We recently spent a few days in the high desert. Instead of our usual Palm Springs visit, we headed farther out to Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree. The trip was relaxing and restorative—even with a four-year-old in tow—and we stayed in an incredible rental, found great food, and discovered some fantastic local shops.
Below are our top recommendations for where to stay, eat, shop, and what to do when visiting Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley.
Where To Stay
Oeste
We stayed at Oeste, a thoughtfully designed rental owned by friends Claire and Yayo. The attention to detail is evident in every room and every object—everything feels curated and livable. The house includes a large living space with a beautiful kitchen, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a TV/game room with a projector and a selection of games. The circular bedroom window is especially photogenic and makes for memorable shots.
Oeste sits in a remote spot, making it quiet and ideal for stargazing—the Milky Way is visible on clear nights. The property offers opportunities to spot local desert wildlife, which was a highlight for our child. There’s also a stock tank pool, a bocce ball court, and a meditation labyrinth that’s fun to explore.
The decor throughout the house is lovely and inspiring, with colorful bathrooms, built-in shelving, and comfortable communal spaces.
We highly recommend Oeste for a desert getaway. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and family-friendly. Learn more and book by contacting Oeste on Instagram.
Where To Eat
Frontier Cafe (Yucca Valley)
We tried the BLT and loved it; my partner had the lox and said it was excellent.
C&S Coffee Shop (Yucca Valley)
A classic diner vibe and great coffee—perfect for a casual breakfast or a midday stop.
The Jelly Donut (Yucca Valley)
A local favorite for pastries. We tried the buttermilk bar and apple fritter and enjoyed both.
Joshua Tree Coffee Company (Joshua Tree)
A cute coffee shop with a pleasant outdoor seating area.
The Natural Sisters Cafe (Joshua Tree)
Highly recommended by locals for plant-based food, juices, and smoothies; we didn’t make it in this trip but it’s on our list for next time.
Pappy & Harriet’s (Pioneertown)
A well-known spot that many friends recommend. If you have time, it’s worth visiting for food and live music.
Shops To Check Out
Acme 5 Lifestyle (Yucca Valley)
A beautiful shop full of home goods, furniture, plants, and art—definitely worth a visit.
Hoof & The Horn (Yucca Valley)
Located next to Frontier Cafe, this store carries women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing, plus home goods and gifts.
Pioneer Crossing Antiques (Yucca Valley)
Antique and thrift stores line 29 Palms and the surrounding area. Many are open on weekends and select weekdays—check hours before you go. The shops are full of interesting finds.
Wine and Rock Shop (Yucca Valley)
A charming wine shop that also offers lifestyle gifts and souvenirs; we picked up a candle we loved bringing home.
Joshua Tree Rock Shop (Joshua Tree)
An exceptional collection of rocks, gems, and crystals from around the world. Price ranges vary, so there are accessible small pieces as well as larger, rarer finds.
What To Do
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is the region’s centerpiece. The landscape is unique and dramatic—ideal for photography, hiking, and exploring rock formations. If you plan to visit, check the National Park Service for park information and guidelines.
Explore at Sunset
Sunset brings out the desert’s best colors, so head out after dinner to catch the evening light—perfect for photos and quiet walks.
Pioneertown
Pioneertown is a vintage Western set town built as a movie set in the 1940s. It’s a short drive away, fun to wander, and home to Pappy & Harriet’s for music and dinner.
Venture to Palm Springs
Palm Springs is just 20–30 minutes away and makes a great day trip for dining, shopping, or sightseeing if you want a change of pace.
Relax
One of the best parts of a desert getaway is slowing down. At Oeste we spent time reading, playing games, exploring the property, and enjoying the quiet—exactly what a desert escape should feel like.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
If you’ve visited Joshua Tree or Yucca Valley, I’d love to hear your favorite spots and recommendations for next time.