10 Fun Things to Do in Joshua Tree, California
Just a few hours from LA, Joshua Tree is the perfect California road trip weekend destination. Dotted with the iconic namesake Joshua trees, this unique reels you in with rugged rock formations, wide open spaces of untouched wilderness, and a celestial night sky. Joshua Tree offers the perfect playground for anyone from rock climbers, hikers exploring its winding trails, and those wanting to explore and get outside. Here are a few fun things to do on your next trip to Joshua Tree.
1. Grab Coffee at Mas o Menos
Start your day with a latte or cold brew at Mas o Menos, one of Joshua Tree’s best coffee spots. It’s got desert-minimalist decor, strong coffee, and a great selection of natural wine and small bites if you’re feeling snacky. The outdoor patio is the perfect place to sit, sip, and hang.
2. Check Out The Beauty Bubble Salon & Museum
This funky and fabulous little museum is part retro beauty parlor, part quirky collection of vintage hair tools and memorabilia. The Beauty Bubble is equal parts kitsch and charm, and it’s one of the most photogenic spots in town.
3. Visit the World Famous Crochet Museum
Housed inside a converted lime green photo booth, this tiny roadside stop is filled with colorful, hand-crocheted creations. It’s weird in the best way, and a must-see for anyone who loves offbeat art.
4. Explore the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum
This open-air art museum is filled with large-scale sculptures made from salvaged materials. The late artist Noah Purifoy turned discarded objects into profound works of art that blend into the desert landscape. It’s eerie, inspiring, and one of the most unique outdoor galleries you’ll ever visit.
5. Check Out Pioneertown
Originally built as a movie set in the 1940s, Pioneertown is now a real-life Western town with a quirky main street, complete with saloons, old storefronts, and even live reenactments on weekends. Don’t forget to grab some photos in front of the old jail or the Pioneertown Motel sign.
6. Wander Through Desert Christ Park
Tucked away in nearby Yucca Valley, Desert Christ Park is a serene, slightly surreal collection of white statues set against the desert backdrop. It’s quiet, peaceful, and has an almost mystical vibe.
7. Go on a Hike in Joshua Tree National Park
You can’t visit Joshua Tree without exploring the national park. Whether you’re doing a full-day hike or just a scenic drive, the landscape is breathtaking. Try the Hidden Valley Trail, Barker Dam, or Ryan Mountain for incredible views and classic Joshua Tree boulders.
8. Catch Live Music at Pappy & Harriet’s
Located in Pioneertown, Pappy & Harriet’s is legendary for its desert-chic vibe, hearty food, and live music. Everyone from Paul McCartney to indie bands on the rise have played here. Even if you don’t catch a show, it’s worth it for the ambiance and a drink under the stars.
9. See Skull Rock
One of the park’s most iconic natural landmarks, Skull Rock is a giant boulder that looks exactly like… a skull. You can pull off the road and walk right up to it—it’s an easy stop that’s great for photos and a quick leg stretch.
10. Eat Tacos at Red Dog Saloon
Wrap up your day with tacos and margaritas at Red Dog Saloon, a local favorite in Pioneertown. The vibes are fun, the decor is vintage western with a twist, and the patio is a great spot for golden hour.
Joshua Tree is one of those places that feeds your soul—whether you’re in it for the art, the hikes, or the dusty desert charm. Each corner has something unexpected, and the slower pace lets you soak it all in. Bookmark this list for your next high desert escape!
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