Pioneertown’s Travel Revival

Pioneertown, the quirky collection of Wild West-looking buildings situated near Joshua Tree National Park in California, is seeing an arts and culture revival that is putting it on the tourist circuit.

Just two hours from Los Angeles, Pioneertown has been used as a filming location for more than 50 Hollywood westerns; it’s now home to a booming creative community.

The town’s young inhabitants are opening pop-up restaurants and hosting yoga retreats. One main draw, Pappy and Harriet’s, attracted musicians like Arctic Monkeys and Paul McCartney for intimate concerts inside the rustic saloon.

The renovated Pioneertown Motel sits next to Pappy and Harriet’s. “We fell in love with this place, it’s one of the most special places in California,” Matt French, owner, told Lonely Planet. “There’s a folk law and mystery [to Pioneertown] adding to the character and experience. People are spending more time here, and moving out to the desert to get away from LA — a creative community is emerging, it’s very exciting.”

Recent additions include a bohemian florist and a restaurant with new American brunches. There’s also a desert-inspired clothing shop and a bakery.

“People are seeking the kind of lifestyle that exists here,” said French. “People are looking to return to the land.”