Joshua Tree | The Desert Lily

Outside the gate

Where to eat and what to do

The park is eight minutes away and needs no introduction. This is everything else — the places we actually send guests to.

Joshua Tree National Park, west entrance8 min

Joshua Tree Village8 min

Pioneertown & Pappy + Harriet's15 min

Yucca Valley25 min

The Integratron30 min

Palm Springs50 min

Eight minutes down the hill, and most of what you need is on one street.

Roadrunner Grab 'n Go: On Park Blvd just before Hwy 62, west side. Good for take-out lunches to carry into the park.
Sam's Indian Food & Pizza: At the traffic signal on the west end of town, by Sam's Market — which has a good selection of wine, craft beer and soft-serve. You will have to trust us: the food is first-rate. Don't skip the garlic naan, and if you can't choose, get an Indian pizza.
Pie for the People: Hand-tossed, stone-fired pizza. You can bring your own beer or wine, but bring glassware and an opener too.
Natural Sister's Cafe: The place for vegetarian and vegan options.
Joshua Tree Farmers Market: Saturdays, 8am to 1pm, in downtown Joshua Tree at Turtle Island.

Twenty-five minutes, and where you go for a proper grocery shop.

Yucca Kebab & Hookah: Middle Eastern, and open until 1am.
Frontier Cafe: A good room — free internet, an inventive menu, proper coffee, games, a turntable and records, and live music now and then.
Kimi Grill: Thirteen years in Yucca Valley and a local favourite. Sushi, appetisers and full entrees.
La Casita Nueva: Mexican food and margaritas. Anything you order will be good.
Country Kitchen: Visited by chefs from all over, Anthony Bourdain included. Known for blueberry pancakes and biscuits and gravy.

Fifteen minutes to Pioneertown — worth the drive for one place in particular.

Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace: Some of the best BBQ ribs and steaks around, and the vegetarian chilli holds its own. Pair either with a Nikki Lane cocktail. It is a world-famous music venue as well as a restaurant, so the waitlist is often long — if you're in a hurry, the tacos at the Red Dog Saloon are excellent.
29 Palms Inn: If fancy is what you're after. Walk the grounds for the murals, the oasis, and the garden where they grow much of what they serve.
Joshua Tree Saloon: Indoor and outdoor seating, local music with no cover on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, open mic on Thursdays. On a cold evening ask for the Cowboy Cocoa — it isn't on the menu.

Beyond the park itself, which is eight minutes from the front gate.

Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum: A must-see. Outdoor interactive sculptures that have been shown in museums around the country. Purifoy co-founded the Watts Towers in Los Angeles.
Sound bath at the Integratron: Sixty-minute sonic sessions, thirty minutes from the house. Book well ahead. Book here.
Art galleries: The second Saturday of each month is the time to walk the galleries along Hwy 62 — usually with entertainment, vendors and a good crowd.
Thrift and vintage: Black Luck Vintage and Nitty Gritty Antiques off Highway 62 in Yucca Valley. Desert Alto for wine and spirits. In Joshua Tree, The Shops at Zanny's between the Saloon and The Station.
Rock climbing: A day-long climbing lesson is a thrilling way to experience the rocks. Private, customised excursions in the park on (760) 974-9536.
Eco-jeep tour: Desert Adventures run the only tours onto the private 800-acre Metate Ranch in the Indio Hills, and also guide hikes. (888) 440-5337.
Untamed Yoga: Indoor, outdoor and virtual classes, bookable directly. Book here.

Arranged through the house

We can connect you with our favourite local guides and practitioners. Ask when you book, or call 760-309-7117.