If living through 2020 taught us anything, it’s to enjoy the simple things in life. Slow down and soak up all those simple pleasures…like a cool breeze, warm snuggles, or stargazing in the desert. We are always looking to plan our next adventure, and finding an Airbnb (or VRBO!) in the desert makes for the perfect setting for soaking up simple pleasures again!
For those of us in Southern California, the desert is a perfect long weekend getaway. We’ve been to Joshua Tree and the surrounding areas a few times and always can’t wait to return. If you haven’t been yet, I think some of these homes will get you excited for your next getaway! Below we have rentals that are available on airbnb, Vrbo, Wander, and the Plum Guide – our preferred vacation rental site.
If you aren’t familiar with the Plum Guide, here are a few reasons why we love them so much:
- To be listed on Plum Guide, vacation homes must be personally evaluated by a Home Critic via a rigorous vetting process.
- Plum Guide offers excellent customer service. No hidden numbers or call centers.
- Unlike other popular home rental sites, all prices include cleaning and service fees.
- Certain listings offer optional VIP add-ons like a private chef, babysitting, or yoga classes!
- Each listing includes a “Home Truths” section outlining information about cell signal, WiFi, road quality, and the home’s surrounding area. No unwanted surprises.
- Plum Guide caters to all budgets and price matches daily.
So, let’s get into it…here are 23 hip desert houses that you can rent on Airbnb, Vrbo, Wander, or the Plum Guide!
The Best Joshua Tree Airbnbs for 2
Our favorite single-bedroom Joshua Tree and surrounding desert areas, airbnbs and vrbos for couples or 2 people.
1: Mojave Mesa | Joshua Tree, California
1 bedroom | bathroom – sleeps 2
Come in, drop your bags, and take a deep breath – this is the ultimate relaxing hideaway for a couple looking to get away from it all. Being so close to Joshua Tree National Park is a huge plus, and you’ll be relieved to know that you’ll be staying just a short drive from the entrance – but you can also start desert hikes right from your front door. On days when you’d rather remain in, the hosts can organize a variety of wellness activities to help you unwind, including massages, facials, yoga, and sound baths. Watch the sun set with a refreshing drink on the porch at the end of the day before…
Nightly rate: starts at $542
2: The Mesquite Oasis | Twentynine Palms, California
1 bedroom | bathroom – sleeps 2
Located in Wonder Valley Hot Springs, only a 15 minute drive from Joshua Tree National Park, The Mesquite Oasis is the ultimate peaceful and restorative retreat. This bright, organic home is tucked in the Twentynine Palm desert. With large windows and rooms filled with greenery, this cosy Oasis welcomes in the picturesque environment. On the estate, you’ll find a private hot springs soaking tub and comfortable deck chairs to take in an uninterrupted view of the gorgeous desertscape. Or, if you’d rather immerse yourself in it, take a short drive to the landmark Joshua Tree National Park to hike some of the famous trails. In either case, this Oasis home is perfect for an idyllic, secluded getaway.
What the guests say: “We loved the hot tub at this home. Perfect for our Joshua Tree getaway.”
Nightly rate: starts at $305/night
3: Pause House AM | Joshua Tree, California
1 bedroom | bathroom – sleeps 2
Welcome to your sexy, stylish desert hideaway!
Offering 560 square feet inside and five acres outside, the Pause House: AM invites feelings of calm and serenity with its generous views and minimalist aesthetic. This brand-new, modern cabin is the ideal spot for outdoor activities as it has a cowboy tub, hot tub and fire pit. We also love that it’s just a 15-minute drive from the west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. Prefer to hang at your own home? This house has five private acres for you to explore!
What the guests say: “We loved the minimal design and those views at night! Perfect weekend getaway!”
Nightly rate: starts at $334/night
4: Bell Cabin | Joshua Tree, California
1 bedroom | bathroom – sleeps 2
Stay in your very own reimagined homestead cabin to get a taste of desert life! This charming apartment keeps the original cabin’s individuality and history, mixing rustic characteristics like wood-paneled ceilings with modern conveniences. With the west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park only a ten-minute drive away, you’re in excellent position to go on once-in-a-lifetime hikes while knowing you can retire to your home away from home for a night of leisure. After hitting the outdoor shower, soothe aching muscles with a dip in the hot tub, or ask your host to arrange a private in-home massage. Clear your mind and connect with your soul with a peaceful outdoor meditation or yoga session…
Nightly rate: starts at $222/night
5: The Black Rose | Joshua Tree, California
1 bedroom | bathroom – sleeps 2
Experience the true silence of the desert and reestablish your relationship with nature at this stunning monolithic home. If it’s good enough to grace the pages of Vogue and provide the backdrop to a Saint Laurent lookbook, then it’s definitely got our vote!
