Gorgeous peaceful joshua tree desert
I've had some amazing times out here getting away from it all, and there's something about the atmosphere out here that makes the BEST sunsets. You can get right up in the joshua trees, and a lot of the time you have the place all to yourself. Awesome place to bring your dog and friends and just goof off. Easy to get to, but still secluded. It's about a 15-minute drive to the nearest neighbor, but you're still less than a mile from the highway.
I've been here in the winter and the summer. I actually like the winter better! When there's snow on the Tehachapi mountains and the San Gabriel mountains, the view is incredible. And it's Southern California, so it doesn't really get cold.
The only rules are don't hurt the joshua trees, and don't start any wildfires. That's easy enough to comply with.