Just an hour’s drive from Palm Springs, the area around California’s Joshua Tree National Park feels like another world. This is largely thanks to its striking landscape—perched high where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, the terrain is both harsh and breathtaking, with rocky mountains, cactus-filled valleys, and vast open skies.

Locally known as the High Desert, the region—including Yucca Valley, Twentynine Palms, Pioneertown, and the unincorporated community of Joshua Tree—has been home to Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. It has also attracted visitors for centuries. Legend says Mormon settlers named the area’s yucca trees “Joshua” in the 1800s, and the desert later inspired U2’s iconic 1987 album.

Recently, a new wave of visitors has discovered the High Desert’s charm—and many have stayed. Drawn by open space and affordable homes, people from Los Angeles and beyond moved here during the pandemic, fueling the already vibrant creative scene and sparking new businesses.

“Artists and seekers have always been drawn here, and it’s exciting to see the area evolve while being part of such a welcoming community,” says Jessica Pell, founder of Manola Studio and owner of Hotel Wren in Twentynine Palms. “There’s something humbling about how the High Desert holds silence, space, and time differently. The contrasts are beautiful—soft light against sharp rocks, wildflowers blooming in tough soil, creatures built to survive extreme conditions.”

With its stunning natural beauty and new shops, restaurants, and hotels (including rumors of a Faena outpost from Miami), the High Desert’s appeal is undeniable. Below are some of the best places to stay, eat, and explore—just note that summer temperatures can soar past 100°F, so visiting between October and April is ideal (or at least make sure there’s a cold pool nearby).

### Where to Stay
AutoCamp Joshua Tree
For those who love camping without the hassle, AutoCamp offers 47 custom Airstreams and eight tiny cabins on 25 acres near the park’s West Entrance, close to Joshua Tree’s main strip. It’s the perfect base for exploring—so much so that it hosted Vogue’s June 2025 cover shoot with Hailey Bieber.

Design lovers appreciate the thoughtful details, like local artwork, dark-sky-friendly lighting, native landscaping, and interiors by Narrative Design. The mid-century-inspired Clubhouse features floor-to-ceiling windows, wood-slat walls, a fireplace, and natural-material furniture that mirrors the desert outside.

Like other AutoCamp locations, this one offers free activities like morning yoga, live music, and happy hours, with extras like sound baths, guided hikes, and stargazing tours available for booking.Here’s a more natural and fluent rewrite of your text while preserving the original meaning:

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You’ll also find a restaurant, bar, and a well-stocked general store with everything you might need—grill kits, s’mores ingredients, and all the fixings for a great charcuterie board. There’s also a shaded patio, hot tub, and swimming pool where you can relax and soak up the desert’s magic when you’re not out exploring. In short, it feels like a stylish, grown-up version of summer camp—complete with cocktails and pet-friendly vibes.

### Hotel Wren
Originally a 1940s roadside motel, this boutique hotel features 12 airy rooms centered around a lushly landscaped saltwater hot tub, fire pit, and pool. The space is filled with original artwork, natural textures, and handpicked furniture. Designer and owner Jessica Pell describes it as her “love letter to the desert,” and every detail reflects the surroundings—from paint colors matched to local plants to hand-painted tiles featuring desert flora and fauna.

“I wanted Hotel Wren to feel like visiting someone’s home—personal, intimate, and thoughtfully put together,” Pell says. “I hope guests feel that care and find it a comforting retreat.”

Though there’s no restaurant on-site, each room has a fully equipped kitchenette, and the bodega offers natural wine, local cheeses, and other provisions. A complimentary breakfast includes standout pastries like cinnamon-date bagels from 29 Loaves, a local favorite. Plus, the hotel is just minutes from the quieter northern entrance to Joshua Tree National Park.

### The Bungalows by Homestead Modern
This stylish collection of 14 post-and-beam homes sits within the sprawling 152-acre Joshua Tree Retreat Center (also known as the Institute of Metaphysics), blending mid-century design with desert mysticism. Recently restored, these Harold Zook-designed bungalows—originally built in 1960 for on-site teachers—retain their original charm with wood exteriors, sun-bleached interiors, and intricate millwork.

Guests get access to the Retreat Center’s pool, hot tub, and café, plus optional classes and workshops. For those who prefer more space, Homestead Modern also offers unique, design-forward rental homes in and around Joshua Tree.

### Where to Eat

Mas O Menos
Tucked into an adobe building off 29 Palms Highway, this charming café by Studio Plow serves coffee by day and cocktails by night. The back patio, strung with lights, often hosts local bands, DJs, and vendors.

Kitchen in the Desert
In Twentynine Palms, this vibrant spot offers an indoor-outdoor dining experience among cacti. The menu features Caribbean-inspired dishes like curry chana with coconut rice, steak with chimichurri, and spicy kale with goat cheese. Stop by for pear pancakes or sunset drinks—think matcha margaritas or chilled natural wine—while taking in the desert sky.

The Copper Room
A historic restaurant at Yucca Valley Airport, The Copper Room is a must for martini lovers and history buffs. Originally opened in 1957, it’s been restored to its Frank Sinatra-era glamour with red banquettes, wood paneling, and a long bar overlooking the runway.

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With food by Last Word Hospitality (the team behind LA’s beloved Found Oyster) and cocktails by Eric Alperin, expect a stylish, retro-inspired menu that’s a far cry from typical airport food.

La Copine
Don’t be fooled by the diner exterior—this Yucca Valley spot, owned by a husband-and-wife duo, serves fresh, creative dishes in a bright, minimalist space. Try the whipped ricotta with figs, sunchoke latkes with pea shoots, or gazpacho blanco with almonds and grapes. Make a stop after visiting Pioneertown—it’s worth it.

### Where to Shop

Habitat
This charming home decor shop on Twentynine Palms’ main strip, near the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center, showcases desert-inspired art and ceramics by local artists. Pair your visit with the nearby Farmer’s Market and the Visitor Center’s excellent exhibit on the park’s Indigenous history.

White Label Vinyl
Located in Twentynine Palms’ Corner 62 building (home to several indie shops), this record store is a music lover’s paradise. Opened in 2020 by LA transplant Steve Przybylowski, it stocks new and vintage vinyl, plus denim, western wear, books, and posters—even rare finds from 1960s icon Timothy Leary.

Sun of the Desert
While this “general store” has a Joshua Tree outpost, don’t miss its flagship in Twentynine Palms’ Historic Plaza (next to Desert Moon Apothecary). It’s packed with denim, books, vintage goods, and apothecary items that evoke the spirit of desert road trips—including a standout collection of vintage astrology books.

Delilah’s Vintage & Desert’s Edge 29
These connected shops in Twentynine Palms are a treasure trove of vintage clothing, furniture, and western gear. Whether you’re after a prairie blouse, embroidered denim, or the perfect cowboy hat, you’ll likely find it here.