The Joshua Tree center is approximately 7 miles east of Downtown Yucca Valley and 14 miles west of Downtown Twentynine Palms.
Due to its location in the desert, the climate in Joshua Tree is hot throughout much of the year. Visitors often flock to the park when the weather is a bit cooler, which is generally between October and March. Average high temperatures during this time of the year are between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer months, the highs are often in the 90-degree range. It rarely dips below freezing in the area, with average low temperatures in the mid-30s and high 40s between October and April. To score the best hotel rates, it's recommended that you plan your visit during the middle of the week.
The national park doesn't host any major events, although it does host some smaller events that can draw more visitors. These include special tours, entertainment programs, and chats hosted by park rangers. Some of these events can impact hotel rates in the area. Major events in the neighboring cities, including San Bernardino and Palm Springs, may also cause hotel rates to increase near the park.
Senior discounts are available at Hampton Inn & Suites Palm Desert. This highly rated property has an outdoor pool and spa tub, a 24-hour fitness center, a convenience store with snacks and drinks, and a business center. A complimentary breakfast buffet is available every morning and includes both hot and cold items. Every room has a flat-screen TV with cable channels, premium bedding, a sofa bed, complimentary toiletries, a microwave, and a refrigerator.
Government employees and military members can save at Staybridge Suites Cathedral City Golf Resort. This all-suite property boasts a welcoming fireplace in the lobby, a 24-hour fitness center, a grocery store with drinks and snacks, an outdoor pool, and a business center. You can also enjoy the daily breakfast buffet and attend the complimentary receptions hosted by the hotel on select days. In-room amenities include kitchens with stoves and refrigerators, flat-screen TVs, phones, private safes, and desks.
AAA discounts are offered at The Westin Mission Hills Resort Villas. The full-service spa at this hotel offers a variety of pampering treatments, while additional amenities include three outdoor pools, concierge services, and an arcade and game room. Your room will feature a pillowtop bed with premium bedding, a private patio or balcony, a sofa bed, a flat-screen TV with a DVD player and cable programming, complimentary toiletries, and free Wi-Fi. You can choose from any of the four restaurants or order room service, offered 24 hours a day.
Best Western Gardens Hotel at Joshua Tree National Park offers excellent value for guests. This property has an outdoor heated pool, a covered patio area with barbecue grills for guest use, and a fitness center. Every Wednesday evening, the hotel hosts a complimentary reception for guests. A full hot breakfast is also served daily. Within the rooms, you'll find microwaves, tea and coffee makers, refrigerators, irons with ironing boards, and free high-speed internet access.
Another reasonably priced hotel in the area is Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Joshua Tree National Park. It's close to the California Welcome Center in nearby Yucca Valley. Within your individually decorated room, you'll find a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a refrigerator, a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries and a soaking tub, free Wi-Fi, a microwave, a separate workspace, and a phone with free local calls. At the property, you can use the outdoor pool, spa tub, and laundry facilities. A complimentary continental breakfast is included with your stay each day.
Joshua Tree National Park is the most popular place to visit in this area. This breathtaking natural area lies at an ecological crossroads, showcasing where the Colorado and Mojave Deserts intersect. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of activities within the park, including exploring the miles of hiking trails, taking a guided walking tour at Keys Ranch to see what life was like in the 20th century, or go rock climbing on one of the 8,000 established routes. Old Pioneertown served as the backdrop for over 50 films made in the mid-20th century.
The national park isn't the only attraction in the area to enjoy. The World Famous Crochet Museum is an interesting spot that houses a unique collection of items crocheted by a number of people. The Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum is an outdoor collection of environmental sculptures set against the harsh desert backdrop. It is open to the public every day from sunup to sundown and sits on 10 acres of land.
If you want to refocus your energy, pay a visit to the Joshua Retreat Center, a spot designed for New Age travelers who want to achieve a new state of consciousness through breathing and meditation techniques. With something for everyone, Joshua Tree is a fascinating place to visit with stunning natural surroundings and a number of appealing hotel options.
Below are reviews of the city of Joshua Tree, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.