Vacation Rentals in Joshua Tree

Gateway to a mystical far-flung region comprising the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert, Joshua Tree town long attracted artists, poets, hippies, and musicians. Less than a three-hour drive east of Los Angeles, the town is a wonderful base to explore the Joshua Tree National Park (JNPT). First-time visitors are charmed by vintage stores selling eclectic desert souvenirs, and family-owned bars and saloons. There’s much to do here from star-gazing to hiking, rock-climbing, and nature photography. The best time to visit to beat the heat is from March-May and October-November. Vacation rentals on Holidu are a perfect way to discover this world-famous desert at leisure.

Most of Holidu’s vacation rentals are centered around downtown Joshua Tree and are in easy walking distance to convenience stores, restaurants, and local breweries. Many rentals have well-stocked kitchens which are great for families with kids, and groups of friends looking to cook up a storm in the high desert. There’s TV, Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning too, along with thoughtful amenities such as BBQ pits and outdoor hot tubs under the stars. Hammocks and patios with sunset views go a long way in giving visitors an unforgettable desert sojourn.

Joshua Tree and its surroundings boast a surprisingly good culinary scene. Serving delicious Indian fare for over two decades is Sam’s Indian Food & Pizza. Shrimp tandoori, fish korma, even curry pizzas are their specialty! Nearby is another local favorite, the Joshua Tree Saloon with its Old West vibes and decor. Once done with all that rock climbing, chill out with beers and whiskey shots here. For classic pale ales, stouts, and Belgian beers, the Joshua Tree Brewery delivers. Pappy + Harriet’s in Pioneer Town has been a fixture since 1982. Tuck into their pulled pork sandwiches as indie rock, country, and Americana groups perform live. Finally, satiate New York-style pizza cravings at Pie for the People, a favorite with climbers and hikers in Yucca Valley.

Joshua Tree’s line-up of festivals and events makes it a top choice destination for culture trippers. The Farmers Market held every Saturday is a certified market so you’re assured organic produce always– fresh fruits, veggies, pastries, even seafood! The Joshua Tree Music Festival (JTMF) meanwhile is the region’s most eagerly awaited event that takes place every spring and fall against the glorious backdrop of the Copper Mountains. The Joshua Tree National Park meanwhile hosts September’s Night Sky Festival where you’ll be seated under a canopy of bright stars, far from the light pollution of the big cities. Alternative and psychedelic rock, metaphysical art installations, and escapism are all part of the Desert Daze festival that takes place around fall at Lake Perris.

The hikes in Joshua Tree are some of the best in the world. For glorious sunsets, rock-carved staircases, and classic Joshua Tree landscapes, consider the moderately difficult hike to Ryan Mountain. The summit rewards hikers with sweeping views of Mount San Jacinto, Pinto Basin, and Mount San Gorgonio. A short drive north is the mild Barker Dam Nature Trail where hikers can observe a rock art site, catch the hardy rock climbers in action, and soak in surreal views of endless Mojave yucca, Joshua Trees, and wildflowers. More cacti wait at the flat and easy Cholla Cactus Garden walk. Kids, in particular, love the fluffy-looking cactus best captured in the warm evening light.

The desert is not all cacti and yucca as you’ll discover! History fiends should consider Hidden Valley – legend has it that in the 1880s, cattle rustlers stashed away their illegal cattle in the massive, spooky boulders. Another gem is the Wall Street Mill Trail, which passes through Joshua Tree’s best-preserved gold mills. Rusted old cars, decaying rail tracks, and engines are still visible. The Desert Queen Mine is a spectral experience with disused mine shafts scattered all over the hill. Finally, take the ranger-guided tour to Keys Ranch where you’ll learn about the tenacity of the early h0mesteaders. The inventive farming tools and machinery, windmill, and water towers are quite intriguing.

The immersive sound bath lets you relax in a dome-shaped building for a whole hour as sounds of crystal singing bowls chime in the background. The ambient music makes for a thoroughly unique and rejuvenating affair.

One of the best things you can do is invest in a camera and tripod before your trip. The landscapes out here are truly out-of-this-world – from silhouettes of the iconic Joshua trees to epic shots of starry night skies. No camera? No worries! Just sit back and gaze into the night sky.

This is a chance of a lifetime to hang out with these fascinating and often misunderstood birds of prey. Experienced falconers will let you in on the secrets of falconry, and you can get yourself photographed with the raptors and hawks.

Take a break from all those boulders and rocks with a visit to Pioneer Town which was built in the 1940s as a film set. Old West buildings, mom-and-pop saloons, a jail, and a church are all part of the experience.

Joshua Tree has its share of quirks, one being the bright neon-green colored Crochet Museum h0used inside an old photo booth. Shari Elf, the brainchild behind this enterprise has put together a tidy collection of crocheted items worth checking out.