Vacation Rentals & Villas

Stretching from Death Valley in the north to the Mexican border and running alongside the Nevada and Arizona state line, the Mojave Desert region of California is famous for its desert communities and national parks. Famously portrayed in Spaghetti Westerns as a barren and arid region with nothing to offer, nothing could be farther from the truth. Holiday accommodation in the area is concentrated in the desert communities of Palm Springs, Palm Deserts and La Quinta where one can find a variety of luxury villa rentals and condo rentals.

Palm Springs is probably the most famous of the desert cities, a popular stopover for those driving from Las Vegas to Los Angeles and the choice of the rich and famous for holiday homes. Its population swells considerably during the winter months as thousands of retirees spend their winter in rented or owned holiday homes to escape the cold of the north. Because of this, the availability of holiday homes in this region can vary considerably from summer to winter and booking early is advisable if seeking winter sun. Golf is the major pastime here, with numerous top quality courses and clubs which play host to a number of tournaments throughout the year. Other popular attractions focus on the surrounding desert and include hiking, biking, off roading, horseback riding and hot air balloon rides – sunrise over the desert from the gondola of a hot air balloon is a magnificent sight not to be missed.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a cable car attraction which takes visitors 6000ft up the side of the nearby San Jacinto Peak offering spectacular views as well as welcome relief from the desert hear. The gondolas of the cable cars continuously rotate to provide passengers with 360 degree views of the mountainside as it changes from desert to alpine mountain. Passengers disembarking at the mountaintop station can enjoy trail walking fine dining and even snowball fights in the winter months.

The desert cities of Palm Desert and La Quinta offer similar attractions in terms of golfing and desert activities plus the best shopping in California outside Rodeo Drive can be found on El Paseo Drive, Palm Desert. Festivals and events in the cities ranging from art shows to film festivals punctuate the calendar throughout the year, drawing in a constant stream of visitors. Whether it is summer heat or winter sun, there is always plenty to see and do when booking holiday homes in these cities.

Calico Ghost Town is a popular desert attraction. Originally and silver and borax mining town, it was abandoned when the mines became economically unviable and many buildings have since been restored or faithfully recreated as a wild west theme town with mine tours, gold panning, gun and stunt shows and a replica railroad.

No trip to the Mojave desert would be complete without a visit to Furnace Creek in Death Valley, at over 200ft below sea level, the unique atmospheric conditions make this the hottest location in the western hemisphere with record peaks at over 130F. Holiday homes in this area are not too popular as you can imagine!
Joshua Tree National Park is a spectacular wilderness area populated with its eponymous Joshua Trees, activities in this area include bird watching, an interesting geological tour trail for off road vehicles, riding, hiking and biking and particularly rock climbing.

Far from being a desert wilderness, this area is a popular location for short breaks and extended stays. Holiday homes are plentiful in the desert cities which make great bases from which to explore all the desert has to offer.