8 Top Things to Do in Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree is a small town in the Southern California desert regions 128 miles east of Los Angeles. In recent decades, it has become an oasis for many locals and visitors from all around the United States. From its Wild West movie backdrop that is Pioneertown to the eclectic art scene, J-Tree has so much to offer to the lover of culture, scenic desert landscapes, and art. 

During your next stay at Wander Joshua Tree, here are some must-see spots to explore in this California hideaway!

Joshua Tree National Park

This is the obvious first choice for anyone visiting the area. Joshua Tree National Park boasts over 100 miles of hiking and horse trails as well as a plethora of various wildlife creatures such as black-tailed jackrabbits, scorpions, bighorn sheep, kangaroos, and so many others. It’s like a scene on National Geographic out there!

J-Tree National Park also has over 8,000 climbing routes and more than 2,000 boulder challenges to choose from. So whether you’ve never lifted a leg on a rock or climbing is a reflexive action for you, there is a rock that suits your climbing capabilities.

On top of that, the sunrises and sunsets are an artistic masterpiece. The mix of the reds, the oranges, the blues, and the purples will bring your evening to a perfect and peaceful end. Plus, it’s totally Instagram-worthy!

At nights, because of the limited light pollution in the area, the stars are super bright and are nothing short of extraordinary. You may even see shooting stars! 

Our wish is that you book your Wander Joshua Tree stay soon so that you can indulge in this breathtaking experience. 

Giant Rock

Sometimes the simplest things make the biggest impact – just like the roadside oddity that is “Giant Rock”. It is just as its name describes, it’s a giant rock. It spans 5,800 square feet of land and goes as high as 98 feet (equivalent to a seven-story building). Imagine how tiny you look next to that! It is also said to be the largest free-standing boulder in the world.

If you didn't have this on your bucket list of oddities to see, add it right now and make your way to Joshua Tree!

Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum

Have you ever been to an outdoor museum? If you haven’t, this is your golden opportunity! The Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum or Outdoor Museum as most call it, has over 100 sculptures and art pieces created from scrapped furniture, appliances, instruments and so much more. Walking through the museum is described as walking on the pages of an artist’s sketchbook in 3D. 

The exhibit is over 30 years old and the effects of being at the mercy of nature for that long has added to that rustic and unorthodox artsy vibe that is characteristic of Joshua Tree.

World Famous Crochet Museum 

Who would’ve thought that an old photo booth could become a museum for crochet collectibles? Not even the World Famous Crochet Museum owner, Shari Elf would’ve guessed it. The photobooth for her was just one of those things that you buy without really knowing how you’d utilize it. However, she eventually brought it out to Joshua Tree to house the crochet pieces that she has been collecting since the 1990s. The exhibit includes stuffed animals, dolls, food, and so many other unusual crochet pieces that will have you hooked.  

To visit is totally free and it’s open 24/7. It’s located on a vacant lot to the back of the Joshua Tree Saloon which is a perfect spot to let a load off with a cold one or to just sit and have lunch after the guaranteed art-filled day you’ll have with Shari and her crocheted friends.

Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace  

This is a beloved Pioneertown spot that has been graced by the presence of so many musical greats like Lizzo, Lorde, Arctic Monkeys, and the legendary Paul McCartney. 

It’s a warm and quintessential Wild West saloon decorated with antlers, license plates, a swing door, and that unapologetic western freedom that is inherent to Pioneertown. To add to its western magic, you can expect to eat large racks of ribs, mashed potatoes, cheesy fries, and tall servings of alcohol to wash it down. 

The irreverent charm and true-to-self nature are what undoubtedly make Pappy and Harriet’s a pillar of the Joshua Tree community.

Natural Sisters Café 

If a barbecue-styled meal is not up your alley, then maybe the fresh approach by the Natural Sisters Café is something you’d enjoy. They serve organic, plant-based meals with locally sourced ingredients. There are breakfast and lunch options and a juice and smoothie bar. 

Their mantra is to serve “food made with kindness, focus, and love” and you not only taste the love in every bite, but you surely feel the love and warmth from the courteous staff with every visit. 

Though it’s a small establishment, they’ve made a big café sized imprint on the hearts of all who’ve been there.

 Wine and Rock Shop  

As their Instagram bio perfectly says, the Wine and Rock Shop sells “booze, snacks and more in the hi dez”. Whether you’re a novice to the sensibilities of wine and all its flavors or you’re a self-proclaimed wine connoisseur, this is the spot for you. 

They’re known for their natural and organic wines, but don’t worry, if you know nothing about natural wine, the very accommodating staff is more than happy to give you a crash course before you select your first bottle. 

But if you’re just looking for some good vibes in the “high dez”, they have a wide selection of gems and crystals for you to choose from too.

Bonus:

Coyote Corner  

Sometimes you don’t get to go to all the places on your list when you visit somewhere new, and if that’s the case after your stay at Wander Joshua Tree, that’s okay.  Just bag a souvenir or two from the Coyote Corner gift shop!

They have everything you can think of from Joshua Tree branded clothing, locally made jewelry, mugs, retro snacks, and cactus candy. Now that’s as Joshua Tree as it gets! They also sell books and guides that you can grab on your way out of J-Tree so that you can map out your next visit even better than before.

Have a Great Trip!

Whether it's hiking, rock climbing, and even meditating in a boulder cave, you'll be astounded by the many activities you can do around Joshua Tree, and we can’t wait for you to experience this desert daze!