Joshua Tree Guide: 15 Best Things to Do in Joshua Tree in 2023

Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California.

These are 15 of our favorite activities to do in and around Joshua Tree National Park in 2023.

With a uniquely beautiful and almost other-worldly landscape, Joshua Tree and its surrounding communities, including Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms, provide the ultimate getaway where one can disconnect, appreciate the beauty of nature, and relax. Explore the region with our list of the best things to do in Joshua Tree:

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The Best Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park and Surrounding Towns

1. Explore Joshua Tree National Park 

Desert Queen Mine is a popular destination in Joshua Tree National Park.

The park is an exciting destination for hiking, rock climbing, and camping. With unique rock formations, cacti, desert blooms, animal life, and of course, Joshua trees, the expansive park is a must-see! Take a guided tour from The Climbing Life Guides, which offers one-on-one guided rock climbing experiences to guide you on some of the top Joshua Tree must-do hikes (and accommodates groups of up to 18 people).

Or stop by the Joshua Tree Visitors Center to get the local scoop on the best sites in Joshua Tree. Grab a map, and start exploring —must-see places in Joshua Tree National Park include the hike to Barker Dam, Skull Rock, and Desert Queen Mine. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen! 

2. Stargaze

A night sky filled with stars in Joshua Tree National Park.

Alan Carrillo

With very little light pollution, stargazing in Joshua Tree is phenomenal. The sparkling Joshua Tree sky is so magical that you'll want to capture it in a photo.

A starry night in Twentynine Palms, California.

Joshua Tree Workshops provide night photography classes, including the Milky Way Photography Workshop, where you’ll learn how to photograph the breathtaking starry night sky. In Twentynine Palms, visit The Sky’s the Limit Observatory and Nature Center to view the constellations. The sunsets are equally epic.

3. Go Camping

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, Joshua Tree has many campgrounds where you can stay at an affordable rate including Cottonwood Campground and Jumbo Rocks Campground.

4. Pay tribute to Gram Parsons

Famous country rock musician Gram Parsons spent his last hours at the Joshua Tree Inn.

If you're a fan of country rock musician Gram Parsons, then you may know that he had a special connection with Joshua Tree. Visit the Joshua Tree Inn where the famous musician frequently stayed and spent his last hours. (You can even spend the night in Room 8 where Parsons died of an overdose at 26.) Stop by Cap Rock, the location where Parsons’ road manager Phil Kaufman brought the songwriter’s body for cremation after stealing it. 

5. Experience a sound bath

An overhead view of the sound chamber where sound baths are conducted at the Integratron. [Image courtesy of Integratron]

George Van Tassel is said to have built the Integratron based on the design of Moses’ Tabernacle, Nikola Tesla’s writings, and directions from aliens. Designed for time travel, it's located in the city of Landers, not far from Joshua Tree, on what is claimed to be a powerful geomagnetic vortex. Sound baths at the Integratron are 60-minute healing experiences that provide the opportunity to relax, reflect, and rejuvenate.

Visit the Integratron website you can browse events and book for your visit. There is also the opportunity to enjoy outdoor sunset soundbaths featuring a curated playlist of fun and relaxing music.

6. Check out the art 

A mural in Twentynine Palms.

Joshua Tree is home to a strong community of local artists. Local galleries in Joshua Tree include Gallery 62, JTAG, Beatnik Lounge, and Taylor Junction.

If you’re in the mood for something a little funky and quirky, head to Noah Purify’s Outdoor Desert Art Museum, which features sculptures assembled from strange pieces of junk known as “Environmental Sculpture.”

Drive to nearby Twentynine Palms and view over 20 public murals that are painted on walls all over the town, telling the stories of local life.

7. Enjoy live music 

Legendary music venue, Pappy & Harriet's in located in Pioneertown, is a short drive from Joshua Tree.

You’ll feel like you were transported back in time to the Old West when you visit Pioneertown, home of legendary music venue Pappy & Harriet's. If you are looking for one of the coolest things to do in Joshua Tree for music fans, this is a must-visit spot. Enjoy performances from top live bands and mesquite barbecue.

In Yucca Valley, Frontier Cafe hosts open mics and local musician performances. We recommend ordering the vegan BLT.

At the Restaurant at the 29 Palms Inn, you can enjoy local musicians entertaining in the styles of bluegrass, Americana, folk, and jazz. The food is delicious and the menu features ingredient’s from the hotel’s garden.

8. Visit a 9,000-year-old oasis

The 29 Palms Inn.

The 29 Palms Inn is close to one of the entrances of Joshua Tree National Park and is located on the 9,000-year-old Oasis of Mara. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring. Guests can chill out in a hammock, go for a swim or wander the pretty grounds. Accommodations include an authentic 1930s Adobe Bungalow, a 1920s cabin, and large guest houses. 

9. Dine on fresh, healthy cuisine

The Restaurant at the 29 Palms inn features ingredients grown at the Faultline Farm.

The Restaurant at the 29 Palms Inn serves delicious dishes featuring fresh ingredients grown on property at the hotel’s organic Faultline Farm.

In downtown Joshua Tree, make a pit stop at Natural Sisters Cafe, a great place to people watch while enjoying thoughtfully crafted vegan and vegetarian plates, juices, and smoothies. 

10. Practice yoga

Sunset in Joshua Tree.

