11 Unusual Things To Do In Yucca Valley

Yucca Valley was once a well-kept secret—people would resort to the desert city to hide. But thanks to the media, the secret got out, and today, Yucca Valley is one of San Bernardino County’s most visited cities. If you still don’t know why, now is the right time to find out. All the fun things to do in Yucca Valley will get you wondering why you didn’t explore this city earlier. 

Yucca Valley Things To Do With Your Friends

1. Discover The Western Wing of Joshua Tree National Park

Even though the main entrance to Joshua Tree National Park is in Twentynine Palms, Yucca Valley has its own small entrance too, located at the lesser-traveled western wing of the park. Here, you’ll come across the Black Rock Nature Center, campgrounds, and plenty of Joshua Tree hiking trailheads—having a large variety of hiking trails is enough to get you and your friends excited. 

2. Buy Souvenirs at Hoof and The Horn

Hoof and The Horn is where you’ll spend most of your money in Yucca Valley. While not officially a souvenir shop, everything you’ll buy here is a sweet memory of the desert city. Vintage t-shirts with designs inspired by the sunrises, sunsets, trees, and dirt roads of Joshua Tree National Park are the best-sellers. You’ll also find headbands, pins, cards, jewelry, and magnets.

3. Find Great Deals at Sky Village Outdoor Marketplace

If your visit to Yucca Valley falls on a weekend, you’re in luck—Sky Village Outdoor Marketplace will be in full swing. Farmers, artisans, and locals gather at the market every weekend to purchase fresh food and produce, as well as new and used merchandise. Touring the marketplace is one of the best things to do in Yucca Valley, CA; there’s no way you won’t score great bargains.

4. Visit the Creepy Pioneertown

Just four miles northwest of Yucca Valley is Pioneertown, one of the weirdest cities in California. The city was originally built to be a movie set in the 1940s, where many Western movies were shot. Now a ghost town, Pioneertown continues to look like a poster from a Western flick. A visit here with your friends allows you to create a lot of fun content for your social media—it’s an essential thing to do near Yucca Valley. 

Family-Friendly Things To Do In Yucca Valley, CA

5. Check Out Desert Christ Park

When Frank Antone Martin established Desert Christ Park in 1951, he was hoping that his art would deliver the message of world peace. Over the course of ten years, the artist created more than 35 biblical statues, the most notable of which is the 10-foot statue of Christ. The 3.5-acre biblical sculpture garden is a beloved Yucca Valley attraction and a California art installation you have to see during your desert getaway.

6. Go on a Thrilling Joshua Tree 4x4 Adventure

A trip to Yucca Valley always includes an exploration of the Joshua Tree National Park. Even though hiking is an awesome way to see the area, a 4x4 experience is one of the most fun things to do in Yucca Valley. Book a ride with Big Wheel Tours and go on a trip of a lifetime—the exotic plants, rock formations, and desert landscape will take your breath away. Make sure you bring your jackets; the weather can get a bit rough sometimes. 

7. Learn about Yucca Valley’s History at the Hi-Desert Nature Museum

What’s a visit to Yucca Valley if you don’t know anything about its history? Stop by the Hi-Desert Nature Museum, where kids will love learning about the desert’s geologic information and how the area came to be. Most importantly, they’ll get educated about the Native American culture and the desert lifestyle throughout the history of Yucca Valley. 

8. Have a Transcendental Experience Inside Bob’s Crystal Cave

One of the most stunning hidden gems in California is located in Sky Village Outdoor Marketplace. Bob’s Crystal Cave is a meditative space created in 2004 by the late Bob Carr. Its walls are coated with foam, creating a cave-like atmosphere. For decoration, Bob used lots of crystals, seashells, and porcelains. There’s no denying that this weird spot in California will let you have a transcendental experience. 

Fun Things To Do In Yucca Valley With Your Partner

9. Admire Custom-Made Furniture at Acme 5 Lifestyle

Daytime Emmy Award-winning designer Anton Goss is the owner of the furniture shop, Acme 5 Lifestyle. The handcrafted bohemian, modern, and mid-century inspired furniture is locally and internationally made. Here, you’ll find a wide range of interior and exterior furniture, decor, and plants. Since it's not possible to actually live inside the store, perhaps purchasing furniture for your home would be the next best thing to do.   

10. Spend the Night at the Stargazing Desert Retreat Oasis

What’s a romantic getaway without stargazing in the Southern California desert? That’s exactly why you have to spend at least one night at the Stargazing Desert Retreat Oasis to get the ultimate experience. This unique Airbnb is equipped with all the amenities you need to help you relax and unwind. Our favorite part of this Airbnb is the backyard—the pool, hammock lounge area, dining table, and firepit are located here. Spending the night outdoors wishing upon the stars with your beau is one of the best things to do in Yucca Valley.

11. Hike the High View Nature Loop Trail

Before hiking Joshua Tree National Park’s more advanced trails, it’s a good idea to try your hand at the High View Nature Loop Trail first. The moderate loop trail extends for 1.3 miles with a slight elevation of 325 feet. It’s advised you start hiking late in the afternoon so that you manage to make it to the top in time to enjoy the sunset. The views of Yucca Valley, San Gorgonio Mountain, and the horizon are breathtaking during this time of day. Make this favorite Yucca Valley thing to do a priority during your romantic getaway in Southern California.