Joshua Tree Weekend
Joshua Tree is absolutely one of my favorite places in California and I try to go at least once a year! I just went with 9 of my girlfriends and had more of a “retreat” vibe which was much needed.. AKA lots of margaritas, pool time , and annoying insta photos 😉 I am gonna share some of favorite places to eat, stay, and things to do.
Places I have stayed:
For Joshua Tree, I typically look on airbnb and start my search way far in advance to make sure we get the best place at the best price, and than I can flexible on the dates since it’s a few months before I want to go. Also, filters are your friends, It helps me narrow it way down since there are thousands of options. I always want to have a hot tub and/or pool, have the entire place to ourselves, and then enough beds for everyone to sleep. Top pririties.
Lastly, don’t count out the city of Twentynine Palms, its about a 10 -15 minute down the road from the main downtown area of JT, but prices are lower and you can just use the Utah Trail entrance to get into the park. I actually like this entrance better anyway since its less crowded and some of my favorite hikes are right off of it.
If you are with 8-12 people then this is the place for you.
Pros: Pool, unbelievable view of the desert, entire place to yourself, hot tub, full kitchen, two dining areas, floaties that you can use, outdoor bar area, and theres no one around you so you can be as loud as you want :)
Cons: Interior decorating is definitely 80s grandma style and a little frightening. A chair fell apart and then savanah stepped on a large nail. Bathroom reminds me of the dorm days, but you can shower while also making eye contact with your friend that is also in the shower across from you (pro or con ? lol). Freaking bats!!! Lastly, food delivery services may not be the most reliable and they may get stuck in a ditch and then you’ll have to drive. Rating: Recommend to everyone and their mother.
When you think of a desert style house then this is it!!! Perfect for 4-6 people
Pros: The vibe is perfect for minimalistic desert style, super close to the Utah trail entrance, and you can walk to the Twenty Nine Palms Inn for food/live music. The attention to detail, really makes me appreciate the present moment, who I’m with, and where I I am. The vintage kitchen, mediation room, and the outdoor patio are something i havent seen before!!! Creativity 10/10. Hot tub is a great end to the day while stargazing :)
Cons: not the best view, 10-15 drive to all the restaurants downtown, if you go in the summer months you wont get that much use of the outdoor patio (except at night). Rating: Would go again 9/10.
The Gypsy Wagon: I actually used to work for the owner of this Airbnb aka Venture Yours founder Linda Pena ;) In her words: “Take a journey in the majestic Gypsy Wagon. We ask our guests to come in with an open mind as this might be an adventure that you have not yet experienced. Lose yourself in all the details as you feel the beauty of the outdoors brought inside through the windows in this tiny house. With 650 acres behind you, you’ll feel that you’re in your own private National Park & free to go hiking, off roading, etc. All the amenities of a home & off the grid”.
Pros: Off the grid aka no wifi (crazy) and this entire tiny house is run off of solar power. Located in a very remote location with not much around you, so if you are looking for isolation then you have found it. They also provide games, blue tooth speaker, out door seating, and a night full of stars. This is a “glamping” experience so if you are a 5 star resort person then this is not for you lol
Cons: AC isn’t the best so i would recommend going in the Fall/ pre - Spring for optimal weather conditions. There isn’t a full kitchen, so long term stay wouldn’t be ideal unless you are eating out most of the time. It can fit 4, but it would be a tight squeeze. If you are not a camper then you will not enjoy the compost toilet (but its good for the environment okay!!) .
Things to do:
Food and Restaurants:
Natural Sisters Cafe – Yummy vegetarian food!
