Joshua Tree Desert Itinerary
This full-day excursion takes you to unexpected places in the most unforgiving of environments—the desert in and around Joshua Tree. Palm Springs is a two-hour drive from both Los Angeles and San Diego. If traveling from Santa Barbara or further north, recommend making this trip a weekend getaway.
TRIP SUMMARY
When to travel: Any day of the week, however some lunch places are not open Monday/Tuesday (alternate suggestions are provided)
Best seasons to travel: Fall, Winter, Spring (Summer is ok but plan for extremely hot desert temps; and do not bring your dog)
Suggested for: Couples, families, art & culture lovers
Kid-friendly, dog-friendly (except summer months); vegetarian friendly; wheelchair accessible
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
A pre-historic moment in time
An outdoor art museum in the middle of nowhere
A set for old Hollywood western movies
Lunch at legendary spot where Paul McCartney once performed
Numerous instagrammable moments with the desert as your backdrop
An icy cold, locally made treat
ITINERARY CLUES
STOP #1: Before arriving at your first official stop, we recommend making a pit stop to grab an icy locally grown treat that will help keep you cool as you enter the desert. The first official stop takes you on one fun, gigantic, and highly instagrammable leap back in time.
STOP #2: As the morning heats up, you’ll venture deeper into the desert to discover art like no other in the middle of nowhere.
STOP #3: Re-energize and enjoy a hearty lunch on the frontier.
STOP #4: At this final stop, you will find yourself in the middle of the wild, wild west as you stroll through the grounds of an old movie set.
PACKING ESSENTIALS
Water and a reusable, refillable bottle
Snacks for the long drive
Camera
Sunscreen
Hat and sunglasses
Walking shoes
Light jacket (as the desert cools in the evening)
NOT INCLUDED:
✗ Any additional costs associated with your trip, including but not limited to transportation, gas, parking, entrance fees/tickets to attractions, food and beverages, and applicable taxes and gratuities wherever you go.
✗ Reservations. We will provide our recommendations for where to eat and visit but it’s ultimately your responsibility to make the actual reservations/bookings where applicable.
✗ Hotel accommodations. If you’d like to extend your stay overnight, we’re more than happy to book your hotel. Let us know as far in advance as possible so we can find the best hotels to suit your taste and budget.
INCLUDED:
✔ A ‘California Day Tripping Essentials’ guide that includes a packing list and helpful tips for planning your day.
✔ A series of 4-5 stops that will make up your day’s itinerary, with recommended roadside stops along the way.
✔ Restaurant, attraction and activity recommendations.
