This past weekend I was able to get out of LA for a few days and visit Joshua Tree. My lovely boyfriend planned a surprise trip and I cannot thank him enough for dragging me out of LA. Although I had been to Joshua Tree before in the past it was nice to show him the park and all my favorite restaurants down there! PS there are PLENTY of cute Airbnbs so pack your wine and enjoy your first night under the stars. Also I’ve experience Joshua Tree is near perfect weather and Joshua Tree in the snow so I will be featuring photos from both experiences! They’ve got everything from midcentury rentals to ranch style apartments (something for everyone if you ask me )

Exploring Joshua Tree.

First make sure you stop for a delicious breakfast at the Crossroad Cafe some of the best breakfast in town. I would HIGHLY recommend the breakfast burrito and huevos rancheros.

Head on up to Pioneertown to check out the local sights. Pioneertown is where old Hollywood actors and actress stayed and shot their movies. They have a few small stores up there and the infamous Pappy and Harriet’s restaurant, known for its live music.

Below are some photos of Pioneertown in both the sun and the snow .

Head back towards your Airbnb and get ready for some exploring. There’s plenty to see and do in Joshua Tree and I recommend packing a car full of snacks, drinks, and plenty of sunscreen!

Vistas to Vist

Keys View

Keys View offers you an incredible view of the Coachella Valley, mountains and mesas. It’s super windy up there so make sure you pack your coat. Keys view offers some of the best vistas in all of Joshua Tree and also the drive up there is filled with Joshua trees and GIANT rocks.

Hall of Horrors

This area is gorgeous. I’m not sure why its called Hall or Horrors…maybe its the skinny passages between the rocks but be sure to check this area out for interesting rock formations.

Skull Rock

One of the first things you will see driving through Joshua Tree Park is Skull Rock. This area will be riddled with tourists but it’s still fun to hike up and see the famous rock and get a gist of the entire park.

There are a few other hikes you can do and a Oasis you can visit as well.

My best advice is to just drive through and stop along the way when something peaks your interest. There’s plenty to see but you can definitely explore most of the entire park in just 1 day making it the perfect weekend getaway from Los Angeles.

Lastly, you should end your day around 5ish, my favorite thing to do is to bring meats and cheese for a charcuterie board, sit in the back of my Rav4 and watch the sunset over the dessert. Trust me, you won’t regret this!

Still hungry after your hike? I would definitely recommend Pie for the People. They even let you customize each half of your pizza if you are feeling indecisive.

There are also a few boutiques and thrift stores in downtown Joshua Tree including the ever so popular “The End” and Cactus Mart for all your cactus needs.

There’s plenty to do and see in Joshua Tree but part of the magic is taking it slow and appreciating nature.