Most people I talk to know about Joshua Tree National Park. But what you may not know is that there is a unique town, Joshua Tree, which serves as a getaway to the famous park.
Of course, no visit to Joshua Tree, California, would be complete, at least not for me, without spending time in the stunning Joshua Tree National Park. I’ve walked its winding trails, stood beneath towering rock formations, and marveled at the park’s otherworldly beauty. Whether you’re into rock climbing, hiking, or just soaking in the views, the park never disappoints.
But here’s the thing. Joshua Tree isn’t just for the hardcore outdoorsy crowd. Even if hiking boots aren’t your style, there’s plenty to do in and around town. I’ve wandered through quirky museums, stumbled upon local art installations, and enjoyed some surprisingly great meals at cozy cafés and creative eateries. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy desert vibes without needing to rough it.
Joshua Tree, CA Highlights:
- For Families: Explore Hidden Valley Trail – I’ve taken my nieces here and they loved it. This short, scenic loop has fun rock formations and interpretive signs that keep kids curious and engaged.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Hike Ryan Mountain – If you’re up for a moderate challenge, this trail is worth every step. I hiked it at sunrise once and the sweeping desert views were unforgettable.
- For Kids: Visit the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum – I didn’t expect the kids to love an art museum, but this one is different. Giant sculptures made from found objects? Total hit with the whole family.
- For an Adventure: Rock climb at Jumbo Rocks – Whether I’m bouldering or just watching climbers, Jumbo Rocks is always exciting. The formations are massive and make you feel like you’re on another planet.
- For Shoppers: Browse art and antiques in downtown Joshua Tree – I always carve out time for the quirky local shops. You’ll find vintage treasures, handmade jewelry, and desert-inspired art that make perfect keepsakes.
Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree, CA
My favorite times to visit are in spring (March–May) and fall (October–November). The temperatures are ideal for hiking and camping, and in the spring, wildflowers make the desert come alive. Summer gets brutally hot—trust me, I tried it once—and winter, while cooler, is amazing for stargazing under clear desert skies.
How to Get to Joshua Tree, CA
- If you are traveling by car: I usually drive in from Los Angeles, which takes about 2.5 hours. If you're closer to Palm Springs, it’s just about an hour along CA-62.
- By Air: I’ve flown into Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)—it’s roughly an hour’s drive from Joshua Tree and super convenient.
- By Bus: I’ve seen limited service available through FlixBus and similar operators, but honestly, having a car makes exploring the area so much easier.
Where to Stay in Joshua Tree, CA
- Sacred Sands – If you want something upscale and peaceful, this inn near the park entrance has gorgeous views and beautiful adobe-inspired suites. I stayed once for a weekend getaway and didn’t want to leave.
- Joshua Tree Inn – This place is filled with Southwestern charm and music history. If you’re a fan of Gram Parsons or just want something unique and artistic, this is your spot.
- AutoCamp Joshua Tree – I stayed here on a glamping trip and it was one of the most stylish, comfortable experiences I’ve had in the desert. Chic Airstreams, luxury tents, and a clubhouse that feels like a boutique hotel lobby.
Best Things to Do in Joshua Tree, CA
Joshua Tree National Park
I love how quickly you can go from city sprawl near Palm Springs and Los Angeles to pure, open wilderness dotted with those quirky Joshua trees at Joshua Tree National Park.
You might appreciate a little backstory: the land first earned national monument status in 1936. Then, in 1994, the California Desert Protection Act elevated it to full national-park glory. I always find that bit of history adds some extra meaning when I’m wandering the trails.
Picture this: over 790,000 acres of protected desert—actually larger than Rhode Island. When I hike here, I feel both tiny under those big skies and totally free. If you haven’t seen the sun set behind the park’s sculpted rock formations yet, trust me, it’s a must.
My highlight? The sunrise breakfast I packed to eat at the Hidden Valley picnic area—just me, the boulders, and a thermos of hot coffee. I had a homemade breakfast burrito and fresh-cut orange slices. Simple, peaceful, and set against some of the most surreal desert scenery in the country. It felt like the entire day was stretched out in golden stillness ahead of me.
Joshua Tree National Park, 74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, Phone: 760-367-5500
Outdoor Desert Art Museum of Assemblage Sculpture
One of the most unforgettable stops I made in Joshua Tree was the Outdoor Desert Art Museum of Assemblage Sculpture. Created by artist Noah Purifoy, this 7.5-acre open-air museum blew me away with its scale and creativity. If you’re someone who loves art that challenges and inspires, you’ll want to add this to your list.
