Things To DoThings To Do
Jumbo Rocks Campground - Joshua Tree National ParkJumbo Rocks Campground - Joshua Tree National Park
Simply the best spot to camp in the national park, and a fun place to scramble around the dramatic rolling landscape of volcanic granite. If you're coming to the desert, don't miss the chance to experience sunset in the park. Day visitors can park near the campsite entrance to walk along the paved road (watch out for cars) or explore off path. Park visitors aren't required to keep to marked trails, so long as they are mindful not to tread on foliage. A dry arroyo makes the perfect path through the desert. *We have booked 3 adjacent campsites here on 5/15 - 5/18. Guests can park here to picnic, hike, or explore some of the most dramatic rock formations in the park. Camping is available here on Thursday night for up to 12 people. Reach out to us for details, if you are interested!
Cholla Cactus GardenCholla Cactus Garden
Round the bend on this road to the barren Colorado desert side of the park, and you'll encounter a sprawling oasis of cholla cactus. The path weaving through this cactus garden makes for a lovely 20-30 minute stroll, but we recommend avoiding it in the hottest part of the day. Continue south on this road to see a dense patch of Ocotillo with their signature red flower blooms.
Downtown PioneertownDowntown Pioneertown
Park here to visit 'downtown' Pioneertown. Little more than a strip of building facades with a few gift shops sprinkled in, this set was used by famous actors such as Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. (During the weekends between film shoots, it is rumored that these famous actors stayed in the cabins at the wedding venue!) Get BBQ at the famous Pappy & Harriets, or enjoy a taco at the rustic dive bar Red Dog Saloon.
Palm Springs Aerial TramwayPalm Springs Aerial Tramway
Take the tram up the 2nd highest peak in California for incredible views, cooler hiking opportunities, and a restaurant at the top!
The IntegratronThe Integratron
The Integratron was the first sound bath in the world. It provides deep relaxation, rejuvination, and spiritual healing through resonant sound. It was designed by UFOlogist and alien contactee George Van Tassel. Weekend tickets sell out well in advance, so book at least 6 weeks out if interested.
Hey There ProjectsHey There Projects
This lovely art gallery and gift shop is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir with real local flair. There are a few cafes and shops along this strip. Stop by Saturday morning and enjoy the weekly farmers market, too.
Hadley Fruit OrchardsHadley Fruit Orchards
This is really just a casino-adjacent rest stop on the way into the desert... but we never miss it! The region is famous for growing dates, and their banana date milkshake is legendary. (They also have great snacks and clean restrooms.)
Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art MuseumNoah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum
This free outdoor gallery is *way* out there in many respects, down a dusty desert road. Some of the Junk Dada art in this sprawling lot is a little past its prime, but it presents a thought-provoking perspective on how materials and people are discarded - along with countless unique photo ops.
Black Rock Canyon TrailheadBlack Rock Canyon Trailhead
This is the closest park entrance to the venue, in Yucca Valley. It doesn't get you into the main part of Joshua Tree National park, but it does lead to a lovely day hike and has fewer crowds than the main entrance.
The Living Desert Zoo and GardensThe Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
This desert zoo and garden presents an opportunity to see a breadth of desert flora - including many local cacti and succulents in bloom. It also has a wide array of animals, from giraffes, zebras, and cheetahs, to the more local mountain lions, coyotes, and bighorn sheep. Plan around 3 hours to see the whole place.
Off-Roading from venue to Big Bear MountainOff-Roading from venue to Big Bear Mountain
This 20 mile forest service road goes from the venue (~4000 ft elevation) to the mountain community at Big Bear Lake (~6700 ft). Rated as suitable for ATVs, dirt bikes, SUVs or high clearance 4x4s, expect 2 hours each way. Check for snow conditions around Big Bear - if there is snow melt, it will be muddy towards the top.
Palm Springs - DowntownPalm Springs - Downtown
The free parking lot at this address usually has space, and is the perfect place to park to explore downtown Palm Springs. Enjoy charming restaurants, mountain views, and shopping of all kinds.
OffRoad RentalsOffRoad Rentals
Rent ATVs just outside of Palm Springs for a self-guided tour of the dramatic desert in the shadow of Mt. St. Jacinta.