SJ + Dan’s Guide to Joshua Tree
the must-do's
Of course, that's why you're here :)
Bring plenty of water, food, and sunscreen for the day, and pick up a park map at the entrance (as there is no cell phone signal once you are in the park).
1.) Take in the sights & sounds of the desert with walks through the Hidden Valley Trail & Barker Dam Nature Trail
2.) Pack a picnic and take in the view from the top of Keys View
3.) Lace up your hiking shoes and climb your way to the top of Ryan Mountain
4.) Scramble through the rolling rocks behind Skull Rock
5.) Admire, but DO NOT TOUCH, the cutest cacti on the planet at the Cholla Cactus Garden
Come back at night to stargaze!
1713 habitants recommandent
Parc national de Joshua Tree
Of course, that's why you're here :)
Bring plenty of water, food, and sunscreen for the day, and pick up a park map at the entrance (as there is no cell phone signal once you are in the park).
1.) Take in the sights & sounds of the desert with walks through the Hidden Valley Trail & Barker Dam Nature Trail
2.) Pack a picnic and take in the view from the top of Keys View
3.) Lace up your hiking shoes and climb your way to the top of Ryan Mountain
4.) Scramble through the rolling rocks behind Skull Rock
5.) Admire, but DO NOT TOUCH, the cutest cacti on the planet at the Cholla Cactus Garden
Come back at night to stargaze!
Classic western-themed town to walk through, stopping at the local shops (if you happen to find them open), and taking photos for the 'gram.
EAT @ Pappy & Harriet's
DRINK @ Red Dog Saloon
*Both are closed Tues & Wed
558 habitants recommandent
Pioneertown
53688 Pioneertown RdClassic western-themed town to walk through, stopping at the local shops (if you happen to find them open), and taking photos for the 'gram.
EAT @ Pappy & Harriet's
DRINK @ Red Dog Saloon
*Both are closed Tues & Wed
Open-air eclectic art installation in the desert.
549 habitants recommandent
Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum
62975 Blair LnOpen-air eclectic art installation in the desert.
Our favorite way to end each day at the cozy tree is with a sunset walk through this wildlife habitat (which sits directly in front of the cozy tree).
The official walking trail entrance can be accessed on Olympic Rd on the left (past the cozy tree & Granada Dr when walking down the hill), and head left towards the mountain range in the distance - tread lightly over ground cacti if taking a shortcut or off-trail!
Try to spot jackrabbits, roadrunners, falcons, and owls, as they are out there in abundance :)
Joshua Tree Gateway (Section 33)
Our favorite way to end each day at the cozy tree is with a sunset walk through this wildlife habitat (which sits directly in front of the cozy tree).
The official walking trail entrance can be accessed on Olympic Rd on the left (past the cozy tree & Granada Dr when walking down the hill), and head left towards the mountain range in the distance - tread lightly over ground cacti if taking a shortcut or off-trail!
Try to spot jackrabbits, roadrunners, falcons, and owls, as they are out there in abundance :)
Shopping
Mojave Flea Trading Post Yucca Valley
55727 Twentynine Palms Highwaynew spot for local goods
Acme 5 Lifestyle
55870 Twentynine Palms HighwayCurated boho furniture & goods for design inspo
Hoof & The Horn
55840 Twentynine Palms HighwayBest selection of JT-themed clothes & gifts
Photo-op with "Big Josh", and peruse the local goods for sale
179 habitants recommandent
The Station Joshua Tree
61943 Twentynine Palms HighwayPhoto-op with "Big Josh", and peruse the local goods for sale
Cute shop for locally sourced goods, trendy clothes & accessories!
8 habitants recommandent
Roaming Travelers - Boutique Shop
61716 Twentynine Palms HighwayCute shop for locally sourced goods, trendy clothes & accessories!
All of the JT goodies under one roof. Pick up some palo santo, JT Candle Co., magnets, books on the area, etc. to remember your trip by.
