You know that audio, “I was just thinking about it. Just thinking about it. Thinking about it. ….I did it!”??? Yeah, well, lol! I did it! Family road trip, Palm Springs to Joshua Tree! If you caught my last travel post, “Aching for Travels and Joshua Tree Adventures” well, yeah…we so did it! And it was fabulous! And so needed!

This trip was a little different from our normal Airbnb or camping experience. We actually stayed at The Saguaro in Palm Springs. It really made for a fun dichotomy in our vacay plans. Like total nature in Joshua Tree, and then bright and colorful, little hotel.

They took every covid precaution and that made the stay all that much easier. Distancing was no problem. They have a reservation system for their peak times at the pool. Sadly, but totally rationally jacuzzis are still closed as a precaution. They have plenty of promos going so pricing isn’t too bad and it’s only an hour to Joshua Tree and only 30 minutes away from those Cabazon Dinosaurs I had also mentioned previously.

We’ll definitely be staying at The Saguaro again after covid is just a bad memory. (*And, no, I’m not sponsored, though I wouldn’t mind it, hint hint. 😉 )

In the meantime, if you are vaccinated and ready to obey covid safety precautions the hotel is really close to all the central Palm Springs fun, mostly foodie spots (highly recommend TRIO). Another recommended foodie spot, if you venture towards La Quinta, make sure to hit Nitroinfusions!!! There is nothing like this small ice cream place! Like, the best ice cream ever with a show. And no, it’s not like Dippin’ Dots style. They are always on my required stop list when I’m up that way, even if just passing thru to Joshua Tree or something.

Eventually, I see the Palm Springs Free Art Museum being open again, or at least their outdoor portions. Also, if it’s a hot day, and it’s safe again, check out the Fountain of Life (“Mayor Gregory S. Pettis Fountain of Life” in Cathedral City). It’s especially fun for kids or the young at heart.

As for Joshua Tree, it was literally everything we had been missing! And yes, we finally got the kiddo to experience the magic of Joshua Tree National Park too! If you haven’t been there before, it is a giant national park. Two completely different types of terrain desert meeting in one place. If you didn’t know, the Mojave and Colorado desert to be exact. So much space! We also went on a weekday, fewer crowds and it was extremely easy to avoid people.

The teen was even quickly won over by the park’s unique aspects. Bouncing from boulder to boulder all day was everything they didn’t even know they needed. At one point we all just had a good pause on top of a boulder for a little art session and snack break. My heart was just beyond full! Really, NATURE does a Body Good.

Have you gotten in a safe getaway yet? Because it may be just what the doctor orders. 😉 Also, if you have the time and money and are thinking of heading out there, make sure to add DesertX/DX21 (a temporary art installation) to your list. We just missed it, but hopefully, we can get back out there before it’s gone.

I already can’t wait to go back! And actually, the teen is even ready to go back! Miracles accomplished!