Take a day off from exploring Joshua Tree National Park and spend time in Downtown Joshua Tree. Most first-time visitors are surprised to see that there’s an actual town of Joshua Tree. And it has a Western-inspired downtown area that you’ll love!
Downtown Joshua Tree is a hub for visitors to the national park. The Visitor’s Center allows you to get to know the town and park. You can also see where old Western movies from the 1900s were filmed. You can find charming boutiques and gift shops full of dapper desert designs.
Get our insider details on things to do, eat, and stay near Downtown Joshua Tree.
Things to Do Around Downtown Joshua Tree
1. Visit Joshua Tree National Park
Did you know that Joshua Trees are only found in their namesake National Park? Joshua Tree National Park sits where the Colorado and Mojave Deserts meet and awaits you to explore its otherworldly landscapes.
Joshua Tree National Park is a hub for outdoor adventure. Hike popular routes like the Hidden Valley Nature Trail and Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail to see rare plant life growing in the desert. Go rock climbing to explore massive boulder piles. Pack your camera for stargazing and night photography at this designated International Dark Sky Park.
The western park entrance is the nearest to Downtown Joshua Tree.
2. Go on Set at Pioneertown
Lights, cameras, and action are how you turn Pioneertown from a ghost town into Joshua Tree’s very own Hollywood! This old western town was built as a movie set where more than 50 films were produced in the 1940s and 1950s.
Step right into an old Western film in Pioneertown. Picture rowdy bar fights in the saloon, cowboys raiding the bank, and a good ole’ Western Love story concluding at the Pioneertown Motel. Channel your ‘main character energy’ and become the star of your own visuals. It’s a fun place to spend the day recording videos and doing photoshoots—the Pioneertown Post Office is one of America’s most photographed post offices.
Spend time on Maine Street shopping for Western souvenirs. Between October and Memorial Day, catch the bi-weekly Mane Street Stampede live show in front of the Pioneer Bowl.
3. Shop Downtown Joshua Tree
Drive down the 29 Palms Hwy through the heart of Downtown Joshua Tree, where you’ll discover the most charming dessert shops. Local shops are always excited to show off their latest wares to curious tourists who wander inside. Leave extra room in your travel bag because it’s impossible to leave here empty-handed.
- The Coyote Corner Gift Shop is one of the biggest Joshua Tree National Park souvenir shops you’ll find with clothing, toys, books, keepsakes, decorations, candy, park gear, and more.
- The Station Joshua Tree transformed a mid-1900s service shop into a gift store with vintage goods and apparel. It often hosts pop-up shops.
- Beauty Bubble is a unique hair and beauty museum that welcomes appointments for its salon.
- For more eclectic vibes, taste locally-produced Joshua Tree Coffee.
4. Joshua Tree Certified Farmers Market
We know you love to sleep in on vacation, but the Joshua Tree Certified Farmers Market will have you jumping out of bed! It’s held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is the perfect place to visit to tick off boho chic vibes off your bucket list.
Vendor shops take over a lot near Hwy 62 with food, clothing, holistic products, pre-packaged treats, and more. Shop fresh fruits and veggies for a group cooking session at your vacation rental. Find the perfect accessory for your desert-inspired photoshoot. Browse artisan-made crafts to take home for memories of your Joshua Tree trip.
5. World Famous Crochet Museum
Downtown Joshua Tree doesn’t get any quirkier than the World Famous Crochet Museum. Look for the bright green building—you can’t miss it!
Collector Shari Elf founded the museum in 2006. It grew from a few personally knit animals into a renowned collection recognized worldwide. This tiny roadside venue has knit poodles, crocodiles, kangaroos, dogs, and even specialty characters like Humpty Dumpty and an Oreo cookie. We guarantee you’ve never seen a knit collection like this one.
The best part is that it’s free! Seeing the exhibition takes less than 10 minutes, so add it to your itinerary of other things to do in Joshua Tree.
6. Stroll the Art Walk
Inspiration awaits in the desert. See how inspiration strikes local artists on a Joshua Tree Art Walk. The Joshua Tree Chamber of Commerce hosts the event every second Saturday Downtown. Come out and discover the Johannes of Joshua Tree. The Cézanne of SoCal. The Michelangelo of the Mojave.
Visit the best galleries in Downtown Joshua Tree. Explore fine art, contemporary art, desert landscapes, and masterpieces inspired by the beauty of Joshua Tree National Park. For true art enthusiasts, it’s a great time to network with art gallery owners to build your collection, and you may even get invited to one of the local art parties.
7. Pop into the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center
The Visitor Center has everything you need to know about Joshua Tree National Park. There are four visitor centers, and the main location is right in Downtown Joshua Tree.
Visit this center for your official welcome to Joshua Tree. The staff is very resourceful in helping first-time visitors and has tons of other information available for seasoned park goers. Ask onsite rangers about the best hiking trails and any “things to know” about the park for the day.
Browse interpretive exhibitions to learn about the ecology, geology, and history of the park. Be sure to grab a map in case you venture into parts of the park that don’t have Wi-Fi/cell service.
If you plan on visiting the park during your stay with us, we recommend getting your park passes at the visitor center instead of waiting until you get to the park. You’ll avoid the long line at the park’s ranger station, especially during peak season.
Where to Eat in Downtown Joshua Tree
While you’re exploring Downtown Joshua Tree, it’s an excellent opportunity to stop in for local eats that will impress even the most sophisticated palettes. Just be sure to make reservations for your group at some of the best restaurants in town.
Need a fresh start to the morning? Kick off your day the right way with one of the popular breakfast spots. If you’re on the go, Crossroads Cafe has hearty roadside specials to fuel you up and get you going. Look at art on the walls while waiting for a classic breakfast sandwich from Frontier Cafe. Order Joshua Tree Coffee for a locally grown coffee from the High Desert.
You’re never short of options for lunch and dinner. Taste new takes on classic American favorites at La Copine. Dine Wild West-style in the rustic Joshua Tree Saloon, serving a plate of “mmm” right off the grill. Treat yourself to finger-lickin’ BBQ and live music at Pappy & Harriet’s.
The Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree
You’ve locked in Joshua Tree as your trip destination. The good news is that Joshua Tree is a truely a year round destination. There’s always something to do year-round. However, the best time will ultimately depend on the kind of experience you wish to have.
Visit during the spring to enjoy the best hiking weather and one of the most scenic times of the desert when the wildflowers bloom. Summer is one of the down seasons with scorching temperatures. But it has the best months for stargazing and better shopping and dining. Fall is a popular time to attend one of the desert festivals. Joshua Tree is very serene during the winter if you’re craving a quiet getaway.
Plan your trip using our complete guide to the best time to visit Joshua Tree.
Enjoy Your Stay Near Downtown Joshua Tree
Field Trip has nearby Joshua Tree vacation rentals that will allow you to explore Downtown Joshua Tree. Our curated accommodations will treat you and your group to a one-of-a-kind stay. Find your curated vacation home that embodies the visual and essence of the desert.