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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
La Copine
848 Old Woman Springs Rd
725 (рекомендации местных жителей)
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Pappy & Harriet's
53688 Pioneertown Rd
1340 (рекомендации местных жителей)
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Crossroads Cafe
61715 Twentynine Palms Highway
688 (рекомендации местных жителей)
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Kimi Grill
54850 Twentynine Palms Highway
160 (рекомендации местных жителей)
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Royal Siam Cuisine Thai Restaurant
61599 Twentynine Palms Highway
153 (рекомендации местных жителей)
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Kasa Market & Taco Shop
56089 Twentynine Palms Highway
66 (рекомендации местных жителей)
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Larry & Milt's Western Cafe #2
56098 Twentynine Palms Highway
50 (рекомендации местных жителей)
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Joshua Tree Saloon
61835 Twentynine Palms Highway
909 (рекомендации местных жителей)
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Desierto Alto
55827 Twentynine Palms Highway
146 (рекомендации местных жителей)
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Boo's Organic Oven
61675 Twentynine Palms Highway
115 (рекомендации местных жителей)
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Natural Sisters Cafe
61695 Twentynine Palms Highway
661 (рекомендации местных жителей)
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The Station Joshua Tree
61943 Twentynine Palms Highway
179 (рекомендации местных жителей)
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Joshua Tree Coffee Company
61738 Twentynine Palms Highway
522 (рекомендации местных жителей)
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Wine and Rock Shop
59006 Twentynine Palms Highway
165 (рекомендации местных жителей)
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Hoof & The Horn
55840 Twentynine Palms Highway
170 (рекомендации местных жителей)
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Acme 5 Lifestyle
55870 Twentynine Palms Highway
149 (рекомендации местных жителей)
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Sky Village Outdoor Marketplace
7028 Theatre Rd
156 (рекомендации местных жителей)
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Desert Curios
55995 Twentynine Palms Highway
36 (рекомендации местных жителей)
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Cedar & Sage Wellness Studio
55833 Twentynine Palms Highway
64 (рекомендации местных жителей)
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Интегратрон
2477 Belfield Blvd
737 (рекомендации местных жителей)
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Naturalives Day Spa
6448 Hallee Rd
10 (рекомендации местных жителей)
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Yucca Bowl
58146 Twentynine Palms Highway
56 (рекомендации местных жителей)
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Национальный парк Джошуа-Три
1713 (рекомендации местных жителей)
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Joshua Tree Certified Farmers' Market
61651 Twentynine Palms Highway
344 (рекомендации местных жителей)
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!