Where to Eat: La Copine and the High-Desert Table

The high desert eats far better than its dusty roads suggest. Start with the closest, and arguably the best.

La Copine — two minutes away

La Copine is the neighbourhood's not-so-secret weapon: a chef-driven restaurant in the middle of the desert with a changing, seasonal menu and a devoted following. It serves lunch, not dinner: open Thursday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm, closed Monday to Wednesday. Reservations are by text, up to four weeks out, and walk-ups are welcome. Leashed dogs are welcome on site, per their page. Hours change, so check before you go.

Around Yucca Valley & Joshua Tree

• Pappy & Harriet's (Pioneertown) — barbecue and live music in a Western film set; a whole evening out.
• Downtown Joshua Tree — about 18 minutes away, with cafés, coffee roasters and casual spots among the shops and galleries.
• Yucca Valley proper — everyday essentials, a well-stocked market for cooking in, and the 15-minute run for anything you forgot to pack.

Cooking in

Some of the best desert meals happen at home. The kitchen is fully equipped and there's a BBQ grill outside — grab supplies on the way in, cook as the sun drops, and eat outside while the light lasts. Just remember: no glass near the pool or hot tub.