Credit: Jon Bilous via Shutterstock.
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With 2026 just around the corner, it’s important to start planning your next (and well-deserved) getaways in advance, not just to save money and time, but also to uncover spots that can fly under the radar compared to other tourism-heavy cities.
A brand new sudy from the vacation rental platform HomeToGo, highlighted Yucca Valley as a rising Western destination for 2026. Median nightly prices in the town remain under $50 per person, offering travelers the chance to book early, save money, and explore before the crowds arrive.
Exploring Yucca Valley 
Image by via Shutterstock | Sun setting behind a Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) at the Saddleback Butte State Park in Lancaster, California
Yucca Valley is a small high desert town in San Bernardino County, with roughly 21,800 residents. Sitting at about 3,300 feet (1,000 m) above sea level, it offers clear skies, wide desert landscapes, and a serene escape from SoCal’s urban hustle.
The climate is typical of the desert: hot, dry summers with highs in the mid‑90s, and cool, crisp winters where nights can dip into the 40s. Spring and fall are the best times to visit for mild temperatures, ideal for hiking and exploring. The town spans roughly 40 square miles and sits just outside the southern border of Joshua Tree National Park, making it a perfect base for desert adventures.
Best things to do at Yucca Valley 
Anna Krasnopeeva via Shutterstock
The town has plenty to offer beyond its scenic views. The Hi‑Desert Nature Museum showcases local wildlife and cultural history, with exhibits for all ages. As we mentioned above, nature lovers can’t miss Joshua Tree National Park, just a short drive away. From rock climbing to hiking the quieter Hi‑View Trail, it’s ideal for exploring rugged canyons and iconic Joshua trees.
Another classic nearby place to visit is the charming and quirky Pioneertown, an Old West-style community built in the 1940s as a movie set for Western films. Today you can stroll down Mane Street, explore rustic storefronts, and even catch live music or enjoy food as if you were traveling back in time.
Just outside town, Desert Christ Park offers a truly unique attraction, beloved by both devoted believers and kitsch enthusiasts. This outdoor sculpture garden features more than 40 steel‑reinforced concrete figures depicting scenes from the life of Jesus, including a large centerpiece statue of the “Resurrected Christ.” Built in 1951 by sculptor Antone Martin, the park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, with free admission.