Joshua Tree

One of California's most magical locations is Joshua Tree. During leisurely drives, the national park's diverse and alien sceneries, which are primarily caused by gnarled, old Joshua Trees and massive boulders scattered randomly, provide striking beauty. If you plan an overnight camping excursion, the starlight is excellent here, and wild coyotes might howl you to sleep. On the way, eat lunch at Pappy & Harriet's and stay for live music and a tour of a ghost town. Purchase a fresh houseplant at the Cactus Mart, or go to the Integratron for a futuristic sound bath and a shaded hammock snooze (reservations required). The park, which is named after the area's twisted, bristling Joshua trees, sits between the Mojave Desert, which is higher and colder, and the cactus-dotted Colorado Desert.

The town of Joshua Tree itself also has some entertaining attractions, such the World Famous Crochet Museum, which is brimming with the kind of eccentric public art that is unique to small, warm-weather towns. The journey to this destination is one of the best road trips from L.A.

Miles from L.A.: ~130
Suggested round-trip time: 2–3 days min

Location: California, United States