Covered in ornamental hearts and flowers, all in matte black, this unique building takes inspiration from traditional Japanese design and updates it for the raw beauty of the harsh desert climate. Here, chrome columns emerge from the sand to support a mirror-lined ceiling and custom wrought iron screens add visual intrigue, all held together by stainless steel pins and ropes to create a spectacular nail-less construction. We love that the sunken living area can be opened up to your desert surrounds thanks to a retractable screen – and an indoor kitchen plus barbecue and outdoor sink take care of the catering side of things. And an open-air fire pit with endless views into the inky blackness of space is just the icing on the cake.
Nightly rate: starts at $981/night
6: Marmol Radziner’s Modernist Cabin | Joshua Tree, California
1 bedroom | 1 bathroom – sleeps 2
This exquisite cabin was designed by one of the leading modernist architects of our time, Ron Radziner, and is the ideal locale for a romantic escape. Modernist Cabin is on 5 acres surrounded by boulders, adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park. It seamlessly combines luxury with mid-century design and has been featured on the cover of the LA Times Home Section and in many books and magazines. A stay here is like staying inside the park, with unparalleled 360 degree desert vistas.
What the guests say: “This was our first visit to the area and we would definitely like to return, but it would be difficult to stay anywhere else! The views from the cabin and proximity to the national park are incredible and unmatched. Every part of this property was thoughtfully designed and the kitchen was very well appointed. And as others have said, the shower is not to be missed!”
Nightly rate: starts at $346/night
2 Bedroom Airbnbs in Joshua Tree
These homes are perfect for small families, small groups, or two couples!
7: Sage Sky Rental House | Joshua Tree, California
2 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms – sleeps 4
If you’re looking for authentic peace, this lovely refuge is the place to be. Set on 2.5 acres of sacred land, this retreat features ancient boulders, spectacular starlit nights, and complete stillness. Inside, those with an eye for style will appreciate the trendy touches of bold wallpaper, floor-to-ceiling windows, and designer furnishings, while outdoors, a saltwater pool and hot tub await. Begin your day by watching a desert sunrise from the comfort of your king-size bed before donning your boots and visiting Joshua National Park – the gateway is only a 5-minute drive away.
Prefer to spend your vacation at home? Pick a lounger by the pool, chilled glass in hand, and soak up the endless views. A BBQ and outdoor dining table await as the day turns to night. Even better, the host can arrange for a private chef so you can spend your time stargazing. You may do as little or as much as you like here – it’s a fantastic, must-see-to-believe-it location.
Nightly rate: starts at $1274/night
8: Off-Grid Comfort House | Joshua Tree, California
2 bedrooms | 1 bathroom – sleeps 4
This residence, blissfully distant from reality, appears like a mirage in the wild Californian desert. The interior of this pueblo-style home has been tastefully remodeled. Take advantage of the wood-burning fireplace, luxurious designer sofa, and modern kitchen. The living room’s large French doors open into the desert surroundings, where you can gaze upon the mountains and cacti from your shady perch on the couch. Make an excellent pour-over coffee in the mornings and drink it on the front patio in the early desert air.
Secluded yet conveniently located, you’re just a twenty-minute drive from the splendor of Joshua Tree National Park and its many hikes and rock formations. You’re even closer to the action of Pioneertown – drive under ten minutes to catch live music and down a few drinks at the legendary Pappy & Harriet’s.
Nightly rate: starts at $359/night
9: Zebra Shadow House | Joshua Tree, California
2 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms – sleeps 4
Whoa, those zebra stripes are enchanting! This desert house is an idyllic setting for your arid adventure. Indoors + outdoors show breathtaking views from each room, and curated decor is all selected to reflect the tranquil beauty of your surroundings. This home is just a short 5 minute drive to downtown Joshua Tree.
