A Winter Weekend Itinerary for Joshua Tree
Day 1
3:00 PM: Arrive WKNDR Airbnb
Set at the edge of Joshua Tree National Park's North Entrance, the WKNDR is the closest Airbnb to attractions like Skull Rock. Relax in the oversized hammocks, play games, or take in the 360˚ desert views. Prepare meals in the fully equipped kitchen and dine outdoors. At night, make a fire and get your camera or star app ready to capture the milky way.
4:30-6:30 PM: Sunset at Cholla Cactus Garden (Date Dependent)
Enjoy your first Joshua Tree sunset by watching these teddy bear cholla cacti light up in the sun's rays. Most weekend park visitors will stop by this iconic site on Saturday or Sunday. Avoid the crowds by sneaking it in Friday.
Cholla Cactus Garden Official Park Information
6:30 PM: Dinner at Kitchen in the Desert
Bringing Caribbean flavors with a twist and a relaxed high-end experience to 29Palms is this unique eatery located in Tintown, a property filled with history and unique charm. On the menu you will find a range of options and flavors, from truly Trinidadian, like Jerk Chicken and Doubles, to a delicious veggie burger and fresh cocktails, which you can enjoy on the property’s expansive porch. Check out their instagram to make sure you catch a time with live music.
8:30 PM: Movie Night Under the Stars
Let Joshua Tree Picnic set up a projector and bring snacks for an outdoor movie night. Visit the website for information on booking, inclusions, and pricing.
Day 2
6:00 AM: Campbell Hill Bakery
A more recent addition to the 29Palms downtown, this bakery serves up the most delicious homemade breads, pastries, and savory breakfasts making it our top spot for the most important meal of the day. Learn more about why we love this place in our guide on where to get the best breakfast, lunch, and dinner in 29 Palms. Go early as the line builds up quickly.
7:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Arch & Skull Rocks
Be the first to snap your Arch and Skull Rock selfies by getting there early and traveling through the park’s north entrance. For more information on the park’s most iconic stops, check out our guides to each landmark below.
11:00 AM: Picnic at Hidden Valley
Picnic with out of this world rocks as your backdrop. After lunch explore the rocks or Hidden Valley Nature Trail.
1:00 PM: Explore Downtown Joshua Tree
Complete the main drive of the park by exiting the west entrance. It will shoot you out at Joshua Tree downtown. Find a place to park and spend the afternoon exploring the plentiful art galleries, museums and quirky shops.
3:30 PM: Noah Purifoy Outdoor Sculpture Gallery
Check out the local oddity of Noah Purifoy Outdoor Sculpture Gallery that includes sculptures made from entirely upcycled objects.
7:00 PM: Carry Out From Rib Co.
Call in your order ahead and pick up delicious homegrown BBQ from The Rib Co. in 29 Palms. The wait can be over 1 hour on Saturday night so get your order in early.
9:00 PM: Live Music and Drinks at Out There Bar
If you still have energy by the end of the day, check out if there’s live music at Out There Bar or build a fire and enjoy the peace at the WKNDR Airbnb.
Day 3
Breakfast
If you’re like us, you’ll be headed back to Campbell Hill Bakery. Kitchen in the Desert also serves up a mean breakfast.
Last Park Adventure
If you want to hit one last hike before you head out of town, we suggest the following:
Easy: Wall St Mill
Medium: Eagle Cliff Boulder House
Hard: Black Rock Canyon to Panorama Loop
Shop Your Way Back Home
There is an amazing concentration of unique boutiques in old town Yucca Valley. Stop for lunch at Frontier Cafe and walk around the shops before jumping on the highway back to home or the airport.