As the first three-day weekend of the upcoming summer, Memorial Day is always a popular time to go on vacation—and Joshua Tree, CA, is one of the best Memorial Day vacation destinations! It’s your last chance to explore Joshua Tree National Park before the scorching temperatures of summer fully set in, and you’ll get your summer dose of sunshine that you’ve been waiting all winter for. And beyond the good weather and stunning surroundings, you’ll have options for entertainment and relaxation right at your fingertips.
It’s the type of place where rustic meets elegance, where wild adventure is just outside your door and where the day can take you to the most delightfully unexpected places. From local music festivals to optimal stargazing, Memorial Day spent in Joshua Tree is one of those unforgettable vacations that you’ll look back and smile on every year. Get away to the beauty of the desert, and spend this Memorial Day in Joshua Tree, CA!
Spend This Memorial Day in Joshua Tree
We’re proud to say that Joshua Tree is home to one of the top Memorial Day music festivals, appropriately titled the Joshua Tree Music Festival. This year the 2023 Joshua Tree Music Festival is its 20th anniversary, so it’s guaranteed to be an epic time. In addition to the diverse music lineup, there’s festival experiences such as the Om Zone where you can do yoga, and even a Kidsville with activities tailored to the little ones. You can get a four-day festival pass, or purchase individual day tickets, making it a great option if you still want to do some sightseeing in Joshua Tree and have limited time. A full lineup and more info can be found on the music festivals website!
Joshua Tree National Park Memorial Day Activities
Even though the weather is warming up, the park remains a popular thing to do for Memorial Day vacationers. Explore hiking trails in a range of difficulties—as there’s something for every skill level, you’ll find anyone can experience the magical beauty of the park. Travel past the iconic Joshua Trees, dusty red rocks, and otherworldly desert plant life. Some well-traveled trails include Barker Dam and Hidden Valley. With such unique natural sights, it’s truly unlike anywhere else in the world. What better way to spend a long weekend?
A local tip is to visit earlier in the morning for cooler temperatures and closer to sundown for more moderate temperatures. As always, don’t forget to bring water and sunscreen!
Relax at Joshua Tree Bars and Restaurants
If you’re looking to unwind over the long weekend after exciting days exploring the park, you can go out to one of our local bars or restaurants for a celebratory drink or meal. Stop by a casual bar in town to enjoy a cocktail with live music or dine out at a cozy restaurant with a menu of mouthwatering, authentic Mexican cuisine. Once you’re downtown, you can easily walk from venue to venue if you feel like exploring more than one spot. You can even get a vacation rental close to downtown if you want to be within walking distance, or you can take a short rideshare from many of our charming vacation rentals near town. Celebration will never be far on Memorial Day weekend in Joshua Tree!
Memorial Day Stargazing in Joshua Tree
This activity always tops lists of things to do in Joshua Tree, and Memorial Day weekend is no exception. With open horizons and extraordinary visibility, the desert is the ideal place to study the heavens above, and especially in Joshua Tree due to our designation as a Dark Sky Community and areas of the park designated as well. Easily spot planets, constellations, and more. You may even catch a unique glimpse of a satellite train or the International Space Station. The park occasionally hosts stargazing events, or you can hire a local guide for an informative experience and peek through a professional telescope. Truly the memory of a lifetime!
Spend Memorial Day Weekend in a Joshua Tree Vacation Rental
From rustic desert homes with private hot tubs to charming cabins with modern style, we have tons of homes perfect for a Memorial Day getaway to Joshua Tree. Whether you want to be near the park or close to the action of town, we’re proud to offer a variety of locations, as well as sizes. We even have quaint getaways for just two!
Our friendly local team is ready to answer any questions you might have as you browse our properties. Reach out and give us a call to book your Joshua Tree Memorial Day vacation rental today!
