For adventurous travelers drawn to desert seclusion—without sacrificing good food, thoughtful design, or small-town amenities—Joshua Tree offers a compelling escape in Southern California. The nearby communities of Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, and Twentynine Palms function as natural bases for exploring the park and the surrounding high desert, shaping a trip that balances wide-open landscapes with lived-in local culture.
At 3.4 million acres large, Death Valley National Park is the largest national park in the lower 48 states. It’s also the hottest, driest, and lowest national park; it famously recorded temperatures of 134° at the Badwater Basin, a dry salty lakebed expanse that’s 282 feet below sea level.
When we think of alpine luxury, Lake Arrowhead immediately comes to mind. Drive a couple hours east of Los Angeles and find yourself up in the San Bernardino Mountains, where a network of trails and forest surround the picturesque lake complete with a charming village town. The lake itself is private and accessible only to residents, but visitors can get on the water via guided paddleboat tours.
For those desert wanderers really looking to get away from the crowds, the Anza-Borrego region should be on your bucket list. Located 150 miles southeast of Los Angeles (and only 80 miles northeast of San Diego), come for the quirky town of Borrego Springs and make it your launching point to further explore the natural offerings of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Two hours from Los Angeles in the San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild’s small-mountain-town vibes are the perfect escape for a laid back weekend in the woods. Set among tall pine trees, surrounded by rocky mountains, and with miles of hiking trails, Idyllwild is sometimes described as a mini-Yosemite — an alpine paradise without the crowds.
If you’re looking for some desert seclusion with a mix of accessible amenities, make the 130 mile journey east to Joshua Tree National Park. The majority of services for those visiting the park are found in the nearby communities of Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, or Twentynine Palms.
Ojai, CA is a small, sleepy town nestled at the foot of the Topatopa Mountains in Ventura County, California. Just two hours and 80 miles northwest of L.A., it’s quickly becoming a destination–not only for LA getaway seekers, but also drawing in creative types from places like Brooklyn, Denver, and Austin.
165 miles from LA, the town of Kernville sits in the southern Sierra Nevada. For years, visitors have flocked to the region enjoying a range of adventures from whitewater rafting, kayaking and tubing on the Kern River — to biking, hiking, camping, and climbing its rocky terrain. Kernville is also a fishing destination; anglers from everywhere come to fish the Kern River for its native trout.
Brought into popularity by the 1930s by Hollywood elite, Palm Springs remains a hot spot where historical charm meets all things modern. Whether you are searching for ultimate poolside relaxation, outdoor adventures, or cultural immersion via the impressive museums and architecture on offer – there is something for everyone at this sunny destination.
Located 140 miles north of Los Angeles in the rolling hills of Santa Ynez Valley’s central coast wine region, Los Alamos’ offerings are effervescent and robust. Vineyards blend with Old West vibes in this relaxed town perfect for getting away from it all.