127 habitants recommandent
Coyote Corner
6535 Park BlvdAll of the JT goodies under one roof. Pick up some palo santo, JT Candle Co., magnets, books on the area, etc. to remember your trip by.
Stop by here on your way back home to bring home a small cactus as a souvenir.
106 habitants recommandent
Cactus Mart and Morongo Hardware
49889 Twentynine Palms HighwayStop by here on your way back home to bring home a small cactus as a souvenir.
Christmas market with kids crafts, local vendors, refreshments, and occasional live music on the weekends!
JT Trading Post
Christmas market with kids crafts, local vendors, refreshments, and occasional live music on the weekends!
brekkie
start your day right in the hi-desert :)
Hearty breakfast in the main village with healthy alternatives as well. Order the fresh-squeezed OJ, banana bread (as a side), and one of their signature dishes. Expect long lines on the weekends, so come early or during the week.
688 habitants recommandent
Crossroads Cafe
61715 Twentynine Palms HighwayHearty breakfast in the main village with healthy alternatives as well. Order the fresh-squeezed OJ, banana bread (as a side), and one of their signature dishes. Expect long lines on the weekends, so come early or during the week.
Comfort-food breakfast where Anthony Bourdain himself stopped into eat. Can't miss the blueberry pancakes!
307 habitants recommandent
Country Kitchen
61768 Twentynine Palms HighwayComfort-food breakfast where Anthony Bourdain himself stopped into eat. Can't miss the blueberry pancakes!
We provide you as our guests with a bag of their freshly roasted coffee beans, but make sure to stop in for a few bags to bring home with you as well (makes for a great gift btw). P.S. try their nitro cold brew on-tap!
522 habitants recommandent
Joshua Tree Coffee Company
61738 Twentynine Palms HighwayWe provide you as our guests with a bag of their freshly roasted coffee beans, but make sure to stop in for a few bags to bring home with you as well (makes for a great gift btw). P.S. try their nitro cold brew on-tap!
Newest coffee shop & cocktail bar in town (Dec 2022 opening). Come for the coffee + good times, return for a cocktail, natural wines & draft beer
Más o Menos
Newest coffee shop & cocktail bar in town (Dec 2022 opening). Come for the coffee + good times, return for a cocktail, natural wines & draft beer
Luna Sourdough
55700 29 Palms Highwaynew organic sourdough spot for bread, pastries & sandwiches.
lunch
By far, the best food in the desert. This is our treat-your-self/special occasion spot. Open 11am-4pm Thursday-Sunday's (seasonally open). Featured in the NY Times!
725 habitants recommandent
La Copine
848 Old Woman Springs RdBy far, the best food in the desert. This is our treat-your-self/special occasion spot. Open 11am-4pm Thursday-Sunday's (seasonally open). Featured in the NY Times!
Local coffee shop vibes, with large-portioned healthy lunch options - we recommend the BLT, Lox Bagel, or Avo Toast, paired with a kombucha on-tap.
507 habitants recommandent
Frontier Café
55844 Twentynine Palms HighwayLocal coffee shop vibes, with large-portioned healthy lunch options - we recommend the BLT, Lox Bagel, or Avo Toast, paired with a kombucha on-tap.
Fancy gourmet foods to-go to bring to the park for a picnic :)
191 habitants recommandent
The DEZ fine food - grab & go
61705 Twentynine Palms HighwayFancy gourmet foods to-go to bring to the park for a picnic :)
Grab-and-go elevated sandwiches with creative ingredients, salads, & healthy snacks on your near the house and national park.
106 habitants recommandent
Roadrunner Grab+Go
6554 Park BlvdGrab-and-go elevated sandwiches with creative ingredients, salads, & healthy snacks on your near the house and national park.
Authentic delicious street-style tacos at a SUPER reasonable price (we're talking 5x tacos for ~$8) at this unassuming strip mall location. Get 'em to-go and enjoy at the cozy tree.
