Our Travel Guide to Joshua Tree

Since moving to Joshua Tree we have become entirely enchanted with the high desert, also known as Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, and Twentynine Palms. It’s hard not to fall in love with the striking branches of Joshua Trees reaching into the endless blue sky; the unique, creative community; and the experimental cuisine and attractions. The high desert has become our muse.

In this guide, we’re sharing our favorite high desert treasures— from sun-drenched coffee shops to iconic hiking trails and hidden gems only locals whisper about. As full-service wedding planners, we’ve spent years curating weekend itineraries that reflect each couple’s distinct values and preferences, ensuring their guests experience Joshua Tree at its most magical. Think of this as your starting point: a crafted collection of places and experiences to inspire your own journey through the desert.

Click here for Our travel guide on google maps

A Google Maps list showing all of our recommended spots in the Joshua Tree area.

Coffee & Breakfast

Mas o Menos Our favorite coffee shop in the area, it serves both espresso and cocktails. You can find us here working remotely, grabbing a drink with friends, or attending one of their many community events throughout the week.

Desierto Alto Stock up on wine, beer, or snacks and get a latte while you’re at it. This is a great spot for on-the-go coffee or sit in the back and work for a while.

Luna Bakery Handcrafted organic sourdough bread and pastries, such as croissants, in a small-batch bakery.

The Tiny Pony Tavern Catch breakfast here on Saturday and Sunday only! The best spot for a hangover breakfast.

Crossroads Cafe Creative spins on diner classics, including vegan options, served in a chill, quirky setting.

Frontier Cafe Premium coffee, sandwiches, and salads in an eclectic space with local art on the walls.

Lunch

La Copine You’ll want to make a reservation for this spot! A truly delicious and unique menu with great outdoor seating.

The Dez Great for picnics! Stop here to grab sandwiches, drinks, and coffee to fuel your national park adventures! Or sit to eat, then browse the shops next door.

Luna Bakery Try their lunch menu! Our favorite sandwich is the ham and cheese.

Dinner & Drinks

Pappy & Harriet’s Iconic Western bbq spot and music venue in Pioneertown.

The Copper Room Once a private airport, now a classy bar and restaurant with craft cocktails, steaks, and live music.

The Tiny Pony Tavern A local haunt for drinks, billiards, and dancing (check their calendar for dates). Take photos in the vintage photobooth!

Sky High Pie Artisanal pizzas and soft serve ice cream in a casual setting right outside the west entrance of the national park.

Giant Rock Meeting Room Off the beaten path, but so worth it. Pizza, drinks, and live music! Our favorite is the Spicy Bee Boy.

Red Dog Saloon Tacos, cocktails, and local music in Pioneertown. Within walking distance of Pappy & Harriet’s.

Kitchen in the Desert Charming cafe preparing New American fare with a Caribbean influence.

Grnd Sqrl Scratch-made burgers and craft beer in downtown 29 Palms.

Yucca Kabob Casual Middle Eastern food. The gyros here are delicious!

Sam’s Indian Food & Pizza Classic Indian dishes and pizza in a casual setting.

Yum Yum Freeway Tacos The best roadside taco stand in the high desert.

Hikes

The best part about Joshua Tree is going off trail and scrambling on rocks, finding caves, and generally just playing on boulders. Explore at your own risk. All trail descriptions below come from All Trails.

Arch Rock 1.2 miles, a lollipop-style trail that travels through sandy and rocky terrain, featuring the famous granite Arch Rock formation.
Hidden Valley Loop 1.5 miles, a casual, "choose your own adventure" route in the rocks above the Hidden Valley Campground.
Hi-View Loop 1.4 miles, travels past large Joshua trees, pinyon pines, and juniper trees to a ridge on the Western side of the park.
Rattlesnake Canyon 2.6 miles, leads to some off-trail rock scrambling and wilderness exploration in the desert. Be cautious as this route is completely off-trail and unmarked. It's a choose-your-own adventure-type hike (go right after it rains for pools and waterfalls).
Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail 3.2 miles, rocky ridges, sandy washes, rolling terrain, and incredible views on this hike. You'll also get to hike down into a canyon to explore a remote fan palm oasis.
Panorama Loop Trail 6.5 miles, hike up a sandy wash before climbing up a ridge and exploring the Little San Bernadino Mountains.
Ryan Mountain Trailhead 2.8 miles, awe inspiring rock formations and incredible panoramic views across the landscape.
Willow Hole 6.8 miles, hike through Joshua tree forests, interesting boulders, rock formations, and sandy washes. The trail ends at a marshy area full of willow trees known as Willow Hole.
Hall of Horrors .6 miles, a hike through the two main clusters of rock formations in the area, but there are several rock formations that can be explored on side paths. There are many opportunities for scrambling and exploring the Hall of Horrors, and this can be a great place to take kids.
Barker Dam 1.3 miles, explores the historic Barker Dam, a rock art site, and some iconic boulders.
Keys View .1 miles, features amazing views of the San Andreas Fault, Mount San Jacinto, Mount San Gorgonio, and the Salton Sea.
Cholla Cactus Garden .2 miles, near the transition zone between the Colorado and Mojave Deserts. Thanks to the area's moist conditions, it can support a high number of cacti.

Shops

Hey There Projects A favorite art gallery and book store.

Mojave Flea Trading Post Incredible selection of gifts and souvenirs including attire, art supplies, curated vintage, and art from various local small businesses.
All Roads Desert Market Locally made textiles like aprons, napkins, and attire, plus bodega items.
Acme62 A hot-spot for interior decor in the desert.
JT Trading Post Selection of gifts and souvenirs including attire, books, stickers, records, and art from various local small businesses.
Ricochet Vintage Wears Curated vintage clothing and wares.
Desert’s Edge Vintage Curated vintage clothing.
Sun of the Desert Selection of local new and vintage goods like jeans, jewelry, books and more.
Milk Thistle Apothecary & Tarot Tarot decks, oracle decks, crystals, and apothecary. Check their calendar for events and tarot readings.
Xeba Botanica Small-batch, all natural skin care products. We love their body butter and lip balm.

Activities

Sound Bath at The Integratron (a wild experience) Tours & sonic healing sessions are offered at this iconic, parabolic wooden structure built in 1954.
A rock climbing lesson through Nomad Ventures.
Yoga at Cedar & Sage Wellness Studio Try the Gentle/Restorative Yoga on Sunday mornings.
Joshua Tree Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.
The Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum This open-air desert museum features an offbeat collection of found folk-art assemblages by Noah Purifoy.
High Desert Test Sites Andrea Zittel’s 80-acre compound and artwork.
See a live show at Pappy & Harriet’s.
Compound Yucca Valley Art gallery.
Pioneer Bowl A restored bowling alley in Pioneertown. Check their schedule for events.
Yucca Bowl Another great bowling spot in town with bar food and cocktails.
Joshua Tree E Bike Rental E-bike riding in the park! A great way to explore the park.
Knob Hill Ranch Horseback riding, another unique way to experience the desert.
Cascade Trails Mustang Sanctuary A horse sanctuary for wild mustangs that offers equine therapy, horseback riding, stargazing and more.
Yucca Valley Material Lab Art Workshops, residencies, and a gallery.