so much more to do there than people realize and the desert has the most magical sunsets.
What exactly is Joshua Tree known for? It’s a place where people from the large cities of LA and SD come to find a spiritual awakening, where outdoor enthusiasts hike and climb the boulders of the National Park, and where people can have a fun weekend getaway within a few hours drive.
Where is Joshua Tree?
Joshua Tree is located within just a two hour drive from Los Angeles and San Diego. Having your own car is the best way to explore this area so I recommend renting one if you’re visiting from out of state. Its location is ideal for exploring multiple California attractions in one trip being just an hour from Palm Springs, Big Bear and Idyllwild.
Where to stay in Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree has grown to be the mecca of unique Airbnbs. I’m lucky to have stayed in many of them so I can’t wait to share some of my favorites. If you’re a dog mom/dad like myself, i’m happy to report that all of these are dog friendly.
The Drive In
This 3 bedroom Airbnb has 2 separate casitas giving your group some much needed privacy. Some of the amenities you’ll love here are the drive in movie theatre, outdoor soaking tub, and golf. I love that the soaking tub has an unobstructed view of the desert. Check rates here.
Hangar Hideaway
You won’t believe what this Airbnb has….an airplane hangar that’s been converted into a movie theatre. How crazy is that? It’s complete with a bar and reclining seats just like the real deal, but better since it’s all yours. The interior and exterior of Hangar Hideaway are also incredibly aesthetic. Aside from the movie theatre, they also have a hot tub, hammocks, and stargazing dome. Check rates here.
Infinite Horizon
If you are looking for the best views of the desert, you can’t go wrong with Infinite Horizon. They have a hot tub deck surrounded by boulders and overlooks the valley. The interior is also very stylish and we really enjoyed hanging out in the gazebo when it was too windy to enjoy the deck. Check rates here.
Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park
Looking out in Joshua Tree National park truly feels like you’re staring into a never ending horizon. This is also a HUGE park so even though I’ve been multiple times, it still feels like I have so much more to see.
Hidden Valley Trail
This easy 1 mile loop has a nice mix of views from cactus, boulders, and mountains keeping this short hike exciting. I highly recommend doing this trail during sunset because it gets beautiful during golden hour.
Cholla Cactus Garden
An easy and accessible hike with a wooden platform and views of the unique cholla cactus. This is a very popular trail so I recommend checking it out for sunrise.
Arch Rock Trail
This beautiful 1.4 mile trail takes you through some unique rock formations in Joshua Tree National Park. This is another trail that really comes alive during sunrise and you can beat the crowds if you go early.
Where to eat in Joshua Tree
It took me a long time to find food I really loved in Joshua Tree, everything just seemed too touristy and the food was meh. I’ve finally found my favorites and I can’t wait to share them with you:
Kitchen in the desert
Our favorite place for a late night bite and cocktails. They have live music from time to time and their food and cocktails are so good. We also love their big dog friendly outdoor space. My favorites from here are the fried chicken sandwich and mezcal margarita.
Más o Menos
A new addition to the coffee and cocktail scene and it’s definitely worth checking out. Their space is aesthetic with a cute outdoor area. The coffee and cocktails are both good and they sometimes have food trucks.
La Copine
A popular restaurant for good reason. This place gets packed,especially on weekends. I would recommend coming early unless you are willing to wait. The food here is really worth it though, some of the dishes we loved are the curried fish and lobster rolls.
I hope this blog has helped you plan your trip to Joshua Tree. If you want more California blogs you can find them here.