There are SO many Joshua Tree Unique Stays that I got excited just making this list. If you are like me and are having a hard time (or a fun time, depending on how you look at it) planning your Joshua Tree trip and want to find some really COOL places to stay near Joshua Tree, you’ve come to the right place.
I started building this list when I found TONS of options in the desert for my unique places to stay in California article. There’s just something about the California desert and the mystical boulders of Joshua Tree that inspires people to construct fascinating properties. Whether it’s the stargazing, vast open spaces, or contrast of interesting buildings to the landscape, it’s a haven for unique stays.
Whether you are on the lookout for an incredible Airbnb-type rental, a cool themed hotel, or something totally different, I think you will find something suitable in this list.
I have placed a lot of properties on this list from Plumguide, a new booking platform that only accepts the top 3% of properties directly curated by them (read: super cool ones). They have some epic places! But I have also included some VRBO’s and boutique hotels available on the classic hotel booking platforms so there’s a bit of something for everyone.
Joshua Tree Unique Stays
Let’s begin! Because there are no unique places to stay IN Joshua Tree (you can’t stay INSIDE the national park unless you camp), I have listed all of these cool stays NEAR Joshua Tree and how far from the National Park each one is.
Desierto Occidental – Colorful Home with Spa and Baths
Location: Palm Wells, 20 Minutes from Joshua Tree
This STUNNING stay is kinda like the desert meets Tulum meets Bali. It is my favorite of all of these unique Joshua Tree stays for an obvious reason!
The design is completely colorful in all ways – full of patterns, tweedy stick shade structures, TONS of plants, and sleek decor. There are different colored rooms – from red to pink to taseful brown and leather. It’s just the cutest!
You can also arrange a flower bath in the extremely instagrammable tin bath with an INCREDIBLE view. I’m just obsessed with this place! It’s the perfect Joshua Tree unique getaway for up to 6 people in 3 rooms.
Monument House by Homestead Modern – Three Colorful Spaces Among the Joshua Tree Desert
Located just a five-minute drive from downtown Joshua Tree, the Monument House is bound to grab anyone’s attention against the desert backdrop. The Monument House has three separate structures and can host up to three guests, has an electric fireplace, an outdoor fire pit, and a jacuzzi tub!
The large and interestingly shaped windows on the home give it plenty of light (and great views of the surrounding mountains!) Plus, there’s 5 acres of land you can hike and explore for when you don’t wanna leave the property, but still want to immerse yourself in the outdoors!
Desert Saga – Totally Unique Brass Home Next to Joshua Tree
Location: Panorama Heights, 10 minutes from Joshua Tree
Desert Saga might be my favorite and number one bucket listed place on this list. It was created as a sustainable stay by a talented architect. With a sleek metal exterior and minimalistic interior, it contracts perfectly with the desert landscape.
It has two bedrooms – one is enclosed and one is actually open to the elements. The open one is on the second floor – with walls but no ceiling. It’s got a telescope and a fire pit, and is perfectly equipped for stargazing all night in the dry desert (no need to worry about bugs).
Try an outdoor shower or relax in a hammock just outside. OR, use some of its smart-home features of adjusting light, heating, and cooling settings or measuring consumption of solar power.
America’s Best Value Inn + Suites Yucca Valley (previously Oasis of Eden)
Location: Yucca Valley, 10-15 minutes from Joshua Tree
If you want a unique HOTEL in Joshua Tree… this is your definitely answer. You know those 70’s hotels with rooms of all different themes and decors? This is one of those. You wouldn’t guess by looking at the outside (or the name) that there are 14 completely different fun themed rooms here.
This hotel has some normal motel rooms but then a dozen themed ones. It has all kinds of themes, like Cave, Roman, Tahiti, Swimmer’s Paradise, Oriental, Persian, and 50’s themed rooms plus a few more.
It’s still known locally as the Oasis of Eden, and if you stay here, you’ll have to make sure to get a themed room! If you want to view more themed room photos click the hotels.com link below – that’s where you can actually select a themed room.
