Joshua Tree Airbnbs and VRBOs have spoiled me. If there is any city in the world that you can point to and say “YAS, look, THIS is how to do a vacation rental right!”, it’s Joshua Tree. Nowhere else I’ve found the perfect combination of unique yet polished decor in bungalows, outdoor hot tubs under the desert sky, towering cacti steps away from your front door. There’s even a freaking castle Airbnb in Joshua Tree!!
Here in the Palm Desert, an Airbnb can be the destination in itself. Whether you are looking for a funky dome house for the gang or a serene desert home to refocus, these are 14 stunning vacation rentals you’ll fall in love with.
14 Insanely Cool Joshua Tree Airbnbs For A Magical Weekend In The Desert
(This post has been updated since visiting Joshua Tree a few more times so i can keep YOU updated with all the best new spots to rent! So, there is more than 14 on this list.)
I keep finding myself in Joshua Tree & Joshua Tree National Park at least once a year. I think the best time of year to visit is the late winter through early spring before the heat sets in. The wildflowers in the park also start blooming around February which are gorgeous and some of the most unique flower fields in California.
But, I totally see the appeal of finding an Airbnb listing with a huge pool to lounge in for a summer weekend with a bunch of friends. I also hear it can snow in the national park some years and that sounds like an epic sight to chase!
This area is pretty large. There’s Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms (plus outskirt villages like Pioneer Town) and it can take over 30 minutes to drive from one end to the other. Personally, I prefer staying in the town of Joshua Tree near the cute shops and park entrance but it’s really up to you and what type of vibe you are after.
Alright time to swoon over cute AF Airbnbs and VRBOs!!
19 Insanely Cool Joshua Tree Airbnbs For A Magical Weekend In The Desert
Insanely cool Joshua Tree Airbnbs and VRBOs to rent for a weekend in the desert. Hot tubs with sunset views, colorful bungalows, a castle tower, dome houses and more!
Guests: Up to 6
Location: Sun Mesa Heights / Yucca Valley
Price: $229 per night
This Airbnb is dangerous because it's so dang hard to leave this stunning desert hot tub once you check-in! Can't you picture yourself soaking here with a cold beer in your hand watching the sunset over hundreds of Joshua Trees and desert plants? This whole place invites relaxation and with two bedrooms, the perfect place to rent with friends or family.
You can also hike to Bartlet Mountain from the house, how cool is that? This truly may be the most amazing Joshua Tree Airbnb.
Guests: Up to 5
Location: Joshua Tree
Price: $423 per night
This is a bubble bed that you can sleep in! I REPEAT! AN ACTUAL BUBBLE BED YOU CAN SLEEP IN! How cool is that?! This is probably one of the most unique Joshua Tree Airbnb I've ever seen. There's a main house with the basic amenities but also the bubble house with a bed and a small bathroom.
Past guests say it gets too hot in the summer (which makes sense, this area easily gets over 100 degrees in the summer) but I can see this being a magical way to fall asleep in the fall-spring. Oh, and totally an Instagram-worthy Airbnb that's for sure!
Guests: Up to 2
Location: Joshua Tree
Price: $1053 per night
Or, if you're looking for a luxury stargazing bubble dome - THIS rental it is! Marbella Lane Glamping Dome has a bathroom, a soaking tub, string lights for ~vibes~ and makes on heck of a romantic desert escape.
Guests: Up to 4
Location: Joshua Tree
Price: $171 per night
This is one of my favorite Airbnbs in Joshua Tree! We stayed here on our last visit & I fell in love with the outdoor tub. I found myself taking a morning bath with coffee each day and using it as a hot tub each night with a glass of wine and view of the stars above.
The inside of this bungalow is decorated so well. The entire home has so much attention to detail, especially the living room and nice touches like a record player. There's one king bedroom but you can pull out the couches to make 3 beds. This house is within walking distance to downtown Joshua Tree so it's easy to walk to the vintage shops, Joshua tree coffee shops, happy hour, plus a 5 minute drive from a park entrance.
I think this may be the best Airbnb in Joshua Tree for a first-time visit to the town - check out my whole regional travel guide for more ideas of what to do in the area!
