Restaurants & Nightlife

The food culture in the California Deserts is as varied as the jaw-dropping landscapes you’ll encounter. Thanks to the desert’s rich agricultural bounty, restaurants in the region regularly serve up “farm-to-table” cuisine incorporating the freshest seasonal ingredients.

Besides, there’s just something about the pure crystalline air of the desert that feeds the soul and stimulates a healthy appetite. Satisfy your craving for tacos at an authentic family-owned Mexican restaurant, nosh on a burger inside a historic saloon, have a seat at a sushi bar, munch on delicious New York-Style pizza or linger over cocktails and dinner in an elegant dining room—you’ll discover a plethora of dining experiences catering to both families and adults.

When the sun goes down, the California Deserts come alive with entertainment ranging from local and name bands performing at bars and pubs to comedy shows, dance venues, and regional live theater. But no trip to the high desert is complete without a stop at Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace near Joshua Tree, a renowned roadhouse with an epic music scene. And don’t miss an opportunity to join a star party and gaze at the cosmos witnessing the most spectacular celestial sights. Death Valley National ParkJoshua Tree National Park, and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are all designated International Dark Sky Parks.