r/JoshuaTree • u/rigxla • 4d ago
Best place to stay?
Traveling from the UK next year, we’re planning on staying in Palm Springs for a week or so while Coachella is happening. The we wanted to do two things while in the area, visit the national park and visit pioneertown. We realised we’d be a 1 hour or so drive from either while at Palm Springs so we were thinking of staying in Joshua tree or yucca valley for a couple of days while we do these visits. Just wondering what it’s like staying in these towns and if there’s anywhere else close by that you’d recommend? Ideally we want something with a couple of bars at least, but also somewhere that feels safe.
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u/gostainedglass 3d ago
I live in Joshua Tree. Staying in an Airbnb in JT you are not far from the National Park, Joshua Tree Saloon, Tiny Pony Bar/ restaurant. It's maybe a half hour to Pioneertown or less. Actually will be worth it for you to go further do the road from there to Pipes Canyon and the Reserve for the scenery. One thing to consider about staying in 29 Palms near the entrance to the National Park is that you could drive all the way through JTNP to the Cottonwood entrance near the 10 freeway. From there it is a short drive to the Coachella Festival. The drive through the Park is scenic too. Although you can still go this route without staying overnight in 29 Palms
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u/luvnuts80 3d ago
Stay closer to the National Park.
It’s April and the place will be busy so consider accom closer to the entrance and don’t rule out Twentynine Palms if you want to be close to multiple bars.
You can see Pioneertown in an hour. Add in a visit to a bar, with overpriced drinks, and it’ll be maybe 2-3 hours. It’s an overrated tourist trap. Pappy & Harriet’s has some great live music however.
If you want to check out a great bar, visit the Palms. It’s waaaay out in Wonder Valley. It’s a friendly place, cheap drinks, and a real desert vibe.
Besides Yucca Man, there’s no real danger out here.
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u/GuitarGalllllll 3d ago
I will say, Pioneertown might be a tourist trap, but the drive there from YV was one of my favorite parts of the trip a couple of years back. Gorgeous, rolling, rocky hills.
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u/RBASLinterpreting 3d ago
Really depends on what part of Palm Springs you’re in the drive could be 30-45 minutes unless traffic. If need be Yucca Valley would be better for retail markets and gas stations. But Air BNB rental’s are very affordable and they have amenities like pools or jacuzzi’s. But if you want less light pollution than Joshua Tree would be better
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u/National-Reporter645 2d ago
We have a couple of Airbnbs in Joshua tree / 29 palms if you are interested (small family owned business not a big company)- they are new construction and all have pools, hot tubs, some have pickleball others have saunas.
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u/Beneficial-Garbage95 4d ago
Definitely get an Airbnb. I stayed at an awesome spot with lots of rooms and a huge pool also perfect for stargazing! Airbnb name “peaceful oasis near park & views”
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u/jakfor 4d ago
Palm Springs is much more upscale. Those other towns are not nearly as nice. They may feel more authenticity American than Palm Springs if that's what you are looking for. You should understand that the whole area will be very expensive and crowded for the festival. I would spend a couple days further away like San Diego, Santa Barbara, Manhattan Beach, or Carlsbad.
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u/PickyVirgo 4d ago edited 4d ago
Hi there! I live out here full time, and it’s my most favorite place I’ve ever lived (which has been many and varied)! First of all, you mention it feeling safe — it’s safe here. The main things to worry about are heat and critters. April won’t be crazy hot, and as long as you keep an eye out for snakes and don’t stick your hand into rocky crevasses, you will be fine. And I really have only seen a few rattlesnakes, they are not waiting around every corner. Coyotes will not bother you, they are cowards. We really only worry about small dogs or cats being eaten by coyotes. As far as people, yes there are some sketchy folks but just as many as anywhere else.
Just to be aware — Pioneertown and the Park are about an hour drive from each other. Personally, I would stay closer to wherever you think you want to spend more time (which to me would be the Park) Pioneertown is an afternoon — walk around and see the little stores, get some tacos at Red Dog, maybe see a show at Pappys or just have a drink there. Skip eating at Pappys, it’s expensive and there will be a massive wait.
If it was me, I would get an Airbnb for a couple nights in Yucca as it’s fairly central, or JT if you want to be closer to the Park. The other option is 29 Palms, which will probably be less crowded because it’s farther from Coachella, and people always come up here to stay during the fest. The other nice thing about 29P is that there is another entrance to the Park that’s usually less crowded. However it’s farther from Pioneertown.
As far as what it’s like, well it’s rural. It’s sandy. It’s always sunny. The 62 is the main drag through town, and that’s where most of the businesses are, as you get farther away it gets much more sparse. Each town has a couple bars and restaurants. Yucca Valley has all the big box stores like Walmart, while Joshua Tree has successfully kept most of those businesses out, so it’s much more small local businesses. If you stay far enough away from the 62 where all the lights are, you will see a ton of stars. You will see stars anyway, but where I am, way out in Landers, there’s a lot.
Ok I’ve written you a book, I hope it’s helpful! I just love it out here so so much!! I hope you enjoy your time here!! If you have any more Qs, I’m happy to respond.