Artemis’ Guide To Joshua Tree
Artemis’ Guide to Joshua Tree and Surrounding Areas
It’s no secret that we love the high desert, and have spent the last 8 years traveling back and forth between Joshua Tree and Los Angeles. In 2015 we got marries in Joshua Tree National Park and immediately knew we wanted to create a home there.
We bought our fist cabin in 2017 shortly after the birth of our daughter Earth and have loved watching our family grow up in the desert.
In 2021 we embarked on a bigger project, Pampas House, and over the last few years have spent even more time in the magical desert, watching the community grow and thrive.
Joshua Tree is an incredible energetic and artistic portal, and here is our guide on where to stay, eat, shop and explore.
STAY
Of course, our number one recommendation is our project Pampas House - a spacious and thoughtful abode that fits up to 6 and works well for families. A king bed, two twin beds and a queen bed - the perfect spot to relax and unwind.
Another option is Wild Abode Joshua Tree - a humbler cabin, but perfectly peaceful, remote and amazing for watching the stars.
We have a soft spot in our hearts for the 29 Palms Inn, incredibly sweet and relaxing with a farm to table restaurant on site. The restaurants food is also delicious and very much recommended - as long as you can sit outside or at the bar.
EAT + DRINK
There are some fantastic restaurants in Joshua Tree and the surrounding areas but they do get very busy - go early or get a reservation if you can.
The Copper Room is a newish restaurant at The Yucca Valley airport - it has cinematic vibes and amazingly zest asian fusion food. The Chicken Lettuce Wraps and The Salad are amazing - as are their martinis. The Copper Room itself has over 50 years of history but it’s only just opened up as this iteration.
Kitchen In The Desert in 29 Palms, and fairly close to Pampas House, is another great dinner choice - reservations recommended, and it can be slow. It has super vibes, delicious food and cocktails and the Caribbean/ New American cuisine delights - some nights a live DJ graces the yard for party-esque vibes.
Campbell Hill Bakery - only open Thur - Sun in 29 Palms, this is an incredible small bakery with a lot of options including pizza squares, pastries, bread, cakes, coffee, soups, mac n cheese and more …. it does sell out quick and be advised there will be a small queue.
Más o Menos is a new coffee shop by day / bar by night that is beautiful and fairly quiet - which is a blessing as nearly everywhere in the ares is overcrowded. It is located equidistant between 29 palms and Joshua Tree on the 29 palms highway and also - one of the closest places to Pampas House and Wild Abode Joshua Tree.
The Dez Fine Food - Joshua Tree - a great coffee shop, gourmet market and spot for to go sandwiches, salads etc. On the weekend you will have to queue and there is no seating.
Outpost Vegan Cafe - Yucca Valley - we love this spot for lunch, drinks, smoothies and sea moss!
Luna Bakery - Yucca Valley - a newish sourdough bakery.
Red Dog Saloon - Pioneer Town - when in Pioneer Town, we recommend a visit to Red Dog Saloon - the Tommy’s Margherita is mind blowing.
Pappy + Harriet’s - the fames institution that’s seem many a rock legend grace it’s stages hosts concerts and live music almost nightly. The mesquite BBQ is fantastic but reservations are required or wait for hours. Recommended if you are not in a rush or of course, if you are going to a concert.
La Copine- famed restaurant in Flamingo Heights, sauve faire.
DO
The main highlight of the area is without a doubt Joshua Tree National Park - when I first visited I was transported to another universe. Watch the weather and don’t go on a long hike if it is too hot! Even just driving though is breathtaking - in the spring the wild flowers can be amazing! When we have less time we also like visiting Indian Cove which is a 10 minute drive from Pampas House, with incredible rock formation and short trails.
Shopping in Joshua Tree is fun - cute shops and a Saturday morning farmers market.
Yucca Valley also has some cute shops for browsing or shopping.
Visit Pioneer Town - an old Western Movie set and now the home to above mentioned Red Dog Saloon and Pappy + Harriet’s - the surrounding landscape is also incredible. Cute shops and occasionally goats, horses and cowboy shows.
The Integraton is an incredible sound bath - an out of this world experience - must book!
Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum - is a museum of outsider art made with found objects by Noah Purifoy in Joshua Tree. Free entry.
Transmission is a 28ft sculpture, it’s close to Wild Abode Joshua Tree and pretty close to Pampas House - worth a drive-by!
Palm Springs, including the Aerial Tram is not too far away - a great day trip if you’re staying a little longer in the high desert.
Big Bear is also not too far away, and a fantastic place to visit if you’re staying in the area for a slightly longer period of time.