Joshua Tree: The Ultimate World Cup Side Trip from LA

By Joshua Tree National Park Association

With Joshua Tree National Park located less than two hours from Los Angeles, World Cup visitors have a rare opportunity to experience one of America’s most unforgettable natural wonders between matches, celebrations, and city adventures.

As the world gathers in Los Angeles for the FIFA World Cup, travelers looking to experience more than stadiums and city nightlife will find an entirely different side of Southern California in Joshua Tree National Park. Known for its otherworldly desert landscapes, massive rock formations, iconic Joshua tree forests, and soul-healing atmosphere, the park offers an unforgettable escape into the California wilderness.

A Must-See California Destination Near Los Angeles

This unique park makes an ideal day trip or overnight adventure for travelers staying in Los Angeles and surrounding areas during the World Cup. The drive from the city quickly transforms from urban sprawl to wide-open desert scenery, revealing landscapes and skies unlike anywhere else in the world.

Experience Joshua Tree’s International Dark Sky Designation

Joshua Tree National Park is internationally recognized as an official Dark Sky Park, making it one of the premier stargazing destinations in North America.

Far from the bright lights of Los Angeles, travelers can witness brilliant views of the Milky Way, constellations, meteor showers, and planets with extraordinary clarity — especially beautiful in summer when the Milky Way core is visible. The desert’s nighttime stillness and expansive skies create an experience that feels both grounding and awe-inspiring — especially for those seeing a truly dark sky for the first time. Popular stargazing spots include Quail Springs, Hidden Valley, and Pinto Basin Road.

Start at a Visitor Center for the Best Joshua Tree National Park Experience

Before entering the park, travelers are encouraged to stop at one of Joshua Tree National Park’s official visitor centers. The visitor centers and park store are fully staffed and operated by the park’s nonprofit partner, Joshua Tree National Park Association (JTNPA).

Safety is paramount. Information Specialists are always on hand to help create a safe, personalized experience by providing customized maps, current park conditions, safety guidance (including heat, flash flood, and wildlife awareness), and recommendations tailored to each guest’s interests and schedule. Whether visitors are searching for scenic drives, short hikes, photography spots, sunset viewpoints, or quieter areas, the visitor centers can help guide them exactly where they want to go — and are a cool, welcoming place to spend time during hot days.

Mission-Driven Shopping Experiences That Support Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree’s visitor centers also offer interpretive retail experiences featuring park apparel, maps, books, educational materials, and locally inspired items. JTNPA ensures that proceeds from your purchases support the park’s most critical projects and programs.

Unlike standard tourist shopping, purchases made through the park’s official visitor centers help protect the park while supporting educational initiatives and programs that deepen visitors’ connection to this extraordinary desert landscape. Your support aids vital conservation efforts, including habitat protection and wildfire prevention.

Discover California Beyond the City

While the FIFA World Cup brings the world together in Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park offers travelers the chance to experience a different and more intimate side of Southern California — a timeless desert landscape shaped over thousands of years, where ancient rock formations rise from the earth, and Joshua trees stand resilient beneath endless skies. Some of the park’s plants and trees are more than a century old, quietly reminding visitors of nature’s endurance, beauty, and balance.

There is both wonder and humility here — a peaceful, almost sacred stillness surrounded by terrain that demands respect and rewards those willing to slow down and truly experience it. 

Best Practices to Enjoy the Park Safely

To make the most of a summer visit, prepare with extra desert considerations: 

• Tell someone your plans and expected return time (there is no cell service).

• Check the weather forecast and air quality index.

• Bring plenty of water and snacks since none are available inside the park.

• Wear sun protection and consider leaving pets at home.

• Enjoy short, manageable trails such as the Bajada Nature Trail, Barker Dam Nature Trail, Cholla Cactus Garden, Hidden Valley Nature Trail, Keys View, Cap Rock, or the Oasis of Mara. 

• Hike in the cooler morning hours before 9:00 AM or evening after 5:00 PM and avoid longer trails during peak heat.

• Scenic paved driving tours with air conditioning on are an excellent option when temperatures rise. 

• Stay hydrated.

• Watch for flash floods (common July–October).

• Stay on trails to avoid rattlesnakes and bees.

• Follow all fire restrictions. 

The Joshua Tree National Park website and app are perfect tools to prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

Start Your Adventure Here!

Figuring out what to do in Joshua Tree National Park? Begin your next adventure with Joshua Tree National Park Association (JTNPA). You’ll find our friendly staff in the visitor centers, our Desert Institute instructors out in the field, and our entire team engaged in our desert communities.

 Whether you’re just gathering information or planning an excursion in Joshua Tree National Park, consider JTNPA, the Park’s official fundraising partner, as your guide. This way, you’ll enjoy the best Joshua Tree has to offer while supporting a national treasure.