I’ve always wanted to go to Joshua Tree, CA. The dreamy pictures popping up in my Pinterest feed of desserts, sunsets, and plants that look like they are straight out Dr. Seuss captured my heart. When Amy & I started planning our San Diego trip, we quickly realized that Joshua Tree was only a couple hours away and we added an overnight to our adventure!
It was a quick drive in one day and head home the next but we still had plenty of time to explore! We stayed in an adorable airbnb called Cactus Mountain that we loved. It honestly was hard to choose because there are SO many adorable airbnbs in the area! hahah. But we made a good choice! It was small but perfect for two people.
The first afternoon we drove into Joshua Tree and went to the Cholla Cactus Garden. We didn’t know what that meant but looking at the map, it sounded way fun! As we drove we kept looking for a garden of cacti – there were so many fun formations and plants but we had no idea where the garden was and what it was evens supposed to be. Then we saw it.
We arrived just at golden hour so everything was glowing. We followed the path and made sure not to touch a thing while we were walking through admiring! At the trail head, there were plenty of warnings about Cholla Cacti – aka you don’t want to touch them or you will be in pain. Pets are not even allowed on these trails because it can be so dangerous for them! We loved looking at them and I tried really hard not to fall into any of the beautiful (yet vengeful) plants!
Day One Outfit: Saguaro Sunset Relaxed Tee|| Motherhood Maternity Cuffed Denim Shorts || Sofia Chacos
The next morning we went hunting for the Joshua Trees. We had seen some but hadn’t seen the forests of cartoony trees and knew we couldn’t leave without finding them! There is a lot of fun hikes and formations in Joshua Tree National Park but the Joshua Trees themselves are only in sections. We were to a little visitor center/ museum to learn more about this unique park. Apparently giant sloths helped carry the joshua tree seeds around but now that they are extinct, the seeds can only travel a couple feet. Which is why the trees are only in certain areas.
It was only April, but the heat was hot! haha. I cannot imagine being there in the middle of the summer. Bring your water folks because any amount of walking around or hiking is going to leave you parched. 
It was fun to see and hike around a new area of the national park that was so different from the one we were at the day before but only a 20 minute drive away. Joshua Tree did not disappoint and I am so glad I got to experience the park first hand!
It was also so sweet being pregnant and going on these adventures. I look at these pictures now and think how small my bump was! This trip was at 22 ish weeks and this week I’m 30! But I did know that we were having a girl and it was so fun to bring my daughter along on this girl’s trip. I love all the memories I am already creating with her!
Day Two Outfit: Jersey-Knit Sleeveless Swing Dress || Denim Vest || Topo Shoulder Bag || Sofia Chacos
Wow what a great place to take photos! It almost doesn’t even look real.