Guests: up to 2
Location: North Joshua Tree
Price: $171 per night
This is another darling Airbnb listing built by the same couple who made Cabin Cabin Cabin! Because the founder seems to love outdoor tubs as much as I do, they installed a super chic outdoor tub in the Shack Attack as well. It's a different style but equally as whimsical.
Inside the house has all the amenities you want in the kitchen, even a walk-in shower in the bathroom. This house is more remote, though. It's about a 20-minute drive to Crossroads Cafe in Joshua Tree village, for example, but that makes it a great rental for a couple looking for a peaceful retreat in the desert. It's one of the coolest Joshua Tree vacation homes.
Guests: Up to 4
Location: Yucca Valley
Price: $211 per night
This Joshua Tree Airbnb tower makes me immediately think of Game of Thrones (maybe it's because I'm rewatching the series right now but I can totally picture Daenerys ruling from the top of that water tower!) This entire home was built to help preserve the 100+-year-old historical tower on the property. There's a hammock for relaxing in and also a fire pit to have a glass of wine next too while staring at the stars.
This house is built right against the National Park so the backyard is literally full of Joshua Trees (instead of other houses!) It kind of reminds me of the Elk Watertower Airbnb I stayed recently up near Mendocino. That was surrounded by Redwoods instead.
Guests: Up to 4
Location: Yucca Valley
Price: $196 per night
Yellow is my favorite color so obvi I'm obsessed with the bright, cheerful decor of this Airbnb. This house is just a few blocks away from The Frontier Cafe (we've eaten here!) and other vintage shops. It's pretty close to the Cactus Mart, too (dig your own cactus!!)
The Coyote House has 2 bedrooms and a hot tub, so it's great for friends looking for a bit fo desert charm, a bit of the food scene and a bit of the National Park. It's one of the best Joshua Tree Airbnbs for couples since it's so cozy! If you have Airbnb credit, book yourself a romance getaway courtesy of Airbnb.
Guests: Up to 8
Location: Yucca Valley (Close to Pioneertown)
Price: 1,058 per night
Yes - this cabin rental is a bit pricey but split that fee 8 ways and it's actually pretty affordable for the area. And honestly, this house is super unique. To start with, it features 360° views atop a hillside overlooking Joshua Tree & Yucca Valley.
The whole house is dedicated after the Gaslight venue in New York City, so there's tons of nods to famous musicians, artists and poets throughout the house. There's even a mural inside from a famous local artist. If you can't figure it out yet, I'm eyeing those hot tubs & outdoor shower in the back yard. (Yes - multiple hot tubs!!) I also love that it's close to Pioneertown so you can easily grab dinner at Pappy & Harriet’s one night. When you're not cozying up next to that wood burning fireplace.
Guests: Up to 6
Location: Joshua Tree
Price: $300 per night
If you're looking for a Joshua tree Airbnb with hot tubs (yes, TUBS in the plural!) that's also chic & has tons of thoughtful amenities, this is the house. The inside is decorated well, like most Airbnbs here, but the owners have gone above and beyond with thoughtful touches like Casper mattresses, fresh coffee, boutique shampoo and dimmable lights to create a cozy retreat.
It's about a 10-minute walk to Joshua Tree Saloon, making it one of the most popular Airbnb listings for the whole area. I've always thought this would be a lovely house to have a girl's trip birthday celebration!
Guests: Up to 10
Location: Yucca Valley
Price: $200 per night
Affordably priced, this house is probably one of the best values for a large group. There's 5 beds so it's a fantastic Airbnb to rent with the whole fam! Just look at that huge wood burning stove indoor fireplace. I can totally see myself and friends gathered around it at night drinking wine. Or curled up with a good book.
Guests: Up to 2
Location: Joshua Tree
Price: $147 per night
How cute is this Joshua Tree Airbnb airstream?! This property is basically like a little airstream glamping park with 3 airstreams on-site and a common space. But, the airstreams are super private and are each unique.
The 1964 one features 5 Joshua Trees surrounding it, a hammock and a deck for stargazing at night. Perfect for a couple! If you're looking for more glamping in California spots, I have a curated list for you.
Guests: Up to 4
Location: Joshua Tree
Price: $510 per night
I've truly never seen an Airbnb like this before. The Zebra House looks more like the outside of a museum with that chic white patio that casts lines throughout the house during the day (hence the name.)
