If you were driving from Orange county to Las Vegas or Las Vegas to Orange county, you no doubt…read morehave driven through Baker, California. This is the home to the world's largest thermometer and Alien Fresh Jerky. I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have driven past this place but never stopped. Now, I like aliens just as much as the next guy, but it was one of those places that I really had no reason to top of. But let me tell you, I am so glad that I did. In addition to having probably the largest selection of beef jerky next to buc-ee's, this place has more alien stuff than you can shake a stick at. Honestly, this place really does look like it belong on the Vegas strip with its big LED signs and alien motif all throughout the exterior. Additionally, they are in the process of building a UFO hotel. I'm going to tell you this. I will be there as one of the first guests in line when this thing opens up. Let's talk about the jerky for a second, they're not kidding when they say it's fresh. I have purchased multiple bags here on multiple occasions, and I got to tell you this is some of the best beef jerky you can ask for. It's super tasty, and not like that really nasty hard stuff you buy out of gas station convenience store, this stuff really is fresh. I don't know how to quantify alien fresh, but this jerky iis probably some of the best I've ever had. Tons of different flavors and heat levels for every person's taste. Bottom line? This place Is definitely the place to stop when you're out on the road going to or from Las Vegas from Orange county. Honestly, It's a perfect pit stop.

Quirky stop next to the world's largest thermometer that's a great place to stretch legs on a road…read moretrip. They also have clean bathrooms! There's a few alien photo ops, and a lot of the merch and snacks inside are alien-themed. They also have a nice selection of hot sauces. We tried some kettlecorn and some jerky. The kettlecorn was good and comes from Maw and Paws, which has another location around where we live so it was very familiar. The jerky was super tender. Everyone ate it up.

Very cool shop with lots of rocks, minerals, jewelry, knives, and souvenirs. My favorite part was…read morethe mineral wall. I don't know if it was a window, or it was back lit somehow, but it was amazing. Had a great time looking, and husband bought a couple of knives for gifts. Sales clerk was very helpful. Check it out, if only to see the mineral wall.

If there's one shopping recommendation I have at the Calico Ghost town it's the Calico Rock & Gift…read morestore. This is a rock, mineral, and Jewelry / Souvenir shop. I was surprised by their selection and pretty impressed by the quality of the rocks too. Not a place for Museum specimens, but it should be more than enough for those Jr. rockhounds in your family. - Great gifts - Fair pricing

What a fun, silly store filled to the brim with nostalgia, gifts, and things you want to pay…read moreattention to. The employees are super nice. Stop in if you are in Joshua Tree. You won't be disappointed!

Easy to find parking. Lots of (P)unny stuff. The kids immediately wanted to go on the coin operated…read morerides and get little quarter toys. There's everything from clothes, records, souvenirs, toys, jewelry, etc. We got the kids some toys and I got myself a patch to add to my denim jacket. Owner was super nice and patient with my three year old rambling. Lots of cool spots to take pictures as well. One of my favorite spots to shop in Twentynine.

Big Bear Village is the charming and bustling center of Big Bear Lake, offering a mix of shops,…read morerestaurants, and entertainment, all within a few blocks. For dog owners, this area is a must-visit, not just for its convenience, but for its welcoming attitude towards four-legged visitors. Many of the local businesses in Big Bear Village offer water bowls, treats, and even special pet merchandise, ensuring that your dog feels just as welcome as you do. Parking in Big Bear Village is plentiful, with free parking lots scattered around the area and street parking available along the main roads. During peak seasons or weekends, parking can fill up quickly, so it's advisable to arrive early if you plan to spend the day exploring. The village is very walkable, so once you've parked, you can easily navigate the area on foot with your dog. Most of the restaurant options in Big Bear are in this area (many with dog friendlypatios), so if you don't plan to cook during your visit keep this area in mind when selecting your lodging. Have fun and enjoy The Village!

The Village is such an amazing place to visit!! So many shops and events, easy to walk around, if…read moreyou can find parking on the street, otherwise there is FREE parking at the chamber of commerce and FREE bathrooms. It is the holiday season and Christmas Lights galore! It was sooooo pretty!! They were doing an event next to the Sports Bar, for Chanukah event with food, gifts and dancing! Even the local fireman came out & a lit up robot! Very good time with family, as every business is family friendly and oriented. I wish we had more time to check out all the shops in this area, but I cannot wait to come back. Getting a park spot was super easy, walking everywhere was easy to get places, the shop employees all super friendly and nice. A great place to get find your gifts for friends or family or to buy your own souvenirs! Compared to Old Town in San Diego, I feel like everything was more reasonably priced!