P.S. order the churros for dessert, you won't be disappointed.
18 habitants recommandent
Algoberto's Taco Shop
56143 Twentynine Palms HighwayAuthentic delicious street-style tacos at a SUPER reasonable price (we're talking 5x tacos for ~$8) at this unassuming strip mall location. Get 'em to-go and enjoy at the cozy tree.
P.S. order the churros for dessert, you won't be disappointed.
Vegan cafe that has a great selection of superfood & unique drink options!
59 habitants recommandent
Organic Market Cafe
55231 29 Palms HighwayVegan cafe that has a great selection of superfood & unique drink options!
dinner
THE staple of Pioneertown. You can smell the meats, chicken, & fish all cooking over an outdoor mesquite fire from a mile away. a must visit!
open for lunch + dinner (avoid peak dinner hours on Friday/Sat nights as it can be a long wait, and check calendar for concerts first). Also, closed every tues & wed as well.
1340 habitants recommandent
Pappy & Harriet's
53688 Pioneertown RdTHE staple of Pioneertown. You can smell the meats, chicken, & fish all cooking over an outdoor mesquite fire from a mile away. a must visit!
open for lunch + dinner (avoid peak dinner hours on Friday/Sat nights as it can be a long wait, and check calendar for concerts first). Also, closed every tues & wed as well.
Pie for the People!
58960 29 Palms HighwayPizza night done right.
Stop by for a great margarita & some tacos when walking through Pioneertown. Also, open for breakfast & lunch as well
*Closed Tues & Wed
223 habitants recommandent
The Red Dog Saloon
53539 Mane StStop by for a great margarita & some tacos when walking through Pioneertown. Also, open for breakfast & lunch as well
*Closed Tues & Wed
Hearing great things out of this desert-trendy spot in 29 Palms - head there for jerk chicken & cocktails on your way home from the National Park (if exiting out of 29 Palms)!
319 habitants recommandent
Kitchen in the Desert
6427 Mesquite AveHearing great things out of this desert-trendy spot in 29 Palms - head there for jerk chicken & cocktails on your way home from the National Park (if exiting out of 29 Palms)!
Delicious healthy mediterranean food - call ahead and get it to-go!
144 habitants recommandent
Yucca Kabob and Hookah
57345 Twentynine Palms HighwayDelicious healthy mediterranean food - call ahead and get it to-go!
New 70's chill vibe spot in Yucca for great cocktails, unique beer selection, and the best fries in the desert (on top of some other great sounding food options).
112 habitants recommandent
The Tiny Pony Tavern
57205 29 Palms HighwayNew 70's chill vibe spot in Yucca for great cocktails, unique beer selection, and the best fries in the desert (on top of some other great sounding food options).
Not joking...this incredibly unassuming location (next to the Travelodge) produces some amazing sushi & authentic Japanese dishes - trust us on this
160 habitants recommandent
Kimi Grill
54850 Twentynine Palms HighwayNot joking...this incredibly unassuming location (next to the Travelodge) produces some amazing sushi & authentic Japanese dishes - trust us on this
Call in for a curry or tikka masala to-go, paired with their AMAZING garlic naan & a mango lassi. Also, their sweet peshwari naan is not-to-be missed!
298 habitants recommandent
Sam's Indian Food & Pizza
61380 Twentynine Palms HighwayCall in for a curry or tikka masala to-go, paired with their AMAZING garlic naan & a mango lassi. Also, their sweet peshwari naan is not-to-be missed!
For those not afraid of venturing out of the norm, surprisingly delicious pho out of a donut shop down in 29 Palms to stop by after a day in the national park (if exiting out of the 29 palms entrance). Where else can you find this combo?
48 habitants recommandent
Jelly Donut
73570 Twentynine Palms HighwayFor those not afraid of venturing out of the norm, surprisingly delicious pho out of a donut shop down in 29 Palms to stop by after a day in the national park (if exiting out of the 29 palms entrance). Where else can you find this combo?
new spot in 29 Palms for breakfast burritos on weekends, and creative burgers & chicken sandwiches Wed-Sun to-go!
