THE FULLEST Guide to Joshua Tree
Famed for its mystical Joshua Trees (also the town’s namesake), this desert oasis has been inspiring artists, healers, and hikers for decades. Drive through its national park full of spiky yuccas and giant boulders, delight in the town’s local produce and true OG health food stores, enjoy a beer on an old western set, then lie your head down in one of its many desert-aesthetic cabins or homes. There’s no doubt that once you’ve been to Joshua Tree, you will go back.
Stay
The Holistic Ranch
We love The Holistic Ranch for its use of natural and sustainable materials and its calming and relaxing aesthetic. Being able to go on a weekend getaway and to not have to worry about if there are toxic mattresses or pots and pans is the ultimate luxury to us!
Merchant House High Desert
This house is a must-stay if you’re road tripping out to the desert. The interiors are beautifully designed by the mother-daughter duo behind the design shop and gallery, Merchant. So if you fall in love with anything during your stay, you can possibly purchase it or something similar through their store — but be warned it can be dangerous on the wallet.
Yarfa Houses
If you’re looking for a throwback stay, this company has re-done a few 1950s cabins located around the High Desert. These charming, modern cabins are perfect for a weekend away.
Eat
La Copine
We love this cute little spot for its emphasis on local ingredients and quaint interiors. It is just north of Joshua Tree National Park, making it a little remote, but we think that only adds to its appeal and is definitely worth the drive.
848 Old Woman Springs Road, Yucca Valley, CA 92284
The Natural Sisters Cafe
If you’re looking for a healthy lunch spot with options like smoothies, salads, and wraps, you don’t have to stockpile at Erewhon before you leave — The Natural Sisters Cafe has got you covered. As it is located right near the entrance to the park, it’s also the perfect location for a quick bite after visiting the farmers market or post park hike.
61695 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Shop
Holistic Ranch
The Holistic Ranch General Store is exactly the type of store that Yucca Valley needed. Inside their stunning desert oasis and magical interiors you’ll find fresh and regenerative produce for your AirBnb kitchen. They also stock gorgeous home and body products including our Inheal™ and Exheal™ saffron bath soaks. Plus, if you needed another reason to feel good about supporting this business, owner Nicole Granato and her husband, also rescue horses from slaughter and your purchase supports their efforts!
Joshua Tree Health Foods
Wanna cook at home and need some supplies? Joshua Tree Health Foods is the quintessential desert health food store. It’s great for healthy staples or whatever you can’t get at the farmers market. They also have a great bulk herb section if you really need to stock up.
61693 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Wine & Rock Shop
This shop is focused on natural wine but also has a great selection of cute home goods and apothecary items. Pick up a bottle of wine or two at the start of a Joshua Tree weekender and maybe a keepsake at the end of your trip.
59006 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, CA 92284
Joshua Tree Farmers Market
This weekly farmers market takes place on Saturdays and is great for finding the best locally grown produce and other necessities for your stay in Joshua Tree. Since there aren’t too many restaurants in Joshua Tree, it’s fun to cook a few meals and maximize the local abundance.
2311 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Visit
Joshua Tree National Park
A truly special and magical place, Joshua Tree National Park is mostly filled with rock formations and the unusually shaped Joshua Trees (hence the name). Our favorite ways to see the park are through one of its many hikes or on warm days, simply driving across the whole park. If you’re looking to explore the park after dark, stargazing is also an incredible experience.
Pioneertown
There is something very cool about being in the desert and feeling like you’re actually John Wayne. If you really want to double down on a cowboy experience, then check out Pioneertown. Originally built as a western film set, Pioneertown is now open to the public and is a great place to check out on your stay. There’s also a few shops and a famous restaurant and bar called Pappy and Harriet’s. It holds a lot of live music and is an experience all on its own.