I want to go back sometime. I happened to stop by during one of their art classes, so I didn't…read moreexplore the back of the store or watch the class (I did overhear here and there: the instructor was very encouraging and addressed the students by name.) I would like to try a class or two in the future! For the store itself: I was greeted right away and the sales associate (forgive me, I do not remember her name at the moment) made herself available for questions. Think of this store like a mini-locally-owned Hobby Lobby or Michael's (knick-knacks, seasonal decor, decor accents for the kitchen, living room, den, yard, etc.). Everything was organized, displays were easy to maneuver around (explored this store while wearing my napping 10-month old so ease of being able to move in a store while babywearing is a priority!) So yes I am impressed and will return again. If you need a gift or a craft I would recommend this place, especially if the larger craft stores are intimidating, your first time in a craft store and don't want to be overwhelmed, or are just curious--like I was). Looking forward to getting to know this store and tapping into some kreativity soon!

Great service.cool stuff.wanted everything..good prices.had a fun time…read moreOut with my sis...bought flags and a stand.love it.

Although it was relatively busy when we visited Coyote Corner, I really enjoyed browsing everything…read morethey had. It is such a fun place to look for gifts or even just pick up something small to remember a great trip to Joshua Tree. We ended up buying some cactus candy to try, and it was a very unique and enjoyable experience.

Coyote Corner is an absolute gem! From the moment you walk in, you feel the welcoming, friendly…read morevibe that's getting harder and harder to find these days. The staff is genuinely kind, attentive, and always happy to help without being pushy. The selection is great -- unique items, quality products, and that local character that makes this place special. You can tell a lot of care goes into what they offer and how they treat their customers. Everything feels thoughtfully chosen, not random or mass-produced. I really appreciate places like this that support the local community and still deliver excellent service. Every visit has been a pleasant experience, and it's the kind of store you actually want to come back to. Highly recommend stopping by if you're in the area -- Coyote Corner is 100% worth it!

Cutest souvenir shop in the whole Morongo Basin. They have everything from shot glasses to dream…read morecatchers & even crystals! The environment is very relaxing & is conveniently located next to Cold Stone. Everyone who works here is very nice & welcoming. It's really just a good place to hangout. They recently just got new plants; cactus to be exact. They're so cute & reasonably priced just like the whole store! Check them out!

From the owner: Souvenirs, gifts. post cards, key chains, hats, jewelry, local art, pottery, home decor, glassware,…read moresunglasses, shot glasses, Joshua Tree National Park souvenirs, Palm Springs souvenirs, Joshua Tree souvenirs, USMC items, camping accessories, water

Super cute store that sells crystals, incense, dried lavender, dried eucalyptus, tea, honey and so…read moremuch more! You should stop by if you're in the area, the owner is super sweet and will explain the crystals to you if you need information.

Loved this place! Great selection at reasonable prices. Staff were very friendly and helpful.read more

This Center is full of souvenirs. You can find toys, clothing and books about Joshua Tree. The…read morestaff is so friendly. We worked on our Junior Ranger book and at the end completion 9 of us were sworn in to Junior Rangers. It was a beautiful memory we will cherish. They provided us all a badge and they have stamps with todays date to stamp our Badge. They have a little mini museum that we all went through and got to learn a lot from. This is a great center not to busy.

+ Nice rest stop introducing you into the park. + The staff…read morehand you a map marked with popular trails and attractions. They captured many of the spots I already planned to visit. + Peaceful, safe ambience. + Glad they have water and restrooms here. (The Cottonwood Spring visitor center doesn't have a water bottle refill station.)

I needed to do something goofy for my 70th birthday this week, decided to dye my hair something…read moreBRIGHT! Alonzo was THE MAN!! I was thinking blue but told him my main goal was to get double takes from total strangers and have my wife wondering if my little choo-choo had gone chug, chug, chugging around the bend. Extra credit if it was bright enough to be seen from space. Alonzo got me trimmed up, bleached me, then went blue in the left and purple on the right. I LOVE IT!! Mission accomplished!

Great customer service and flowers are beautiful and last…read more Prices have gone up significantly but still worth getting from them