71 habitants recommandent
grnd sqrl
73471 29 Palms Highwaynew spot in 29 Palms for breakfast burritos on weekends, and creative burgers & chicken sandwiches Wed-Sun to-go!
groceries & booze
specialty stores are abundant around JT!
Farm fresh produce & locally sourced goods - open every Sat from 8am-1pm
344 habitants recommandent
Joshua Tree Certified Farmers' Market
61651 Twentynine Palms HighwayFarm fresh produce & locally sourced goods - open every Sat from 8am-1pm
Best selection of mezcal & tequila that you will ever find to craft your own cocktails. Finely curated artisanal snacks to pair with as well.
146 habitants recommandent
Desierto Alto
55827 Twentynine Palms HighwayBest selection of mezcal & tequila that you will ever find to craft your own cocktails. Finely curated artisanal snacks to pair with as well.
Get you a bottle (or two) of organic wine from this finely curated selection right down the road from the cozy tree.
165 habitants recommandent
Wine and Rock Shop
59006 Twentynine Palms HighwayGet you a bottle (or two) of organic wine from this finely curated selection right down the road from the cozy tree.
Small market with quality organic healthy groceries
276 habitants recommandent
Joshua Tree Health Foods
61693 Twentynine Palms HighwaySmall market with quality organic healthy groceries
Beyond incredible selection of booze from an unassuming outside - check the walk-in beer fridge!
51 habitants recommandent
Sam's Market
61380 Twentynine Palms HighwayBeyond incredible selection of booze from an unassuming outside - check the walk-in beer fridge!
Our standard local grocery store for the essentials. Pro tip = have groceries delivered from here, Vons, or WalMart via Instacart
167 habitants recommandent
Stater Bros. Markets
58060 Twentynine Palms HighwayOur standard local grocery store for the essentials. Pro tip = have groceries delivered from here, Vons, or WalMart via Instacart
brand new local craft distillery open Thur-Sun, 12:30-8pm for tastings/tours/sales!
22 habitants recommandent
Joshua Tree Distilling Company
58945 Bus Center Drbrand new local craft distillery open Thur-Sun, 12:30-8pm for tastings/tours/sales!
Stop here on your drive to JT for fresh produce & goods from local farmers
16 habitants recommandent
Morongo Fruit Market
49643 Twentynine Palms HighwayStop here on your drive to JT for fresh produce & goods from local farmers
live music
Follow @mojaveunderground on IG to see the daily events around town including live music!
so many legendary acts have played here (including Paul McCartney with a surprise show in 2016). Tickets sell out well in advance, so check out the calendar on pappyandharriets.com for the upcoming acts + tickets
1340 habitants recommandent
Pappy & Harriet's
53688 Pioneertown Rdso many legendary acts have played here (including Paul McCartney with a surprise show in 2016). Tickets sell out well in advance, so check out the calendar on pappyandharriets.com for the upcoming acts + tickets
Cold beers on draft, decent food (fried pickle spears, fish tacos, burgers, salads), and desert vibes.
*live music on Wed, Friday, & Sat nights, as well as Sun @ 1pm
*open mic night on Tues
*karaoke on Thurs
909 habitants recommandent
Joshua Tree Saloon
61835 Twentynine Palms HighwayCold beers on draft, decent food (fried pickle spears, fish tacos, burgers, salads), and desert vibes.
*live music on Wed, Friday, & Sat nights, as well as Sun @ 1pm
*open mic night on Tues
*karaoke on Thurs
One of our favorite spots. Live music + pizza + wine & beer. Great people & vibes here.
209 habitants recommandent
Giant Rock Meeting Room & Coffee House
1131 Old Woman Springs RdOne of our favorite spots. Live music + pizza + wine & beer. Great people & vibes here.