The 'Gateway To Joshua Tree' Is A Hub For Art, Indie Film, And Museum Culture In California's High Desert

Recognized as one of California's must-see attractions, Joshua Tree National Park attracts over 3 million visitors per year. However, nature alone is not the only draw when visiting a national park. Just 20 minutes northeast of Joshua Tree in the Morongo Basin of the Mojave Desert lies a community that has gained notoriety for its otherworldly vibe, one that has lured celebrities, musicians, and artists for decades. 

Just 6 miles south of of another eclectic town that's a favorite hangout for artists and filmmakers, Yucca Valley has gained attention for its sweeping desert views, art galleries and vintage shopping, an art park with oversized sculptures of Christ, ancient petroglyphs, a museum featuring Indigenous artifacts, and a film festival that attracts filmmakers and enthusiasts from around the world.

Yucca Valley is easily reached by SR-62, which interchanges with SR-247. The former intersects with I-10, while the latter intersects with I-15, making Yucca Valley accessible to travelers in California, Arizona, Nevada, and beyond. Situated 3,300 feet above sea level, the nearest airport, which also has the distinction of being one of the nation's most family-friendly, is the Palm Springs International Airport, 32 miles north. 

Yucca Valley's Old Town remains true to its Western roots with intact facades and community events that foster enrichment and interaction. Its artistic core is centered on vintage and antique shops along 29 Palms Highway. Housed in an old post office, Tamma's Magic Mercantile is a 10,000-square-foot vintage lover's dream stocked with vignettes of furniture, clothing, and gifts. Pioneer Crossing Antiques, This-N-That Desert Treasures, and Nitty Gritty Antiques are more gold mines for antique lovers and those who know how to find a bargain. Explore a different kind of vintage at the Hi-Desert Nature Museum, where Indigenous artifacts and dioramas of desert ecosystems come to life.

Not everything vintage can be found in a boutique. Some vintage gems are iconic places that hosted iconic artists. Located next to the Yucca Valley Airport, The Copper Room was founded by Frank Sinatra's lyricist and Yucca Valley Honorary Mayor Jimmy Van Heusen. The Copper Room became the secret hideaway of artists and musicians, where they would commiserate and jam in the desert with martinis and groupies close at hand. After years of inactivity, The Copper Room has been restored and reopened to the public, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in high-desert culture and nostalgia.

Art takes a spiritual turn at The Desert Christ Park, one of the region's most recognizable and distinctive landmarks. Established in 1951 by a preacher with a vision of a religious-themed park, sculptor Frank Martin created the steel-reinforced statues, including a resurrected Christ beckoning his followers and a depiction of the last supper. Covered by "Life Magazine" in 1951, the sculpture garden and park is both magnificent and surreal — just like the desolate landscape of the Mojave at sunrise. 

Now in its seventh year, the Yucca Valley Film Festival is recognized by both the United States Congress and the California Senate for its cultural contribution. It's been recognized multiple years in a row as one of the 100 Best Reviewed film festivals in the world by FilmFreeway, and attracts indie film fans and movie makers from all over. Its highly anticipated Masterclass series has featured stellar talent year after year, including Shane Stanley, Michael Dante, and William Baldwin. Musician James Morrison will conduct the masterclass at this year's festival, scheduled for November 7-9, 2025. 

With a burgeoning film festival and an iconic national park, Yucca Valley is seeing an increase in lodging options. Glamping fans have plenty of options next to Joshua Tree. While there are budget chain options, Yucca Valley is now home to one of Hilton's newest brands, Spark by Hilton.  The funky and modern Field Station Joshua Tree is located within Yucca Valley and features minimalist decor, a gear shop, and a coffee house with a grab-and-go kitchen. For those seeking more sublime accommodations with unlimited stargazing, the newly opened Reset Hotel in nearby Twentynine Palms is a stunning eco-resort with luxury finishes, and the recently restored Hotel Wren in Twentynine Palms is another unique option. 

Many of the vacation rentals feature an artistic flair, ranging from kitschy tiny houses and funky Airstream trailers to sprawling mid-century design showpieces with casitas and pools. The appeal of desert solitude cannot be overstated, and this is evident in the growing number of design-forward rentals and hotels. If the usual suspects for vacation rentals are too costly due to increased fees and demand, you may want to check out these budget alternatives to alleviate the cost.