Guidebook for the High Desert

Ngoc Minh Tu
Guidebook for the High Desert

Favorite Food Spots

There is a surprising number of good restaurants in the high desert, some more famous than others but all delicious. Here is a running list of our favorites!
The hype is real, this place deserves all the love and is a MUST when in JT. Their hours are a little tricky (Thurs- Sun // 2-7pm) but they take reservations via Resy so try your luck in advance or go early and be patient, it is worth the wait! Everything is delicious and the seasonal menu changes often, making it hard to make a recommendation so have fun and be bold. Great wine list too!
725 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
La Copine
848 Old Woman Springs Rd
725 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The hype is real, this place deserves all the love and is a MUST when in JT. Their hours are a little tricky (Thurs- Sun // 2-7pm) but they take reservations via Resy so try your luck in advance or go early and be patient, it is worth the wait! Everything is delicious and the seasonal menu changes often, making it hard to make a recommendation so have fun and be bold. Great wine list too!
This OG institution stood the test of time and needs no further introduction. The Tex Mex food is hearty without pretension, just like the team that runs the place. Come early, put your name down and check out the Western town next door while you kill time. Bonus treat - there is often live music so check their calendar ahead of time.
1340 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Pappy & Harriet's
53688 Pioneertown Rd
1340 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
This OG institution stood the test of time and needs no further introduction. The Tex Mex food is hearty without pretension, just like the team that runs the place. Come early, put your name down and check out the Western town next door while you kill time. Bonus treat - there is often live music so check their calendar ahead of time.
Located right by the entrance of the park, this is a solid fueling station before / after a day of exploring - the quesadilla and breakfast sandwich do not disappoint!
688 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Crossroads Cafe
61715 Twentynine Palms Highway
688 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Located right by the entrance of the park, this is a solid fueling station before / after a day of exploring - the quesadilla and breakfast sandwich do not disappoint!
Sushi in the desert can be a hard sell but this Japanese owned family restaurant defies the odds by serving up consistently fresh, delicious and well priced food. The tempura and sashimi salad are standouts!. There is even a chopsticks locker for the regulars!
160 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Kimi Grill
54850 Twentynine Palms Highway
160 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Sushi in the desert can be a hard sell but this Japanese owned family restaurant defies the odds by serving up consistently fresh, delicious and well priced food. The tempura and sashimi salad are standouts!. There is even a chopsticks locker for the regulars!
Surprisingly good Thai food for when you're craving spicy Asian food. Family run and very popular, they operate on their time and terms - come early or be ready to wait. They are known to run out of food and take 3 months off in the Spring (April - June). Still worth it tho :)
153 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Royal Siam Cuisine Thai Restaurant
61599 Twentynine Palms Highway
153 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Surprisingly good Thai food for when you're craving spicy Asian food. Family run and very popular, they operate on their time and terms - come early or be ready to wait. They are known to run out of food and take 3 months off in the Spring (April - June). Still worth it tho :)
Little known fact: there is a taco shop in the back of this Mexican grocery store and it is legit / locals only. On Wednesday, it's $0.75 per taco and there is delicious pozole on the weekends!
66 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Kasa Market & Taco Shop
56089 Twentynine Palms Highway
66 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Little known fact: there is a taco shop in the back of this Mexican grocery store and it is legit / locals only. On Wednesday, it's $0.75 per taco and there is delicious pozole on the weekends!
No frills breakfast spot with life long waitresses and generous portions. The turkey club sandwich and gravy biscuits are well done classics that will keep you full all day long.
50 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Larry & Milt's Western Cafe #2
56098 Twentynine Palms Highway
50 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
No frills breakfast spot with life long waitresses and generous portions. The turkey club sandwich and gravy biscuits are well done classics that will keep you full all day long.
Tex Mex / BBQ spot in downtown Joshua Tree with great ambiance and open mic & karaoke nights on the weekend. Stick with bar classics like the burgers, fish & chips, chicken wings and come early for the table as the place fills up quickly with locals & visitors alike.
909 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Joshua Tree Saloon
61835 Twentynine Palms Highway
909 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Tex Mex / BBQ spot in downtown Joshua Tree with great ambiance and open mic & karaoke nights on the weekend. Stick with bar classics like the burgers, fish & chips, chicken wings and come early for the table as the place fills up quickly with locals & visitors alike.
Brand new convenience store in downtown Yucca Valley with a great assortment of snacks, wine and provisions fit for any big city cravings. Their generous hours 11am-10pm come in really handy when you have a late night snack attack!
146 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Desierto Alto
55827 Twentynine Palms Highway
146 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Brand new convenience store in downtown Yucca Valley with a great assortment of snacks, wine and provisions fit for any big city cravings. Their generous hours 11am-10pm come in really handy when you have a late night snack attack!
New bakery in downtown Joshua Tree for fresh pies, scone, bread and soft serve ice cream! It might not be THE best (tho I am very spoiled growing up in Montreal) but does the trick after the farmer's market when you want something homemade and comforting!
115 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Boo's Organic Oven
61675 Twentynine Palms Highway
115 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
New bakery in downtown Joshua Tree for fresh pies, scone, bread and soft serve ice cream! It might not be THE best (tho I am very spoiled growing up in Montreal) but does the trick after the farmer's market when you want something homemade and comforting!
Great vegetarian food and drinks options to fuel you up for the day! Generous portions and nice people to boot! Next to a organic grocery store if you want to stock up!
661 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Natural Sisters Cafe
61695 Twentynine Palms Highway
661 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Great vegetarian food and drinks options to fuel you up for the day! Generous portions and nice people to boot! Next to a organic grocery store if you want to stock up!

