What could be better than spending a weekend in the California desert with your sisters?? Not much. I was lucky enough to spend a weekend in Joshua Tree with my sisters (and my man haha) before I moved to Australia in May. Here’s a rundown of what we did on this relaxing weekend and a couple things you must do when you go. 😉
First, this was so special for us because this was the first time all three of us had been together in over 2 years! I was living on the East Coast, one sister in Colorado and one in San Diego. So we were excited for a number of reasons. Second, this is one unique place. The landscape is like nothing you’ve ever seen, Joshua trees are CRAZY and the sunsets might be life-changing.
Now I should probably mention, I’m not the super outdoorsy type. I thoroughly enjoy being outside and love a good hike but I’m not typically one to camp for a week. This guide is geared towards people who want to see and experience Joshua Tree but don’t necessarily want to go for the whole ‘live out of your car for a week’ thing. But if you do, awesome!! Joshua Tree is a great place for that.
I believe a weekend in Joshua Tree is for taking it easy and enjoying good company. Besides hanging at our awesome house, cooking, talking and watching sunsets, we did some pretty cool things. Read on for things you don’t want to miss in Joshua Tree.
Rent an Airbnb
Alright, so there aren’t a whole lot of options other than home rental and camping out here haha but Joshua tree is a great place to use Airbnb, especially if you haven’t before. There are so many cute places to stay. Some in neighborhoods and some out in the middle of nowhere like ours. Plus, they aren’t too expensive.
Our home was brand new, I think we might have been the first people to stay there. We had booked an awesome Airbnb that we were stoked about and it fell through at the last minute! Its so discouraging when things like this happen, but I think we ended up with an even better spot! We literally drove on a dirt road for 15 minutes off the main drag to our little house all on its own. It was amazing.
If you’d feel a little better being near civilization, there are plenty of amazing options in town as well 🙂 . It was a little crazy when we first got out there with NOTHING in sight. In the desert. We felt like maybe we had taken a wrong turn until we saw a little house all on its own in the distance.
If you are interested in staying at our Airbnb, follow this link! The host of this place has a lot of awesome options here as well. Or if you want to take a look at some other options, just head to airbnb.com.
Walk around Pioneertown
Now this one is a bit of a tourist attraction but it has such a cool story. It was built in the 1940’s by Hollywood investors who had the idea of creating a real western set that could double as a place people could actually visit and have things to do. This was the scene for many western movies and tv shows from the 40’s and 50’s and while everything appeared to be old saloons on the outside, there were things like ice cream shops and bowling alleys inside.
Although it does not seem to be used for the same kind of entertaining that it did back in the day, Pioneertown is still a fun place to check out. You can simply walk around or stop in Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace for a drink or something to eat (as well as live music). If you’re lucky, you might even catch a wedding like we did 😉.
Pioneertown is located west of Joshua Tree, here is a link to it on Google Maps. Read more about Pioneertown here.
Visit Joshua Tree National Park
This one seems obvious but I figure I will throw it in there as Joshua Tree has become a trendy place and who knows what could get overlooked. You cannot visit the area without at least driving around the actual park itself, it’s insane. Huge boulders mixed with TONS of Joshua Trees makes for an incredible sight. Very…prehistoric.
It is $30 (up from $25) per vehicle to enter the park. This pass is good for 7 days! Tip: they offer you a map upon entering, TAKE IT. YOU WILL NEED IT. It is the only way to find the specific hikes/sites you are looking for, you will not be able to find them on your phone! Cell service is dodgy to say the least so map out where you’re going as soon as you enter the park.
Now if you are planning to camp, there are nine established campgrounds in the park. If I were to go back and camp (I’m not a huge camper haha) I would definitely do it here in the park. This park is huge and beautiful and there is so much to see, I can only imagine camping there would be a great experience if that’s more your style. More info on camping on the Joshua Tree Guide website here.
Go for a Hike
Definitely go for a hike while you’re in Joshua Tree National Park! You have a few options and if you are amazingly fit and go bouldering, well you’re probably not here reading this, BUT there are lots of options for you.
We chose to hike Ryan Mountain. This is a moderate hike and has some seriously amazing views at the top. I would say you want to be in reasonable physical shape for this one as the hike up is a bit tough. Nothing crazy but a SOLID workout. Be sure to wear lots of sunscreen and bring TONS of water! As you know, it’s hot out there.
Go for a Sunrise Walk
Sunsets here are amazing, the sky goes on forever and it is quite romantic. That being said, don’t forget about the beauty of the morning. The mornings here are so quiet and peaceful, plus the sunrise makes for perfect photo lighting. (Ya know, if you’re into that. 😉)
We went out one morning to take some photos and watch the sun come up. It was a really special moment and I highly recommend you take the time to experience it.
Stop by Cactus Mart
My last tip, go to Cactus Mart on your way out of town! Our route back to San Diego took us right past but for some of you it might be a little out of the way. Trust me, it’s worth the pit stop! Located right of of 62 (the main drag through Joshua Tree) to the Southwest, it’s only about 10 minutes from downtown Joshua Tree.
This place is a charming little cactus Oasis. I say little but it has TONS of cacti for sale as well as all sizes of succulents and other awesome desert plants. Even if you’re not in the market for a new plant, it’s still so fun to walk around. I saw some plants I had never seen before. Plus the owners are super friendly and know so much about the area.
If you ARE in the market for a new plant and have a way of getting it home, then this cannot be missed! You can find yourself a unique little plant as well something to remember your weekend in Joshua Tree.
If you are headed to San Diego, check out my guide on where to eat and drink in San Diego here!
There you have it, our weekend in Joshua Tree. We were there in May and the weather was really nice during the day (a bit warm) but cold and windy at night. You will want to bring a jacket and something to bundle up in if you plan to stargaze or hang out outside at night.
If Joshua Tree not on your list, add it! It really is a great place to hang out with people you love and get close to nature. If you have any questions, I’d love to hear em! Drop them in the comments or send me an email at hannah@hannaheliz.com, I can’t wait to hear from you!
Love ya,
Hannah
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