Nightly rate: starts at $251/night
10: Jackrabbit Wash | Yucca Valley, California
2 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms – sleeps 4
A slice of the Museum of Modern Art in Yucca Valley. The house is a classic mid-century style, and was designed/built by Mr. Aaron D’Innocenzo whose works are held in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. We love that guests can enjoy the desert and Mountain Views from each room of the house.
What the guests say: “Everyone should experience living a few days in this architectural masterpiece! Superb, peaceful location, with well appointed kitchen and living spaces. Hot tub under the stars and jackrabbits roaming the property.”
Nightly rate: starts at $371/night
11: Desert Soul | Mojave Desert, California
Named the coolest stay in California by Condé Nast, there’s an otherworldly quality to this secluded desert home. Set on ten acres of wilderness in the Mojave Desert, the enchantment begins the moment you turn on to the five kilometre private dirt road. Maybe it’s the mystical theatre of boulders that surround the all-white structure, or perhaps it’s the clear blue of the vast sky overhead, but either way, it’s the kind of place you can never forget. We’d describe it as high design in the wild desert.
There are floor-to-ceiling sliders in every room (apart from the bathrooms) framing magical views, and furniture by iconic designers like Christian Liagre as well as one-of-a-kind artworks and Moroccan rugs. While you’re just a short drive from the bars and shops of Pioneertown, we’ll wager that once this sanctuary has cast its spell, you’ll never want to leave. Wake up early for an incredible sunrise, walk through the boulders seeking serenity, take a dip in the outdoor tin bath, and stay up late counting stars in the hot tub or round the fire pit.
Nightly rate: starts at $831/night
12: The Abracadabra Dome | Homestead Valley, California
Dream of spending a weekend in a dome home? Us too! This magical home sits on 2.5 acres of beautiful Mojave landscape, and is a vision straight out of our wildest dreams. Design buffs will appreciate the architecture of the striking geodesic dome, and the bohemian vibe created with Moroccan-inspired poufs and sheepskin rugs provides the perfect laidback vibes. Mix a drink at the bar, play a game of horse-shoes, fire up the grill or swing in the hammock, scanning the skies for shooting stars. Unwind in the cowboy tub, still warm from the hot desert sun. Inside, play your favorite tunes on the record player, and peruse the curated library for fun reads. Another reason to love your stay here? Complimentary fresh Canyon coffee!
Located just five minutes from the historical landmark, Integratron (sound bath anyone?), you’ll also be a 20-minute drive from the nightlife of Pioneertown or the enchanting expanse of Joshua Tree National Park.
What the guests say: “Everyone should experience living a few days in this architectural masterpiece! Superb, peaceful location, with well appointed kitchen and living spaces. Hot tub under the stars and jackrabbits roaming the property.”
Nightly rate: starts at $257/night
13: Acido Dorado | Joshua Tree, California
2 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms – sleeps 4
Recognize this wondrous den in the desert?! You might have seen it around before…
Set in a nook of a small mountain of rocks, Acido Dorado presents on the outside a long and low chopped and channeled profile with huge mirrored overhangs, hearts, flowers, and 3 colors of acid-tinged metallic gold. This 1400sq ft home is spacious with two matching suites (each have their own private atrium) and one main room which is glass-walled on three sides with a full kitchen, dining table and seating area. There is also a sunken back patio with built-in seating, a fire pit and a bbq. The wrought iron gates embellished with thousands of metallic roses easily slide into pockets and disappear, opening up the entire house to catch the warm desert breezes. This is truly a spectacular house designed by Architect Robert Stone.
14: Flamingo Social Club | High Dessert, California
2 bedroom | 1 bathroom – sleeps 4
Flamingo Social Club is a carefully curated retreat designed to bring high-style into the rugged desert surroundings. Situated on a five-acre parcel adjacent to large tracts of open desert landscape, you’ll enjoy tranquil evenings on the expansive patio, wine sitting out on the one-of-a-kind boat dock, cooling off in the cowboy tub, and expansive sunrises and sunsets in the hot tub or around the fire pit, all while basking in one of the High Desert’s most picturesque, awe-inspiring locations. Bonus? You’ll find at least 50 shades of pink and just as many photo-worthy decor touches in every nook and cranny of this lovingly restored home.
What the guests say: “Very cute and cozy getaway! Loved the views, the string lights, the sunsets and the hot tub. We used the many fireplaces and the kitchen had all that we needed. So many stylish and thoughtful touches throughout.”