Joshua Tree is is a popular destination for yoga retreats like the Desert Reset.

Help support a local desert yoga studio by dropping in for yoga at Cedar and Sage Wellness Studio for Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, Yin, Hot Yoga and more.

11. Be mesmerized by crystals

Geodes at the Gem and Mineral Show in Joshua Tree.

The Sportsman’s Club in Joshua Tree hosts a yearly Gem and Mineral Show. Though the show has been cancelled for spring 2023, it’s anticipated to occur in the fall.

You can still stop by the Joshua Tree Rock Shop year-round for good vibes, beautiful crystals, and jewelry. 

12. Go vintage shopping

The End, a vintage store in Yucca Valley.

Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley are home to some amazing vintage clothing stores. Pop by Hoof & The Horn, Funky and Darn Near New, Promised Land and Black Luck Vintage to search for cute and trendy pieces. We’re obsessed with The End in Yucca Valley for vintage treasures and fabulous jewelry. At Ricochet Vintage Wears in Joshua Tree, you’ll find everything from cosmic American threads to punk rock apache couture.

13. Get nostalgic at the Beauty Bubble Salon and Museum

The Beauty Bubble in Joshua Tree.

The retro Beauty Bubble Salon and Museum celebrates all things hair with vintage tools, beauty products, and perm machines. The Beauty Bubble is home to over 3,000 beauty artifacts that go back all the way to the 1800s and span through today. If you need a new ‘do, schedule an appointment and get a cut or color while you marvel at the salon’s cool vintage items. For another cute museum, walk down the street to the world-famous Crochet Museum.

14. Stay at an Airbnb or Vrbo Vacation Rental

The living room at the Joshua Tree House. [Image courtesy of the Joshua Tree House]

If camping isn’t your thing, enjoy the comforts of an Airbnb or Vrbo. According to the Los Angeles Times, Joshua Tree and its surrounding areas contain over 800 vacation rentals. Check out the top 50 Joshua Tree vacation rentals on this Joshua Tree Vrbo page.

You can stay in a boho-decorated desert cabin or quirky vintage airstream. We’ve been admiring photos of the Joshua Tree House on Instagram. Designed to set a slow-paced vibe, the home features a relaxing hot tub, perfect for soaking in on a dark starry night. Joshua Tree House owners Sara and Rich Combs are passionate about designing spaces that are daily reminders to stay present.

We love staying at Forever 29, a vintage Americana-styled ranch house with a swimming pool and hot tub, pool table, dart board, and an organ for playing music. 

If you are headed to the desert in April, we’ve also made a list of the best places to stay for Coachella 2023.

15. Go on a Wonder Valley adventure

Wonder Valley, California.

Head to Wonder Valley to truly feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. Drive through this desolate desert landscape and you’ll almost think that The Palms Restaurant and Bar is a mirage. This local hangout is known for its Sunday brunch and stiff drinks, and the food is tasty but affordable. Check their Facebook page to stay in the loop!

While you’re out in Wonder Valley, you may spot some cool outdoor art installations like the “Love Signs,” a popular tourist spot for taking selfies. (Located at 80501-80549 Twentynine Palms Highway.) You’ll also find more art installations at The Glass Outhouse Art Gallery.

Visit Wonder Valley Park and keep an eye out for fulgurites! Fulgurites are a natural formation that occurs when lightning hits sand.

Joshua Tree's stunning desert setting makes it perfect for a relaxing wellness getaway or a wild fun-filled adventure. For more Joshua Tree ideas, visit Joshua Tree Visitor's Guide.

Joshua Tree FAQ

When is the best time to go to Joshua Tree?

Personally, my favorite times to visit Joshua Tree are in the spring and fall. The spring is a beautiful time of year because there are beautiful dessert blossoms. I’m also a big fan of the crystal show that happens in the fall and the weather is comfortable during that time of year.

If you visit in the summer, be aware that the temperatures can get extremely hot and may reach over 100 degrees. Not all Airbnbs in Joshua Tree have air conditioning, so be sure to check if the location where you plan to stay has cooling. I recommend staying somewhere where you have access to a swimming pool if you visit in the summer.

Winter can be a nice time to visit Joshua Tree as well, but you’ll need to pack warmer clothes. It’s a pretty sight to see Joshua Trees covered in snow which does happen during some winters. I’ve spent a few Christmases in Joshua Tree and it can be a fun and unique way to spend the holiday season.

What are some unique things to do in Joshua Tree?

One of the reasons Joshua Tree is a unique destination is because the landscape is so different from other parts of the desert and California. Some unique must-try activities are the amazing stargazing, enjoying the unique natural habitat including the local plants and animals, and visiting the unique local businesses and art galleries. You can also search for fulgurites in the desert, a unique phenomenon that happens when lightning hits the sand to create new formation.

What are some of the top things to see in Joshua Tree National Park?

Some of the top sites in Joshua Tree National Park include Skull Rock, Jumbo Rocks, Keys View, Split Rock, Barker Dam Trail, and Hall of Horrors. It’s a good idea to book a guided tour with an experienced tour company such as Joshua Tree Excursions if you are hoping to hit all the top park destinations and learn about the history and natural landscape/wildlife of Joshua Tree.

Looking for a luxurious resort after camping in Joshua Tree? Check out our guide to the best Palm Springs resorts.

Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy