With rugged mountains, giant boulders, and large yucca plants covering 800,000 acres across the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert, Joshua Tree National Park is an incredible destination to visit in Southern California.
The park is closely located near a few charming small towns as well as the larger city of Palm Springs. Both the towns and cities offer great options for hotels near Joshua Tree National Park. You have tons of options, ranging from unique Airbnbs, old-fashioned western inns, glamping setups, chain hotels, and luxury resorts, there are a variety of options for your visit to Joshua Tree.
Spend your day sitting by an outdoor swimming pool, enjoying a full-service spa, sitting under the stars in a hot tub, staying warm by a fire pit, or relaxing on a sun terrace. Of all these accommodations, most offer free parking and some are even pet-friendly.
The towns of Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, Yucca Valley, and Pioneertown are all located closest to Joshua Tree’s west and north entrances. Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, and Desert Hot Springs are all located about 45 minutes from the park’s south entrance.
You can find all kinds of options on almost any of the major hotel booking sites out there, but these are some of my favorites.
Hotels in Joshua Tree Town
If you want to be super close to the park, the town of Joshua Tree is located a 10-minute drive or 5 miles from the west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. The small town is known for its local shops, restaurants, cafes, and variety of accommodations. Plus the town still keeps its authentic appearance—it looks almost exactly the same as how it did when it started booming in the 1960s.
Stay in Joshua Tree so you can pop into the park for a desert sunrise or enjoy the Milky Way at night. The Joshua Tree Visitor Center is located right in town. On Saturdays, a farmer’s market takes place from 8 am-1 pm. The town’s gift shops, visitor centers, museums, and art sculptures will keep you entertained when not adventuring in the park.
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Sacred Sands
Sacred Sands is an upscale Bed & Breakfast in a straw bale home known for its boho-chic desert style, and it’s located just a mile from the west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. You’ll find it in the Monument Manor neighborhood of Joshua Tree, known as the home to artists, musicians, and nature lovers.
Sacred Sands is known for its luxurious accommodations with incredible views of the rocky mountains, Joshua trees, and desert landscapes. Not only is it a popular place for your own private oasis, but it’s also the perfect event venue for weddings and other special events.
The property has a beautiful rustic ceremony circle, an outdoor reception area, a cocktail patio, and both honeymoon and bridal suites. There’s also an indoor ballroom to allows events to continue later than the outdoor patios.
Whether you’re looking for a secluded stay, a place for a rehearsal dinner, post-wedding brunch, elopement, dinner party, or retreat, Sacred Sands is the perfect venue for just about anything you can imagine.
The Habibi House
The Habibi House is a bright 1950’s ranch home sitting in the peaceful desert. The building was restored to keep its original charm and has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
It’s the perfect place to relax after a day spent in Joshua Tree National Park. The house is located just 13 minutes outside of the park surrounded by views of the rugged desert mountains. It’s a short walk from the downtown shops and restaurants of Joshua Tree.
Spend some time relaxing in the sunroom, cookout on the barbecue, hang out in the backyard, take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool or nap in the hammock. This is a great spot to relax and enjoy your time while in Joshua Tree.
The Castle House Estate
The Castle House Estate offers the ultimate glamping experience outside of Joshua Tree National Park. You can stay in a guard tower suite with a pool, an electric-powered yurt, a shipping container home, or a hideaway cabin. The definition of a tiny home is brought to next level at this desert getaway.
The Castle House Estate is located in the town of Joshua Tree along E Broadway. It’s about 10 miles or an 18-minute drive to the park.
Sitting on 8 acres of land, this picturesque estate is surrounding by other undeveloped acres of land providing a remote experience in the southern California desert.
Eclectic Joshua Tree
The Eclectic Joshua Tree is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home located 6 miles outside of Joshua Tree National Park. The eclectic home is has a nice open layout lit with natural lighting.
The house has a full kitchen, a patio with beautiful garden views, a large dining area, and a flat-screen TV. The house’s modern decor and well-landscaped backyard make it a great place to hang out and enjoy your time when not in the park.
The Cherokee House in Joshua Tree
Located 4 miles from Joshua Tree, the Cherokee House sits in a quiet, peaceful residential neighborhood in the town of Joshua Tree. At this holiday home enjoy panoramic views of the desert landscape.
Sit by the fire pit and toast up some s’mores, use the telescope to stargaze at the night sky, or cozy up by the fireplace and listen to an old record on the vinyl player.
The Cherokee House is a 3 bedroom house and sleeps up to 6 guests and is the perfect spot for a relaxing stay just outside of Joshua Tree National Park.
Joshua Tree Inn
Built in 1949, the Joshua Tree Inn is a historic Spanish Colonial-style inn, located just 5 miles outside of the park entrance. The historic inn is known for its rustic charm and unique lodging options for your visit to Joshua Tree National Park.
You have a variety of room choices ranging from kings, queens, and doubles, to themed suites, or a villa. Each room has a different atmosphere, some with exposed brick walls or antiques, and all have a kitchenette with microwaves and minifridges.
The inn offers complimentary coffee, tea, and snacks each morning and you have access to an outdoor swimming pool, fire pits, picnic tables, a koi pond, and a courtyard.
Joshua Tree Ranch House
The Joshua Tree Ranch House is located off of Twentynine Palms Highway, about five miles from Joshua Tree National Park. It’s a 10-minute drive to the west gate entrance.
Located in downtown Joshua Tree, you’ll take a step back in time when you visit this mid-1940s western-themed motel. The rooms are simple, offering a relaxing, quiet spot for your group. There is an outdoor swimming pool and patio to enjoy.
The Joshua Tree Ranch House is located within walking distance from all the fun in downtown and the park visitor center. Enjoy the shops, restaurants, and Saturday morning farmer’s market when you stay here.
AutoCamp
AutoCamp Joshua Tree is a trendy new place to stay near Joshua Tree. This new AutoCamp vacation rental location is a unique way to experience your visit to Joshua Tree National Park. The camp heavily relies on solar power and has a lot of events for visitors.
AutoCamp is only a few miles from Joshua Tree. It’s a modern camp experience where you stay in Airstreams. It’s a great place to experience a tiny home or RV life with luxuries. Enjoy the patio, a fire pit, and in the really cold months, soak in a hot tub.
The Joshua Tree National Park AutoCamp offers free on-site parking and is pet-friendly with a fee. Check online for more details about the opening date and enjoy your unique airstream stay in Joshua Tree National Park.
Center Street Villas
The Center Street Villas is located 5 miles outside of Joshua Tree National Park. Relax by the garden, warm up by the fireplace, take a dip in the hot tub, or cook on the barbecue. Sitting just outside of the main downtown, the Center Street Villas are a great location to stay in Joshua Tree.
Each villa suite has its own full kitchen to cook meals at home and plenty of space to relax and enjoy your stay outside the park. The hotel is pet-friendly and has free parking on site.
Ponderosa and Palo Verde and Airstream Palm Pod at Joshua Tree Green Oasis
Book an airstream, a nicely furnished home, or a studio at the Ponderosa and Palo Verde and Airstream Palm Pod at Joshua Tree Green Oasis. This property is located about 8 miles outside of Joshua Tree National Park.
Spend your day relaxing by the garden while enjoying views of the desert mountains in the distance. Some rooms have an outdoor terrace, others have access to an outdoor dining area. The artisanal decor of this modern homestay makes it a great place to enjoy your stay at Joshua Tree National Park.
SkyHouse
SkyHouse is a beautiful private villa located 3 miles outside of Joshua Tree National Park. It has a pool, hot tub, and a terrace for lounging. This property has definitely set new standards for Joshua Tree getaway homes!
The modern design of SkyHouse feels like city living, but the large windows and sliding glass doors keep you connected to the beauty of the surrounding desert landscape.
The 8-acre estate has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full chef kitchen, a stunning patio, and impressive interior decorating. If you want to stay in a modern villa outside of Joshua Tree National Park, SkyHouse is a great option.
Joshua Tree Village House
Joshua Tree Village House is another small, private house located just a few miles from the entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. It’s conveniently located right in the town of Joshua Tree next to all the shops, cafes, and restaurants. You won’t have to go far to find anything you need at this spot!
The colorful 3 bedroom house accommodates up to 6 people and has everything you can imagine: a full kitchen, 2 bathrooms, a dining area, and an outdoor area with a fire pit. From the front of the house, you’ll have impressive views of the San Bernardino Mountains. The house is great if you’re looking for a weekend away with friends or for a weeklong family vacation.
Hotels in Twentynine Palms
The town of Twentynine Palms is located near the north entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. The town has a variety of accommodation options as well as grocery stores and restaurants. The main part of Twentynine Palms is 5 miles from the park.
You’ll especially enjoy views of the serene desert landscape as well as the fan palms that create the Oasis of Mara, located right next to town.
Sunnyvale Garden Suites Hotel
The Sunnyvale Garden Suites Hotel is located in the town of Twentynine Palms about 5 miles from Joshua Tree National Park. The hotel suites are a great option to enjoy condo-style living. There are a variety of bed options and all of the suites include full kitchens allowing you to save money in town and cook your own meals some nights.
Located minutes from the north entrance of the park, this is an ideal location for a fun Joshua Tree experience. While there is no lobby, the extra space is used for suite living rooms, dining rooms, and patios with gas barbecues depending on which lodging you choose.
The hotel includes additional amenities such as a sun terrace with plenty of chairs and lounges, a large outdoor swimming pool, a spa, and free parking. It’s a pet-friendly hotel and great for hosting weddings, meetings, or a family barbecue.
29 Palms Inn
29 Palms Inn is located right in the town of Twentynine Palms and is one of the closest places you can stay to the northern entrance into Joshua Tree National Park.
The inn sits on 70 acres of land and is unique with its Adobe bungalows and wood-framed cabins. Each room has its own theme and character. It’s located right at the Oasis of Mara, where you’ll have gorgeous views of the native fan palms with the craggy mountains in the distance.
The Oasis of Mara used to expand farther, but as the water dried up it left the area with one pond which sits at the center of the 29 Palms Inn. The Oasis Visitor Center is located nearby, on the place of the dried-up Oasis of Mara.
The inn offers free parking and is pet-friendly with a $35 fee per room per stay. The inn has a restaurant serving locally grown food, a community lawn area, and the option to rent event space for weddings, retreats, and meetings.
Harmony Motel
The Harmony Motel, which you might know from U2’s album cover, U2: The Joshua Tree, is located right off of Twentynine Palms Highway, about 8 miles from Joshua Tree National Park. The motel sits very close to the Forty-Nine Palms Oasis Trail, which starts outside of the main park entrance and is free to access.
The motel features rural lodging with charming decor, quaint cabin options, as well as extended stay and military rooms. Enjoy the vistas of the Oasis of Mara with desert mountains peaks in the distance. Spend your evening at the outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, or on the patio.
Campbell House
Take a step back in time when you stay at the Campbell House, a historic desert inn that began as a homestead property in 1925. Located in the town of Twentynine Palms, the modern updates to this property have turned it into a great place to stay. It’s located just five miles from Joshua Tree National Park.
Sitting on 25 acres, you’ll really experience the peacefulness of the desert out here. With a variety of accommodation options, you can stay in either a suite or a cottage. Start your day with a good breakfast brought right to your room. Head into the park for the afternoon, and then spend your evening hanging out at the outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, bocce ball court, or garden.
The historic inn is surrounded by the Oasis of Mara and is a charming place for your stay outside of Joshua Tree National Park.
Flying Point Homestead
The Flying Point Homestead located in Twentynine Palms is 13 miles from Joshua Tree National Park. The property sits back on open land offering impressive views of the surrounding mountain and desert landscape.
There are three stay options, a holiday home, a studio, and a trailer with a full-size bed. All of the homestead properties have air conditioning, fantastic views, and are in close proximity to the park and town of Twentynine Palms.
Enjoy your stay here with the modern comforts of a beautifully decorated home or room after a long day of exploring in Joshua Tree.
Hotels in Yucca Valley
Yucca Valley is one of the largest towns near Joshua Tree National Park. The town sits about 11 miles from Joshua Tree and is an 18-minute drive to the park entrance. The town is filled with larger grocery stores including Vons, Walmart, and Grocery Outlet, as well as many chain motels and hotels.
While Yucca Valley has minimal authentic accommodation experiences, the town is great if you’re looking for somwhere close to Joshua Tree and shopping conveniences. Also, many hotels and motels are less expensive than the nearby resorts and bed and breakfasts.
Beautiful Boulders View House
The Beautiful Boulders View House is a spacious, naturally lit, beautiful home located 12 miles from Joshua Tree. The 4-bedroom house sleeps 8 guests and is in a great spot for amazing views.
The house has a full kitchen, plenty of living space to relax on, a hot tub, and a large outdoor dining terrace. Take advantage of the free parking and enjoy the impressive stargazing of the night sky while staying at this lovely house.
Joshua Tree Hidden Tower Ranch
The Joshua Tree Hidden Tower Ranch is a private ranch sitting on 2.5 acres of land located 9 miles outside of the park—it’s your ultimate secluded getaway. While the ranch only sleeps 4 guests, it’s a beautiful experience out there. The simple retreat house has a bright living area with a fully equipped kitchen.
The ranch has a wonderful patio for stargazing, barbeques, and is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine. Sitting on the property are historic tank houses that play an important part in California’s state history and early material culture. You can learn about the history of water in the area while exploring the remaining wells, pumps, and towers at the Joshua Tree Hidden Tower Ranch.
Hotels in Pioneertown
Pioneertown is a quirky little town located just north of Yucca Valley. It’s known for its authentic wild west feel and has a few accommodations located on a large acreage allowing for a beautiful, secluded desert experience. The unincorporated community has a small “Mane Street” where you can learn about the history of the area, drink at the Red Dog Saloon, or visit a few shops.
Pioneertown Motel
The Pioneertown Motel is about 15 miles from Joshua Tree National Park and takes about 25 minutes to drive to the west entrance.
The Pioneertown Motel is a wild west desert-themed motel with a shared lounge, desert garden, beautiful rooms, cabin options, and event space. This property sits in its own remote area in the desert offering a peaceful quiet experience to enjoy the night sky from the patio or the warmth around the fire pits.
The motel has free parking and is pet-friendly and charges $25 per night for pets. Enjoy the native plants, locally designed furniture, and the downtown Pioneertown Mane Street when you stay at this quaint motel.
Starlight Boutique Hotel & Private Resort
Relax at the glamorous, desert ranch Starlight Boutique Hotel located about 30 minutes or 21 miles from Joshua Tree National Park.
From the moment you check in you’ll receive a calm, confident, and luxurious experience. Located on 40 acres of land, with an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, shared lounge, desert garden, and more, you’ll enjoy your stay at this hotel near Joshua Tree National Park.
These luxurious rooms include a king bed, a private bathroom with a shower, and fine decorating. With its remote location enjoy views of impressive rocks, the rugged mountains in the distance, and of course, Joshua trees.
Hotels in Greater Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs encompasses nine cities including Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Palm Desert, and La Quinta. Palm Springs and the surrounding cities are a bit farther from Joshua Tree National Park than the other towns listed, but they offer great hotel accommodations for a variety of travelers.
The area is known for its golf courses, designer boutiques, fancy restaurants, and art galleries. Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Desert Hot Springs, and La Quinta are all known for their more upscale luxury resort hotels, and spas.
From the general Greater Palm Springs area, Joshua Tree National Park averages about a 45-minute drive to the south entrance of the park. It’s the perfect location for a day trip into Joshua Tree.
The Saguaro Palm Springs
The Saguaro in Palm Springs is a colorful, trendy boutique hotel located at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains. Choose a room with city or pool views and enjoy the scenery of the area.
The brightly decorated hotel features vibrantly colored rooms and the main area has a stylish cocktail bar. Weekend pool parties take place with drinks served on-site and the hotel also offers on-site brunch every day. It’s also a great place to soak up the sun by a pool when you’re not visiting Joshua Tree.
The Saguaro Palm Springs is located 50 minutes or 47 miles from the park’s south entrance and just under an hour from the park’s west entrance.
Les Cactus
Les Cactus is a dreamy desert getaway located in Palm Springs. It’s located 47 miles from the southern entrance into Joshua Tree or a 50-minute drive. The 27 room hotel has a 1960’s French theme at this whimsical getaway.
This Palm Springs hotel is located five minutes from the shopping and dining downtown. The hotel has an outdoor pool and patio area to relax and soak up the sun. There is also a hot tub, outdoor fire bit, daily continental breakfast, a hammock garden, a massage room, and bicycles for your use.
Enjoy your stay at this quaint, French getaway hotel during your next visit to Joshua Tree National Park.
Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel
If you want to soak in some natural hot mineral water, book your stay at Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel. Located in the small town of Desert Hot Springs, not far from Palm Desert, this resort is the perfect place to relax after a long day of climbing or hiking in Joshua Tree National Park.
Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel is a 45-minute drive or 30 miles from Joshua Tree. The hotel was built in the 1960s and has been updated with modern amenities including an outdoor swimming pool and mineral pools with a full-service spa.
Stay in a classic hotel room or book a villa. The villas are about 1700 square feet and have multiple beds, a kitchen, and a homey set up with backyards, private patios, and a hot tub.
Even if you don’t stay at the hotel spend a day relaxing with a cocktail in hand and purchase a pool day pass. It’s $12 for adults and kids, $7 for seniors, and babies 2 & under are free! Book ahead to enjoy a full-service spa and on weekends enjoy live music and poolside dining at the Road Runner Bar and Cafe.
Hotel Paseo
The Hotel Paseo Palm Desert of the Marriott Autograph Collection is the newest luxury hotel located in Palm Desert. The property is located right next to art galleries, boutique shopping, upscale dining, and lively nightlife on El Paseo. As one of the newest and trendy hotels in Palm Desert, you’ll enjoy your stay here when visiting Joshua Tree National Park.
Hotel Paseo is a pet-friendly hotel with plenty of amenities including an outdoor swimming pool, spas, a pool bar, and cafe. The hotel also has the Grand Paseo Ballroom perfect for special events and weddings.
You can enjoy the 24/7 fitness center, daily morning yoga, shuttles to golf courses and shopping areas, and on-site dining and drinks. This is surely an upscale way to enjoy yourself at one of the chicest hotels outside of Joshua Tree National Park.
The Village at Palm Desert
The Village is located in Palm Desert about 40 minutes or 38 miles from the Southern entrance into Joshua Tree National Park. It has a variety of accommodation options varying from king rooms, queen rooms, and villas.
The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub and is located 11 miles from the Palm Springs Airport. Grab a drink at the on-site bar and spend the evening socializing with other guests. Or hang out by the garden and relax. This Palm Desert hotel is a great accommodation option for your visit to Joshua Tree.
Hotels Inside Joshua Tree National Park
Unlike other US national parks, don’t expect to find hotel accommodations in the Joshua Tree National Park boundaries. To keep the park minimally developed for both the native wildlife and visitors, camping is the only accommodation in the park.
Black Rock, Cottonwood, Hidden Valley, and Jumbo Rocks are some of the most popular campgrounds in the park. Sites at these locations book up early so if you plan to camp, make sure you reserve a spot early! Reservations are available 6 months out at Recreation.gov.
With so many hotel options near Joshua Tree National Park, you’ll find your dream stay no problem. With gorgeous desert views of the rugged mountains, desert plants, and gigantic boulders you’ll enjoy the park wherever you plan to sleep, have a meeting, or throw a wedding.
Joshua Tree National Park is busiest during the high season from October to April so for the best deals book your accommodations early!
