Explore Outside Joshua Tree National Park

So, you know you want to head out to the National Park when visiting Joshua Tree, but don’t miss out on all the other cool, wacky, and weird places to explore outside of Joshua Tree. I’m here to help and steer you to some other site that you will ohh and ahh over. It’s time to explore outside of Joshua Tree.

Yucca Valley | Explore Outside of Joshua Tree

When I visit Joshua Tree National Park, I actually like staying in a neighboring community to get a feel for a different desert feel. There are so many eclectic things out in the desert that I feel this gives me much more room to explore outside of Joshua Tree itself.

We found our adorable Airbnb located in Yucca Valley, the Havalina House. It was a three-bedroom house that could fit up to 6 people with an outside patio to relax and watch the sunset. It was such a hidden gem! The best thing about this location is that it is close to a lot of the sites you want to visit. The location was close to Joshua Tree National Park, Pioneer Town, and Landers.

When searching for a place to stay don’t think your only option is camping on the National Park, look at places in Yucca Valley. We also had a ton of land on our property (5.5 acres) that we were able to explore and get insane pictures! I recommend looking for a place to a bit of land as you can do some fabulous photo shoots are odd hours and no one is area to watch or judge! And a big plus bonus, Josh and Vanessa are always fantastic hosts. I have stayed here three different times and always have a fantastic visit. The Airbnb rates are usually very competitive as well.

Inside Tip: The Havalina House is dog friendly, yay!

Landers| Explore Outside of Joshua Tree

Landers is home to some bizarre sights and sounds. Believe me when I say some wacky things go on in the desert.

Integratron

Integratron this structure was originally built by George Van Tassel a UFO movement leader. His goal was to use the structure for time travel, and he claimed that UFO and extra-terrestrial contact gave him specific instruction on how to build the dome structure. Integratron is now owned by three sister who aim to preserve the structure and have opened it to the public. They use the space now as a sound bath, where visitors can meditate and relax. Check out the link above for more information, to book the sound bath, and to explore upcoming events. They have some off open and closed dates/ times so I would make sure to check that out before your visit. (Since I was traveling with Lemon, I was only able to look at the structure from the outside, no dogs allowed inside.)

Giant Rock

The Giant Rock, located about 3 miles from Integratron. The rock is roughly 7 stories high and covers 6,000 square feet. It’s one of the largest free-standing boulders in the world. This is where George Van Tassel and other UFO movement leaders held UFO conferences. Check out the link above for more images and information on the giant rock. This is a must visit when you explore outside of Joshua Tree!

Pioneertown| Explore Outside of Joshua Tree

Want to feel like you’re in an old Western movie or Disney’s Frontierland?! Then this is a must visit for you!! This fake western town was founded in 1946 by Hollywood personalities and has been used in over 200 Western movies. The idea was to resemble a 1880’s wild west town. It’s a lot of fun to explore the town and you really feel as if you’re on a movie set. They even have some of the shops open to the public. You can also book a room at the Pioneertown Motel.  Make sure to check out Pappy & Harriet’s restaurant on your visit. You get the whole Western vibe with live music and great food. However, they do have some odd hours and some odd open/closed dates so make sure to check out their website before a visit. Also, a reservation is suggested, they get busy busy busy! Don’t miss this iconic location when you explore outside of Joshua Tree.

Insider Tip: Dogs are allowed on the outside patios.

More Resources to Explore Outside of Joshua Tree

• Exploring the National Park
• Discover other oddities in the desert.
• Pet Friendly Ideas for your Joshua Tree visit.
• Visit the World-Famous Crochet Museum.
• More on the bizarre Giant Rock.