California was made for exploring. Since I moved to LA, I’ve made it my mission to see as much of the Golden State as possible. From epic beaches to stunning wine country, traveling here has been amazing. One of the most unique destinations in Southern California is Joshua Tree. If you don’t know much about Joshua Tree, it’s a huge national park surrounded by a handful of eclectic towns in the middle of a vast wilderness. The park is named after the signature trees you’ll see all over the landscape, the native yucca brevifolia, and you will be stunned by the incredible natural beauty.

You can always drive through the park for a day and quickly take in the scenery, but there is something magical about an overnight stay. Keep reading for more of my weekend adventure in Joshua Tree and travel tips to make the most of your time there.

Joshua Tree Travel Tips

Glamping in Joshua Tree

Since Joshua Tree is such a unique place, why not have a unique stay? Of course there are plenty of hotels and traditional houses for rent on AirBnB, but we decided to rent an airstream instead. Airstream rentals have become super trendy since they are made for an intimate socially distant experience. While I’m not a camping kind of girl, I can totally get down with glamping. Joshua Tree really is the perfect glamping destination.

The AirBnB we rented is called The Land Yacht and was so charming! It even had an old fashioned pool so we could escape the heat. A lot of Airstreams rentals don’t have their own kitchen or bathroom, so make sure you read your listing carefully! Ours had all the amenities we needed to have a comfy stay. It’s also an Instagrammer’s dream if you are looking for a place to stay with amazing photo opps!

AirBnB has plenty of other options if you filter for “Unique Stays” - from traditional yurts to more rustic campers. Just be sure to adjust your expectations. The “glamping” out here is a few notches above traditional camping, but is not necessarily a luxury experience. The Airstream we rented was full of rustic, vintage charm, but it was definitely a low-key set up and not at all fancy!

Where to Stay in Joshua Tree

If an Airstream or glamping isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options. There are plenty of rental homes in the area, and several boutique hotels and motels you can choose from. Look for anything close to the park so you can have plenty of time to explore without driving too far there and back. There are no big chains or fancy resorts in Joshua Tree, so keep that in mind if that’s how you usually travel.

And if Joshua Tree isn’t your main destination, consider staying in near by Palm Springs. You’ll have you choice of posh or relaxed hotels or vacation homes and can always drive down to Joshua Tree for the day.

What to do Near Joshua Tree

So what exactly do you do in Joshua Tree? We only stayed 2 days, and wanted to focus on disconnecting and taking in the scenery, so we kept our itinerary pretty light. If you have a longer trip or just really want to explore, here are some recommendations!

Shopping in Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree is a haven for vintage shoppers and anyone who loves an eclectic find. Do some thrifting at a collection of boutiques and quirky shops, like Starlite Courtyard, Hoof and the Horn, Pioneer Crossing, and BKB Ceramics.

You’ll also find Trailer Court Shops, a marketplace that sells everything from Mexican blankets, mid-century collectibles, figurative sculptures, and folk art.

Hiking in Joshua Tree

The beautiful desert in Joshua Tree National Park is perfect for the adventurous explorer. It is a dream destination for rock climbers, hikers, and campers . There is everything from a desert oasis to a gorgeous cactus garden, inside the national park. It would take days to fully explore the park, but we just picked a few select trails to hike on our half-day adventure.

Fair warning though - start early! The sun becomes nearly unbearable by 11 am, so you want to have your hike wrapped up by then.

Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree

I got my fair share of rock climbing on our Joshua Tree hikes, but if you want to get more in, check out Joshua Tree Rock Climbing. They offer beginner and intermediate climbing courses, and are a great way to get some exercise in on your weekend adventure.

Explore Pioneertown

We stopped in Pioneertown on our way into Joshua Tree and it was so worth it! Pioneertown was built in the 1940s as a live-in Wild West movie set and offered temporary housing for cast and crew. Lots of classic Westerns were filmed there, like The Cisco Kid and Judge Roy Bean.

If the weather permits, take a walk around the town. You’ll find charming dirt roads, realistic dummies, dynamite props, and loads of Western memorabilia. Be sure to stop at Pappy and Harriet’s for a BBQ meal you will not forget!

Stargazing in Joshua Tree

The stargazing at night was definitely a highlight of my experience. I’m a NY girl born and raised, so it’s rare for me to see the sky light up like that. We rented a pick up truck so we could lay out and watch the stars, but you can also spread out a sleeping bag.

Safety Tips for Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree is a beautiful destination, but one where you should exercise caution. The national park is home to dangerous wildlife, like rattlesnakes and coyotes, and plenty of prickly bushes and cacti that can be painful if you stumble upon one.

There are also plenty of bees and red ants so be careful! Watch where you are going as you walk, and always keep your eyes scanning around you. Look down before you place your hands or feet anywhere, and listen carefully for sounds like swarms of bees or the buzz of a rattlesnake.

And NEVER climb into the trees! I’m sure you’ve seen people doing this for Instagram photos, but not only is it dangerous, it can damage the very fragile Joshua Trees. Exercise caution and travel respectfully.

Hope these tips help! What destinations are on your California bucket list?