Twilight Terrace – Creative Vrbo Home for Budget Travelers
The fully-equipped Twilight House in Joshua Tree is quite the steal! Starting at about $200 USD/night, the home can host up to five guests and offers plenty of space, including an outdoor deck with a fire pit! The large windows are also a nice touch allowing in plenty of light and of course, giving all the views. The only downside is there is only one bathroom, but that didn’t keep guests from raving about this stay.
The unique Joshua Tree accommodation also offers add ons to make your trip ever more fun (or relaxing), including private guided hikes and in-home massages and reiki sessions. Oh yeah and not to mention, you can book a private chef!
Rock Reach House – Unique Joshue Tree Vacation Rental in the Rocks
Location: Yucca Valley Near Pioneer Town – 15 minutes from Joshua Tree
Rock Reach is an incredible steel house set on 2.5 acres of its own land among huge Joshua tree boulders. It’s one of the most famous Joshua Tree stays, and rightfully so! It’s one of the only homes with its own website too.
This 2BR/1Bath home is literally surrounded by boulders. It’s got a plunge pool AND a hot tub set into the rocks, as well as a covered car port, chez lounges perfect for tanning, and a deck. It’s an absolutely incredible getaway, and SUPER close to the national park.
Check their VRBO listing below to learn about the fascinating building process and luxurious amenities included in your stay.
Hi-Desert Fade – Within Joshua Tree Boulders
Location: Rimock – 30 minutes from Joshua Tree
This one might be the best choice if you want to feel like you are actually IN Joshua Tree. Although about 30 minutes away, this home is backed right up onto Joshua Tree boulders that you can explore and climb straight from the house.
There are even Joshua Trees scattered around the home itself! Who needs to pay for the national park when you can stay here?!
This house is adorned with an outdoor barbecue and table – perfect for desert sunsets. It has a jacuzzi AND a plunge pool so you can choose depending on whether it’s a hot desert day or cold desert night. It can fit 4 people, so plan a trip here with your family or another couple to have a wonderful Joshua Tree getaway.
The Abracadabra Dome – Beautiful Unique Dome House
Location: Landers, 25 Minutes from Joshua Tree
The magical dome is located just 25 or so minutes from Joshua Tree and Pioneer Town, and is the perfect Unique California getaway. It has two bedrooms with space for 4, and design to die for.
You can relax on the porch and watch the lovely desert sunset – either barbecuing outside or sitting in the extremely instagrammable tin plunge pool/spa. Skylights let natural light into this geometric dome rental that will make it the perfect tranquil desert spot.
La Luna Azul – Simple Yet Elegant Joshua Tree Stay with Spa and Fire Pit
Location: Panorama Heights, 10-15 minutes from Joshua Tree
La Luna Azul might be just what you are looking for in a unique place to stay in Joshua Tree. Because it is located in Panorama Heights (just outside the park), you are surrounded by the exact kind of huge boulders that are classic of Joshua Tree.
With a backdrop of iconic Joshua Tree landscapes, you can relax in a hot tub or light up a fire pit under the stars. The interior design is stunning, and it can fit up to four people in 2 rooms. You can even have an adventure and go bouldering straight from the property!
Area 55 Futuro House
Location: Hidden River, not far from national park entrance
Area 55 Futuro House (a.k.a. the Joshua Tree UFO) – I finally lived my retro Zenon fantasy inside a spaceship (which is actually a 1960s Futuro pod). Think, flying-saucer curves, desert stars, and off-grid glamping that still gives the convenience of hot showers and coffee on the porch.
It’s wildly photogenic and surprisingly comfy; you can cook under the Milky Way and fall asleep to the absolute quiet you only get in the high desert. Bookable direct or on Airbnb, and they even host shoots/events if you want the full “we landed on Mars” moment captured.
More Unique Stays Near Joshua Tree National Park
Merchant House High Desert
Location: Morongo Valley, 25-30 minutes from Joshua Tree
This stunning desert stay is up in the hills above Morongo Valley and look like it has been pulled straight from an architecture or interior design magazine.
