The desert region of the Inland Empire is expansive, covering millions of acres across Joshua Tree and the Mojave Desert National Preserve until it reaches the California border. The serenely spiritual landscape of the desert attracts visitors from all over the globe 365 days a year.

Inland Empire’s Joshua Tree offers a special escape for outdoor adventurers, family and leisure travelers alike. Families come from all over the world to experience Joshua Tree National Park to go climbing, hiking, biking, or to enjoy unobstructed views, golf, shop, or stargaze. With nearly 100 unique places to stay from B&Bs to snug bungalows, Joshua Tree offers a truly different experience of relaxing and rejuvenation activities ranging from a mecca of spas, music, history, culture, and art.

Twentynine Palms is the desert oasis that operates as a gateway to Joshua Tree National Park. Twentynine Palms is home to one of the last outdoor drive-in movie theatres in California, with unique places to stay, museums, stargazing observatory, shopping, and the nearby Twentynine Palms Marine Base.

Located in the Mojave Desert, which has been called one of the most beautiful places in the world by National Geographic with its carpets of colorful wildflowers, singing sand dunes, volcanic cinder cone, and the historic Route 66 highway, there really is something for everyone.

Palm Springs is the desert oasis for hot springs, hotels, and shopping. Take a stroll through Palm Spring’s midcentury-modern architecture and grab a bite and a bag at teh large shopping district. Palm Springs also offers a large arrary of activities such as hiking, biking and horseback riding.

 

Pioneertown

In 1946, Pioneertown was founded by a group of Hollywood investors, including actors Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. They dreamed of creating an Old West set 125 miles east of Los Angeles that was actually a town worth visiting, with 1880s-style false-front facades but interiors that had stuff for visitors to see and do too. Up went (from the outside) frontier stables, saloons, and jails; inside, they housed ice cream parlors, bowling alleys, and motels. It wasn’t a place just for tourists to enjoy though; more than 50 films and television shows were filmed here in the 1940s and ‘50s.

While location shoots here have dwindled in the years since, you can still see mock gunfights on Mane Street. But the most happening place by far is Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, which hosts surprisingly big-name live acts—Robert Plant and Leon Russell have played here, and more contemporary bands like Iron & Wine and CHVRCHES pass through as well. This must-see desert find also serves up awesome ribs, plus classic Santa Maria barbecue, burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

Though it’s always been a destination for those in the know, in recent years the town has been experiencing something of a renaissance—artists, entrepreneurs, and just regular folks looking to escape city stress are finding their way here. Longtime standby the Pioneertown Motel, a rustic, single-story 20-room inn, has been updated with fire pits, an outdoor bar, and hammocks; it and La Copine, an upscale eatery in nearby Flamingo Heights are contributing to the area’s newfound reputation as a hip getaway.

Stroll along Mane Street and you’ll find MazAmar Art Pottery gallery and shop, and the vintage-vibed Pioneer Bowl. Other popular restaurants nearby include Giant Rock Meeting Room & Coffee House, near the aforementioned La Copine in Flamingo Heights, and Frontier Café, four miles down the road in Yucca Valley.

 

Twentynine Palms

Twentynine Palms, California is the home of Joshua Tree National Park headquarters and north entrance, and it is the official Gateway to the new Mojave Trails National Monument. Nestled in the Mojave Desert, its sprawling terrain is scattered with monolithic rocks and sprinkled with wildflowers during the spring season. Its skies are painted with color at dawn and dusk, with night skies bringing an abundance of stars and the stunning Milky Way. Also home to the 29 Palms Marine Base since 1952, this friendly community attracts artists and those seeking wide open spaces where peace and quiet flourish. Stargazing, hiking, rock climbing, wildlife, bird watching, wildflowers, cultural arts, events, food and lodging, desert hospitality and a rich history in 29! . . . It’s the perfect desert getaway.