Nightly rate: starts at $248/night
15: Rock Reach House | Yucca Valley, California
2 bedrooms | 1 bathroom – sleeps 4
As profiled in Dwell, Rock Reach House is a modern steel house perched amidst a pristine High Desert setting replete with enormous weathered boulders — along with ancient juniper, pinón and desert oak trees. It is the perfect property for anyone who wants to decompress in style and serenity. There is a patio with a jacuzzi and outdoor fireplace – as well as a cowboy style pool.
What the guests say: “The photos don’t begin to do justice to this location. The house is part of the rocky desert landscape. The views are amazing in every direction. The house is beautifully designed, decorated and equipped. The hot tub is great for star gazing and the yoga platform is wonderful for sunrise or sunset yoga.”
Nightly rate: starts at $592/night
The Best Airbnbs in Joshua Tree For Groups
These Airbnbs are capable of hosting groups – perfect for a bachelorette weekend or getaway with friends + family!
16: Casa Blanca | Joshua Tree, California
6 bedrooms | 5 bathrooms – sleeps 14
Looking for the quintessential Joshua Tree experience? No need to look no further.
Experience your own private version of Joshua Tree National Park at this secluded architectural estate. This iconic custom-built home features a two-story atrium with breathtaking floor-to-ceiling views of boulders, Joshua Tree, and the desert sky. Each of the 6 bedrooms have been meticulously developed with a careful focus on design. The home is ideal for groups seeking the ultimate Joshua Tree experience: it features an open floor plan with a large two-story floor-to-ceiling atrium and a spacious living room encased by a custom 30-foot curved sofa. The large private outdoor deck features an oversized soaking pool, jacuzzi spa, outdoor shower, large custom fire pit, and outdoor dining area among the boulders and cactus garden. The property is surrounded by over 2 acres of boulders and desert terrain with views in every direction.
What the guests say: “This home is a true gem. The outdoor space is amazing and we didn’t want to leave! The firepit, hot tub, cowboy tub and the views. Perfect for a getaway with friends and family” – Jen. Her family stayed here this past week!
Nightly rate: starts at $1295/night
17: SkyHouse | Joshua Tree, California
3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms – sleeps 6
This modern gem featured in films like Andy Samberg’s “Palm Springs”, sets a new standard for the high desert. This signature architectural and inspirational hideaway is perched on 8 private acres in the heart of Joshua Tree, with a luxury pool and direct walking access to miles of national park trails.
What the guests say: “Ideal place to unplug and relax. Location was gorgeous, house was immaculate. Joshua Tree National Park literally in the back yard. Town of Joshua Tree couple minute drive away. Anza-Borrego and Salton Sea also within driving distance for day trips.”
Nightly rate: starts at $987/night
18: Shadow Stone | Joshua Tree, California
3 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms – sleeps 8
This Joshua Tree home is a gorgeous piece of modern architecture, set in over an acre of land in the middle of the desert. It offers great access to the park, as well as other hiking trails. OK, let’s talk about the home! The views of the landscape are probably the first things that you’ll notice, and with good reason. On top of that, pools, hot tubs, and fire pits aren’t unusual in and around Joshua Tree, but rarely do you come across examples that have so much style. Each amenity fits within the aesthetic of the larger home in a deliberate, measured way and a dedicated hospitality concierge is on hand to help you arrange anything you may want or need.
We can go on to list more features, but even that wouldn’t capture the grandeur of the home. Relaxing beside the pool as the sun sets or swapping stories around the fire pit under the stars are the kind of experiences you won’t forget in a hurry.
Nightly rate: starting at $1593/night
19: Desert Skies | Yucca Valley, California
3 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms – sleeps 8
This home, nestled among big boulders and desert sands, is a true Joshua Tree hideaway, complete with a private saltwater pool/spa and outdoor shower. With no neighbors around, it’s an escape from civilization that’s at one with nature and design. The floor-to-ceiling moving glass walls blur the distinction between interior and outside, allowing you to take full advantage of your surroundings at all times. Inside, works by local artists and well-known designers coexist, while the kitchen sets the stage for delicious meals. We could go on and on about this house, but you really need to see it for yourself!
