Joshua Tree & Palm Springs 🚗 Day Trip Guide 🌵✨

🚗 Departure & Route • It’s best to depart from Los Angeles before 6:30 AM to beat the traffic and heat. • Suggested route: LA → Joshua Tree (West Entrance) → Palm Springs → Return to LA • Total driving time is around 5–6 hours (excluding stops and exploration). 📍 Itinerary Morning: Joshua Tree National Park 1. Joshua Tree Visitor Center • Grab a map and refill your water here. 💧 2. Hidden Valley Nature Trail • A classic 1-mile loop—perfect for photos among giant rocks and Joshua trees! 📸 3. Skull Rock • A fun roadside landmark—easy to access and great for quirky photos. 💀 4. Keys View • A high lookout point with sweeping views of Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault. • If you prefer a relaxed pace, you can wrap up here and head to Palm Springs. ⏰ Time spent: About 4 hours Noon: Head to Palm Springs • Drive time approx. 45 minutes. • Lunch in downtown Palm Springs—highly recommend: • Cheeky’s – Famous brunch spot, known for their bacon flight! 🥓 • Sherman’s Deli & Bakery – Classic American deli with huge sandwiches! 🥪 Afternoon: Palm Springs Highlights 1. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway 🚠 • The world’s largest rotating tramcar! Ascend to the top of Mount San Jacinto for cool temps and breathtaking views. • Easy walking trails at the summit. 2. Palm Springs Walk of Stars & Downtown • Stroll through downtown—admire retro architecture, art galleries, and cozy cafés. 3. Palm Springs Windmills • See the wind farm along I-10 on your way back—or join a 1-hour guided windmill tour! 🌬️ ⏰ Time spent: About 4 hours Evening: Return to Los Angeles • Drive back takes around 2 hours. You can enjoy dinner in Palm Springs before heading home. 🛠️ Helpful Tips • Park Fee: Joshua Tree is $30 per vehicle. • What to Wear: It’s sunny in Joshua Tree and can get hot in Palm Springs—wear sunscreen and light layers. Bring a jacket for the tram; it can be cool up top! • Water: Carry plenty of water—Joshua Tree is dry and hot. • Cell Service: Spotty in Joshua Tree—download offline maps ahead of time! Have you visited Joshua Tree or Palm Springs? What was your favorite spot or tip? Share below! 👇🌴 #LosAngeles #California #TravelTheWorld #CaliforniaTravel #JoshuaTree #PalmSprings #DayTrip #DesertVibes #NationalPark #RoadTrip #CoachellaValley #ScenicViews #TravelTips #ExploreCalifornia #NatureLover #OutdoorAdventure