To Bring Home

This list is for the treasure seekers and deal hunters looking for that special something to remember the desert by...
Retro gas station converted into novelty gift shop, this is where you will find that cool and obscure souvenir to impress your hipster friends with. Even if nothing tickles your fancy, the cowboy statue in front makes for a great photo opp!
179 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The Station Joshua Tree
61943 Twentynine Palms Highway
179 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Retro gas station converted into novelty gift shop, this is where you will find that cool and obscure souvenir to impress your hipster friends with. Even if nothing tickles your fancy, the cowboy statue in front makes for a great photo opp!
Local roasting plant selling small batch & organic coffee: we carry them at the house so if you like it, come by for a cup on the go or take some beans home as a souvenir!
522 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Joshua Tree Coffee Company
61738 Twentynine Palms Highway
522 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Local roasting plant selling small batch & organic coffee: we carry them at the house so if you like it, come by for a cup on the go or take some beans home as a souvenir!
True to its name, this cool & quirky shop has an impressive wine selection and a colorful range of crystal and home goods. You're guaranteed to not leave empty handed and make sure to check out the Drake bathroom!
165 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Wine and Rock Shop
59006 Twentynine Palms Highway
165 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
True to its name, this cool & quirky shop has an impressive wine selection and a colorful range of crystal and home goods. You're guaranteed to not leave empty handed and make sure to check out the Drake bathroom!
Clothing & souvenir shop in downtown Yucca selling a mix of everything from woven blankets to socks to candles - it's a good stop if you're in the area.
170 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Hoof & The Horn
55840 Twentynine Palms Highway
170 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Clothing & souvenir shop in downtown Yucca selling a mix of everything from woven blankets to socks to candles - it's a good stop if you're in the area.
Home furniture and decor store serving major inspo, the curation is impressive and reminiscent of Morocco, Malibu and Bali all at once. If the big ticket items are too much of a commitment, their incense is a great and affordable way to take.a piece home.
149 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Acme 5 Lifestyle
55870 Twentynine Palms Highway
149 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Home furniture and decor store serving major inspo, the curation is impressive and reminiscent of Morocco, Malibu and Bali all at once. If the big ticket items are too much of a commitment, their incense is a great and affordable way to take.a piece home.
We make a point to visit this truly weird and wonderful place every time we're in town. Open on Sat & Sun from mornings till 2pm, this outdoor flea market is a dusty junk yard full of cactus and characters. If you're willing to dig, chances are you will find treasures underneath the rubbles,
156 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Sky Village Outdoor Marketplace
7028 Theatre Rd
156 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
We make a point to visit this truly weird and wonderful place every time we're in town. Open on Sat & Sun from mornings till 2pm, this outdoor flea market is a dusty junk yard full of cactus and characters. If you're willing to dig, chances are you will find treasures underneath the rubbles,
Fun eclectic mix of trinkets and furniture, well priced and artfully displayed. Worth a stop to browse and chat with the sweet owners.
36 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Desert Curios
55995 Twentynine Palms Highway
36 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Fun eclectic mix of trinkets and furniture, well priced and artfully displayed. Worth a stop to browse and chat with the sweet owners.

Wellness & Wonder

There is so much more to Joshua Tree than the National Park, here is a list of fun activities to keep you exploring.
Great yoga studio in the middle of downtown Yucca, run by a friendly team of teachers and loved by the local community. They provide quality mats and various props without charge and the class prices are very reasonable for the quality.
64 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Cedar & Sage Wellness Studio
55833 Twentynine Palms Highway
64 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Great yoga studio in the middle of downtown Yucca, run by a friendly team of teachers and loved by the local community. They provide quality mats and various props without charge and the class prices are very reasonable for the quality.
The infamous mecca of aliens and sound bath - this beautiful space in the middle of nowhere is a great way to experience a sonic and spatial adventure! Book early as spots fill up well ahead of time.
737 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Integratron
2477 Belfield Blvd
737 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The infamous mecca of aliens and sound bath - this beautiful space in the middle of nowhere is a great way to experience a sonic and spatial adventure! Book early as spots fill up well ahead of time.
Homey little spot with sweet staff when you need a little TLC. It's a low key no frills place but they know their stuff and really care about your wellbeing, give our address for a local discount!
10 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Naturalives Day Spa
6448 Hallee Rd
10 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Homey little spot with sweet staff when you need a little TLC. It's a low key no frills place but they know their stuff and really care about your wellbeing, give our address for a local discount!
We love a good old school bowling alley and this OG spot is as real as they come. Full of local leagues and retro deco, it's great throw back fun!
56 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Yucca Bowl
58146 Twentynine Palms Highway
56 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
We love a good old school bowling alley and this OG spot is as real as they come. Full of local leagues and retro deco, it's great throw back fun!
Go early to beat the lines and midday heat. Bring lots of water, SPF and make sure you have enough gas to loop the park if you want to. Start with Hidden Valley Nature Trail for an accessible and picturesque hike then venture deeper into the Park if you're looking for a challenge or quietude.
1713 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Parque Nacional Joshua Tree
1713 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Go early to beat the lines and midday heat. Bring lots of water, SPF and make sure you have enough gas to loop the park if you want to. Start with Hidden Valley Nature Trail for an accessible and picturesque hike then venture deeper into the Park if you're looking for a challenge or quietude.
Every Saturday from about 9am - 1pm: you can find local and seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked goods, some home made delicacies and arts & crafts. It's a good stop after a visit at the park or brunch from crossroads!
344 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Joshua Tree Certified Farmers' Market
61651 Twentynine Palms Highway
344 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Every Saturday from about 9am - 1pm: you can find local and seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked goods, some home made delicacies and arts & crafts. It's a good stop after a visit at the park or brunch from crossroads!