The Best Joshua Tree Airbnbs for Communing With Nature
Whether you prefer to do so in a geodesic dome or a sprawling ranch home
An Airbnb in Joshua Tree is to Angelenos what a Hamptons vacation rental is to New Yorkers: a serene getaway only a hundred or so miles away from home. That said, while the Hamptons are best enjoyed during the summer months, its California counterpart is a high desert destination all year-round, especially because of its national park and Coachella proximity. It’s just as much a hot spot for jet-setters looking to reconnect with the surrounding natural landscape as it is a haven for artists and musicians, who have managed to keep the small city of just under 8,000 residents charming.
This area knows its brand, using terminology like “cowboy soak” for a hot tub, “homesteader haven” for a modern DIY build, and “Casa Coyote” for a luxury, desert-pale design getaway. The Yucca Valley offers stays big and small from mansion to tiny homes and even geodesic domes equipped with loungers for stargazing and coyote watching.
From a single-story modern ranch surrounded by desert-friendly greenery to a three-bedroom whitewashed hideaway with an azure pool, there are plenty of Joshua Tree Airbnbs to consider for any type of visit—whether you’ll be spending the day hiking, gallery-hopping, or anything in between.
Perks: Firepit, saltwater hot tub, 3 nights or more comes with a private chef for an evening (groceries at guest’s expense)
On nearly four acres, Villa Kuro—a 1960s ranch-style homestead cabin with two bedrooms—sits at the base of a quiet residential neighborhood in south Joshua Tree. Designed with a minimalist and organic style in mind, the house’s interiors are mostly white with natural elements, including reclaimed wood and stone.
There are also plenty of spots on the property for those who’d prefer to lounge outdoors, such as a covered patio for outdoor dining and a 600-square-foot rock and cactus garden. There’s even a small space to soak in a hot tub or roast a few marshmallows by a fire pit. The interiors, complete with an assemblage of new and antique pieces, are just as warm and inviting as the outdoor spaces—especially the bedrooms, which are swathed in a neutral palette and feature glass sliding doors. From $866 per night.
Perks: Fire pit, six-person hot tub, large outdoor patio, close to Joshua Tree National Park
Overlooking the sprawling mountains of Joshua Tree National Park, the two-bedroom Desert Shadow Ranch is a stylish retreat that makes a serious case for rustic interiors. For the home chefs, take full advantage of the fully equipped, open-concept kitchen and enjoy a feast on the oversized, covered outdoor dining area. Alternatively, you can balance the plates on your knees and take dinner outside around the fire pit against the stunning backdrop of a Pedro Girao mural. Otherwise, gather in the ultra-cozy living room for a quiet movie night on the big-screen television or a family dance party, courtesy of the funky record player. From $262 per night.
Perks: Saltwater pool and spa, king beds in all rooms, piano, fire pit
At the top of a long and winding drive awaits Le Petite Retreat. Although, with three bedrooms that feature custom-designed king-size beds, the hideaway is hardly petite. Not to mention, the house sits on 3.5 acres of private property that’s chock-full of olive trees, California junipers, Joshua trees, yucca trees, desert willows, eucalyptus trees, and wildflowers. The interiors, all of which are spread across an open-concept floor plan, feature a muted palette of creamy hues and soft textures, making this rustic haven even cozier, if possible.
Outside is even more enticing, with two Moroccan daybeds and swings that overlook the surrounding rugged wilderness. Otherwise, dive into the recently built saltwater pool and spa, and enjoy the sweeping desert views. With all of this on hand, there’s hardly a reason to leave the compound. From $582 per night.
Perks: Hot tub, BBQ grill, cowboy tubs, outdoor stargazing bed
Lush and desert don’t typically go hand-in-hand, but they’re destined for one another at the Rum Runner house. The charming one-bedroom is surrounded by so much flora that it almost looks like an Ansel Adams photograph. The homeowners wanted to prioritize their personal forest of desert plants, so they built a retractable 8-by-20-foot glass wall that visitors can enjoy during their stay. Gaze at the sweeping vistas whether you’re indoors or outside on the well-outfitted patio, complete with a six-person hot tub. From $533 per night.
Perks: Hot tub, self check-in, fire pit, 10-foot cowboy pool
Set within Yucca Valley’s charismatic Flamingo Heights enclave, Madera House is perhaps as tranquil a place to spend a few days as private retreats get. With two bedrooms, a fully functional kitchen, and a hot tub, it’s an ideal setup for anyone who wants to disconnect from it all without going too far. After all, the city’s collection of unique shops, funky galleries, and delectable eateries are only a minute’s drive away.
