Rene's Guidebook To Joshua Tree/Yucca Valley
Food scene
Great local bar with 14 beers on tap and yummy food! It gets busy on the weekends so expect a small wait time for a table.
909 locals recommend
Joshua Tree Saloon
61835 Twentynine Palms HighwayGreat local bar with 14 beers on tap and yummy food! It gets busy on the weekends so expect a small wait time for a table.
Crossroads Cafe
61715 Twentynine Palms HighwayA great desert, diner vibe and good food!
Joshua Tree Coffee Company
61738 Twentynine Palms HighwayLocal coffee shop with small bites.
Awesome saloon in Pioneertown! Reservations book up weeks in advance, but they do take walk ins!
1340 locals recommend
Pappy & Harriet's
53688 Pioneertown RdAwesome saloon in Pioneertown! Reservations book up weeks in advance, but they do take walk ins!
A great marketplace with the best taco counter in the back...it's a hidden gem!
Grab some tacos for lunch and pick up meat from the counter to grill for dinner.
The salsa and ceviche are great too!
66 locals recommend
Kasa Market & Taco Shop
56089 Twentynine Palms HighwayA great marketplace with the best taco counter in the back...it's a hidden gem!
Grab some tacos for lunch and pick up meat from the counter to grill for dinner.
The salsa and ceviche are great too!
The Tiny Pony Tavern
57205 29 Palms HighwayA new, local spot for great food and drinks.
Sightseeing
Best place to stop before entering the park. You can buy your pass there and also get a map of the park. Talk to one of the rangers about what hikes they recommend!
418 locals recommend
Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center
6554 Park BlvdBest place to stop before entering the park. You can buy your pass there and also get a map of the park. Talk to one of the rangers about what hikes they recommend!
Outdoor art installation that you can walk through and explore.
549 locals recommend
Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum
62975 Blair LnOutdoor art installation that you can walk through and explore.
The most amazing sound bath experience! Make sure to make a reservation in advance.
737 locals recommend
Integratron
2477 Belfield BlvdThe most amazing sound bath experience! Make sure to make a reservation in advance.
A 3 mile round-trip hike to a real desert oasis. If you hike early enough, you may see some bighorn sheep!
The hike is relatively easy and good for all ages.
22 locals recommend
Lost Palms Oasis Trail
Lost Palms Oasis TrailA 3 mile round-trip hike to a real desert oasis. If you hike early enough, you may see some bighorn sheep!
The hike is relatively easy and good for all ages.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Cars are the best way to get around.
You will definitely need a car to enjoy the city.
Book before you go
Pappys and Harriets
This saloon takes reservations and books up at least a week in advance. Also, check their website for concerts.
What to pack
What to pack
Please bring a sun hat as the sun is very strong during the day. Also, it will get very chilly at night so pack something to keep you warm.
Ways to save
Supermarket
There is a Vons supermarket located on route 62 in Yucca Valley. Stock up on food there for your trip. It is about 15 minutes away from the house.
What to pack
What to Wear in the Desert
1. Bring a hat - the sun is strong and there is little shade.
2. If you plan on going hiking, bring proper hiking shoes or trail running shoes with good grip. The sand can be slippery on inclines with only sneakers on.
3. Bring a shoe that is easy to slip on and off. Even though the yards consist of sand, you don't want to go barefoot in the backyard....cactus and other plant parts are pokey!
4. Bring a warm jacket or sweater. Even on hot days, once the sun goes down, it can get chilly at night.
Customs and culture
Talk with the locals!
Most people in town are transplants, who wanted a quieter life outside the city. Everyone is very friendly. Get to know them and ask questions!
The real locals are also great people. I once shared my pizza at a bar with the last real cowboy in the area, who's been running his families ranch for decades. Even though we come from different walks of life, we connected over pizza and our love for family.