Guests love the jacuzzi and breathtaking views here. It's a very close drive to the Joshua Tree National Park entrance and about a 10-minute drive to downtown Joshua Tree to Crossroads, so it's in the best location.
Guests: Up to 3
Location: Twentynine Palms
Price: $203 per night
OMG! I've hunted out hot springs all over California but I had no idea there were hot springs in the Joshua Tree area! How cool is this mineral hot springs tub in the backyard of this house???!
This Airbnb is outside Twentynine Palms, which is a little town that also contains a National Park entrance. It's way less crowded than Joshua Tree so it makes a nice spot to call home base when you want to avoid people.
Guests: Up to 6
Location: Twentynine Palms
Price: $522 per night
Ok, hold up. This off the grid Airbnb in Twentynine Palms low-key looks like a house that The World's Most Extraordinary Homes people would visit for their tv show. Every detail is PERFECT.
Hammocks, grill, mountain views, fully equipped kitchen - this place has it all. If you're in need to truly escape the digital world for a bit come here.
Guests: Up to 4
Location: Yucca Valley
Price: $626 per night
Holy Moly I may have saved the best for last. This high desert house is swanky but worth the splurge. Outdoor day beds for lounging, an outdoor shower, sleek patio, hot tub tucked in the rocks, outdoor fireplace...
Just looking at these photos makes me want to drive down to Joshua Tree just to book this Airbnb. Who's with me?
Guests: Up to 3
Location: Joshua Tree
Price: $325 per night
I saw this amazing castle home on HGTV one day and it quickly made my list of top VRBOs in California. I mean - look at how freaking COOL this desert castle is?!
it's chic and modern, but still feels very "Joshua Tree" with the quirkiness. It's a quick drive from town and the National Park making it one of the coolest places to stay in Joshua Tree.
Guests: Up to 4
Location: Landers
Price: $399 per night
I just got back from a weekend at Desert Luxe, a brand new Stargazing Joshua tree house! Well, it's actually in Landers, which is just north of downtown Joshua Tree. It's way out in the desert with an outdoor fireplace and hot tub. It's a quick drive from Giant Rock and Pioneer town and is one of the best Joshua Tree cabins for girls trips! Read my full feature here.
Guests: Up to 4
Location: Joshua Tree
Price: $499 per night
This house isn't on Airbnb - it's a hot new vacation home managed by Plum Guide vacation rentals. BUT it's totally epic and even though it's not listed on VRBO or Airbnb, it's worth looking into.
I mean, just SWOON at that wallpaper, mid century modern fireplace, hot tub for classic Joshua Tree stargazing, record player and modern decor. It's great for a Joshua Tree Bachelorette Party!
Guests: Up to 8
Location: Joshua Tree
Price: $2800 per night
Also known as the Mirror House Joshua Tree Airbnb, this luxury villa is legendary. I saw it from the road once when dirivng by and I can attest - it really does blend into the surroundings thanks to the mirror glass sides.
Granted, it's expensive, but if you're looking for the coolest Joshua Tree Airbnb with pool, this it. This horiztonal skyscarppe stis on 90 acres, has an indoor pool for cold winter days, sleek design and makes you feel like you are living in the desert. It's epic.
If you haven’t spent much time in Palm Springs yet, you should pop over there a day trip around Palm Springs (or plan a few extra days to go hunting down colorful doors over there! There are SO MANY dang stylish Palm Springs Airbnbs you can rent.) Depending on when you visit, Desert X may be happening which is SO fun to spend a day driving around the Palm Desert finding all those art installations.
In Joshua Tree, some of my highlights include the Skull Rock in Joshua Tree National Park, spotting all the wildflowers in the park, lunch at Crossroads Cafe, checking out Pioneer Town, picking cacti up at the Cactus Mart and thrift shopping!
Trying to look for the best Joshua Tree Airbnb on a budget? I recommend searching first on an incognito browser just to make sure cookies aren’t tracking you.
If you have any favorite Airbnbs in Joshua Tree that didn’t make the list, comment them below so everyone can see. Got questions? Drop me a DM on Instagram @thewhimsysoul and I’ll try to help!
2 comments
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