Joshua Tree isn’t the kind of destination where you rush from one attraction to the next. Instead, it’s a place that invites you to slow down, soak in the desert scenery, watch incredible sunsets, and enjoy a quieter pace of travel.
Our trip was centered more around slowing down, exploring the town, and enjoying our Airbnb than visiting Joshua Tree National Park.
We spent six days in Joshua Tree, which gave us plenty of time to experience the area without feeling rushed. Here’s what I’d recommend after spending nearly a week there.
If you’re planning your own Joshua Tree getaway, here’s what I’d recommend after spending nearly a week there.
At a Glance
- Location: Joshua Tree, California
- Recommended Trip Length: 3–4 days
- Best For: Slow travelers, cozy Airbnb stays, unique local shops
- Best Time to Visit: March–April & October–November
Is Joshua Tree Worth Visiting?
If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway centered around nature, I think Joshua Tree is worth visiting. That said, it may not be the right destination for everyone.
Some of my favorite memories from Joshua Tree came from spending time in the town itself. The scenery felt unlike anywhere else I’d been. It’s the kind of place where your Airbnb becomes part of the experience, mornings begin slowly, and afternoons are spent wandering through small local shops.
If that sounds appealing, I think you’ll love it.
How Long Should You Stay?
We stayed for six days, which gave us plenty of time to experience the area without feeling rushed.
Looking back, though, I think three to four days is the sweet spot for most people.
By the end of our trip, we found ourselves revisiting favorite places simply because we’d already seen most of what we wanted to see. While we still enjoyed the slower pace, I think a long weekend is enough for most travelers.
Where to Stay
One of the biggest lessons we learned is that where you stay becomes part of the experience.
Unlike many vacations where you’re out exploring from morning to night, Joshua Tree encourages a slower pace. Because of that, I’d recommend putting extra thought into where you stay.
If your budget allows, I’d recommend looking for a place with:
- Outdoor seating
- Desert views
- A full kitchen
- A cozy indoor living space
- A quiet location
What We Loved Most
Slowing Down at Our Airbnb
Some of our favorite moments from the trip happened right at our Airbnb. Looking back, choosing a place we’d genuinely enjoy spending time in was one of the best decisions we made. We spent slow mornings drinking coffee outside, watched both sunrise and sunset from the patio, and spent many evenings relaxing beneath the stars.
Wandering Through Small Shops
One of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon was wandering through Joshua Tree’s small shops. Even if you don’t buy anything, they’re fun to browse and perfectly match the slower pace of the town. We brought home a small decorative vase that still sits on our dining table, and every time I see it, I’m reminded of this trip.
Some of our favorites included:
- Acme62
- Hoof & The Horn
- Desert Nest Co
- The End
- Desert Curios
A Morning at the Joshua Tree Farmers Market
The Farmers Market is held on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. We enjoyed wandering through the different vendors, and one of the highlights was my husband discovering what he still calls “the best pistachios ever.” They were so creamy, and we both wished we’d bought more before leaving.
Stargazing Every Night
We’d heard Joshua Tree was known for its clear night skies because of the lack of light pollution, and it turned out to be true. These were some of the clearest skies I’ve ever seen. We loved relaxing in the hammock, gazing up at the stars, and having a telescope at our Airbnb made the experience even more memorable.
Things to Know Before Visiting
Looking back, these are the tips I’d pass along to anyone planning a Joshua Tree getaway.
- Spend a little extra on your Airbnb—you’ll likely spend more time there than you expect.
- Three to four days is enough for most visitors.
- Palm Springs is an easy and worthwhile day trip if you’re staying several days.
- Grocery shopping at the beginning of the trip made relaxing evenings much easier.
- Bring more water than you think you’ll need, especially if you’re visiting during the warmer months.
- Many restaurants have limited hours, so check them before heading out.