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If you’re wondering what to do in Joshua Tree National Park and the surrounding towns, there are a variety of things to enjoy for all types of travelers. Whether you’re looking to escape the city for the weekend, wine and dine in Palm Springs, or immerse yourself in nature, this beautiful pocket of Southern California should not be missed. Learn about the best ways to enjoy Joshua Tree and Palm Springs and take in the darkest skies in California with an ultimate stargazing experience.
Joshua Tree: An International Dark Sky Park
Tips for a Joshua Tree Family Vacation
Outdoor Recreation: Climbing & Hiking
Best Campsites Near Joshua Tree
Popular Hotels Near Joshua Tree
Girls Trip or Bachelorette Party
Romantic Getaway in Joshua Tree
The Best Activity: Stargazing
Joshua Tree: An International Dark Sky Park
Joshua Tree National Park has some of the darkest skies in the United States for stargazing. Designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2017, Joshua Tree continues to reduce light pollution and educate the public on the importance of preserving the night sky. Not only does Joshua Tree have some of the darkest skies and continues to preserve them, it also provides a beautiful backdrop for stargazing with the unique Joshua trees, endless desert views and various rock formations.
For the darkest skies in the area, Pioneertown, located 20 minutes from the park, offers stunning views free from light pollution. Stargazing tours with Stargazing Joshua Tree in Pioneertown are the best way to experience the stunning night skies of Southern California with a professional guide to share stories and knowledge about the universe. High-quality telescopes and binoculars are provided for viewing the galaxies, constellations, and star clusters in extensive detail.
Tips for a Joshua Tree Family Vacation
A family vacation in Joshua Tree offers a mix of outdoor recreation, kid-friendly adventures, and breathtaking stargazing opportunities. The clear night skies make stargazing a must-do activity, with professional tours that include telescopes, hot chocolate, and cozy zero-gravity pods for families to have a fun and relaxing experience.
Families can also enjoy the Hidden Valley Nature Trail, a flat, one-mile loop ideal for toddlers as well as older kids, with plenty of boulders to climb and fascinating desert plants to discover. The Joshua Tree Visitor Center provides an educational experience with interactive exhibits, desert wildlife displays, and the popular Junior Ranger Program, which is an educational activity for both kids and their parents. Nearby Pioneertown offers a taste of the Old West, local dining options, and an opportunity to join a stargazing tour with Stargazing Joshua Tree. The professional tours include telescopes, hot chocolate, and cozy zero-gravity pods and incredible views of the stars.
Outdoor Recreation: Climbing & Hiking
Curious about what to do in Joshua Tree if you are an outdoor enthusiast? Joshua Tree National Park is known as a hub for outdoor recreation, specifically hiking and rock climbing. The national park has a variety of hiking trails, from easy to more challenging, that offer stunning views of the desert and rich biodiversity with views of the Coachella valley and San Jacinto mountains. For rock climbing, this is a popular destination that climbers from all over the United States flock to. From bouldering, climbing, slacklining and even highlining, the scattered rocks throughout the desert landscape are a playground for climbers and adrenaline junkies looking for a rush, or their next project. Joshua Tree has become a hub for climbers, artists, campers and people enjoying “van life”, making it a fun and community-oriented environment for enjoying the outdoors in this magical natural playground.
Best Campsites Near Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree offers a variety of places to camp both in the National Park and outside the national park. From designated large campgrounds in the national park to smaller, more primitive campsites great for stargazing, there are a variety of places to camp in the area. If you want to treat yourself a bit, Joshua Tree is also known as a premier glamping destination in Southern California. Offering luxurious glamping tents with upscale amenities and a high-class experience, this is a way to camp with more comfort and ease.
If you are traveling in a van or on a budget and want to find some free places to camp near Joshua Tree, there are plenty of options on BLM land or the nearby High- Desert Nature Trail. Whether you want a classic campground, a glamping experience or a patch of dirt to park your van on, check out some of the best campsites in Joshua Tree for stargazing.
Popular Hotels Near Joshua Tree
If you’re not into camping and would prefer a roof over your head, there are a variety of lovely places to stay in Joshua Tree. Whether you’re looking for a resort in Palm Springs, a rustic motel in Pioneertown, a boutique hotel in Palm Desert or a bed & breakfast, there are endless options. Choosing a hotel in Joshua Tree can be overwhelming since there are so many incredible options and a variety of different towns to choose from. If you are looking specifically for a hotel with access to incredible stargazing or private stargazing tours, check out the best hotels in Joshua Tree & Palm Springs for a stargazing getaway.
What to do in Joshua Tree on a Girls Trip or Bachelorette Party?
Many people visit the area for a wellness retreat, girls’ trip or bachelorette party in Joshua Tree. From the variety of trails in the unique desert environment to the exciting energy of Palm Springs, this is an ideal destination for wellness retreats, a bachelorette party, or just a weekend trip with the girls.
Some popular activities in Joshua Tree and Palm Springs for a girls’ trip include indulging in a spa day, enjoying the delicious restaurants in Palm Springs, taking the tram up to Mt. San Jacinto and heading out for the evening in Pioneertown. One of the best activities for a bachelorette party, retreat or small group in Joshua Tree is booking a mobile stargazing tour with Stargazing Joshua Tree. Whether you’re winding down for the night or just gearing up to hit the town, Stargazing Joshua Tree will bring professional stargazing equipment and a guide to the doorstep of your Airbnb for a private stargazing tour.
Check out all the details for planning a girls’ trip, retreat or bachelorette party in Joshua Tree to make the most of your trip and figure out what to do in Joshua Tree with the girls!
Romantic Getaway in Joshua Tree
It’s no secret that Joshua Tree is an ideal destination for a romantic getaway. Whether it’s hiking through the desert, staying in luxurious accommodations, savoring delicious food, or relaxing in the desert's stillness, this destination is an ideal romantic escape. If you are newlyweds, on a casual road trip or have something to celebrate together, Joshua Tree provides countless ways for couples to connect and make lasting memories.
Plan your couple’s getaway to Joshua Tree today and enjoy luxurious places to stay and the best places to eat for a romantic getaway in Joshua Tree!
The Best Activity in Joshua Tree: Stargazing
Overall, the absolute best activity in Joshua Tree is stargazing under the desert sky. With pristine desert skies with limited light pollution and breathtaking views of the cosmos, Joshua Tree offers some of the clearest night skies in the country. It’s a haven for astronomy enthusiasts or the perfect adventure for anyone who has never used a telescope before!
The high elevation of the park and the consistently clear weather create ideal conditions for observing the planets, stars and distant galaxies. For the ultimate stargazing experience, book a tour with Stargazing Joshua Tree. Designed for everyone from beginners to astronomers, these tours provide state-of-the-art telescopes, expert guidance, and engaging stories about the universe. From exploring a scale model of the solar system to observing the night sky through powerful Celestron and Unistellar telescopes, these tours bring the wonders of the cosmos to life.
There's Never a Shortage of What to Do in Joshua Tree!
Now that you know what to do in Joshua Tree and Palm Springs, start planning your trip today! From all the scenic natural beauty, bustling nightlife of Palm Springs and various outdoor adventures, there are endless opportunities.
Plan your Southern California vacation today and make stargazing in Joshua Tree the highlight of your trip. Book a tour with Stargazing Joshua Tree for an unforgettable journey into the stars with our professional guides. Sit back and relax on our zero-gravity pods under a blanket and be in awe of the night sky above you.
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