Just a two-hour drive from the city of Los Angeles and nestled near Joshua Tree National Park, the charming unincorporated community of Pioneertown has become a must-visit destination for desert adventurers. Located in the high desert of Southern California, Pioneertown, with its blue skies, collections of surreal-looking stacked boulders, and endless golden sunshine, offers an instant mood boost—like a shot of dopamine for the soul.

Originally built as a set and a work-live place for movie casts and crews, it’s no surprise that stepping out of the car in Pioneertown feels like stepping straight into an old Western film. The “town” itself is brimming with character, featuring quirky gift shops, artist studios, and curated clothing boutiques showcasing an impressive selection of vintage Levi’s. With a swinging-door saloon, a Western film museum, and a practically untouched mid-century bowling alley, a walk through Pioneertown is a walk back in time.

Situated in the Morongo Basin region of San Bernardino, Pioneertown is surrounded by natural beauty. This is why the best way to start your day in Pioneertown is after a hike. The nearby Pioneertown Mountains Preserve offers a variety of hiking spots, including the Chaparossa Spring Loop, a challenging 4-mile loop that takes you through various rock formations and Joshua Trees. Another popular hike, the Chaparrosa Peak Trail, stretches almost 6 miles and is a rugged, challenging out-and-back trail.

Because the dry heat in this area can get to dangerous levels, and the fact that there’s minimal shade on these rocky trails, it’s best to keep hiking adventures in the winter months. Also nearby is the famous Joshua Tree National Park (just 20 minutes away), which features world-class hiking, climbing, and stargazing.

Another popular regional activity is one with old west routes: guided horseback riding. Miles of dusty trails through rock formations and canyons are a great way to get a sense of the picturesque area. Throughout the high desert, ranches offer private horseback riding guided tours spanning hundreds of miles of trails.

After a satisfying hike or horseback journey through the high desert’s unique florals, unique Joshua trees, and rock formations, Pioneertown offers a few different options for sitting, relaxing, and enjoying the view. One of the most popular bars in this stretch of desert is Red Dog Saloon, a Western-style bar featuring a stage, swinging doors, and a large sprawling outdoor area. A backdrop of saloon-style shops and Joshua trees, the cinematic feel is a great view for a margarita-filled lunch at one of these local watering holes.

If an adventure through the outdoors isn’t your thing (or if you want a relaxing activity at the end of the day), Pioneertown’s main drag also features one of the most unique bowling alleys in the country. Pioneer Bowl is part bowling alley, part living museum. Seemingly untouched since the mid-century, the colors, sights, and sounds of this functioning bowling alley feel like you’re stepping into a groovy time capsule. Complete with its own vintage-style bar, with a working jukebox featuring country music songs, Pioneer Bowl is truly a stand-out in the Yucca Valley.

At night, Pioneertown grows even busier, with live music performances on the bars’ stages. Perhaps the most legendary nighttime spot in Pioneertown is the long-standing roadhouse Pappy and Harriet’s. Opened in 1982 by a husband and wife, the restaurant and music venue has been the meet-up spot for plenty of famous artists. Notable artists who have performed on the restaurant’s stage include Paul McCartney and Patti Smith.

The Joshua Tree desert has always functioned as an offbeat artist haven. With plenty of space for studios and shops, the desert has attracted many types of artists and creatives throughout the decades. It’s not unusual to find oil paintings, hand-dipped candles, and other ceramicware available for sale, mostly made by local artists.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Pioneertown is a piece of American history. In order to get a sense of the community’s history, it’s a must to visit the town’s free film museum. Located in a small saloon, the museum features a small collection of props and features information on past movies filmed on the set. The filming location for dozens of films, especially in the 1940s and 1950s, Pioneertown was established by great American actors in the Western genre, including Dick Curtis, Roy Rogers, and Gene Autry as a film set that also functioned as a real-life town. Today, their legacy is honored throughout the town, from posters to relics in the museum and surrounding shops and bars.

A town built for the movies, Pioneertown effortlessly blends Old West charm with eclectic, creative energy. Part Wild West, part desert retreat, stay overnight at one of the stylish desert cabins or rustic lodges nearby for a full immersive experience. Whether you're a history buff, a music lover, or just someone looking to unplug and wander, this little high desert hideaway offers a journey both back in time and into the heart of California's offbeat charm. With no shortage of activities to do in the area, a visit to Joshua Tree isn’t complete without a stop at this special place.