Shopping in town

Written By Paul Martinez

Photography © Paul Martinez

Whether you're searching for handmade ceramics, vintage records, locally made skincare, or a well-designed souvenir that captures the spirit of the desert, shopping in Joshua Tree is more than a transaction and often feels like an experience.

The town’s shops reflect the character of its people: artistic, independent, and inspired by the land.

What You'll Find

From eclectic storefronts on Twentynine Palms Highway to hidden gems tucked into alleyways and desert lots, Joshua Tree and surrounding towns are home to a range of shops.

You can expect to find:

  • Clothing, records, home goods, and one-of-a-kind finds from decades past.

  • Handmade ceramics, natural skincare, desert-inspired jewelry, and textiles.

  • Small bookstores and record shops filled with character.

  • Thoughtful keepsakes and art prints—not your typical magnet or keychain.

  • Crystals, incense, tarot, and tools for reflection.

  • Herbal remedies, desert botanicals, and handmade soaps.

Tips for Shopping Local

Shopping in Joshua Tree is best approached with a sense of curiosity. Many shops are small, independently run, and can have irregular hours (especially in summertime), so take your time, ask questions, and enjoy the pace. Supporting these local businesses means your purchase directly benefits the artists, makers, and dreamers who give this town its unique character. While most places accept cards, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash, especially for roadside vendors or pop-up markets. And if you're shopping for desert-sourced items like crystals or botanicals, don’t hesitate to ask about their origins.

A Few Favorite Stops

Note: A full list and interactive map is coming soon.

  • Address: 61675 Twentynine Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA
    Hours: Daily 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Sat until 5 p.m.)

    Located just outside the park’s main “West” entrance, HeyThere Projects blends curated art with desert-inspired retail. What started as a gallery founded in 2019 by artists Mark Todd and Aaron Smith has expanded—now showcasing ceramics, zines, wearables, folk art and books alongside rotating contemporary exhibitions.

    This is no typical gift shop. It’s a thoughtfully edited space celebrating local creativity, from limited-edition prints and stickers (like Mark Todd’s Joshua Tree underground-inspired designs) to functional desert lifestyle objects. Their retail section also hosts workshops and pop‑ups, making it a community hub as much as a boutique.

    Why Visit:

    • Exceptional collection of artist-made goods and desert-themed souvenirs

    • Rotating exhibitions—every visit offers something new

    • Workshops, events, and regular pop-ups tie local voices into your experience

    HeyThere Projects is perfect for visitors who want a memorable, creative keepsake (not just a keychain), but a piece of Joshua Tree’s vibrant artistic pulse.

  • Address: 61943 Twentynine Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA
    Hours: Thursday–Monday, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

    Housed in a restored 1940s gas station, The Station is part roadside attraction, part design-forward gift shop. A towering “Big Josh” Muffler Man waves you in, while vintage cars, quirky sculptures, and desert ephemera fill the lot with nostalgic charm.

    Inside, the shop blends curated kitsch with desert-cool essentials, vinyl records, Joshua Tree-branded gear, Mexican textiles, T-shirts, art prints, and an ever-rotating stock of oddities you didn’t know you needed. It’s fun, weird, welcoming… and deeply rooted in the town’s love for character and creativity.

    Why Visit:

    • Iconic photo ops with Big Josh, classic cars, and vintage signage

    • Playful, well-curated goods you won’t find elsewhere

    • Designed by locals, for locals and travelers alike

    The Station is perfect for those who want to shop with a sense of humor and walk away with something uniquely Joshua Tree.

  • Address: 69225 Twentynine Palms Hwy, Twentynine Palms, CA
    Hours: Thursday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

    A cozy, treasure-filled bookstore tucked just outside Joshua Tree National Park’s Indian Cove section, Raven’s Book Shoppe is a beloved local landmark. Since 1990, it’s offered “thousands and thousands of used & rare books” across genres (from sci-fi and fantasy to history and literature) stacked floor-to-ceiling in welcoming, winding aisles.

    Inside, visitors often remark on the friendly, knowledgeable staff and the shop’s maze-like atmosphere, where hidden literary gems wait around every corner. It’s both a quiet retreat from the sun and a haven for curious readers and collectors.

    Why Visit:

    • Vast and ever-changing selection of secondhand and rare books

    • Warm, personal atmosphere with helpful recommendations

    • Close to the park entrance, perfect for a mid-adventure literary stop

    Raven’s Book Shoppe is ideal for anyone who loves to browse, discover, and immerse themselves in stories… whether browsing the aisles or unearthing out-of-print treasures.

  • Address: 55879 Twentynine Palms Hwy, Yucca Valley, CA
    Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (and by appointment)

    A desert-roadside market, All Roads is the creative home of weaver Janelle Pietrzak and metalworker Robert Dougherty. Founded in 2012, the duo handcrafts woven textiles, kitchen linens, metal décor, and collaborative functional art.

