Hey sam! I'd suggest the right side of Joe's as well. It's a super fun spot to climb and top rope anchors are very easy to access! It would also kill two birds with one stone since you also mentioned that you wanted to explore CL a little bit. Bald peak is also a pretty cool spot for first time climbers. It's a bit of an uphill approach but I guess that's part of the fun
Some really fun climbs there and a great view of the valley from the top! If you go to Bald Peak check out mantle mania it's a pretty cool route.