Headed to Joshua Tree and need a couple more activities for your vacation stay? Below you will find a creative list of the top 7 things to do in Joshua Tree, but first, let’s talk about the landscape!
The Mojave desert is a beautiful and tranquil destination with colorful sunrises and sunsets, diverse art installations, unique rustic style, and mid-century modern architecture… it’s as if time stands still. With neighboring towns of a few hundred people, everyone seems to be more open and friendly! We met locals in Pioneertown, foreign tourists from Germany in Joshua Tree National Park and on Route 66, and entrepreneurs at the Joshua Tree Saloon during open mic night!
With a dry, hot climate, you may feel like you are in a sauna 24/7 (which is actually really good for your body), but you’ll find enjoyment in the local attractions! Let’s jump in!
1. Stay in a unique vacation rental in the desert!
When traveling, you have the opportunity to expand your horizons in the way you live. It’s not efficient or affordable (or even sustainable) to change your house every season or move to a new location every year, but through vacation rentals, you can entertain the idea of a modern, farm, airstream, or tiny home lifestyle… and the list goes on!
We had the opportunity to stay in a converted barn on a 5-acre property in Morongo Valley (in between Joshua Tree and Palm Springs). If you need ideas of how to plan a trip click on this link! The property was pet friendly with 9 dogs, 3 pigs, 2 emus, and a desert tortoise who were all very sweet and fun to be around! We adopted Tilt and Little Bear during our stay (not really, but they would hang with us in our farm guest house – Tilt posing in the picture above).
Filled with art installations, a meditation area, koi pond, trampoline (amazingly fun and beautiful during sunsets!), cowboy pool with lounging area, desert piano, and many outdoor sitting and dining areas, we became part of a community.
Key: Find an eccentric vacation rental and embrace the diverse desert lifestyle!
2. Adventure into Joshua Tree National State Park!
Unlike any other park I have been to, Joshua Tree is quite small! This is a plus for travelers as you are able to see so much in one day! You’ll get in for free with an NPS – America the Beautiful Pass or a $30 per vehicle/$15 per person 7-day entrance fee.
Scan the paper map (given to you at the entrance) and find your destinations! Service is spotty in most areas of the park, so be sure to complete your research beforehand!
Our top choices:
Key: Make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, a hat, and sunscreen! Some bonus travel tips – bring a first aid kit and place a mini cooler in the back of your car (such a plus to have a cold drink at the end of your hike)!
3. Attend an open mic night at Joshua Tree Saloon
Located on Twentynine Palms Hwy at the gateway to Joshua Tree National Park, Joshua Tree Saloon was established in 1983 and is a local hot spot! JT Saloon has options for indoor/outdoor food and drink services with a diverse menu and a full bar.
If you like live music, this is the place for you! JT Saloon has live music on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons, open mic on Tuesday evenings (felt like we were at a concert!) and karaoke on Thursdays!
Key: Support a local business and enjoy great food with live music at the Joshua Tree Saloon!
4. Get a “Route” beer float on Route 66 at Roy’s Motel and Cafe!
Have you ever driven on Route 66? Route 66 was the nation’s first all-weather highway linking Chicago to Los Angeles and saving time in-between!
From Joshua Tree, you’ll drive through Twentynine Palms (a quaint town), stumble upon many desert art installations, modern estates, and abandoned buildings, dry lake beds (possibly a Mars photoshoot?) and then end up at Roy’s!
Have a “Route” beer float at Roy’s Motel and Cafe and take pictures with the famous sign! Caution: this not a cafe with hot beverages or a food menu, so make sure to eat before!
Key: Enjoy the journey and know a delicious “route” beer float awaits!
5. Go thrifting!
If you like finding unique goods, make time for shopping at thrift stores! Depending on what you are looking for and your budget, you’ll be able to find some great treasures! Go to Pioneer Crossing Antiques, Route 62 Vintage Marketplace and Nitty Gritty or shop at the other thrift stores along the Twentynine Palms Highway (many options)!
Key: Many places are closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays so plan accordingly and do your research before you go!
6. Visit Pioneertown!
Pappy and Harriet’s is the local indoor/outdoor dining and music venue! Look up concerts in advance and purchase tickets – shows sell out!
Pioneertown looks like it is out of a wild western movie! A perfect half-day trip with chickens and goats, pottery for sale, and picnic areas for guests!
Even if you only have an hour to spare, make the trip to Pioneertown!
Key: Like thrift stores, many places are closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, including Pappy and Harriets, so plan accordingly!
7. Have a pool day in Palm Springs
When it’s 100+ degrees outside, what do you do? Jump in a body of water… so why not have a pool day in Palm Springs! Find a niche hotel, like the Saguaro, and purchase a day pass for the pool!
Go to the downtown Palm Springs area (Palm Canyon Drive) and grab food before your pool day!
Key: If you are looking to purchase a day pass in Palm Springs, most hotels have availability only Monday-Thursday (due to hotel bookings over the weekend). Hotel Zoso had a $5 cover on Sunday with a poolside DJ.
Looking to take a trip to Joshua Tree?
Be bold with your accommodations, have a roadmap for your daily excursions, and fully embrace the desert lifestyle!
Happy and safe travels!
