Joshua Tree, CA

Written By Dani

This past weekend I went to Joshua Tree. It feels right that this is my first AF adventure that I’m sharing because this town soothes my soul.

Before my trips I create a list in my Notes app broken up into the following categories:

  • Outdoor

  • Shopping + Entertainment

  • Eat + Drink

This helps me have an idea of what I want to do when I’m in town, but not be bogged down by an overloaded fixed itinerary. It also allows me to research places ahead of time. Especially, food menus. OMG! Do I love to research the hell out of food menus.

OK, cool. So, that’s my method. Let’s talk Joshua Tree.

Joshua Tree, California (Latitude: 34° 08' 5.03" N Longitude: -116° 18' 47.05" W)

Joshua Tree is located on Yuhaaviatam and Maarenga’yam land. Find out who’s land you’re on here.

This funky lil town of about 7,400 people, is home to the Joshua Tree National Park, and is 4 hours west of Phoenix, which is where I call home. Boasting rad music venues like Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown, the World Famous Crochet Museum, and the Integratron in Landers, Joshua Tree is unpretentious and undeniably authentic.

O U T D O O R S

There is no shortage of things to do outside in Joshua Tree. The list I’m sharing is not comprehensive and I haven’t seen all of them. Like I mentioned earlier, I make the list and my experience on the adventure determines what or how much I see.

I could spend days in the national park, there’s literally endless amounts of things to see and explore. Friendly reminder: there is zero cell service in the park, so plan accordingly by downloading directions, if needed.

I drive a Jeep Wrangler (since you asked, her name is Fresita🍓), but you definitely don’t need 4x4 or high clearance for the marked dirt roads that go throughout the park. Just do your due diligence and stay on trails and make the best decision for your vehicle.

Photo of 3 cubist buildings surrounded by Joshua Tree desert landscape with mountains in the background on a sunny day. The house on the left is orange, the one in the middle is sage green, and the one on the right is light blue.

Monument House - Photo by JPR

I haven’t been to Monument House yet, but it looks like it is a cute place to snap a few photos for your Instagram feed.

One of the times I visited Joshua Tree, the Joshua Tree Music Festival was hosting a drive-in movie series. Instead of previews, they showed short films by local film makers, one of which was all about Giant Rock, the Integratron, and (spoiler alert) aliens.👽 So, while I haven’t been to either, they are both still on my list to visit on my next trip.

Large white outdoor movie screen atop a yellow food truck with Joshua Tree Music Festival projected onto the screen. The background behind the words is a sun and sunset with a Joshua Tree. There are purple and pink lights lighting the truck and scree

Now, who’s got the keys to the Jeep? beep! beep!

⚠️Warning: AllTrails says this is an easy route, but it was technical in spots and being in a 4x4 with high clearance definitely made things easier. Honor your experience level, limits, and the weather.⚠️

This 19 mile route will take you all the way from Pioneertown to Big Bear Lake. I was there while it was snowing and ‘magical’ seems too cliche a word, but goodness was it something out of a movie. When folks say they took the scenic route, I imagine the views I saw on this drive.

So, I’m saying this for me, as much as for you: Go to the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum. It’s free and you’ve been to the national park enough this year, Dani. I’m disappointed I haven’t been here yet and will absolutely make this my first stop when I’m in town again.

S H O P + E N T E R T A I N M E N T

  • Art Queen + World Famous Crochet Museum ✅

  • The End ✅

  • Wine + Rock Shop ✅

  • Thrift & Vintage Stores

  • Pappy & Harriet’s ✅

Looking for desert daze vibes for your IG aesthetic? Need fashion inspo to get in on the latest TikTok trend? Look no further than The End and the array of thrift & vintage stores in the area.

You might see the Wine + Rock Shop and think: hey, I thought you said these were alcohol free adventures?! You’d be correct, my friend. Every journey is different, so if you don’t feel comfortable going into a space that sells alcohol; absolutely don’t go. The shop carries carefully curated cute curios, aside from wine & beer, which is why I like to stop in. If it’s not your jam there are lots of other great shops to check out with similar merch.

Pappy & Harriet’s is a legendary music venue, bar, and restaurant. COVID has kept me from seeing a show here and I’m counting down the days until the acts from Coachella play some shows in between weekends.

Photo of rustic wood and brink building with brown sign surrounded by yellow, orange, white, and clear lights with the words: Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace

Truthfully, idk if I’d come here just to hang out. That' feels like tempting fate for me. But, coming for a show, you bet.

E A T + D R I N K

My favorite part of any alcohol free adventure is figuring out where to eat and researching menus. This could easily turn into a food blog, so I’ll keep it concise and just share my order and initial thoughts

V E N T U R E O U T

Joshua Tree is a town that is overflowing with adventures for folks who are sober & sober curious. My tender alcohol free heart and soul is soothed instantly when I feel and hear the ground crunch beneath my boots. If you’re looking for a place to slow down and just be, look no further than this gem of a town.

Have you been to Joshua Tree? Where are your favorite places to go in town?

PS: This is Honey Bun. She likes to tag along on as many of my adventures as possible🍯🐶

Dani
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