4-Day California Road Trip: Palm Springs, Joshua Tree & Santa Monica

The first “we’re really here” moment was immediate: driving the rental car straight out of the lot and into In-N-Out. Mostly because, you know, domestic flights don’t exactly feed you like that anymore.

Palm Springs was pure color. I forgot how much I love that combination of palm trees, high-desert air, mountains in the background, cacti everywhere, cute shops, and that easy, sunny pace. It’s also one of those places where it’s strangely easy to fall into conversation with strangers.

Palm Springs

Joshua Tree was all about contrast and calm. We stayed at The Reset in Twentynine Palms, and I loved how unique it is: that high-desert stillness and a pool setup that is as good as it looks.

Joshua Tree National Park

Santa Monica was the perfect landing. It felt familiar in the best way: the pier, the graffiti, the beach rhythm. The highlight, hands down, was biking the coast, nothing but sunshine and cruising.

Santa Monica

A few small highlights:

• Joshua Tree at sunset, then staying put for the night

• Santa Monica biking for an easy, coastal rest

• Playful stops like Bootlegger Tiki and the Parker (go for the atmosphere)

• Pools are not optional on this kind of trip

• Twentynine Palms mornings: desert stillness, coffee, then straight to the pool

• The Reset: A design-forward hotel that makes the downtime feel like the point

Reset Hotel

It’s the kind of quick trip that works for a couple or a girls' weekend: low effort, high payoff, and you still get the “we saw so much” feeling. Next time, I’d love to stay longer, but for four days, this was the sweet spot.

Where to stay: The curated list

If you’re ready to map out your own version of this trip, here are the stays I highly recommend. Before you book anything directly, send me a note—I have specific connections and perks at these properties (like breakfast on me, resort credits, or room upgrades) that you won't find on the public sites.

Palm Springs: For the atmosphere

• The Parker: The ultimate "see and be seen" spot. It’s a Jonathan Adler-designed dreamland with hidden gardens and the best poolside people-watching.

• Holiday House: A bright, mid-century gem that’s adults-only and right in the heart of downtown. It’s playful, blue and white, and perfectly curated.

Joshua Tree & Twentynine Palms: For the reset

• The Reset: As I mentioned, this is the spot for minimalist design and total high-desert stillness.

• 29 Palms Inn: A historic, quirky oasis. It’s rustic in the best way, with an incredible garden-to-table restaurant and a soul you won’t find anywhere else.

Santa Monica: For the coastal rhythm

• Santa Monica Proper: Incredible interior design by Kelly Wearstler and a rooftop pool that is the place to be at sunset.

• Shutters on the Beach: The classic "sand-between-your-toes" luxury. It feels like a high-end beach house where the Pacific is your front yard.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our California page.