Desert Oasis: A Trip to Joshua Tree’s Desert Oasis, with recommendations on where best to stay, eat and shop, is an online travel blog about the best places in Joshua Tree National Park.
Desert Oasis will help you find a place to stay in the park, along with restaurant recommendations and shopping information. Find maps of the most popular locations in the park.
Desert Oasis features a selection of local businesses that provide great service and value. Whether it is accommodations, restaurants or shopping Desert Oasis has hand selected the finest options available in the area. Get insider tips from people who call Joshua Tree National Park home!
If you are making your first visit we recommend starting at the Visitor Center. In addition to an interpretive exhibit hall and bookstore, you can find out what events are taking place during your trip. The center is open daily from 8am to 5pm except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
“The Joshua Tree is a United States National Park set in a stunning desert oasis. Located in Southern California, the park is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes and intriguing desert wildlife in North America. The park has several campgrounds where visitors can experience the stunning scenery while exploring Joshua Tree’s trails, rock climbing opportunities and scenic overlooks.
Travelling to Joshua Tree’s desert oasis is an experience unlike any other in the United States. With its gorgeous sunsets, unique geology and striking landscapes, Joshua Tree is a must-see for anyone visiting California.”
Packing for Joshua Tree’s Desert Oasis:
*Sweaters & jackets are optional, as the temperature at night can be quite chilly.*
*At least 2 liters of water per person per day.*
*Don’t forget to pack sunscreen.*
Getting to Joshua Tree:
Joshua Tree is located about one hour east of Los Angeles, making it a great day trip from Los Angeles or nearby Palm Springs. There are many ways to get to Joshua Tree with the most common being driving your own car. If you’re coming from Los Angeles, take the I-10 East towards Palm Springs. Just past the Morongo Village exit will be the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park
Just like the dessert, Joshua Tree’s desert oasis is a must visit when visiting California. The desert is so close, yet it feels like an entirely different world. The landscape, plants and wildlife are all unique to this area. It’s hard to believe that you are still in California!
Visiting the oasis is considered one of the best things to do in Southern California. It’s a popular weekend getaway for Angelenos, but also a great place for visitors looking for some peace and quiet. You can bring your dog, go on a hike, enjoy fine dining and more! Here are some of my favorite things to do in the desert.
Escaping the City
I love getting away from city life, even if it’s just for a day trip. Just one day in the desert can recharge your batteries and make you appreciate living in Southern California. After all, there’s plenty to do in Los Angeles and Orange County!
Joshua Tree is about 2 hours away from LA, depending on traffic (and who knows what traffic will be like this summer!). It’s easy to get to and there are plenty of ways to get around once you are there. Most people take their cars because they
For those of you who are not familiar with Joshua Tree, it is the home of a desert oasis and a rock-climbing mecca. The area is located in the southern California high desert, which makes it an excellent escape from LA’s hustle and bustle.
Tucked away in the California desert, this little oasis at the base of Mt. San Jacinto will take you back to a time when life was slower and people got together to share ideas, music and food.
The Pappy & Harriets on Pioneertown Rd. is one of our favorite restaurants out here because the setting is so cool. It’s in an old roadhouse (built in the 1920s) that has been restored to its former glory and now sports a large patio that overlooks the stage below. They have live entertainment most nights, including country music on Friday and Saturday nights as well as Wednesday night bluegrass jams. For those who enjoy a more laidback evening, there’s also an outdoor movie theatre on site where they show classics like The Big Lebowski and A Nightmare Before Christmas every weekend evening during summer months.
I am a great fan of the Desert Tortoise, which is one of the most adorable and beautiful creatures that ever existed. What?! That’s not true? Well, take a look at them: they are simply stunning!
I would never want to harm these amazing desert dwellers, but I do love to cook with them. Why not?! They are small, cute and tasty! You can find them in the desert oasis of Joshua Tree National Park – here you will have the opportunity to enjoy their delicious meat in many different dishes.
Getting a Desert Tortoise for food is easy: you just have to go to the desert and catch one. But then you need to make sure that its meat is clean, as desert tortoises are known as carriers of salmonella bacteria. So don’t forget to wash it carefully before cooking it!
When cooked properly, the meat becomes soft and tender. It tastes a bit like chicken with a hint of mint and sage. In fact, it is such a good meat that I would recommend you trying it at least once in your life!
The shopping center is open daily from 10am to 9pm, and is handicap-accessible. You can also shop online at www.desertgatewayoutlets.com.
The history of the Spice Box dates back to 1955. The original owner, Mrs. Mary-Alice Weedn, was an avid collector of old bottles and jars. Her son, Robert Weedn, acquired the store in 1957 from his mother and opened it as a spice shop.
The store is well known for its unique handmade soaps and potpourri. In addition to the many fine products that can be found at the Spice Box, you will find friendly and knowledgeable service from the owners and staff; most have been associated with the Spice Box for years.
Tours are delightedly given for school children, scout troops, church groups, etc., by appointment.
