what to do when you have 48 hours in Palm Springs & Joshua Tree
I’m not the biggest Palm Springs fan, but wanted to go to Joshua Tree and Palm Springs was a good stop on the way.
It was my first time in Joshua Tree, and I thought the rock formations were very cool and being able to pull the car over and climb the rocks felt like an adult playground. We went only for a day, and I think it would have been cooler to rent a house in Joshua Tree for a night or two. I’m happy I saw it, but not somewhere I’m dying to go again unless I was renting a house and really staying there.
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Brunch at Norma’s.
Check-in at the Korakia Pensione.
I thought they did a really great job with this hotel - Moroccan style at a good price point. The rooms are nothing crazy, but the setting and all the common spaces (pools, seating areas, lobby) are well done. I will note that it is a pretty romantic hotel, so definitely make sure that works for the trip you’re on.
I’d request a room on the other side of the hotel (not the side with the reception).
Hike: Palm Canyon Trail (2 miles)
This hike was super cool - you go through a palm oasis to start and then you can follow the trail up to a vista point where you look out over the desert.
Lunch at Farm - walk-in only, and you definitely want to get an outdoor table. Food is good, not great, but a really beautiful, almost magical setting (lots of greenery, gardens…).
Shop(pe) for ice cream.
Do some shopping (The Frippery, Shops at 1345) or relax by the pool.
Drinks at High Bar at the Rowan.
Dinner at Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey - great, fresh sushi.
DAY 2
Peninsula Pastries for pre-roadtrip fuel.
Drive to Joshua Tree (1 hr).
Visit Cholla Cactus Garden - would definitely recommend if you’re able to go. It’s a short walk through this large cluster of “teddy bear” cacti.
Lunch at La Copine or Natural Sister Cafe.
Hike:
Barker Dam Trail (1.3 miles)
Ryan Mountain Trail (3.0 miles)
49 Palm Oasis Trail (3.9 miles) - if you did the Palm Canyon Trail in Palm Springs, this hike would feel repetitive.
And/or just drive around and pull over at any rock formations that look cool to you - get out and climb up!
Dinner at Pappy & Harriet - first-come, first-serve, in what feels like an old-western movie set. Even if you don’t eat, it’s cool to walk around the “town.”
Things we wanted to do but didn’t have the time for:
Joshua Tree:
Integratron Sound Baths - I was DYING to go, but unfortunately it was closed when we went.
Palm Springs:
Rooster & the Pig - heard amazing things about this place, but was closed when we visited. FYI no reservations, walk-in only.
Birba - great pizza and salads.
