It’s true. We really do love the desert. So much, in fact, that we thought we would share some of our favorite spots with you!
ON YOUR WAY
The drive is not too long, but it is always more fun to make stops along the way.
- HADLEY’S – Stop and get a delicious Date Shake (also available in Banana Date). While you’re enjoying your shake you can peruse there huuuuge selection of dried fruit, granola, nuts, etc. They have some crazy and delicious (mostly) healthy snacks.
- MORONGO CASINO – Feeling lucky? Stop and spend a few bucks playing slots.
- CABAZON OUTLETS – We aren’t big outlet people, but we have stopped here for some forgotten necessities (swim trunks, tennis shoes, etc)
PALM SPRINGS
The ultimate desert resort spot. All you’ll want to do is lounge around eating and drinking and relaxing poolside.
- ACE HOTEL – The favorite place to stay. Everything down to the last detail is well designed. Spend some time sitting poolside (ordering drinks or adult snow cones) and then head inside for a meal at the King’s Highway. Even if you aren’t staying at the Ace, you can pay admission into the pool area. Get there early–it gets crowded!
- LAS CASUELAS – The best mexican food in town. Call ahead as there is normally a wait.
- MATCHBOX – Sit outside in the middle of the bustle of the city and enjoy some delicious thin crust pizza. They have happy hour everyday so make sure you check their website for times.
- KOFFI – With two locations, this is the spot to get your caffeine and pastry fix after a big night out.
- THE PARKER – A great spot to visit late afternoon/evening. Grab a drink in the hotel lobby bar and spend some time walking the grounds. There are lots of paths to wander, bonfires to sit by, and nooks to explore. Designed by Jonathan Adler, the interior is enough to look at.
- ARCHITECTURE TOUR - Palm Springs claims to be the largest concentration of mid-century modern architecture. Pick up a map of Modern Palm Springs at the Visitors Center (2901 North Palm Canyon Drive) and drive around in your air conditioned car for a self guided tour.
- ANGEL VIEW THRIFT MART – If you’re a thrifter, there are some great thrift stores to scour in Palm Springs. Lots of modern treasures to be found!
- AERIAL TRAMWAY – Ride the tram to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains where you can eat at their restaurant, go on a hike, or just enjoy the view.
JOSHUA TREE / YUCCA VALLEY
The dirtier side of the desert–old western towns, rock climbing and saloons. Do lots of exploring here and don’t forget to drink lots of water.
- PIONEERTOWN – Built in the 40′s, Pioneertown was built to be a live-in western movie set. Now it is all empty except for a few small business that operate out of the old buildings. Walk around and peek in all the windows you can to see old homes, bowling alleys, and businesses.
- PAPPY & HARRIET’S – Originally the cantina facade of Pioneertown, Pappy & Harriet’s is now a functioning family restaurant and bar. With it’s western motif and beer served in mason jars, you’ll feel like you stepped into another world. Most nights there is live music–check ahead to make sure there is no cover charge and if you plan on eating dinner, make a reservation.
- YUCCA VALLEY FLEA MARKET – Every Saturday & Sunday at the Sky Drive-In Movie Theater you can walk around and peruse the semi-permanent vendors of Yucca Valley Flea Market. You may have to dig but at the very least, there’s lot of interesting people and things to see.
- JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK – The park is huge and has a lot of places to explore. Find a place to park and get our of your car to start scaling some boulders. Climb up (safely) to the top to take in the incredible view. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, take a rock climbing class and climb at one of the most accessible and renowned rock climbing destinations in Southern California.
- JOSHUA TREE SALOON – Near the entrance to the park is the JTree Saloon. Divey and wonderful, it’s a great place to relax and have a beer after a day of rock climbing, scrambling, or hiking.
- MOJAVE SANDS – Not far from the park entrance is a wonderful renovated motel. Each of the 5 rooms has a record player in addition to a good stash of other amazingly quirky found objects that the owner, Blake, travels around to find and repair. Spend your afternoons sitting on your private porch by the fountain and your nights sitting outside by the bonfire pit. If you have the option, go for the large suite. And keep up with the website as Blake is always developing new things for the motel.
- INDIAN COVE – Feel like camping? Indian Cove is about 15 minutes east of the park entrance but has no park entrance fees and has plenty of rock piles to explore and a handful of good climbing routes–some that are right in your camp ground.
- ROUTE 62 DINER – On your way home, stop at this biker diner in Yucca Valley for one of their amazing cinnamon rolls (topped with frosting and a chunk of butter!) and any other breakfast treats you may want.
Have things to add to the list? Leave a comment below and please let us know your thoughts if you try any of our favorites. Happy exploring!
