You traveled this far to be with us, why not make a trip of it?

We discovered our love of the desert in March 2020 when we unexpectedly "extended our trip" for two months because of the pandemic. Ever since, we have enjoyed visiting to explore the beauty and find solitude. Below are some of our favorite places we've experienced over the years.

Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. There's a fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast wilderness in southern California.

While there are so many incredible hikes any time of day, our favorite time of day to see Joshua Tree was in the early morning during sunrise. Come explore for yourself!

GETTING THERE & WHERE TO GO

Joshua Tree is a 50 minute drive north of Palm Springs. This would be a very easy extension to your trip. If you make the trip to Joshua Tree, one of our favorite places we ate was Kitchen in Desert in Twenty Nine Palms. Highly recommend.

Pioneertown was established in 1946 when Dick Curtis shared his dream for a "Living Breathing Movie Set" - and convinced a group of investors to align with his vision.

The goal was simple and unique: to create a place where they could work (and play) with friends, family and co-workers. A functioning 188o's themed town which was easily accessible from both Los Angeles & Palm Springs and would serve as a filming location, vacation destination & permanent residence for people working in the entertainment industry, ranchers and desert lovers alike.

Today, Mane Street in Pioneertown still retains its charm and old west image. Mane Street has been designated by the State Department of Parks & Recreation as Historical Resources. Visitors are welcome to come enjoy the sites any day of the week but weekends are when the town really comes to life.

GETTING THERE

Pioneertown & Yucca Valley are a 40 minute drive north of Palm Springs - and are on the way to Joshua Tree National Park. All would be easy add ons to your trip.

WHERE TO GO

Pappy + Harriet's - catch a show at this must see music venue and enjoy the "best BBQ in the desert"

Red Dog Saloon - was originally built in 1946 as part of the Pioneertown film set. It is now as bustling as ever with live music, great food & drinks

Copper Room - is rich with history. In the 1950s the plot of land was turned into private airport and dinner house— the Copper Room. For over a decade, until the early 1970s, the Copper Room was the place to be in the high desert. Frank Sinatra’s best friend, composer and confidant, Jimmy Van Heusen was the Honorary Mayor of Yucca Valley at the time. He wrote many of Sinatra's title songs, including Come Fly with Me.

After a few decades of ownership & name changes, the team at Red Dog Saloon & Pioneertown Motel restored the building to bring back the glory days of the Copper Room. You can enjoy great live music & food there today.

Glamis is the largest (40 miles in a band averaging 5 miles wide) off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation area for sand dunes in the United States. There’s golden sand as far as the eye can see.

We discovered this incredible place during COVID through the recommendation of a friend. While we didn't ATV, we absolutely loved walking around the dunes. In hindsight, we wish we brought a sled to sled down the dunes with.

GETTING THERE

It's about 2 hours south of Palm Springs and would require a car to get there. It's a great day activity - and if you make the trip, you won't regret it.

Death Valley is the Hottest, Driest and Lowest National Park - and one of our favorite National Parks we've ever visited.

In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life thrives in Death Valley. Also, there were famous Star Wars movie scenes filmed in the park for Episode IV - A New Hope and Episode VI - Return of the Jedi.

We cannot recommend it enough.

GETTING THERE & WHERE TO STAY

We flew into Las Vegas in March 2023 and drove to the park, which was a stunning drive. We would suggest staying at The Inn at Death Valley if you go.

Palm Springs is a 4 hour drive south of Death Valley... and you can make a pit stop at Dumont Dunes (more info below!) along the way.

Dumont Dunes encompasses 7,620 acres of public land. The remote location and variety of terrain appeal to those seeking primitive camping opportunities, off-road adventures, fabulous scenery, and opportunities for solitude.

We discovered this hidden gem on our way from Death Valley to Joshua tree a couple years ago. While we didn't ATV, it was very easy to park and walk up on the dunes to take it all in. A very cool experience.