Getting there felt like a little adventure itself—you’ll take some dirt roads, but nothing too rugged if you’re driving slow. When I arrived, the first thing that caught my eye was the hand-painted “Blair Lane” street sign marking the entrance. From there, it was like stepping into another world filled with assemblage sculptures crafted from found materials like burnt wood, rusted metal, and blown-out tires.
Every sculpture on site was created by Purifoy between 1989 and 2004, right there in the desert. I recommend grabbing one of the free brochures available at the entrance—they helped me understand the meaning behind many of the works and made the visit even more thought-provoking.
It’s raw, bold, and unlike any other museum I’ve experienced. If you have even a passing interest in contemporary or environmental art, this is a stop you absolutely shouldn't miss.
Outdoor Desert Art Museum of Assemblage Sculpture , 63030 Blair Ln, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
My highlight? The mid-morning coffee at Joshua Tree Coffee Company, right before exploring the museum. I grabbed an iced “First Roast” and a buttery croissant, then wandered into the wild world of rusted metal, old tools, and desert imagination. With caffeine in hand and blue sky overhead, it felt like stumbling into an artist’s dreamscape.
Attractions for Couples
World Famous Crochet Museum
One of the quirkiest and most delightful places I stumbled upon in Joshua Tree was the World Famous Crochet Museum. Trust me—if you love weird roadside stops with heart and humor, this one’s worth a visit.
The museum is housed in what used to be a photo-processing booth. Artist Shari Elf bought it without even planning to start a museum, but over time, her longtime love for crochet turned the tiny building into something magical. She began collecting crochet items in the early 1990s, long before the booth came into the picture.
What you’ll find inside is a floor-to-ceiling display of crocheted whimsy. I spotted everything from crocheted unicorns, bears, and poodles to more abstract and delightfully odd creations—some of which are almost impossible to identify. And that’s part of the charm.
It's playful, colorful, and completely unexpected. If you're exploring Joshua Tree’s offbeat side, this cheerful little museum is a must-see. Just don’t forget your camera—you’ll definitely want to snap a few pics!
World Famous Crochet Museum, 61855 Twentynine Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
My highlight? The spontaneous stop at Natural Sisters Café after visiting the tiniest, quirkiest museum I’ve ever seen. I had the hummus veggie wrap and a date shake—fresh, funky, and perfect for the desert heat. Between the vibrant yarn creatures and the locals chatting over smoothies, the whole experience was delightfully surreal.
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
Murtle the Turtle
If you’re driving along 29 Palms Highway in Joshua Tree and suddenly spot a massive turtle by the roadside—don’t worry, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you. That’s “Murtle the Turtle,” also lovingly known as “Myrtle the Turtle”, and it’s proudly believed to be the world’s largest tortoise sculpture.
I first saw Murtle while cruising between Sunset Road and Hillside Road on the south side of the highway, and I had to pull over. This giant turtle has become a roadside icon, but its story goes back to 1957, when it was originally created as a parade float for the town’s Turtle Days celebration. It started as a wire-and-wood frame, layered with plaster and cement, then painted in thick enamel to hold up against the desert sun.
Over the years, Murtle evolved from parade float to full-on public sculpture, and now stands as a quirky symbol of Joshua Tree’s playful charm. I always tell travelers—if you’re in the area, stop for a photo. It’s roadside Americana at its finest.
My highlight? Grabbing a cone from Valley Ice Cream & Eats nearby. I went with pistachio, naturally. It was whimsical, weird, and a perfectly oddball little detour that made me smile for the rest of the drive.
Murtle the Turtle, 61605 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
Panorama Loop Trail
One of my favorite hikes near Joshua Tree is the Panorama Loop Trail, located in the Black Rock Canyon area of the park, just outside Yucca Valley. This 6-mile loop offers a perfect mix of scenic beauty, manageable challenge, and peaceful solitude.
With a trailhead elevation around 4,000 feet, you’ll start with a bit of a climb—but trust me, it’s worth it. Along the way, I spotted colorful wildflowers and a variety of desert plant life that made every turn feel fresh. It’s rated moderate, which I’d agree with—it’s definitely doable if you’re reasonably active, but it still gets the heart pumping.
I’ve found that the best time to hike Panorama Loop is between March and October, when the weather is more forgiving and the wildflowers are likely to be in bloom. Once you reach the high points on the trail, you’re treated to some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the entire park. I always take a break up there just to soak it all in.
