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The Copper Room next to the Yucca Valley airport is one of the most unique bar restaurants in the high desert. The building dates back to the Rat Pack days where private airplanes could radio in a burger order for lunch. Sunset drinks on the patio next to the airstrip are the perfect segue into top notch dining. Pro tip: be sure to catch jazz nights on Sunday and DJ desert disco dancing on the weekends.

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When going to Joshua Tree National Park, try entering through the 29 Palms Entrance to avoid waiting in a line of cars. You can hit up the White Tank area to see some amazing boulders without the crowds and then exit through the Joshua Tree City exit. You'll see most of the major sites without the traffic.

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Looking to show off your billards chops in public? Try the one-table locations Tiny Pony or Snakebite Roadhouse (their table was played on by the Rolling Stones). If you want to ensure you get enough games in, the Spaghetti Western in Morongo Valley has multiple pool tables that are usually available.

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If you want to wander around something different, check out Noah Purifoy's Outdoor Museum aka "Noah's Art", a multi-acre outdoor art installation made from recycled materials. Great for families, sunsets, and photography. A good post-National Park location.

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Pioneertown during the day is breathtaking and a good reason to stop by early is for Red Dog Saloon's breakfast tacos and spiked coffee drinks. Wander around the old western mainstreet to visit shops from local vendors after. And come back at night to catch live music, djs and more tacos.

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Giant Rock Meeting Room in Flamingo Heights has arguably the best pizza, drinks and vibes in the high desert. You'll bump elbows with visitors and locals alike. Karaoke on Wednesdays and live music every week.

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La Copine is regarded as the best lunch dining in the high desert (with Copper Room nipping at their heels), but there's often a long wait and no reservations. To ensure getting a table, get there 15 minutes before open. If you end up on a long wait list, go shop at Moon Wind Trading Co down the street while you wait.

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If you enjoy hunting for antiques and deals, the Saturday Sky Village Swap Meet in Yucca Valley is your spot. Get there early and be sure to bring cash. It's usually winding down early afternoon. Pro Tip: Walk to the corner building to find Dakota Bob's, a boot and western apparel barn.

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For your bbq needs, grab meat at Kasa Mart for asada tacos. They also have a secret taco shop in the back for quick tacos and breakfast burritos (with a salsa bar!).

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If you wake up before your crew and want to get a move on thirfting, head to Frontier Cafe in old town Yucca Valley for coffee and then walk around the local shops. Desierto Alto is a good spot to pick up high end wines and provisions before returning back to your home.

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Halfway between Joshua Tree and 29 Palms, Mas o Menos has a minimal desert design with indoor and outdoor seating. They offer a well curated selection of wines and cocktails and on Sundays have various venders in the wellness category. Check their instagram to see if they are doing DJ nights and which food truck will be on site.

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The Joshua Tree Farmers Market is every Saturday from 8am-1pm, where you can get local produce and other items. A good way to start your weekend, and check out The Dez for coffee and breakfast if you don't find anything at the market.

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Luna Sourdough Bakery is the best spot for bread and pasteries. Grab a specialty loaf on your way in. Desierto Alto down the way has cheese and spreads.

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If the Nation Park is too hot and you still want to be in nature, check out the Morongo Basin Canyon Preserve. It is known for it's bird watching and has lots of shady trees covering it's various trails (some of which are built on wooden walkways). It's right by a small skate park as well.

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For a no frills quick breakfast with usually no line, check out the Yucca Tree Eatery. It's tucked into a business park so usually there's little wait and they have free wifi if you need to pop open the laptop for a bit.

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29 Palms is in it's renaissance phase with lots of restaurants, bars, shops and a golf course. Some spots: Out There Bar, While Label Vinyl, Grnd Squirl, Fine Line Cocktails, Kitchen in the Desert, Campbell Hill Bakery, 29 Palms Inn

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Looking for a hike in Joshua Tree National Park? The Boy Scout Trail is not too far from the park entrance and takes 2-3 hours.It offers various terrains and is usually not as crowded as the other shorter hikes and walks that are closer to the main road.