    Inside, you'll find rustic-chic home goods: handwoven napkins and tea towels, washable scarves, plantable Joshua Tree seed kits, spicy jerky pouches, steel peace-sign sculptures, and one-of-a-kind metal fixtures. It's less a gift shop and more a peek into the desert’s artist spirit.

    Why Visit:

    • Discover beautifully imperfect, artisan-made home textiles and metal art

    • Support skilled local makers building their practice in community

    • Browse desert-inspired pantry goods, plant kits, and conversation-worthy pieces

  • Address: 55727 Twentynine Palms Hwy, Yucca Valley, CA
    Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

    Located just off the highway in Yucca Valley, the Mojave Flea Trading Post is a vibrant 10,000 sq ft marketplace featuring makers and merchants from Joshua Tree, the Coachella Valley, and beyond.

    Step inside to discover a rotating mix of handcrafted goods, from art, jewelry, apothecary items, home décor, and lifestyle pieces to vintage finds and artisanal snacks. It’s a space that supports local creativity while inviting visitors to explore and connect with the region’s makers.

    Why Visit:

    • Discover local talent – Support a wide range of artisans in one thoughtfully curated space.

    • Ever-changing inventory – New treasures and seasonal goods keep every visit fresh.

    • Atmosphere of community – Go beyond shopping, and feel part of the creative hub that reflects the desert’s collaborative spirit.

    The Mojave Flea Trading Post is perfect for visitors who want to take home unique, locally made items and discover the creative community thriving just outside the park.

  • Address: 73552 Twentynine Palms Hwy, Ste 4, Twentynine Palms, CA
    Hours: Wednesday–Monday; Mon 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Tue closed, Wed 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Thu–Sun varied around 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

    A well curated boutique tucked into the Shop Corner 62 complex, Very Very brings together art, design, music, and “desert oddities” in one thoughtful space. Expect a lively mix of homewares, apothecary, apparel, jewelry, and even disco balls; each item hand-selected to reflect the local creative pulse.

    Whether you're browsing vinyl accessories, quirky home décor, or a thoughtful gift, the feel is intimate and inspiring.

    Why Visit:

    • Inventive and unexpected items that tell a local story

    • A warm, welcoming atmosphere with genuine hospitality

    • Perfect stop if you're exploring other shops in the Corner 62 community

  • Address: 73552 Twentynine Palms Hwy, Suite 2, Twentynine Palms, CA
    Hours: Wednesday–Monday; Summer (June–Aug) Sun–Mon 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Closed Tue–Wed; other months typically Wed–Mon 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

    Founded by Liz and Stephen Lapp, Hi Desert Times is the desert’s only dedicated magazine and zine shop… a carefully curated oasis of over 300 titles spanning art, design, culture, and niche independent publications. Tucked into the Corner62 creative complex, it offers a clean, welcoming space where visitors can flip through glossy magazines, literary journals, niche zines, and even local artisanal goods, all thoughtfully selected for the curious reader.

    Why Visit:

    • Immerse yourself in a diverse, tactile media experience, far from screens and algorithms.

    • The welcoming, gallery-like layout encourages browsing, discovery, and conversation.

    • Regular pop-ups, reading events, and community-driven programming offer a cultural heartbeat to Twentynine Palms.

    Local Voices:
    Visitors often note the intoxicating scent of fresh ink and the sense of “a real community gathering spot” where print culture thrives in the desert.

    Hi Desert Times is perfect for anyone craving a slower, sensory experience; with printed stories, hard-bound discoveries, and a growing hub for local literary connection.

  • Address: 6427 Mesquite Ave, Unit H, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
    Hours:
    Summer (Mon–Fri): 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
    Weekend (Sat–Sun): 12 p.m.–3 p.m. & 6 p.m.–10 p.m.

    Step into a slice of desert charm with a hint of Parisian panache. Located in Tin Town (a historic nod to the region’s mining past) The Desert General Store offers a curated mix of artisan-made desert hats, jewelry, clothing, gifts, souvenirs, books, and art. Founded by owner Françoise, the boutique brings a stylish twist to Twentynine Palms with French brands alongside local makers, and hosts the annual Twentynine Palms Book Festival—a celebration of literature and local creativity.

    Why Visit:

    • Curated eclecticism – From southwestern blankets to desert hats and Parisian accents

    • Creative hub – Hosts community events, including the region’s annual book festival

    • Stylish yet authentic – A welcoming spot that reflects the town’s artistic and cultural flavors

    The Desert General Store is perfect for visitors seeking a blend of unexpected style and local soul. A place to pick up meaningful souvenirs, discover new makers, and perhaps even join in on the cultural buzz of Tin Town.

More Than a Shop

Shopping here often feels like wandering through an artist’s home or a collector’s studio. It's intimate, personal, and often surprising. Whether you’re buying or just browsing, each shop tells a story… of the desert, of its people, and of creativity living at the edge of a national park.

Paul Martinez https://Www.saltandleisure.com