The mountainous desert vistas of Joshua Tree are like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. Gargantuan boulders, twisted spiky trees, and vibrant sunset colors form an arid landscape that has perplexed and inspired creative titans like Jim Morrison and Gram Parsons for years. Unsurprisingly, it’s a popular destination for going off the grid, whether via a solo adventure or with a group of friends. The best Airbnbs in Joshua Tree plant you in the middle of the wilderness—but they’re also equipped with features like wood-burning hot tubs, string light-lined fire pits, and ceiling-height glass doors that make your stay feel luxurious.
The Best Joshua Tree Airbnbs, According to Vogue:
- The Open-Air Bedroom: Stargazing Cabin, from $604 per night
- The Homestead Stunner: The Landing House, from $715 per night
- The Wooden Masterpiece: Architectural Retreat, from $1305 per night
- The Wabi-Sabi Moment: Villa Kuro, from $533 per night
- The Historic Adobe: Wild Sky, from $398 per night
- The Group Getaway: The Timber House, from $920 per night
Despite its close proximity to Palm Springs, there’s a clear distinction between the two aesthetics: while you’ll often find splashes of color and retro-inspired furnishings in the former, in Joshua Tree, natural textures and neutral palettes are the primary players. Modern architecture is often constructed to blend in with the surrounding landscape—the aforementioned floor-to-ceiling glass walls let the outdoors in.
Below, 11 vacation rentals that epitomize the high desert experience.
The Landing House
Set on five acres of desert wilderness, this design standout lets the landscape inform the interiors. An abundance of wood (in the wall paneling, furniture, and decor) seamlessly syncs with the home’s natural surroundings, and ceiling-to-floor sliding glass doors offer first-row seats to boulders and Joshua Trees that encircle the property.
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Amenities: Pool, hot tub, washer/dryer, AC, fire pit, bikes, outdoor dining area and fireplace, EV charger.
Celesta Ranch House
If it’s dramatic views you’re after, this home’s hilltop location (and five-acre property) delivers in spades. Soak up the desert vibes at the fire pit beneath a string of bistro lights, or from the hot tub while watching the sunset. The cozy interior design is just as much a focal point: A palette of natural textures and neutral tones keeps the vibe of the rental as peaceful as can be.
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Amenities: Bathtub, record player, central AC, indoor fireplace, fire pit, BBQ, pool, hot tub.
Off-Grid Stargazing Cabin
Being an International Dark Sky Park (an area whose starry nights are so extraordinary, they qualify as protected and are beholden to responsible lighting policies), Joshua Tree is a coveted destination for stargazing. This home takes that privilege to the next level with an indoor-outdoor design by Malek Alqadi Folly. After a day of hiking and exploring, unwind in the open-air bedroom, or grab a glass of wine and head to the outdoor hot tub by a scenic fire pit.
Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Outdoor shower, AC, fire pit, hammock, outdoor dining area, BBQ, hot tub, EV charger.
Rancho Panoramo
Position yourself smack dab in the middle of the desert with this gorgeous two-bedroom getaway. Details like 50 feet of sliding glass doors and soaring wood ceilings give the home a larger-than-life feeling. On the amenity front, guests enjoy everything from an outdoor pizza oven to a wood-burning hot tub—all coming together to craft an idyllic getaway in nature.
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Amenities: Pool, hot tub, central AC, bathtub, movie theater, outdoor furniture, BBQ.
Mia Riad
This bright, airy home takes its style cues from both the California desert and the soul of Morocco (see: those stunning terracotta sinks). Crafted details like handmade tiles and curved archways give the space a strong design point of view, while sun-drenched patios and crisp white walls cement the relaxing tone of the property.
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Amenities: Pool, hot tub, washer/dryer, bathtub, outdoor shower, fire pit, BBQ.
Villa Kuro
Located just minutes from the national park’s entrance, this modern home by property rental group Fieldtrip weaves together wabi-sabi design principles with a quintessential desert aesthetic. The spirit of minimalism carries throughout the various spaces, from the breathtaking custom open kitchen to the dedicated tea room, shown above.
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Amenities: Bathtub, central AC, indoor fireplace, hot tub.
Wild Sky
Travelers who seek out historic spaces will appreciate this revived 1930s hand-built adobe house, perched on a hillside for stunning views. The property sits on three acres of private land and comes with a vinyl record collection and a beautiful tiled pool for cooling off; take advantage of the large dining table and propane grill for whipping up meals at home.
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Outdoor shower, record player, fire pit, BBQ, hot tub, pool, EV charger.
Timber House
Conceptualized as a contemporary reimagining of the historic homestead cabins seen through California’s high desert region, this striking rental is made from western red cedar, with white oak millwork running throughout the interiors. Crowd-friendly features like a 10-person hot tub and outdoor lounge area situated around a fire pit make it a perfect pick for groups.
Rooms: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms
Amenities: Washer/dryer, central AC and heating, fire pit, outdoor furniture and kitchen, BBQ, pool, hot tub.
The Japanese Cabin House
As its name suggests, this cabin finds inspiration in mid-century and Japanese architecture, emphasizing details like reclaimed oak throughout the home. The property’s pièce de résistance is the stunning tiled shower: It opens up right to the outdoors for complete zen.
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Washer/dryer, AC, indoor fireplace, fire pit.
High Desert Escape
On the Moonlight Mesa in north Joshua Tree, this open-concept home brings together all the desert details you could ask for: a cowboy pool, scenic fire pit, hot tub for stargazing, and a west-facing terrace for golden-hour dinners. If you’re working remotely, the spacious indoor dining table doubles as a desk (with pretty views of the landscape to soften the blow of back-to-back Zoom meetings).
Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Amenities: Bathtub, central AC, indoor fireplace, fire pit, BBQ, outdoor furniture, pool, hot tub.
Invisible House
An eye-catching facade you’ve probably already seen on Instagram, this “invisible” home (also by Fieldtrip) is truly one-of-a-kind. The mirrored 5,500-square-foot home cleverly reflects its desert surroundings, while the open floorplan almost creates the illusion you re sleeping outside.
