Cabazon
Just west of Palm Springs, this community is best known for Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, the roadside Cabazon Dinosaurs, and a lengthy stretch of designer outlet stores. The town’s namesake, Chief Cabezón, led the Cahuilla Indians in the mid-1800s.
Yucca Valley
A gateway to Joshua Tree National Park and Pioneertown, Yucca Valley straddles Highway 62 in the Little San Bernardino Mountains at 3,300 feet. Along the main drag, you’ll find vintage shops, thrift stores, and a few memorable bites. Try Frontier Café for lunch.
Joshua Tree
This High Desert town blends creative spirit with rugged beauty. Beyond the national park, visit the World-Famous Crochet Museum, Beauty Bubble Salon & Museum, and ARM Alien Robot Museum. Fuel up at the Joshua Tree Saloon.
Pioneertown
Built in 1946 as a live-in Old West film set, this quirky town was the brainchild of Hollywood cowboys like Dick Curtis and Roy Rogers. These days, it draws music lovers to the legendary roadhouse, Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace.
Landers
Beyond Yucca Valley and Pioneertown, this off-the-grid enclave attracted prospectors in the early 1900s and mystics ever since. Visit the Integratron and Giant Rock — and swing by La Copine in nearby Flamingo Heights for lunch worth the detour.
Borrego Springs
The only California town fully surrounded by a state park, Borrego Springs blooms with raw desert beauty. It’s a top pick for camping, ATVs, and stargazing, especially in spring. Don’t miss the giant metal creatures scattered through Galleta Meadows.
Idyllwild
Reach this pine-scented mountain town via I-10 or the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway (Highway 74). Rustic cabins, forested trails, and indie boutiques await in this cool, creative enclave perched above the desert.