If you’re coming with friends, try to swipe the master bedroom for yourself; it has a king-size mattress and private access to the patio. The pièce de résistance, though, is easily the cowboy tub in the yard—it’s literally a pool in a tin stock tank. A vibe, to say the least. The guest bedroom may not be within walking distance from the pool, but it does feature a charming workstation. From $274 per night.
Perks: 10-min drive to the park, wood fire fireplace, cedar hot tub, pool, sauna
Southwestern boho style is perfectly encapsulated at Masaya Desert Ranch, an adobe-style casita set on seven sprawling acres along the foothills of Joshua Tree National Park. The exterior may be a rich terra-cotta shade, but the interiors are all bright and airy. Each room features easy-on-the-eyes decor in natural-hued palettes. For those who want to breathe in the fresh desert air, spend some time out back on the shaded patio. There’s a hammock, swing, dining table, fire pit, and a BBQ grill. The ranch also has an infrared sauna, one of the most satisfying places to spend a few minutes after a grueling hike. From $414 per night.
Perks: In-ground pool, hot tub, hiking directly from the house
Though the midcentury-modernist movement swept through the whole country, its most prominent home is in Southern California, where iconic architects designed structures that defined the style. The most extensive collection of historic homes from the midcentury era is in Palm Springs, Pioneertown, and San Diego, but more than a few are also in Joshua Tree, and the Midnight Sun House is one of them. Though it’s been modernized to accommodate a more contemporary lifestyle, all midcentury masterpieces, no matter how much they’ve been updated, tend to celebrate nature. This two-bedroom home is no exception. In fact, the owners encourage visitors to “surrender to the present moment, to the magic of the desert, to the vortex of healing energy present in this ancient sacred land.”
The Midnight Sun House has all the amenities a 21st-century globe-trotter could want, including an in-ground heated pool, a hot tub, a pool house that accommodates four guests (for an additional fee), and a desert picnic area. From $686 per night.
Perks: Spiral staircase with loft, hot tub, cowboy pool, fireplace
Though there’s something undeniably enchanting about a historic home in the desert, new builds are equally as enjoyable, and this two-bedroom loft built in 2021 is proof. With a clear Scandinavian influence in both the interiors and the architecture, this Jewel Crest abode is indoor-outdoor living at its finest—as evidenced by the 10-foot-tall walls of windows, one of which doubles as a bifold sliding door that opens onto a 400-square-foot covered patio. Otherwise, have a soak in the hot tub or the cowboy tin pool and turn your attention toward the overwhelmingly prominent Milky Way. From $412 per night.
Perks: 10-min drive to the park, outdoor stargazing globe, self check-in, hot tub, pool
The plastic star-gazing bubble that was promised, complete with telescope for locating Orion or getting a really good look inside the jaws of an oncoming coyote. This 2-bed, 2-bath desert house can host up to five guests. Its design is defined by the pale desert palette of its interior, macrame, raffia, wood hearth and wide windows. The modern bathroom ensure a sunset-lit soak in a big tub, and the two pools, outdoor shower and ample outdoor space make for a great relaxation moment among friends, around the firepit or maybe a couple ranch waters deep in the hot tub. From $533 per night.
Perks: Animal-friendly, in-ground pool, hot tub, piano, outdoor shower, telescope
You could investigate your mind’s interior and align your chakras in a hot tub, a heated pool, an outdoor shower, a hammock, or either of the two bedrooms in this desert oasis. Bring your furry friend, too—as this stay is pet-friendly—one might love the desert landscape and skirting bramble as much as you. This is just 1.6 miles from the park’s entrance for those who came to hike, or at least entertain the thought of one. From $465 per night.
Perks: Affordable, unique design, vintage build
For those who love a spirited stay, this cabin was built in 1940’s and is decorated with all the bohemian inclinations of California desert people. A bright yellow greenroom creates a welcoming mainstay, while wooden beams in the living room show its antiquity and craft. Serapes and old pine furniture abound, as well as terracotta accent pieces and a ‘70s craft style throughout. This isn’t your slick heated pool stay, this is your handmade wind chimes, authentic living, and running on vibes kind of place. Two bedrooms hold up to three guests for an intimate getaway for you plus two. At just shy of $200 a night, we’ll skip the pool in favor of the inspired decor and the outdoor patio. From $191 per night.
