There’s something about the desert that ignites me—the stark, unfiltered beauty stretching across the landscape of the American Southwest. Growing up amid New Jersey's dense forests and rolling mountains, I was always drawn to places rich with nature’s variety. And now, as an adult, I’m always itching to escape Florida’s thick humidity any chance I can. The arid deserts of the continental U.S. now feel like a second home, a place where I can breathe more deeply.

I’m one of five siblings scattered from coast to coast, and with each visit west, I eagerly plan new adventures with my siblings there. Recently, we gathered in the wild, iconic terrain of Joshua Tree. We rented a house right in the heart of the desert, our own small retreat under endless skies. The days were a mosaic of exploration and the quiet enchantment of desert living—a chance to feel both boundless freedom and the warmth of family as we rediscovered the quiet, mystical allure of the desert together.

For this trip, solitude wasn’t just a preference; it was essential. I craved a place where silence reigned, broken only by the wind sweeping through the sagebrush, where the only lights in view were a scattering of distant homes twinkling like stars against the dark outline of the mountains. I found exactly what I was searching for—and then some—in a breathtaking VRBO rental, Gypsy Haven JT. This bohemian desert escape came with everything I could have hoped for, including a hot tub perfectly situated for stargazing. It was the ultimate sanctuary, a haven where I could immerse myself in the vast beauty of the desert, feeling worlds away from the everyday.

Beyond the sweeping desert views and jaw-dropping sunsets, a few experiences from that trip stand out in my memory. One of my favorites was our hike to the famous Skull Rock in Joshua Tree National Park. Armed with my sister's National Parks Pass, we entered the park and meandered down winding two-lane roads, captivated by colossal rock formations that felt like ancient giants frozen in time. The trail to Skull Rock stretched just under two miles, leading us to the rock itself—a haunting, naturally sculpted “skull” formed over millennia by relentless wind and water erosion. The adventure was more than worth it. If you go, be sure to stick to the trail and carry plenty of water—the journey is as memorable as the destination.

Another unforgettable stop after our hike was - Mas o Menos, a tucked-away gem off 29 Palms Highway. This spot had everything you’d hope to find after a day of desert adventure: lightning-fast WiFi, expertly crafted coffee, and cocktails that hit the mark. I tried my first “Spaghett” here—a refreshing twist on the classic with Miller High Life and a splash of Aperol—and it was as delightful as I’d heard. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back spot to unwind or a scenic view to savor the desert sunset, Mas o Menos is the ideal spot for post-hike drinks.

At night, we went up into the mountains to Pioneertown and caught a show at Pappy and Harriet’s, a beloved roadhouse-style bar, restaurant, and music venue. With a reputation for Tex-Mex barbecue and historic Old West ambiance, the draw for many to this gem is the live music, often hosting surprise performances from big-name artists. Pappy & Harriet’s is a unique cultural gem blending desert charm with a vibrant nightlife scene.

All in all, this trip was one of my most cherished desert escapes. Perhaps it was the timing—a meteor shower we’d planned around to experience the sky at its most spectacular, with almost no light pollution and endless, unobstructed views. Or maybe it was the raw, unfiltered nature of the desert itself, a place that makes you deeply aware of your heartbeat and the rhythm of your breath. Whatever it was, this journey was unforgettable, etched into memory as one of those rare experiences that leaves you longing to return.