Joshua Tree Is Full of Plant-Based Bites and Breathtaking Views

I always love a visit to Joshua Tree, California. I mainly go to hike and explore the national park, but there are also so many incredible restaurants in the high desert as well. Here’s a few cozy spots with great vegetarian options:

I always crave a veggie burger and a beer after hiking, and the Joshua Tree Saloon always hits. Their veggie burger is great and, the mac n cheese is the perfect comfort food. I love visiting this spot as it has a few sustainable vegetarian options, outdoor seating, and a fun atmosphere.

I always stop by Frontier Cafe when I’m in Joshua Tree. It’s a great spot to hangout and cowork with my friends—especially because their food and drinks are nutritious and delicious. Their avocado tartine is topped with avocado spread, hot ajvar, pickled red onion, dill, and mint; it is the perfect pick me up. Their vegan BLT is filled with homemade tempeh bacon, mixed greens, tomato, and vegan mayo on sourdough. This zesty sandwich is fresh and healthy. Their rose lavender lemonade–a monthly special–is so refreshing and delicious; truly everything I’ve ever wanted in a drink. Lastly, the Mojave grain salad contains arugula, farro, pepitas, carrots, cucumber, peppers, cabbage, and avocado. This hearty salad was so huge that I brought it camping with me to make into a sandwich for breakfast the next morning.

Roadrunner is such a tasty grab-and-go spot right on Park Blvd. It’s the perfect spot to buy some delicious snacks and sandwiches for your Joshua Tree adventure. I tried the Tortoises Delight Sub, which was incredible! It’s stuffed with tomato, red bell pepper, Boars Head cheddar and provolone, spinach, cucumber, lettuce, jalapeño chimichurri, mayo, mustard, and dijon mustard. I also grabbed a container of vegan chocolate chip cookies, and those tasted out of this world. I truly did not expect a grab and go spot to be so good.

I waited in line for sooo long to try Campbell Hill Bakery in Twentynine Palms, and it was worth it. There were endless, mouthwatering options, but I tried the banana bread, chocolate chip cookie, almond croissant, blueberry muffin, and a lil veggie sandwich. All the baked goods were so soft, and the sandwich was perfect for lunch.

Getting a cute Airbnb and cooking at home is always an option too. I love shopping at Stater Bros or Vons. I always miss waking up in the desert with my friends and making breakfast while enjoying the sun and dry heat. Pancakes, eggs, and smoothies are just a few of my favorite things to chef up in the morning.

If you’d rather spend all night under the stars and listening to the coyotes howl then camping is always an option too. This time I camped at Jumbo Rocks Campground, which is inside the national park and can be reserved in advance online here.

While inside the park, you have to check out the Cholla Cactus Garden and Skull Rock. Both of these highlights are pretty accessible, but just make sure you don’t touch the cholla cactus! There’s also so many amazing hikes in Joshua Tree. Check out my other blog post to see a few of my favorite hikes. I’m always looking forward to when I’m in the desert again – whenever that may be.