The entire thing is an instagram heaven and it even features an outdoor hammock, hot tub, beautiful stone bath, and more. If you are looking for a desert getaway within driving distance to Joshua Tree, this is a great option.
With three bedrooms of varying sizes, it sleeps up to five people. Each will have plenty of their own space to relax both outdoors and in!
Desert Dome – Spaceship-Like Unique Joshua Tree Stay
Location: North Palm Springs, X minutes from Joshua Tree
While a bit farther away from Joshua Tree, I couldn’t leave this home out of the list of unique Joshua Tree stays – or at least California Desert stays. The cool geometric dome-shaped home has 3 bedrooms and a super fun kindof retro-spaceship style… like the Jetson’s or Zenon.
It’s located right where the 62 branches off from the 10, quite remotely within view of the famous windmill fields of the California Desert. Views from all sides are amazing! You can reach Joshua Tree or Palm Springs easily while still having a private retreat.
Sol to Soul Unique Modern Private Hideaway
Location: Rimrock – 20-25 minutes to Joshua Tree
Okay, this place is INCREDIBLE. Sol to soul is an incredible cubic modern rental that will make you want to learn astronomy just by driving up to it. Set on 10 acres, you will have the desert all to yourself to hike, explore, and stargaze… or you can drive 15 minutes to Pioneertown and the National Park.
It’s set with all modern luxuries you could imagine, with immaculate design inside and out. You can take outside baths and showers… OR inside ones. You can turn on the outdoor bath, or light up the fire pit too. You can climb what they call ‘whale rock,’ and observe frequent wildlife roaming around the area.
It’s truly a photographer’s paradise… and at the time of writing this they had some amazing deals less than $5-600. Get 4 people together and go!
Moonview Modern – 2BR Cool Designed Home
Location: Panorama Heights, 15 minutes from Joshua Tree
This vibrant little 2BR desert home is exactly what you would picture from a cute and unique stay in Joshua Tree. This one is very close to the National Park, too! It’s adorned with the most adorable tribal and coloful desert-themed decor and delightful design.
There are fantastic desert views from all sides. You can relax in a hammock on the porch, or take a few steps out to the standalone hot tub with equally amazing views. Dive into the private pool, relax in the makeshift tin-themed shade, or take an outdoor rain shower. Amazing!
Mod West Ranch – Rustic Ranch-Themed Rental
Location: Rimrock – 20-25 minutes to Joshua Tree
The Mod West Ranch is another gorgeous and remote 2BR unique stay in Joshua Tree. What makes this stay unique is that it is actually retro – comprised of historic buildings that have been remodeled and fascinating antique pieces.
The interior design is like that of a retro ranch, with rawhide on the floor and cowboy-themed accessories making the area fun. There’s fantastic design inside as well as tons of relaxing and game space outside. Try your hand at horseshoe, ping pong, or darts, or jump in a hammock or hot tub.
The property is large, and each different outdoor area is in a different place (as you can see in the aerial photo above). There’s plenty to explore, and even hike!
Hicksville Trailer Palace
Hicksville Trailer Palace is probably the most famous and cool of these unique Joshua Tree stays. It’s a whole property full of games and surrounded by unique and hilarious different styles of accommodation fit for different numbers of people.
You can book a little airstream for two, and RV for 6, a little ship, a cabin, and more. And outside the rooms you can play a massive chess game, cornhole, shuffle board, swim in the pool, try your hand at archery, and more! If this isn’t awesome, I don’t know what is.
That’s all for unique Joshua Tree stays – for now! Let me know if there are any other homes I should add. to this list. If you love unique stays or Joshua Tree, check out some more of my articles below!
- Joshua Tree Music Festival Review + Guide
- Coachella Music Festival Review + Guide
- Unique Places to Stay in California
- Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary
- Southern California Road Trips
- Unique Places to Stay in Tulum
- Unique Places to Stay in Bali
Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.