Nightly rate: starting at $1176/night
20: Hey Cowboy | Mojave Desert, Californa
3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms – sleeps 6
If you consider yourself a green warrior, you’ll appreciate this solar-powered desert homestead. When you stay at this house, you may disconnect from modern life. It was erected in 1954 and has been renovated in a rustic style that pays respect to the Old West. The open-plan kitchen and living space is illuminated by large windows. With old furnishings and colorful art artfully dispersed around, wood finishings provide a characterful ambiance. The exterior is as appealing, with sleek rusted walls enclosing a private garden complete with an outdoor bathtub and cowboy steel pool. Keep cool in the lake or relax on a hammock under a tree. With the location being just a short drive from Joshua Tree & Palm Springs, this retreat doesn’t just offer panoramic views of the desert, it gives you the chance to explore this otherworldly landscape for yourself…what are you waiting for?
Nightly rate: starting at $443/night
21: Eye of the Desert Home – Plus Glamping! | Joshua Tree, California
5 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms – sleeps 10
A group of friends seeking a little bit of magic (bachelorette party perhaps?!) will fall in love with this whimsical home, set on five acres of desert land. It’s a truly unique setup, compromised of the main cabin, a yurt, three trailers and a safari tent – this is guaranteed to be a glamping experience you’ll never forget.
Ease yourself into the rugged landscape with lunch under the linen canopy, before taking an alfresco bath as you wash away your stresses in perfect peace. On piercing-cold desert nights, cozy up around the crackling fire pit to toast marshmallows and tell stories, or hunker down under the boho-chic blankets in your trailer. The sunrises and sunsets here are spectacular but don’t miss the opportunity to do some stargazing away from the bright city lights too. Joshua Tree National Park and Yucca Valley are less than a twenty-minute drive away for those looking for adventure, but we don’t blame you if you never want to leave this desert sanctuary.
Nightly rate: starting at $606/night
22: Le Chacuel | Joshua Tree, California
4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms – sleeps 6
You really only need three things for the perfect Joshua Tree retreat: absolute comfort, unobstructed views of the amazing scenery, and gorgeous facilities to help you rest – and that’s exactly what you get with this home. It’s flawlessly designed from head to toe, with easily fashionable furnishings complemented by natural light that casts varied hues throughout the day – it’s a genuinely lovely space. On bright desert mornings, open the glass panels for a peaceful early plunge in the saltwater pool or a luxurious soak in the hot tub as you bond with Mother Nature. If you prefer a more dynamic start to your days, get your blood pumping with a gym workout or a rejuvenating morning stroll, followed by an enjoyable outdoor shower and an alfresco brunch in the sun-dappled dining area.
Nightly rate: starting at $1173/night
23: Invisible House | Joshua Tree, California
4 bedrooms | 5 bathrooms – sleeps 8
Welcome to the Invisible House. “Imagine a piece of modern art…one of the most spectacular homes in the world on all of Airbnb” – Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb
For guests looking for the most unique desert home on the planet, and one of the best-known homes in the world: meet the Invisible House.
This one-of-a-kind masterpiece was designed by veteran film producer Chris Hanley. Featured in countless music videos, television shows and dozens of publications worldwide (including Netflix, Robb Report, Architectural Digest, Washington Post, People, Daily Mail, Dezeen, and Maxim), this sleek 5,500 sq. ft. minimalist retreat is set on 90 breathtaking acres comprising the largest privately-owned parcel of land abutting Joshua Tree National Park.
An exploration in contrasts, the mirrored 22-story horizontal skyscraper features an entirely reflective facade that absorbs its surroundings and vanishes into the desert landscape. The juxtaposition of sleek minimalism and ancient desert terrain makes Invisible House a singularly definitive structure in blending modern architecture with the natural world.
You and your guests will have complete access to the 3 bedrooms in the main house and the 1 bedroom in the detached casita. All are outfitted with top-of-the-line linens, bedding, and spa like ensuite bathrooms. Congregate in the open floorplan and feel connected to nature, no matter where you are in the home. Bring the outside in by opening the floor to ceiling sliding glass doors and fully embrace the Joshua Tree experience.
Nightly rate: starting at $2856/night
SO….now the hard decision, which amazing property will you stay at next??
All photos belong to their respective rental owners unless noted
Great info!! Thanks for sharing this article.
I wish i would go there for vacation someday, thanks for inspo