If you’re looking for a trail that combines natural beauty with fewer crowds, this one’s a gem. Just don’t forget your water, camera, and maybe a snack for the summit—you’ll want to linger a while.
My highlight? The trail snack I brought to enjoy at the high point of the Panorama Loop—salted almonds, dried mango, and a bottle of cold water. With sweeping views of desert valleys and far-off mountain ranges, it felt like standing on the roof of the world. Quiet, rugged, and wildly beautiful.
Panorama Loop Trail, Black Rock Canyon, Joshua Tree National Park, CA
Dining and Entertainment
Cholla Cactus Garden
I found the Cholla Cactus Garden about 12 miles south of the north entrance inside Joshua Tree National Park. It’s a surreal stretch of desert where cactus plants thrive in the harsh but beautiful high-desert habitat.
The flat boardwalk trail made it easy for me to explore the 10-acre garden. It’s short but stunning—perfect for a slow walk with a camera in hand.
The star of the show here is the teddybear cholla. I couldn’t stop staring at their dense, fuzzy-looking spines—just don’t get too close!
As I wandered the trail, I spotted more than just cholla. The hedgehog cactus with its magenta flowers, yellow brittlebush, fragrant desert lavender, and flat, colorful beavertail cactus added vibrant contrast to the desert tones.
I learned that most of the plants bloom sometime between January and July. I visited in spring and saw bursts of color everywhere—it made the experience even more magical.
Cholla Cactus Garden, Joshua Tree National Park, 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, 760 367 5500
My highlight? The early morning walk through the cacti while the light turned everything gold. I brought along a cold brew from Frontier Café and just wandered. The silence, the light, and the way the “teddy bear” cholla seemed to glow—it was one of the most magical moments I’ve had in the desert.
Lost Horse Mine
The Lost Horse Mine was once the best yielding gold and silver mine in what is now Joshua Tree National Park.
During the height of the gold rush, the area was home to around 300 mines, and remnants of several can still be seen today.
The Lost Horse Mine stands out as the best preserved and most accessible site. Visiting it gives you a true sense of what it was like to transport equipment and gold ore through this rugged terrain in the 1800s.
You can't go inside the Lost Horse Mine itself, as it's off-limits for safety, but you can still hike to the site and take in the historic structure from the outside.
A clearly marked 4-mile loop trail on the park map leads you to the mine, and it’s a great hike with both historical and scenic rewards.
I always recommend bringing plenty of water, especially on hot days. The trail has little shade, and staying hydrated is key to enjoying the experience.
Lost Horse Mine, Joshua Tree National Park, 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, 760 367 5500
My highlight? The post-hike burger and fries at Pappy & Harriet’s in nearby Pioneertown. After trekking to the old gold mine and back, I was dusty, sun-tired, and more than ready for comfort food. The live music, twinkling lights, and desert cowboy vibes made it feel like I’d stumbled into the coolest outpost in the West.
Crossroads Cafe
When I first pulled up to Crossroads Café in Joshua Tree, I thought I was walking into a classic Old West saloon. The rustic exterior, with its wooden facade and dirt parking lot tucked behind a line of shops, instantly set the tone for a laid-back, desert-town experience.
Inside, the vibe is cozy and welcoming—though space is tight. The owners have done a great job squeezing in as many tables as possible without making it feel cramped. I really liked the interior’s metal and wood finishes, which gave it a warm, industrial-meets-outdoorsy feel that reminded me a bit of places I’ve visited in Moab.
Just a heads-up: if you’re stopping by on a weekend morning, expect a bit of a wait. I’ve waited before, but it’s always been worth it. Whether you're grabbing a hearty breakfast, a burger, or a plant-based option, the food hits the spot—and the people-watching is great while you wait for a table.
It’s one of those places that feels like a community anchor, and after your first visit, you’ll understand why it’s such a local favorite.
Crossroads Cafe, 61715 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, Phone: 760-366-5414
Joshua Tree Excursions
Joshua Tree Excursions is a locally-owned and managed concierge tour business that is built upon the idea that life is not about the destination, but the journey. The tour company believes that every excursion should be as personalized and unique as their customers. Joshua Tree Excursions offers semi-private and private personalized Hi-Desert experiences in one of the countries most majestic places, the Joshua Tree National Park, as well as the surrounding Mojave Desert. Visitors along one of the excursions can get up close to amazing rock formations, take in beautiful sunsets, and experience panoramic vistas of the desert landscape.
Joshua Tree Excursions, 61325 29 Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, Phone: 760-974-9536
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