The Ultimate Insider Guide to Joshua Tree and the High Desert

Sunset’s Insider Guide series highlights seasonal diversions and secret travel tips from local experts. Follow along as we learn where to eat, drink, stay, and shop.

Elizabeth Wells

Meet the Insider: Rae Rockwell, owner, Rae Rockwell Studio

Location: High Desert, California

Rae Rockwell is an interior designer breathing new life into boutique hotels, restaurants, and short-term rentals throughout California. Her eclectic work reflects a lifetime of world travel, which eventually led her to settle down in the High Desert. Here, she shares her favorite makers and creatives in the Mojave communities near Joshua Tree National Park —a sun-drenched region that’s undoubtedly one of SoCal’s most beloved weekend destinations during the winter months.

STAY

Stephen Paul

One of my short-term rental projects Flamingo Social Club has stunning views that you can enjoy from its cheekily named dock, where you’ll find rowboats in the sand that match the sunset. For larger groups, check out Looking Glass , with plenty of hang spaces, a great location, and a pool.

EAT

Stephen Paul

The Copper Room is the perfect retro vibe for cocktails, dinner, live music, and brunch. We had our engagement party here! Order the spinach and artichoke dip, goddess salad, and the jet pilot cocktail. La Copine in Flamingo Heights has been a destination for years, serving up some of the best food in the desert that’s on-par with trendy restaurants in the city. Try the fried eggplant with tomato chutney and the shrimp roll. For a low-key evening, grab a spicy bee boy pizza and a glass of wine with the locals at Giant Rock Meeting Room . They have a great patio and often host live music. And The Dez has a great selection of sandwiches, cold salads, and treats for an on-the-go order.

DRINK

Thomas J. Story

I’m a bit of a coffee snob, and I’ll only go to Más o Menos . It’s a great spot to work from during the day, and at night, it hosts food pop-ups and live music to enjoy while sipping on their excellent mezcal cocktails. You’ll feel like you’re transported to a bar in Brooklyn at The Tiny Pony Tavern . Grab the loaded yuca fries or shrimp and grits, play some pool, and hit the photo booth until the wee hours. If you’re wanting to put those cowboy boots to use, hit The Red Dog Saloon in Pioneertown , where you’ll find live music, DJ sets, and honky-tonk.

DO

The Integratron, LLC

If you’d like to channel the creative energy of the desert and make something of your own, book private lessons for wheel-throwing or hand-building ceramics at ZZIEE Ceramics . The Integratron is a truly unique experience where you’ll lie in a historical dome for a powerful live sound bath performance of quartz crystal singing bowls that promotes relaxation and healing. For a little self-care, book a facial at Methods & Rituals , who also does house calls. Obviously, the Joshua Tree National Park is a must when visiting! My favorite areas are Hidden Valley and the Cholla Cactus Garden . If it’s too hot or you’re not one for hiking, at least go for a drive during golden hour. Start at the park’s entrance and pop out in 29 Palms to grab dinner at Kitchen in the Desert and drinks at Out There Bar . And subscribe to the local newsletter, Pioneertown Gazette , that rounds up exhibits, performances, and events—perfect for planning your visit.

SHOP

@hopeleigh

Mojave Flea Trading Post is a marketplace of local makers and merchants, filled with vintage clothing, homewares, desert souvenirs, local art, and even Japanese office supplies.

If you’re looking for perfectly curated vintage clothing and accessories for a dusty disco party, The End has you covered. You can’t visit the High Desert and not hit up Mane Street in Pioneertown . It’s an old Western movie set turned into little shops. My favorites are Soukie Modern , a very well-curated boutique with apparel, books, gifts, and their Moroccan rugs, and Xēba Botánica for plant-based beauty products. On the weekends in downtown Joshua Tree, you’ll find the Farmers Market and the marketplace with local vendors at JT Trading Post . If you need to stock up for the weekend, check out All Roads Desert Market , Desierto Alto , and Joshua Tree Bottle Shop for specialty liquor, wine, snacks, cooking ingredients, and gifts.