Joshua Tree National Park

I decided I needed a sunny getaway and Joshua Tree National Park has been on my travel list for a while now so when I found direct flights to San Diego for only $225, I didn’t hesitate. California here I come!

I rented a car and a cute Airbnb out in the Joshua Tree desert and spent two days driving through the park, checking out local restaurants, and soaking in some Vitamin D. Here are the best things I did during my trip.

Watch sunrise at the Cholla Cactus Garden. I set my alarm for 4am and doubted I would actually get out of bed but for once, my willpower won. I drove an hour into the park to reach the Cholla Cactus Garden parking lot about 55 minutes before sunrise to get setup to shoot a timelapse. Seeing the sky change from navy to peach to a sudden burst of vibrant red right as the sun first peeks over the horizon was worth it.

Enjoy the quiet of the desert at Joshua Tree. This perfectly curated Airbnb is the place to stay if you’re seeking wide open spaces. It’s located in north Joshua Tree and requires a little extra driving to reach (including some sandy dirt roads), but as soon as you walk inside the journey will feel worth it. From the boho chic decor to the patio under the stars, you’re going to wish you could stay longer. If this place is booked, there are tons of other cute Airbnbs in the area to choose from!

Hike the Arch Rock trail. Don’t let the name fool you, there is so much more to see on this trail than just one rock. You’ll walk about half a mile on a mostly flat path through the desert before arriving at an enormous network of stunning rock formations. My recommendation: hike out for sunset! I sat up on the rocks and watched as the sun dipped below the horizon. Just make sure to account for the 15-minute walk back to the parking lot – once it gets dark the desert can be really disorienting and it’s very easy to get lost.

Grab a meal at Crossroads Cafe. It doesn’t get more local than this spot and the menu is DELISH.

I loved my time in Joshua Tree and it was just what I needed to reboot after a dreary Chicago winter. I would love to go back again. Have you been to Joshua Tree?