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space cowboy desert retreat to joshua tree
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items a desert dream weekend roadtrip, this artsy, eclectic cowboy town is my go-to retreat from la as an ex-california girl of 6 years. a car is absolutely required to explore the best national park in socal, plus prayers that clear skies will reward you ...
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what to do in joshua tree 🏜️
where to eat in joshua tree 🍳
what to do in joshua tree 🏜️
driving around the national park named after the spiky succulent (not actually a tree—go figure!) is an obvious itinerary addition, but the real hidden gems are the quirky community shops with thrifted finds you can't get anywhere else
anywhere from 4-6.4 miles depending on how far down you trek the loop, pass joshua trees in a classic mohave desert landscape until you reach a preserved mill covering the abandoned lost horse mine. there's no shade along the route; avoid a midday st...
Lost Horse Mine Trailhead
scrambling up a cluster of boulders is a right of passage in jtree, and this relatively short, small cluster is a great place for beginners to start 🪨
Hall of Horrors
for a bigger, taller challenge, jumbo rocks is a much larger collection of boulders with a smooth, steep slab at the top serving as a panoramic lookout point. hiking boots are ideal here to get traction on the slippery surface, and it's worth noting ...
Jumbo Rocks
my favorite spot to watch the sunset, stroll on a flat boardwalk through a cactus garden and whatever you do—do not touch the plants! even a slight graze will have cactus spines stuck to your hair and clothes 🌵
Cholla Cactus Garden
turns out the desert is hot, like really really 100 degrees hot. when the peak high of the day is reached there's no better place to be than cooling down in a pool, sleeping on a shaded lounge chair or hammock, or reclining in the a/c of a sealed-off...
Basking in an Airbnb
one of the more upscale spots in town with polished boutique curations from boho brands like free people and shop wavey sunglasses 🕶️
JT Trading Post
a funky collection of cowboy and 70's disco vintage with an outdoor rv garden full of antique home goods 🥄
Ricochet Vintage Wears
you will have already passed this cluster of shops near the saloon, but it's worth walking around the old timey storefronts that look straight out of a gold rush town 🤠
Coyote Corner
a quirky group of mom and pop bungalows with everything from vintage shops filled with disco balls playing vinyl, desert-inspired art studios, and eclectic, eco-conscious home decor 🪩
The Shops at Zanny's
an even wackier group of interactive exhibition stands next door, sun alley is home to the world famous crochet museum, alien robot museum, and recycled item sculpture galleries 👽
Sun Alley Shops
across from the 76 gas station, the station carries kitschy, graphic souvenirs with tons of photo opp backdrops for an characteristically wonky joshua tree photo ⛽
The Station
hit this bohemian dream home goods store on your drive out of town—acme62 will be furnishing my future house with their natural, woven pieces, but for now there's plenty of boutique jewelry, candles, and soap for the taking 🧴
acme62
where to eat in joshua tree 🍳
while not a fine dining food scene, local diner grub hits the spot after spending a day hiking (or shopping!) under the blazing desert sun
pick up your morning brew from a namesake purveyor served in cafes across socal—plus i'm a sucker for good merch ☕
Joshua Tree Coffee Company
a hearty diner breakfast is served inside this rusted iron storefront, their banana bread served as a ‘breakfast to nowhere’ side can't be beat 🍌
Crossroads Cafe
old west tavern for lunch in a radiator springs-looking scene, any burger is the way to go considering a whole menu page is dedicated to these patties 🍔
Joshua Tree Saloon
sunsets in joshua tree are some of the best in the world (even rivaling santorini), so it's in your best interest to get a pie to go ahead of time and enjoy it in the park as the sky turns pastel—with cannolis for dessert of course 🍕
Sky High Pie
what's pizza without a bottle of wine to go with it; make this your second pit stop to pick up a local cultivation sipped alongside your slice from sky high in the park at sunset 🍷
Joshua Tree Bottle Shop: Home